Generating Knowledge - Impacting Health
Research Activities
HIV & TB Treatment
Dr Kogieleum Naidoo
Head: Treatment Research
TB is the most common cause of HIV-related mortality in most of Africa. CAPRISA’s TB-HIV research focuses on optimal care strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality in co-infected patients. Studies have aimed to elucidate the full spectrum of risks and benefits of integration of antiretroviral therapy with TB treatment as well as the optimisation of the treatment regimens in co-infected patient, especially for drug-resistant forms of TB. Operational effectiveness of HIV-TB treatment integration, and strategies for improving adherence to both AIDS and TB drugs is being studied.
Microbicides
Salim S. Abdool Karim
Head: Microbicide Research
Women, especially young women, have a disproportionately high burden of HIV infection in Africa. CAPRISA is studying young women’s vulnerability and risk factors for HIV infection, including the role of genital tract immunity in influencing the risk of HIV transmission in young women. At the same, CAPRISA is conducting trials of new generation microbicides as there is an urgent need for a safe and effective technology that women can use to reduce their risk of HIV acquisition.
Prevention & Epidemiology
Quarraisha Abdool Karim
Head: Prevention and Epidemiology Research
To develop and test new prevention modalities, CAPRISA is undertaking studies to understand the evolving HIV epidemic in South Africa, identify biological, behavioural and sociological risk factors associated with HIV acquisition in young women and 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.
Vaccine & Pathogenesis
Nigel Garrett
Head: Vaccine and HIV Pathogenesis Research
CAPRISA’s studies of HIV pathogenesis include the elucidation of early viral and immunological events in acute infection as well as host genetic factors associated with HIV transmission, establishment of HIV infection and containment of virus replication in humans. This has enabled CAPRISA to study the ontogeny of broadly neutralising antibodies. CAPRISA is also involved in HIV vaccine development and clinical trials.