| The Centre for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) is a
multi-institutional team with well established expertise in the areas of basic and molecular epidemiology, virology, immunology,
infectious disease medicine, HIV primary care and service delivery, bioinformatics, social and behavioural science, statistics,
ethics and health policy. CAPRISA has three goals: 1) to undertake globally relevant and locally responsive research that
contributes to understanding HIV pathogenesis and epidemiology as well as the nexus between tuberculosis and AIDS care; 2) to
build local research infrastructure through cores of expertise; and 3) to provide training through research fellowships tenable
both in South Africa and the USA.
CAPRISA comprises of two research projects. The first comprises clinical, immunological and
virological studies on acute HIV infection elucidate the host and viral factors influencing the viral set point and immune
escape. Since the set point is currently the best prognostic marker progression to AIDS, these data could have a substantial
impact on future therapeutic and prevention research. The second is an innovative clinical study integrating antiretroviral
therapy into the tuberculosis directly observed therapy strategy, which could provide a mechanism for facilitating the
implementation of antiretroviral therapy, with high levels of adherence, in developing countries. An additional third study
will be piloted while applications are made for funding - these are epidemiological studies on monitoring and deciphering the
nuances of the evolving HIV/AIDS epidemic in a rural South African community to lay the foundation for assessing the impact of
therapeutic and prevention programs at community level.
CAPRISA has a Scientific Advisory Board to oversee its research activities and a
Board which has fiduciary responsibility. Local research infrastructure is built through Cores for administration,
epidemiology/biostatistics, and laboratory techniques. South African laboratories will be equipped to conduct assays locally and
international collaborators will assist with training, advice, support, assay development and quality control. The training
program included several long- and short-term fellowships each year in laboratory science, clinical and epidemiological research
and ethics. |
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CAPRISA is poised to make seminal contributions to understanding the
epidemiology of the subtype C, heterosexually acquired HIV infection, elaborating early immune responses in HIV infection,
developing and understanding the factors affecting the set point, and making a contribution to AIDS care relevant to the
developing world.
Who is doing the research: the key personnel are Salim S Abdool Karim, Lynn Morris, Clive Gray,
Brian Williams, Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Carolyn Williamson, Farida Amod, Sharon Cassol, Umesh Lalloo, Gavin Churchyard,
Robert Dorrington, Eleanor Gouws, Win Hide, Noddy Jinabhai, Ayesha Kharsany, Gethwana Mahaye, Maila Matjila, Jack Moodley, Maria
Papathanasopoulos, Adrian Puren, Linda Richter, Cathal Seoighe, Mpolinhle Sithole, Willem Sturm, Joanne van Harmelen, Ronald
Bayer, Wafaa El-Sadr, Guido Ferrari, Gerald Friedland, Philip Goulder, Scott Hammer, David Hoos, Bruce Levin, Francine
McCutchan, Julie McElrath, David Montefiori, James Mullins, Paul Sharp, Zena Stein, Ezra Susser, Mervyn Susser, Ronald
Swanstrom, Bruce Walker.
Where is it being done: Cyril Zulu Clinic, King Edward Family Clinic, Vulindlela
district.
At what stage is it at the moment: Funding approved - just starting research.
When is it likely to be completed: The project runs from 2002 - 2007. |
