This is the news blog for the Division of Molecular Biology & Human Genetics and the Division of Immunology
Pictured here is MBHG BSL-3 manager Dr Nasiema Allie, responsible for all operations and safety related to infectious disease research carried out at MBHG, demonstrating how to use this PPE with the help of Dr Usha Lalla, head of the A5 Medical ICU at Tygerberg Hospital. To assist healthcare professionals…
To support a local business and alleviate some of the financial burden imposed as a result of the nationwide Lockdown, MBHG allocated R15 000.00 in funds towards a Veggie Box initiative, in collaboration with Valota Farming in the Philippi, to feed members of the communities in which we serve. Notably, almost 1/3 of these funds…
Although it has identified it in 1882 by Robert Koch, Tuberculosis is still one of our major public health concerns and its agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains quite mysterious even to the numerous specialists studying it. Until the early 20th century Tuberculosis had a 70% fatality rate after 10 years of infection, which gives…
Tuberculosis (TB): an infectious disease whose name has become very familiar amongst South Africans and the rest of the world. When it comes to the global burden of TB, South Africa ranks third on the list, with the disease being the country’s leading cause of death. Looking at the statistics, some of…
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease which can be spread through air and caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis a disease-causing organism that can be acquired through inhaling particles in the air from, or close contact, with an infected person. These particles are mainly described as latent (does not cause disease and remains dormant) and progressing to…
It seems evident that in our existence as human beings, in whichever social environment that we emanate from, experience a desire to seek some form of contact with the essential mystery underlying our state of being. Across our history as a species, humankind has always sought after some form of…
For decades the threat of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) has spurred research into development of new TB antibiotics and vaccines. A major breakthrough in DR-TB treatment was announced two months ago when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new TB antibiotic (Pretonamid, developed by the TB alliance) which is the…
Early Saturday morning our house was awaken by the alarm of a landline call which rung unanswered as no one was willing to get out of bed after a tiring week to answer a call in the living room. However, the caller was persistent, and my mother probably out of…
Imagine a serial killer travelling across provinces, attacking the young and old, healthy and sick, rich and poor, with increased confidence that they haven’t been stopped yet. One day they arrive in a new place and identify a new target to attack and kill. However, this time they have chosen someone who…
Hello Readers – welcome back! During the global #lockdown set in place to #FlattenTheCurve during the #Covid19 pandemic, we thought it would be a great idea to make available some stimulating reading content to keep your minds active and engaged! Science communication forms a vital part of research, wherein scientists…