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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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| Laura Paola Caballero Díaz |
| Home
Country: |
Colombia |
| Degree: |
Universidad de Antioquia - Doctoral Program in Epidemiology
Nurse – Master in public health
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Supervisor:
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Isabel Cristina Garces Palacio
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Project Title:
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Associated factors of the model of health beliefs and perceptions related to the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancies in adolescents attending school in Cúcuta, Colombia, 2024 - 2025.
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Description
of the Project: The sexual health and reproductive health of the adolescent population, influenced by individual, family, school and environmental factors, requires priority attention, since deficiencies in support, information, guidance and education in sexual health and reproductive, has caused unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS, unsafe abortions and maternal and perinatal mortality, being a public health problem at this stage of life. This project will evaluate factors associated with the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancies in adolescents in school, and the perceptions of these factors in adolescents, parents of adolescents, teachers and school administrators, health service providers, and the Ministry of Education and Health in Cúcuta, Colombia. Thus, providing useful information for the development of plans, programs and policies aimed at improving the well-being and health of the adolescent population. |
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| Wilfred Gitau |
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Country: |
Kenya |
| Degree: |
PhD, University of Manitoba, MMID
Jomo Kenyatta MSc, University of Agriculture and Technology, Medical Microbiology
Kenya Methodist University, BSc, Medical Laboratory Sciences
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Sex-associated protective effects of early-life treatment with interferon lambda for the prevention of virus-induced asthma.
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Description
of the Project: The risk for severe infection and RSV-associated asthma development is higher in males than in females. However, the mechanisms by which RSV infection contribute to childhood asthma and the reasons for the sex disparity are still poorly understood. Results from this translational pre-clinical project could inform therapeutic strategies to alleviate disparate RSV-triggered asthma severity in male and female children. Interferon lambda treatment was recently shown to accelerate SARS-CoV-2 viral clearance in mild COVID-19 patients (Feld et al., 2021), therefore our strategy here is similar to promote innate antiviral immunity to RSV to hopefully dampen the virus’ effect on the immune system. |
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| Zipporah Njeri Gitau |
| Home
Country: |
Kenya |
| Degree: |
University of Manitoba, Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Doctoral student - year 1
M.Sc. in Applied Parasitology, University of Nairobi (2023)
B.Sc. in Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Nairobi (2017)
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Microbiome and Metatranscriptomic dynamics of the genital microbiome and host response in people with sexually transmitted infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis..
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Description
of the Project: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is prevalent among female sex workers (FSW), and a qualitative study found that there are structural barriers to safe sex and made FSW more vulnerable to gonorrhea and other STI exposure and higher risky sexual behaviour [Abdullahi et al. 2022]). C. trachomatis is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and young women in Kenya (Mwaniki et al., 2023; Yuh et al., 202). Both STIs have short- and long-term consequences. It is a priority to know the role of the microbiome, to understand host-pathogen interaction, and the functional and metabolic capabilities of the genital community during and after an STI. We will use genital samples from two cohorts in Winnipeg to evaluate the longitudinal microbiome and metatranscriptome in people diagnosed with N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis. |
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| Loise Nthambi Joseph |
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Country: |
Kenya |
| Degree: |
University of Nairobi-Microbiology and Immunology Department, Doctoral student- Tropical and Infectious Disease
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, Master of Science in Clinical Cytology
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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HLA AND HPV: Role of Human Leukocyte Antigens in High risk Human Papilloma Virus clearance and persistence among adolescent girls in Kenya..
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Description
of the Project: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are highly prevalent and if persistent can lead to cervical cancer. Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are crucial in mounting an individual’s T cell immune response to infection. Genetic variations in HLA genes have been associated with differences in HPV clearance, persistence, and progression to cervical cancer. However, few of these studies took place in African populations, who have higher diversity of HLAs. This study aims to investigate the polymorphic spectrum of HLA alleles within a Kenyan cohort of adolescent girls and young women and understand the role of HLA in HPV infection dynamics with regard to clearance and persistence. |
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| Belindah J Kibii |
| Home
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 |
| Home
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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| Janet Kemunto Kombo |
| Home
Country: |
Nairobi, Kenya |
| Degree: |
Master of Science in Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi
BSc in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kenya Methodist University
Higher National Diploma, Medical Laboratory Technology (Microbiology option), Kenya Medical Training College
Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology, Technical University of Kenya
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Investigating the role Cervical Interleukin 17 cytokines in influencing HIV-1 Infection Outcomes.
