Gut Resistome & Microbiome
Antibiotic resistance is a global crisis that disproportionately affects Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Yet community-level, large-scale prospective data is scarce to enable discovery and policy development. The SAMRC-UNIVEN AMR Unit is studying the determinants of acquisition and transmission of enteric resistome at the community level through a community-based observational mother-child birth cohort study.
Study Objectives
Understanding determinants of acquisition of antibiotic-resistant gut bacteria and the impact of gut microbiota on enteric antibiotic resistance development.
Understanding the association between enteric resistomes and background microbiota.
Studying associations between enteric resistomes and dietary habits; water, hygiene and sanitation; vaccination and illness histories; and socio-economic status.
Understanding the association between enteric resistomes and ethnographic variables.
Developing policy briefs aimed at informing local and national policies on AMR stewardship.
HIV & Treatment Outcomes
Great strides have been made in the production of better antiretrovirals and reduction of HIV incidences. However, HIV/AIDS remains a global health challenge and the development and transmission of drug-resistant viruses undermines the achievement of the 95-95-95 goals of UNAIDS. Employing a longitudinal cohort, this project investigates:
The prevalence of undisclosed prior exposure to antiretrovirals at treatment initiation.
The impact of undisclosed prior exposure to antiretrovirals at treatment initiation on drug resistance development and treatment outcomes.
The evolution of gut resistome in people living with HIV on prophylactic antibiotic treatment.