Research Priorities

The Vaccine and Immune Monitoring Team is currently focused on the standardization of immune monitoring assays, as well as a micro-array study to answer questions related to the mechanism of immune action of a known efficacious vaccine. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has recruited 50 discordant couples to study the role of cytokines in regulating immune response.

The Prevention Trials Team is developing a number of studies related to the effectiveness of ART in preventing HIV transmission, post-exposure prophylaxis, and reproductive health. Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Hospital Complex (PMHC) is preparing to conduct a study of low cost, technology-enhanced communications between the hospital and laboratory to improve tracing of multi-drug resistant TB patients.