Page 122 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

Primate Unit and
Delft Animal Centre

Platform director:
Dr. Chesa Chauke

Prioritising responsive research financial constraints, which is now resolved through
through impactful interventions research grants.

The primary objective of the Primate Unit and Communicable diseases – Previously, PUDAC
Delft Animal Centre (PUDAC) is to provide the successfully established a rhesus macaque virus
infrastructure and technical/scientific capacity challenge model for evaluation of candidate HIV
to utilise laboratory animal models (non-human vaccines and HIV/AIDS related research. To this
primates and rodents) for a broad spectrum end, we recently evaluated candidate HIV vaccines
of research initiatives. The platform had two that were developed by UCT researchers. We
important goals for 2023/24 which were divided are currently continuing with the second phase
into operational and self-initiated research. which focuses on the investigation of the impact
of concurrent schistosomiasis on the efficacy of
Operational/Infrastructural developments – these candidate vaccines, with a PhD student being
The operational focus was to comply with the trained on this project.
SANS/SAVC guidelines by making sure that our
infrastructural development is up to date. During Equitable capacity development
the refurbishment of the animal units (experimental
building, animal corals, HVAC, autoclaves etc.), for empowering communities
several challenges involving contractors and sub- PUDAC is active in the staff development programmes
contractors were encountered, which resulted in the and continues to enhance research capabilities in
delay for the renovations to be completed in the the animal technology and scientific field using
experimental building [Animal Biosafety Laboratory suitable animal models. We encouraged and
(ABSL-2)]. However, progress has been made and supported our staff to attend courses, conferences
renovations of the rodent section were completed, and workshops to enhance their personal and career
including the installation of two autoclaves. developments. This effort has assisted us in training
and empowering young postgraduate students,
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – PUDAC scientists, animal technicians and technologists with
provided technical support and conducted NCD unique skills in their respective fields. Therefore, the
research projects for UWC and BRIP. Complementary capacity development initiatives also allow PUDAC
to the core business, PUDAC conducted three self- to continue monitoring and identifying areas of skill
initiated projects of which one has been completed development for personal and career growth.
(Obesity) and two are ongoing to accommodate
PhD students. The objectives of these projects In this reporting period, 6 PUDAC staff members
were to identify obesity biomarkers using obese were enrolled with the Institute of Animal Technology
non-human primates and cathepsin S inhibitors (IAT) and one technologist has passed a level-2
from South African medicinal plants. However, the diploma. The aim of this IAT programme was to
initiation of some of the highlighted objectives equip our animal technicians and technologists to
for these ongoing projects was delayed due to be able to provide excellent research support to our

120 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2023-24