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Description
of the Project: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1 infection is still a major global health concern, with women and young girls in the sub-Saharan region disproportionately infected. Mucosal tissues are the primary sites for the natural transmission of HIV-1 and the major reservoir for its replication. It is therefore important to understand the initial interplay between HIV-1 and mucosal immune factors which will steer prevention and curative strategies. Interleukin (IL)-17A, C, E, and F cytokines have been seen to shape immune responses to microbial pathogens in the female genital tract by maintaining mucosal integrity and enhancement of other immune responses. However, their role in HIV-1 infection is not well known. |
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| Cristian Vera Marín |
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Country: |
Colombia |
| Degree: |
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Doctorate in Medical Sciences
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Supervisor:
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Dr. Johanna Marcela Vanegas, PhD
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Project Title:
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Dynamics of pulmonary and intestinal bacterial microbiota and their effect on the evolution of sepsis in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, Medellín-Colombia - MicroSepsis.
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Description
of the Project: Sepsis is a deregulated immune response to infection, which can result in organ failure and death, making it a threat to public health. In this regard, it has been documented that disruption of the gut microbiome appears to be a risk factor for sepsis and subsequent organ dysfunction, as the gut microbiome affects host susceptibility and response to sepsis through immune and metabolic pathways. Although several authors have studied the impact of the intestinal microbiome in the ICU patient with sepsis and it has been known that the intestinal microbiome modulates several responses to sepsis and is a potential therapeutic target in this condition, some aspects highlight the importance of the study of the bacterial microbiome in the evolution of this condition and its clinical outcomes, which in turn, evidence some pending problems still to be addressed in current studies. The objective is to analyze the profile and dynamics of intestinal and pulmonary bacterial microbiota and its association with the development and clinical course of sepsis in patients admitted to two Intensive Care Units, Medellin-Colombia. |
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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 |
| Home
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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| Barclay Obiero |
| Home
Country: |
Kenya |
| Degree: |
University of Manitoba, Doctoral Student in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Year 1
University of Nairobi, MSc Medical Microbiology
University of Nairobi, BSc Medical Laboratory Science and Technology
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Identifying Immune Markers of HPV Viral Clearance.
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Description
of the Project: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections are a major health concern, particularly the high-risk groups of HPV, due to their association with several malignancies including cervical cancer in which HPV causes over 99% of the cases. The immune system is crucial in determining whether an HPV infection is cleared or if it persists. Natural Killer (NK) cells are potent first-line defense in both viral and cancer cases, hence many studies have reported potential therapeutic approaches with NK cells for some cancers. My research aims to determine the NK cell immune profile among a cohort of Female Sex Workers (FSW) who naturally clear HPV and those in whom the infection persists. Assessing the immune profile of NK cells early in HPV infection will provide essential information on the feasible approaches to therapeutic vaccine development. |
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| Lameck Nyangena Ontweka |
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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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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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| Shruti Rathore |
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Country: |
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| Degree: |
MSc - 2yr, Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba.
Amity University, B. Tech in Biotechnology 2021
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Characterization of Cervicovaginal T Cell Receptor (TCR) Profiles Associated with Persistent HPV Infection.
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Description
of the Project: This project aims to investigate the T cell receptor (TCR) profiles in the cervicovaginal region of women with persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. By utilizing TCR sequencing techniques, we will analyze the diversity and clonality of TCRs to identify specific patterns associated with persistent infection, as compared to women who naturally clear HPV. Understanding these immune signatures may provide insights into the mechanisms of immune evasion by HPV and aid in the development of targeted immunotherapies or predictive biomarkers for persistent HPV infections. This study has implications for HPV-associated diseases, including cervical cancer prevention. |
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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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Supervisor:
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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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| Brahian Camilo Tuberquia López |
| Home
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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| Grace Wambui Waturu |
| Home
Country: |
Kenya |
| Degree: |
PhD in Medical microbiology
Bsc in Medical microbiology- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and Msc in Medical microbiology- University of Nairobi
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine School, Universidad de Antioquia, 2017 |
| Supervisor: |
Prof Walter Jaoko, Prof. Marianne Muriithi
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Project Title:
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Investigating epidemiology and genomics of extended spectrum beta lactamases and carbapenem resistant enterobacterales (E. coli and Klebsiella) from patients in level 5 hospital and associated waste-water ecosystem, Thika, Kenya. |
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Description
of the Project: This project investigates the epidemiology and genomics of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) and Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), focusing on E. coli and Klebsiella from patients in a Level 5 hospital and associated wastewater ecosystems in Thika, Kenya. The study aims to determine the prevalence and genetic factors of antibiotic resistance, contributing to public health strategies and infection control measures. Additionally, it will assess the environmental impact of hospital waste on the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
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