Project Leads
The Problem
With correct strategies such as screening and vaccination, cervical cancer caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can be prevented entirely. However, many African women are unable to access screening programs or vaccines, causing this preventable disease to be especially deadly across the contient. By understanding the genomic risk and the role of the vaginal microbiome in persistence of HPV infection and cervical cancer progression, scientists and doctors can develop screening and prevention strategies to identify at-risk individuals and reduce their risk of cervical cancer.
Project Strategy
- Enrolling 12,000 women to conduct a number of research studies to better understand the genomic risk and role of the vaginal microenvironment in persistence of high risk Human Papilloma Virus (hrHPV) infection, and the progression of cervical cancer.
- Establish state-of-the-art genomic and microbiomes reseach centers across Africa.
- Develop, support, and conduct training and capacity development in genomics and microbiome research in Africa.
Outcomes to Date
Through genomic sequencing, ACCME has been able to demonstrate a wide range of associations between genomic variants and the types of bacteria present in the vaginal microbiome, and risk of persistent hrHPV infection and cervical cancer. To understand the full picture of genomic factors, vaginal microbiome, and hrHPV infection and cervical cancer progression, the group is continuing to generate insights into the genomic factors and vaginal microbiome of women with and those without HPV infections. These inslights may enable novel strategies for treatment and prevention of cervical cancer.
Project Sites
A: Nigeria
Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, University of Ibadan, African Univeristy of Science and Technology, National Hospital Abuja, Covenant Univeristy
B: Zambia
Center for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, University of Zambia
Non-African Collaborators:
USA: Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Human Virology and Institute of Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, University of New Mexico
UK: Queen Mary University of London
Additional Resources
August 18, 2020
The African Collaborative Center for Microbiome and Genomics Research (ACCME) leverages advanced research methods, technologies and international partnerships to engage African scientists
October 16, 2018
AWI-Gen is the Africa Wits-INDEPTH partnership for Genomic Studies, an NIH funded and university supported Collaborative Center of the Human Heredity and Health in Africa
April 4, 2018
The African Collaborative Center for Microbiome and Genomics Research (ACCME) leverages advanced research methods, technologies and international partnerships to engage African scientists
April 4, 2018
Our primary aim is to assess the burden and aetiological characteristics of T2D in adults in SSA using large scale population based approaches. To achieve this, we aim to develop a large scale epidemiological and genomic research resource comprising up to 12,000 cases of T2D and a population based cross-sectional study of up to 12,000 participants drawn from diverse sampling frames across SSA. Scientific objectives:
April 4, 2018
The over-arching aim of this network is to improve the health of people living in some of the poorest countries in the world that carry a disproportionate burden of infectious diseases. Despite their importance, the study of many tropical diseases has lagged behind that of diseases of developed countries.
April 4, 2018
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) results from a harmful response of the immune system to a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes or Group A Streptococcus (GAS). Although the development of RHD can be prevented by the treatment of GAS infection with penicillin, this has not been successful in