Non-human primates such as vervet monkeys (African Green Monkeys) harbour viruses that are very similar to the HIV viruses. The Simian Immunodeficiency Viruses (SIV) offer a good model to study HIV. It is believed that HIV-1 originally came from Chimpanzees whereas HIV-2 came from West Africa Sooty Mangabeys. Monkeys are therefore good infection models for HIV and can be utilized for testing of new drugs and vaccines. Recently,  scientists utilised their knowledge of HIV and SIV to create a chimerical/hybrid virus consisting of components derived from human HIV viruses and monkey SIV viruses, called SHIV (Simian–human immunodeficiency viruses) which are the focus of new studies aimed at unravelling the immune mechanisms underlying HIV infection.

A new exciting area of research is co-infection studies following realisation that HIV is more severe in people with multiple other infections. Collaborations between the different programs within IPR will in no doubt enable co-infection studies to be undertaken.

ENTERIC VIRUSES RESEARCH GROUP   

Background

Enteric viruses such as rotaviruses, astroviruses and adenoviruses are known to cause severe diarrhoea leading to morbidity and mortality in children and infants.  Continual research and active surveillance are, therefore, necessary for determining the disease burden. This will lead to development of effective interventions for viral diarrhoeal diseases. In our laboratory we focus on the following areas: 

Research interests

·        Viral causes of severe diarrhea in HIV negative and HIV positive children

·        Molecular characterization and epidemiology of enteric viruses in sewage and waste water in Kenya.

·        Molecular epidemiology and characterization of Hepatitis A in Kenya.

·        Development of  a non human primate model for preclinical testing and efficacy of rotavirus vaccine

Current and ongoing research project

·        Molecular characterization of selected enteric viruses in non human primate specimens.

·        Molecular characterization of selected enteric viruses in human specimens and environmental samples in Kenya.

·        Hospital- based surveillance to estimate the burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children under five years of age in the eastern part of Kenya.

For more information contact

Dr Jason M. Mwenda (MPhil, Ph.D.)

Principal Research Scientist

Institute of Primate Research (IPR)

PO Box 24481, Karen, 00502, Nairobi, Kenya

Tel +254-20-882571/4        

Fax +254-20-882546

E-mail:    This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

            Investigators

            Dr J. M Mwenda PhD., Head of Program:- This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

            Mr Atunga Nyachieo., MSc :- This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

            Mr Nicholas M. Kiulia., HDBiotech :- This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it