CAPRISA Research
Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim
Associate Scientific Director and Head: HIV Prevention and Epidemiology Research
A major focus of CAPRISA’s research is on new technologies to reduce the risk of HIV infection in young women in Africa. To develop and test new prevention modalities, CAPRISA is undertaking studies to understand the evolving HIV epidemic in South Africa, to identify biological, behavioural and sociological risk factors associated with HIV acquisition in young women and to unravel the transmission dynamics of HIV within a community setting. This lays the foundation for CAPRISA to conduct trials of new HIV interventions to reduce the risk of HIV infection in young women.
Professor Rubeshan Perumal
Head: TB Treatment
Tuberculosis (TB) is the commonest cause of HIV-related deaths in most of Africa. CAPRISA’s HIV-TB research focuses on TB transmission, TB vaccines and optimal treatment strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality in co-infected patients. Key studies include those optimising HIV-TB treatment strategies and treatment drug regimens in co-infected patients, especially for drug-resistant forms of TB. Studies on the operational effectiveness of HIV-TB treatment integration, clinical trials of TB vaccines and laboratory studies on TB immunology in HIV patients are being conducted.
Professor Derseree Archary
Head: Mucosal Immunology
Women, especially young women, have a disproportionately high burden of HIV infection in Africa. CAPRISA is studying young women’s vulnerability and risk of HIV acquisition in the vaginal mucosa. A major focus is on vaginal microbiome and dysbiosis as well as genital tract immunity in influencing the risk of HIV transmission in young women. Clinical trials of live biotherapeutic products containing strains of Lactobacilli crispatus are being conducted.
Doctor Nivashnee Naicker
Head: HIV Vaccines
Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in the global fight against viral epidemics. The CAPRISA Vaccine Research Programme is dedicated to advancing the development, evaluation, and implementation of vaccines for HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV)—two of the most pressing public health challenges in South Africa and beyond.
Doctor Sharana Mahomed
Head: HIV Pathogenesis
The HIV Pathogenesis Programme at CAPRISA is dedicated to understanding the earliest stages of HIV infection and the host–virus interactions that shape disease progression, immune control, and long-term outcomes. This department leads several key studies, including the CAPRISA 002 Acute Infection Cohort, the CAPRISA 012C broadly neutralizing antibody trials, the NeutART trial focused on HIV cure strategies.