MRC PhD students

Academic qualifications

• BSc (Microbiology and Biochemistry) with the University of Venda for Science and Technology.
• BSc Hons (Microbiology) with the University of Venda for Science and Technology.

Current studies
MSc (MED) in Medical Virology with the MRC Diarrhoeal Pathogens Research Unit, University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus).

Research topic
“Detection and Characterization of rotavirus in stools of domesticated animals and humans in African continent”

Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe dehydrating diarrhea in young children and variety of animal species.  Infection of domesticated animals can lead to economic loss due to increase in morbidity and mortality, treatment cost as well as reduced growth rate. Although rotavirus is the leading etiological agent associated with diarrhea in both animal and humans, most studies focus much on human rotaviruses without looking at the animals.  In this study we focused on animal rotaviruses and compare our findings with human rotaviruses both detected in African countries.

Aim of the study
To investigate if there is a link between human and animal rotaviruses

Objectives of the study
To detect and characterize rotavirus in stool specimens of domesticated animals and humans in African continent using molecular techniques

Supervisor: Dr N Potgieter (University of Venda)
Co-supervisor: Dr N Page (National institute for communicable diseases), Mrs I Peenze (MRC DPRU, UL)
Mentor: Prof: J Mphahlele (UL)