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| Angela Copete |
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Country: |
Quibdó Colombia |
| Degree: |
University of Manitoba, doctoral student in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2nd year
Universidad de Antioquia, MSc Microbiology and Bioanalysis.2015
Universidad de Antioquia, bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Bioanalysis. 2011
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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The silent impact of Mycoplasma genitalium, an emergent cause of sexual infections and increasing antimicrobial resistance profile in Canada
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Description
of the Project: Mycoplasma genitalium (M.gen) is the leading cause of non-gonococcal and non-chlamydial urethritis and cervicitis. M. gen infections increase the risk of HIV acquisition, preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion, and infertility. Recently M.gen was included in the watch list of microorganisms with potential antibiotic-resistant increase. However, M.gen is not routinely screened in Canada, therefore the true prevalence of asymptomatic and symptomatic infections, antimicrobial resistance, and the diversity of strains circulating among people infected or colonized by M. gen remain unknown. The goal of my research is to determine the prevalence and diversity of M. gen among women, men, and gender-diverse people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Manitoba.
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| Katherine Dayanna Laiton Donato |
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Country: |
Bogotá Colombia |
| Degree: |
Universidad de Antioquia, doctoral student in basic biomedical sciences – virology
Bachelor’s in microbiology, Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca and master in microbiology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Characterization of emerging RNA viruses and with emerging potential present in sylvatic, rural and urban environments of Colombia.
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Description
of the Project: Identify and characterize emerging RNA viruses with emerging potential in sylvatic, rural and urban environments in Colombia. 1. To evaluate the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary mechanisms that shape the genetic variability of SARS-CoV-2 in Colombia.
2. Establish phylogenetic relationships and describe potential transmission scenarios of RNA viruses identified in urban, rural and sylvatic environment.
3. Evaluate through in vitro tests the emergence potential of RNA viruses identified in the ecosystem of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
4. Establish methodological strategies for genomic surveillance of emerging viruses with impact on public health.
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| Amaanat Gill |
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Country: |
Winnipeg, Manitoba |
| Degree: |
MSc. 2nd Year, Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba
BSc (Honours) Life Sciences and BA (General) Global Development Studies at Queen’s University
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Supervisor:
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Drs. Marissa Becker and Lyle McKinnon
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Project Title:
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Examining the changes in the uptake/use of HIV and other STBBI prevention and treatment services by female sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic..
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Description
of the Project: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a multitude of public health restrictions globally. Prevention and intervention strategies for containing COVID-19 have included closure of non-essential services, lockdown measures, and physical distancing guidelines. Current existing literature suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a multitude of challenges for sex workers and the sex work industry in Kenya. A number of studies have highlighted the difficulties faced by female sex workers in accessing sexual and reproductive health services due to lockdown protocols and social distancing guidelines, which includes challenges in accessing HIV treatment and prevention resources. My project aims to determine if there have been any changes in the uptake/use of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Bloodborne Infections (STBBI) prevention and treatment resources among female sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya during COVID-19 by utilizing secondary data from the Sex Worker Outreach Clinics in Nairobi. |
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| Glory Kalobo |
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Country: |
DR Congo |
| Degree: |
Master of Science in Tropical and Infectious Diseases year 2, University of Nairobi, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Bachelor of Medicine, University of Kisangani
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Clinical outcomes of treatment strategies used in the management of COVID-19 patients in Kenya: Potentially effective therapy options.
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Description
of the Project: When COVID-19 hit, various treatment protocols have been proposed but with no conclusive cure so far. Patient management at the moment relies on providing supportive care on one hand and a combination of various repurposed drugs on the other hand. Studies have assessed the clinical outcomes of treatment regimens however in Africa in general and in Kenya in particular no such study covering this pivotal aspect has been conducted. The aim of my study is to assess the different strategies used to tackle this novel infection, To document the clinical outcomes, adherence to the standard of care, and the influence of co-morbidities on the clinical outcomes of the treatment strategies used in the management of COVID-19 since the first case was reported in Kenya. |
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| Yusuf Adam Khalil |
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Country: |
Nairobi, Kenya |
| Degree: |
University of Nairobi, Doctoral student year 1
MBBS 2006 (International University of Africa, Khartoum, Sudan)
MMED OBSGYN 2022 (University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya)
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Quantification of maternal plasma and urinary placental exosomes in fetal growth restriction. A longitudinal Study.
