KRISP NEWS
the gem is a monthly magazine produced by CERI at Stellenbosch University, KRISP at UKZN and SACEMA. The objective is to provide stories of world class African science that impact lives and train the next generation of scientists in Africa.
the gem is a monthly magazine produced by CERI at Stellenbosch University, KRISP at UKZN and SACEMA. The objective is to provide stories of world class African science that impact lives and train the next generation of scientists in Africa.
Last month, we announced 15 fellowships in genomics and bioinformatics, receiving over 2000 applications in just three weeks. This overwhelming response highlights a significant gap between the demand for training and available opportunities. We appreciate all applicants and emphasize the need for collaborative efforts to expand training programs in these critical fields.
Inspiring South Africa's future scientists: The 2024 Gen S Campaign, led by SAMRC, Stellenbosch University, and CERI, offers high school students hands-on STEM experiences during Youth Month. This immersive program aims to address the country's critical skills shortage and ignite a passion for science in the next generation.
Since late 2021, extreme weather events in Southern and East Africa have triggered severe cholera outbreaks, resulting in over 6,000 deaths and nearly 350,000 cases. Countries like Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia face unprecedented surges as storms, floods, and drought exacerbate the crisis.
Dr. Farirai Mutenherwa celebrates completing his PhD at the University of Kwazulu-Natal, emphasizing the importance of well-being alongside academic success. His research on ethical issues in HIV phylogenetic analysis highlights the need for privacy, informed consent, and ethical frameworks. He encourages PhD students to maintain a balanced lifestyle and a strong support system for success.
From June 7-10, KRISP at the University of KwaZulu-Natal held a successful Illumina training workshop, bringing together researchers and students to learn about cutting-edge sequencing technology. The event, supported by DIPLOMICS and SEPARATIONS, featured hands-on training and comprehensive sessions, enhancing participants' practical skills and confidence in genomics.
KRISP SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS
Sustained Human Outbreak of a New MPXV Clade I Lineage in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Vakaniaki EH, Kacita C, Kinganda-Lusamaki E, O'Toole Á, Wawina-Bokalanga T, Mukadi-Bamuleka D, Amuri-Aziza A, Malyamungu-Bubala N, Mweshi-Kumbana F, Mutimbwa-Mambo L, Belesi-Siangoli F, Mujula Y, Parker E, Muswamba-Kayembe PC, Nundu SS, Lushima RS, Makangara-Cigolo JC, Mulopo-Mukanya N, Pukuta-Simbu E, Akil-Bandali P, Kavunga H, Abdramane O, Brosius I, Bangwen E, Vercauteren K, Sam-Agudu NA, Mills EJ, Tshiani-Mbaya O, Hoff NA, Rimoin AW, Hensley LE, Kindrachuk J, Baxter C, de Oliveira T, Ayouba A, Peeters M, Delaporte E, Ahuka-Mundeke S, Mohr EL, Sullivan NJ, Muyembe-Tamfum JJ, Nachega JB, Rambaut A, Liesenborghs L, Mbala-Kingebeni P, Nature Medicine (2024), doi: 10.1038/s41591-024-03130-3:.
Associations of inter-annual rainfall decreases with subsequent HIV outcomes for persons with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Southern Africa: a collaborative analysis of cohort studies.
Trickey A, Johnson LF, Fung F, Bonifacio R, Iwuji C, Biraro S, Bosomprah S, Chirimuta L, Euvrard J, Fatti G, Fox MP, Von Groote P, Gumulira J, Howard G, Jennings L, Kiragga A, Muula G, Tanser F, Wagener T, Low A, Vickerman P, BMC Infect Dis (2024), doi: 10.1186/s12879-023-08902-9:.
Convergence of HIV and non-communicable disease epidemics: geospatial mapping of the unmet health needs in an HIV hyperendemic community in South Africa.
Cuadros DF, Devi C, Singh U, Olivier S, Castle AC, Moosa Y, Edwards JA, Kim HY, Siedner MJ, Wong EB, Tanser F, BMJ Glob Health (2024), 9(1):e012730. doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012730:.
The impact of a conditional financial incentive on linkage to HIV care: Findings from the HITS cluster randomized clinical trial in rural South Africa.
Kim HY, Inghels M, Mathenjwa T, Shahmanesh M, Seeley J, Matthews P, McGrath N, Adeagbo O, Gareta D, Yapa HM, Zuma T, Dobra A, Bärnighausen T, Tanser F, medRxiv [Preprint] (2024), 2024.03.15.24304278. doi: 10.1101/2024.03.15.24304278:.
HIV transmission dynamics and population-wide drug resistance in rural South Africa.
Kemp SA, Kamelian K, Cuadros DF; PANGEA Consortium; Vukuzazi Team; Cheng MTK, Okango E, Hanekom W, Ndung'u T, Pillay D, Bonsall D, Wong EB, Tanser F, Siedner MJ, Gupta RK, Nat Commun. (2024), 15(1):3644. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-47254-z:.
Population impacts of conditional financial incentives and a male-targeted digital decision support application on the HIV treatment cascade in rural KwaZulu Natal: findings from the HITS cluster randomized clinical trial.
Inghels M, Kim HY, Mathenjwa T, Shahmanesh M, Seeley J, Wyke S, Matthews P, Adeagbo O, Gareta D, McGrath N, Yapa HM, Blandford A, Zuma T, Dobra A, Bärnighausen T, Tanser F, J Int AIDS Soc. (2024), 27(5):e26248. doi: 10.1002/jia2.26248:.
Geospatial and temporal mapping of detectable HIV-1 viral loads amid dolutegravir rollout in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. PLOS Glob Public Health.
Gounder L, Tomita A, Lessells R, Moodley S, Francois KL, Khan A, Pillay M, Manyana SC, Govender S, Govender K, Moodley P, Parboosing R, Msomi N, Tanser F, Naidoo K, Chimukangara B, PLOS Glob Public Health (2024), 4(5):e0003224. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003224:.
KRISP VIDEOS
COVID-19 | News sub-variant being monitored closely
By: Tulio De Oliveira and CERI and KRISP teams
KRISP BIOINFORMATICS TOOLS
Genome Detective Coronavirus Typing Tool
Genome Detective Coronavirus Typing Tool for rapid identification and characterization of novel coronavirus genomes
Genome Detective Dengue Virus Typing Tool
This is a beta version of our Dengue Virus Typing tool. For the mean time, this tool should be used for evaluation only. Please send feedback to Tulio de Oliveira.
Genome Detective Zika Typing Tool
This is the first version of the Zika typing tool, which uses phylogenetic analysis to identify the species and genotype of the virus.
Genome Detective Chikungunya Typing Tool
This is the first version of the Chikungunya typing tool, which uses phylogenetic analysis to identify the species and genotype of the virus.
Genome Detective Yellow Fever Virus Typing Tool
This is the first version of the Yellow Fever typing tool, which uses phylogenetic analysis to identify the species and genotype of the virus.
This is the first version of our Arbovirus typing tool for Chikungunya, Dengue, Yellow Fever and Zika
REGA HIV Subtyping Tool V3 - Belgium Mirror
Phylogenetic tool to identify the HIV-1 subtypes and recombinants. Query sequences are analysed for recombination using bootscanning methods. The version 3 contains new CRFs (CRF01_AE to CRF47_BF).
MORE TOOLS
KRISP has been created by the coordinated effort of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the South African Medical Research Countil (SAMRC).
Location: K-RITH Tower Building
Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, UKZN
719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa.
Director: Prof. Tulio de Oliveira