Motswedi Anderson, the virologist who wants to eradicate viral hepatitis

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Motswedi Anderson is a Life and Environmental Sciences researcher in Botswana. Inspired by Dr Rosemary Musondala, Director of the Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, she directs her scientific research into occult infections with the hepatitis B virus in people with HIV.

Each year, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes approximately 820,000 deaths. Chronic infection related to this disease is usually diagnosed by detecting viral envelope proteins (HBsAg) using serological tests that can determine if a person has been exposed to a particular microorganism. And today, Mostwedi Anderson’s dream is to be ” the woman who will succeed in eradicating this disease In Botswana and Africa, she says with conviction. A real challenge.

To determine the prevalence in untreated HIV-positive patients

Viral hepatitis is transmissible and can cause cancer. Its detection requires a nucleic acid test and is not practiced in developing countries. The impact of mutations associated with this disease on the virus is first determined using predictive algorithms, then evaluated in the laboratory. Mostwedi Anderson’s research aims to determine the prevalence, kinetics and mechanisms of hepatitis in untreated HIV-positive patients in his country. Thus, through his brilliant research, Motswedi wants to understand the biology of the occult virus of this disease. As proof, his doctoral project is entitled “Hepatitis B virus occult infections in people infected with HIV-1 in Botswana: kinetics and mechanisms of incidence ».

In addition, as a scientist, Motswedi Anderson wants women to become more aware of their roles in the emergence of science in Africa, in order to promote their work. ” Empowering women to succeed in scientific careers will create more role models that will inspire future generations of women. We will ultimately contribute to gender equality in science », Estimates the researcher at the Institute for the fight against AIDS in Havard in Botswana.

To read : Mauritius: Bibi Sharmeen Jugreet, a rising star in biopharmaceutical sciences

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