World-First Studies Showcased at Student Research Symposium

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The School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences (SLMMS) Research Day proved to be a spectacular showcase of ground-breaking research, cutting-edge science, and innovative studies that are poised to redefine global health solutions.

Held recently, the event was a testament to the extraordinary caliber of research conducted by master’s and doctoral students, leaving Professor Bongani Nkambule, SLMMS Academic Leader: Research, and his team of adjudicators with a difficult task of selecting winners from the impressive pool.

Kicking off the event, Nkambule’s opening remarks set the tone for the day. ‘Symposia like this are not just about presenting findings. They are a platform for intellectual debate, for defending your work, and for translating complex scientific concepts into impactful outcomes for society,’ he said. The event focused on urgent global health concerns such as Type 2 Diabetes, Tuberculosis, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2. Some students also employed genome sequencing and medical microbiology techniques to decipher the molecular blueprint of these diseases - advancing individualised treatment, vaccine development, and alternative therapies.

The keynote address by Professor Musa Mabandla, Dean and Head of SLMMS, titled: “The Art of Building a Career”, highlighted the importance of collaborative research. Encouraging students to establish a robust network, he emphasised the power of teamwork: ‘It is essential to form research themes and create a critical mass of researchers focused on solving health issues affecting society,’ he said. Mabandla also urged students to present at conferences, publish their findings, and embrace opportunities to connect with like-minded scientists.

In the oral presentation category, Dr Tayarv Bagratee clinched the first prize for his pioneering study on the molecular and histopathological profiling of soft tissue sarcomas in Black South Africans in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). His research, the first of its kind in the world, leverages next-generation sequencing to map the genetic landscape of these sarcomas, laying the foundation for improved diagnostic tools and personalised therapies.

The second prize was awarded to Dr Joedene Chetty for her ground-breaking study on the prevalence of Human Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in HIV-exposed infants in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). As the first study in South Africa to include infants up to a year old, Chetty’s research sheds light on CMV as a “silent global burden” responsible for a host of health complications, including pneumonia, growth delays, hearing loss, and increased risk of Tuberculosis.

The third prize was shared by Mr Selwyn Govender and Mr Diyothan Pillay. Govender’s research investigated the effects of acute Fumonisin B1 exposure - a common toxin found in South African maize - on inflammation and heart disease in mice, offering new insights into the potential risks of dietary mycotoxin exposure. Pillay’s study, conducted at a newly opened hospital in KZN, uncovered a startlingly high prevalence of Carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria in the facility. His work underscores the urgent need for stringent hygiene practices to combat the rising tide of antimicrobial resistance.

The poster presentation category was equally competitive. First prize went to Dr Tshepiso Mosito for her study on: “The Patterns of HIV Drug Resistance in Newly Diagnosed Infants in KZN” and Mr Mcaylin Matadin for his study on “Fusaric Acid (FA) Altered Global N6-Methyladenosime RNA Methylation in U87MG Cells”. Mosito’s study looked at baseline HIV drug resistance in HIV-infected infants born to mothers on treatment. Through her study, she hopes to tailor better treatment options for improved clinical outcomes. Matadin’s study lays the foundation for future studies to determine the molecular mechanisms by which m6A RNA methylation can influence the cellular functions that lead to the adverse health effects following FA exposure. FA is a toxin that is widely found in cereal grain, mixed livestock, and poultry feed.

Dr Hortencia Singh secured third prize with her study on secondary bacterial and fungal infections in COVID-19 patients admitted to the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. Her findings reveal an alarmingly high mortality rate and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pandemic-era patients, reinforcing the need for robust AMR stewardship programs to improve clinical outcomes and curb the spread of resistant infections.

The winners were honored with state-of-the-art technology devices, empowering them to continue pushing the boundaries of research and innovation. Their work is not just advancing the field of health sciences but is also setting new benchmarks for the global research community.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Supplied