ANZINGER LAB Department of Microbiology University of the West Indies, Mona Campus |
THE RESEARCH FOCUS OF OUR LAB: 1. Mosquito-borne arboviruses circulating in Jamaica Mosquito-borne arboviruses are important causes of morbidity and mortality in the tropics but are oftentimes understudied in developing countries. Using serological and molecular biology techniques, together with clinical data, we assess the prevalence of pathogenic arboviruses and the diseases they cause in Jamaica. In addition to assessing the host, we also examine pathogenic human arboviruses in the vector using cell culture, molecular biology and next generation sequencing techniques. 2. Virus discovery Viruses frequently cause epidemics and have been responsible for all modern pandemics. Many human viral infections causing hospitalization do not receive a laboratory diagnosis, especially in a low and middle income setting with limited testing. Using next generation sequencing, we identify viruses in samples from hospitalized patients without a laboratory diagnosis. 3. Immunometabolism in HIV-infected people with non-communicable diseases Despite highly effective treatment modalities, most people living with HIV will have shorter lifespans than HIV uninfected people. Many of these people living with HIV will develop diseases associated with aging, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Immunometabolism is closely linked to inflammation and may be critical to the development of age-related diseases. We use multiple approaches to examine the intersection of immunometabolism, inflammation, and chronic non-communicable diseases. 4. SARS-CoV-2 surveillance and the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination SARS-CoV-2 continues to rapidly evolve, affecting transmission and morbidity and mortality. We use next generation sequencing to monitor SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in Jamaica. In addition, utilizing our clinical laboratory experience, we assess antibody responses after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination and examine population level humoral immunity to guide public health responses. |