by Prof. Sharon Cassol, Principal Investigator at HIV-1 Molecular Virology and Bioinformatics Unit at  Africa Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

This is the third in a series of Annual Reports from the HIV-1 Molecular Virology and Bioinformatics Unit (MVBU). At the beginning of March, 2003, our research unit moved into the newly-constructed Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (DDMRI). As discussed in this progress report, the availability of these new facilities has greatly enhanced our ability to conduct clinically-relevant transitional and basic science research. The close proximity of our research unit to the HIV Pathogenesis Program (HPP), the Centre for HIV/AIDS Networking, Pediatrics, the Molecular Biology Research Facility, ACTG and CAPRISA has greatly enhanced our interaction with other research teams, provided motivation our students, and allowed for the sharing of equipment. Although these interactions are still in the early stages of development, significant progress has been made.

Collaborative projects initiated since moving into the DDRMI include Professor Bobat’s study to assess the affordability and effectiveness of ARV for the treatment of HIV-1-infected children, Dr. Coutsoudis’s MTCT PLUS study of HIV-1 infected women and their families, and the CAPRISA study of integrated tuberculosis and HIV-1 care. A brief summary of these projects is described in the section entitled, “Collaborations and Service Work”. We are also working with Dr. Naidoo (and other KZN investigators) to establish a Functional Genomics and Proteomics Platform in KZN. Our laboratory will play a major role in developing the bioinformatics component of the platform, with a special focus on the analysis and interpretation of HIV-1 drug resistance. Through sharing of equipment with Dr. Naidoo’s laboratory, we have developed real-time PCR assays for the quantification of HHV-8 DNA, and for measuring the expression of drug transporter enzymes, such as P-glycoprotein.

In addition to these new initiatives, we have continued to make major contributions to several Africa Centre studies, most notably the Vertical Transmission Study (VTS), the Pediatric AIDS Foundation (PAF) Studies, and the Biometric Study, a population-based correlating HIV-1 prevalence and incidence with clinical and demographic parameters. Overall, >65,000 serological, viral load and CD4+ tests have been performed in support of Africa Centre projects.

As shown in our publications list, substantial progress has also been made with respect to our basic science grant entitled, “HIV-1/AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal. Why so Prevalent? Why so Severe?” The primary objectives of this program grant were to: 1) establish a world class, state-of-the-art molecular virology laboratory on behalf of, and in support of, the Africa Centre; 2) strengthen human capacity development at the Africa Centre and its affiliated institutions, namely the University of Natal, the University of Durban-Westville (UDW) and the Medical Research Council (MRC); 3) conduct original, investigator-driven research aimed at better understanding the transmission, immune pathogenesis and explosive spread of HIV-1 C subtype viruses, and 4) strengthen collaborative research and provide support to clinical and epidemiological studies conducted at the Africa Centre, and at its affiliated institutions. 

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