Basic Science Research Programme

The Basic Science Programme of the Unit has made significant contributions to the better understanding of virological and immunological factors that are required for the development of effective preventive and therapeutic interventions against HIV-1. The existence of well characterized cohorts, recruitment of new scientific staff and the expansion of our laboratory capacity over the recent past have all been major factors in this success.

Molecular virology projects

Background: The HIV epidemic in Uganda is evolving. There is a need to understand the dynamics of HIV-1 subtypes in the population, including documentation of inter and intra-subtype dual infection. It has been postulated that some subtypes lead to faster disease progression than others, and that dual infection has been associated with faster progression. These questions need to be addressed in the context of the epidemic in Uganda that differs from many other areas in Africa and elsewhere with respect to the predominant subtypes found in our area (A and D). Finally, there is an increasing need to document the frequency and determinants of HIV drug resistance mutations that may be evolving under the conditions of various ART delivery strategies.

Prinicipal investigator: Pontiano Kaleebu
Projector leader: Nicaise Ndembi

Pattern of HIV subtypes in Uganda

Collaborating institutions: University College London, University of Alabama, USA, Department of Medical Microbiology, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK, UVRI-IAVI HIV Vaccine Programme, University of Washington USA. more

Basic Science team

Head of Programme:
Professor Pontiano Kaleebu