PhDs for Two Students Investigating COVID-19 Severity Among SA Ethnic Groups

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Newly-minted PhDs in Virology, Dr Theolan Adimulam and Dr Lisa Naidoo, have embarked on a journey delving deep into the complexities of COVID-19, revealing critical insights into why the disease’s severity varies across different ethnicities in South Africa.

Supervised by the renowned Professor Veron Ramsuran, the ground-breaking studies by Adimulam and Naidoo unravel the genetic, immunological and environmental threads that weave the diverse tapestry of COVID-19 outcomes across the nation.

Few viruses in recent history have disrupted the world as profoundly as COVID-19. Yet, even as the pandemic swept across the globe, the disease’s impact varied dramatically, influenced by factors that Adimulam and Naidoo investigated meticulously. Their research illuminates the intricate interplay between our genes and our environment, offering a clearer picture of how these elements converge to influence COVID-19 severity.

Naidoo’s research took a closer look at the role of Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA), the immune system’s critical players in identifying pathogens. Her study, which focused on South Africa’s Black and Indian populations, revealed significant differences in HLA expression that may explain why the disease hit some groups harder than others. Her findings indicate that HLA-A and HLA-B expression levels are key contributors to the disparities in COVID-19 severity, with South African Indians experiencing more severe outcomes.

‘I’ve always been drawn to the Medical field,’ said Naidoo, reflecting on her journey. ‘Being the first in my family to achieve a PhD is incredibly fulfilling, and I’m passionate about continuing my work in genetics to address gaps in knowledge that can make a meaningful difference.

‘I aim to address the gap in knowledge by continuing to analyse the impact of host genetics on diseases, contributing to eliminating the threat they pose to innocent lives globally through collaboration. Beyond that, I hope to start a biotech company or consultancy,’ she said.

Adimulam, who is passionate about improving the lives of others and believes that his contribution to molecular science has the potential to impact healthcare, is currently a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Witwatersrand Diagnostic Innovation Hub. He is also a member of the next generation sequencing (NGS) lab working towards improving cancer diagnostics in Africa.

His research explored the broader spectrum of factors influencing COVID-19 severity, including genetic predisposition, vaccination, and co-infections. The findings highlight the lower viral loads observed in African individuals compared to those of European and South Asian descent, providing valuable insights into how these factors might inform future therapeutic interventions.

‘Our study offers a unique perspective on the factors that drive COVID-19 severity across different ethnicities,’ Adimulam noted. ‘I’m excited to continue this work, with the ultimate goal of directing a genomics company that revolutionises healthcare and diagnostics in Africa.’

As Adimulam and Naidoo step into their futures, their work stands as a beacon of hope for advancing our understanding of pandemics, paving the way for more effective treatments and a healthier, more resilient world.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini and Maryann Francis