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Description
of the Project: Placental exosomes provide potential biomarkers used for diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Antenatal diagnosis allows for timely interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) causes morbidity and mortality. We aim to identify the changes in placental exosome cargo in FGR and analyze the potential of these biomarkers to be used for diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of FGR. |
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| Belindah J Kibii |
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Country: |
Nairobi, Kenya |
| Degree: |
U of Manitoba, Doctoral student year 1
MSc Microbiology Wuhan Institute of Virology CAS
BSc Microbiology Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Evaluating mucosal immune correlates of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, clearance and persistence among sexually active women (sex workers) in Nairobi..
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Description
of the Project: HPV is a sufficient and necessary cause a cervical cancer, which is a major cause of mortality for women globally. Meta-analyses suggest HPV prevalence is two-fold higher in sub-Saharan Africa when compared to other regions. Despite the availability of prophylactic vaccine in Kenya barriers to accessing this vaccine have led to low coverage and no uptake at all among the key population. This calls for a better treatment for HPV-related cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions. One approach is therapeutic vaccination as a point of care intervention. The aim of the study is to evaluate the mucosal immune t cell correlates of HPV infection, clearance and persistence among the sexually active women in Nairobi, Kenya. |
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| Nathan G. Kiboi |
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Country: |
Nairobi, Kenya |
| Degree: |
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Kakamega, Kenya; 3rd Year PhD Student (Clinical Chemistry)
M.Sc. Medical Biochemistry, Kenyatta University (KU), Nairobi, Kenya
B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Sciences (BMLS); Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases (ITROMID), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Juja, Kenya
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Supervisor:
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Dr. Mathew Piero Ngugi and Meshak Juma
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Project Title:
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Molecular characterization, Phytochemical Profiling, In-vitro Antiproliferative and Anti-oxidant activities of fungal extracts from Lake Magadi, Kenya.
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Description
of the Project: At present, cancer constitutes a considerable economic and societal burden for both developing and developed nations. It accounts for most fatalities especially in the low and middle-income earning countries. In particular, cervical, breast and prostate cancer are frequently diagnosed and leading causes of cancer mortality in Kenya. Conventional anti-tumor therapeutic modalities are costly, complex and linked to high toxicity with multiple undesired adverse drug effects. Consequently, need exists to prospect alternative natural sources of anti-cancer therapy that are affordable, readily available and safe for use with fewer side effects. The saline environment harbours a repertoire of fungal diversity producing natural products with an array of bioactivities that demonstrate use as potential pharmacological agents. However, to date, still remains under-represented especially in the search for prospective novel biocompounds of natural origin. As such, my study purposes to determine molecular diveristy, phytochemical profiles, invitro antiproliferative and anti-oxidant activities of fungal extracts from lake Magadi, Kenya. |
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| Akumu Reveszt Maugo |
| Home
Country: |
Kenya |
| Degree: |
Msc degree in Molecular Pharmacology completed
Bachelors degree in pharmaceutical science Maseno University
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Development, evaluation, and validation of a novel SARS–Cov-2 reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay.
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Description
of the Project: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-COV2) causes Corona Virus Disease. COVID-19 is a global health pandemic and is especially a major hazard to persons who are immunocompromised, elderly, or have pre-existing medical conditions. To implement effective diagnostic processes and prevent disease spread, it is necessary to employ efficient diagnostic tools such as loop mediated isothermal amplification assays, which, unlike qRT-PCR, are more robust in terms of turn around times, ease of use and affordability. |
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| Pellen Mungai |
| Home
Country: |
Nairobi, Kenya |
| Degree: |
Master of Science in Medical Microbiology, year 2, University of Nairobi, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Bachelors of science in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kenya Methodist University
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Project Title:
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Mutation Patterns of Rifampicin Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis from the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Kenya.
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Description
of the Project: Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death worldwide. Prior to COVID, it was the leading cause of death from a single infectious disease. Each year, around 10 million TB infections are expected, with roughly one-third of them being drug-resistant, including rifampicin resistance, resulting in over a million fatalities. Drug-resistant strains offer a significant obstacle in the fight to eradicate tuberculosis. This happens when a drug-sensitive patient is mishandled or discontinues treatment, causing germs to develop resistance to the medications, particularly rifampicin, which is the cornerstone of tuberculosis treatment. Rifampicin resistance is a slow but growing problem which if not checked will lead high treatment failure rates hence leading to transitioning patients to second-line treatments which costlier, lengthier with more adverse effects. This study aims to determine the disease burden resulting from rifampicin resistance after establishing the MTBC strain with a high tendency/frequency of RIF resistance. This would help in deciphering a strain specific treatment approach.. |
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| Grace Nyambura Mwaniki |
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Country: |
Nairobi, Kenya |
| Degree: |
Jomo Kenyatta University Of Agriculture And Technology Doctoral Student Year 2
MSC in Public Health (2016) -(Epidemiology and disease control): Moi University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2007) -University Of Nairobi
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Supervisor:
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Dr Grace Mbuthia- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Supervisor; Professor Catherine Mwenda- South Eastern Kenya, University Supervisor
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Project Title:
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Community based risk reduction for teenage pregnancy in rural Kenya .
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Description
of the Project: Teenage pregnancy remains one of the public health concerns that affect maternal morbidity and mortality statistics in Kenya. Efforts to contain the problem have been done by various stake holders however an examination of this efforts record little emphasis of the teenage pregnancy risk assessment among adolescents as a primary prevention strategy. We aim to examine the risk levels to teenage pregnancy in rural setups and propose customized community based risk reduction interventions to teenage pregnancies in selected rural sites in Kenya. |
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| Vaishnavi Vishram Naik |
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Country: |
Bangalore, India |
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PhD Scholar, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Masters in medical microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry, Botany and Zoology), Government Arts and Science college, Karnataka University Dharwad, Karwar, Karnataka, India
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Project Title:
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Nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes among children and their cohabiting relatives in South India: a cross-sectional study .
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Description
of the Project: The study aims to determine the prevalence of nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes among children and their cohabiting relatives in South India. The study seeks to shed significant knowledge on the prevalence and distribution of certain pneumococcal serotypes in this population and reveal potential transmission mechanisms within familial households. Through the utilization of advanced molecular techniques and meticulous sampling procedures, comprehensive data will be gathered to refine our comprehension of pneumococcal carriage dynamics in this region. Moreover, it is anticipated that the study's discoveries will guide targeted vaccination strategies and make significant contributions to the broader campaign against pneumococcal-related illnesses in South India. |
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| Lameck Nyangena Ontweka |
| Home
Country: |
Kisii, Kenya |
| Degree: |
Doctoral student 3 year, Kenyatta University
Master degree, Infectious Diseases, Kenyatta University, Kenya
BSc, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kenya Methodist University
Higher National Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences and Diploma in Medical Laboratory from Technical University of Kenya
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Molecular characteristics and aptamer development for vibrio cholera detection in water reservoirs in Kenya during endemic periods.
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Description
of the Project: The project will determine the water reservoirs and molecular characteristics of Vibrio cholera isolates during inter-epidemic period in Kenya and eventually develop an innovative aptasensor diagnostic kit that could be used in cholera surveillance |
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| Lorena Salazar Ospina |
| Home
Country: |
Medellin, Colombia |
| Degree: |
Universidad de Antioquia, Doctoral student in Microbiology 1st year
Universidad de Antioquia, MSc Microbiology and Bioanalysis, Emphasis in Molecular Epidemiology. 2020
Universidad de Antioquia, Professional in Microbiology and Bioanalysis. 2017
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Supervisor:
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Dra. Natalia Jiménez Quiceno
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Project Title:
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Development of a non-antibiotic control strategy based on the use of lytic bacteriophages for the elimination of bacteria of clinical importance in human health and environmental.
