PhD Study Delves Deeper into Efficacy of PrEP in African Women

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Dr Nomusa Zondo, a postdoctoral researcher at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa’s (CAPRISA) Mucosal Immunology Department, was conferred a PhD in Virology for her novel research investigating three biological factors impacting the efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in African women from an HIV endemic area in KwaZulu-Natal over a prolonged time.

According to Zondo, the efficacy of PrEP, whether taken orally or applied vaginally (topically), is dependent on adequate drug delivery and availability to cells and tissues targeted by HIV. ‘Our study, therefore, focused on how different biological factors (drug transporter expression, single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs] in drug transporter genes and genital inflammation modulate PrEP disposition) in African women.’

Zondo said PrEP in the form of oral Truvada® remains the standard of care for HIV prevention in South Africa, but despite its availability, HIV infections continue to rise in young women significantly more than in men. Clinical trials testing antiretrovirals containing tenofovir as topical or oral PrEP formulations in African women, produced inconsistent patterns of efficacies against HIV. This is what motivated her to pursue her ground-breaking study.

Results from the study suggested that PrEP disposition can be modified through a convergence of host genetics and different biological factors: drug transporter expression, SNPs in drug transporter genes and inflammation. Findings from such studies may be used to better understand PrEP pharmacokinetics and aid in the implementation of optimal PrEP dosages. ‘This will ultimately inform effective and safe PrEP for HIV prevention, especially in vulnerable and at-risk African women,’ explained Zondo.

‘I am extremely thrilled about this accomplishment. This is a significant milestone in my scientific career. It has been a long time coming and feels unreal at times that I officially have my PhD.’

Zondo persevered despite the odds presented by COVID-19 during her study. She said she was grateful for the support she received from her family; friends; her supervisor, Professor Derseree Archary; co-supervisor, Dr Parveen Sobia; and the CAPRISA community as a whole for playing a fundamental role in her PhD journey.

The prospect of understanding and treating various medical conditions has always interested Zondo. Biology was always of interest since her high school days, but little did she know that one day she would call herself a Doctor of Philosophy in the Medical research field, finding research so exciting and fascinating. Research has now become more than just a job but a passion.

Zondo said her PhD work afforded her the opportunity to publish scientific papers and attend various conferences. ‘My first review paper was published in 2022 and my second research article was published in 2023. Throughout my PhD journey, I have attended and presented my work through oral and poster presentations at different conferences in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, and Durban. My first international trip was through my PhD, whereby I attended and presented at an international conference in Paris. My journey has also improved my scientific writing and I have gained different lab and networking skills.’

Zondo obtained a Master of Science from UKZN prior to her PhD. ‘I am a born-free millennial who’s an introvert and passionate about science. I am an adventurous person who is open to trying new things. I was born and raised in Estcourt (uMtshezi). I grew up in a peri-urban area with different ethnicities and cultures.’

Zondo aspires to continue to conduct novel and ground-breaking research that can make a direct difference in people’s lives. ‘I would like to remain within academia, become a professor one day, but most importantly I would love to pay it forward by mentoring and sharing my skills with the next generation of young scientists.’

Zondo relaxes through cooking and she also enjoys watching YouTube vlogs.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini