Doctoral Degrees (Medical Virology)
Recent Submissions
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Seroprevalence and incidence of Toxoplasma gondii, rubella and cytomegalovirus among Namibian women of childbearing potential
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-12)Introduction: Data on the prevalence or incidence of congenital infections in Namibia are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and model the incidence of three important vertically transmitted ... -
Investigating the structural impact of hiv-1 integrase natural occurring polymorphisms and novel mutations identified among group m subtypes circulating in sub-Saharan Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-12)Introduction HIV/AIDS remains a major health concern worldwide, with sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) carrying the largest burden.HIV is characterised by extremely high genetic diversity, with all the major groups and ... -
From bedside to bench and back : future options for antiretroviral drugs in non-B HIV-1 subtypes
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-12)Introduction: HIV-1 drug resistance remains a burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Regardless of the advances in antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, there is an increase in the trend of acquired and pre-treatment ... -
Diversity and Ecology of Astroviruses in South African Bats
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-03)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Emerging infectious diseases are mostly zoonotic in origin and defined as “infections that have newly emerged in a population or have existed but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range". ... -
Multidisciplinary viral analyses in people living with HIV-1C and receiving second-line combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-12)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The use of combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) has grown since its first introduction into the South African public sector. cART has significantly reduced the mortality rate caused by human ... -
Characterization of the persisting HIV-1 reservoir in early treated children on long-term suppressive ARV regimens
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-12)Introduction: The major barrier to curing HIV-1 infection is a latent reservoir of long-lived, replication-competent proviruses that persists despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Initiating ART during acute ... -
Hepatitis B virus mother-to-child transmission in Namibia: transmission dynamics and possibilities for elimination
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-12)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains endemic in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). While the roll-out of pediatric HBV immunization from six weeks of age has had an impact on horizontal transmission of ... -
Hepatitis b virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma in south africa: investigations into the risk profile of a previously unscreened population from the Western Cape
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-12)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a neglected major public health problem worldwide. In SubSaharan Africa (SSA), most HCC cases are diagnosed with advanced disease, well past the timing of possible ... -
The diversity of coronaviruses in Southern African bat populations
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-12)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Coronaviruses are RNA viruses encompassing four genera. The alpha- and betacoronaviruses have commonly been associated with mild disease in humans. However, outbreaks of severe respiratory disease in ... -
HIV-1C dynamics and evolutionary trends in Botswana
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-12-09)ENGLISH ABSTRACT : Introduction: HIV incidence estimates are critical for monitoring HIV transmission dynamics, and for design and evaluation of the impact of interventions. Biomarkers and assays for cross-sectional surveillance ... -
Blood dendritic cells in chronically HIV-1 infected individuals in South Africa: Phenotype, function and immune modulation
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-12)ENGLISH ABSTRACT :HIV-1 infection detrimentally affects CD4 T lymphocytes as well as the blood plasmacytoid (pDC) and myeloid dendritic cell (mDC) compartment. DCs act as innate sensors and as initiators and directors ... -
Hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma in South Africa: epidemiology and impact of HIV-1 co-infection and immune dysregulation
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-12)ENGLISH ABSTRACT : Co-infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negatively impacts the natural progression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, including causing rapid progression to liver fibrosis and ... -
Investigation of small mammal-borne viruses with zoonotic potential in South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-12)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The emergence and re-emergence of viral human pathogens from wildlife sources in the recent past has led to increased studies and surveillance of wildlife for potentially zoonotic agents in order to gain ... -
Origin and phylodynamics of HIV-1 subtype C in South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-12)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The HIV epidemic in the past couple of decades has spread at an alarming rate throughout Southern Africa. Today the region accounts for roughly one third of all HIV infections, while prevalence rates in ... -
Population structure, host cell interactions and pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated at Tygerberg hospital, South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-12)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Numerous studies conducted internationally have identified and described several endemic methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) clones. However, only some of these clones are associated with ... -
The investigation of genotypic antiretroviral drug resistance in the context of the South African national antiretroviral roll-out programme
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: Since the South African public sector antiretroviral roll-out programme started in 2004, the success of antiretroviral combination therapy (cART) has been experienced in terms of survival, ... -
Mutagenesis and functional studies of the HIV-1 vpr gene and Vpr protein obtained from South African virus strains
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03)ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral protein R (Vpr) is an accessory protein that interacts with a number of host cellular and other viral proteins. Vpr exerts several functions ... -
Genetic aspects of HIV-1 risk in an African setting
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2006-12)Host susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection and disease progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) varies widely amongst individuals. This observation led to the identification ...