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Description
of the Project: Antimicrobial resistance is a serious public health problem, with a great impact on increased mortality, hospital stay and health care costs. Also, the formation of biofilm by these bacteria makes antibiotic treatment and the action of disinfectants even more difficult. This problem is not restricted to the clinical setting, the use of antibiotics in different anthropogenic activities has increase resistant bacteria in the environment, mainly in water bodies where they are considered emerging contaminants; likewise, biofilms represent serious limitations for wastewater treatment and drinking water distribution systems. To mitigate the impact of bacterial resistance and biofilm formation, bacteriophages have been reconsidered as a safe strategy for the patient and friendly to the environment. This project to promote technological research around a priority health problem and it its focused in search lytic phages against resistant bacteria of clinical importance, such as E. coli resistant to cephalosporins (producer of Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamases - ESBL), carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC producer), carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. In addition, bacteriophages will be used in laboratory-level to evaluate the efficacy of biofilm removal in medical device, surfaces, wastewater and drinking water distribution systems. |
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| Termeh Shakery |
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Country: |
Rasht, Iran |
| Degree: |
University of Manitoba, M.Sc. student in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
University of Guilan, B.Sc. in Animal Biology, 2022
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Project Title:
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Exploring the Bidirectional Relationship Between Vaginal Microbiome and HPV Persistence
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Description
of the Project: This project investigates the intricate relationship between the vaginal microbiome and the persistence and clearance of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the female reproductive tract, focusing on the lower tract comprising the vagina and cervix. The vaginal microbiota, when dominated by Lactobacillus species, plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health, while shifts toward diverse anaerobic populations are associated with increased risks of gynecological conditions, including cervical cancer. HPV infection, primarily attributed to high-risk HPV types like HPV16, is a major factor in cervical cancer development. Approximately 80% of HPV infections clear spontaneously within two years, but the remaining 20% persist, and this study aims to uncover the mechanisms underlying this persistence, particularly in relation to alterations in the vaginal microbiome and their impact on inflammation, immune responses, epithelial barriers, and the vaginal microenvironment. |
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| Degol Dessie Tsegai |
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Keren, Eritrea |
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U of Manitoba, Masters of Public Health (MPH), Student 2nd year
MD - Orotta School of Medicine and Dentistry, in 2011
Advanced Diploma in HIV Management at the College of Medicine of South Africa (2017) |
| Supervisor: |
Dr Michelle Driedger
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Project Title:
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Facilitators and Barriers of Successful Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes at Qacha’sNek District, Rural Lesotho: A Mixed Method Study |
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Description
of the Project:
Lesotho is one of the countries hardest hit by the double burden of HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), with the latest (2021) HIV prevalence estimated to be 20.9%, whereas TB incidence at 650/100,000. Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top ten causes of morbidity and mortality in Lesotho. The rate of initial TB treatment defaulters ( before treatment initiation) in Lesotho is high at 22% coupled with absence of an effective tracking system. Several factors determine TB treatment outcomes including patient factors, socio-demographic factors and system factors including health care system. There is significant disparity in TB treatment success rate between urban and rural Lesotho at 74% and 66% respectively. The purpose of the current study is to identify factors that facilitate or inhibit successful TB treatment outcomes for clients who received TB treatment during the period of January 2020 to December 2022 at Qacha’sNek district in rural Lesotho.
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| Brahian Camilo Tuberquia López |
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Country: |
Frontino, Antioquia, Colombia |
| Degree: |
University of Antioquia, doctoral student 1 year
Masters of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Antioquia, 2021
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine School, Universidad de Antioquia, 2017 |
| Supervisor: |
Nathalia Correa Valencia, DVM, MSc, PhD
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Project Title:
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Epidemiology of the use of antimicrobials in bovine dairy herds in the northern region of Antioquia with projection to comparable national data. |
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Description
of the Project: Quantifying antimicrobial use (AMU) is important to measure the effectiveness of intervention programs, to identify associations between use and resistance, to compare populations, and for comparison purposes. Monitoring AMU in dairy cattle is becoming common in a growing number of countries, with the ultimate goal to improve practices, reducing the development of antimicrobial resistance, and protect human health. The aim of this study is to determine the epidemiological dynamics of AMU in bovine dairy herds in the northern region of Antioquia.
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