Page 97 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

P E R FOR M A NC E I N FOR M A T I ON

Intersection of
Non-communicable Diseases

and Infectious Diseases
Research Unit

UNIT DIRECTOR:
Prof. Mpiko Ntsekhe
mpiko.ntsekhe@uct.ac.za

Overview of the Research Unit Rheumatic heart disease

The mandate of this Extramural Unit (EMU) is Research projects included the use of artificial
to strengthen research capacity through the intelligence in ECG diagnosis of rheumatic heart
development of people and infrastructure, while disease (RHD); 4D-flow cardiovascular magnetic
conducting research that advances understanding resonance imaging for the assessment of RHD;
of the complex interactions between infectious and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in
non-communicable diseases. The Unit investigates RHD-associated infective endocarditis; vitamin K
how these intersecting epidemics influence antagonist (VKA) therapy and RHD-associated atrial
health and disease at individual, community, and fibrillation; and investigations into the pathogenesis
population levels. of myocardial fibrosis in RHD-related heart failure.
Key Milestones and Achievements Cardiomyopathy and heart failure
Research focused on the contribution of myocarditis
Research projects undertaken during 2025/2026 to the burden of cardiomyopathy in sub-Saharan
focused on the following broad disease areas: Africa.

Tuberculous disease of the heart Resistant hypertension
and its complications Research projects investigated the role of
Research projects examined the molecular immunology, Helicobacter pylori, and the gut
mechanisms and pathogenesis of post-tuberculous microbiome in resistant hypertension.
fibrosis, diagnostic biomarkers, the safety and efficacy
of varying rifampicin doses, clinical outcomes, host Building Capacity Through
immune responses, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Training, Mentorship, and Support
(MTb) dynamics.
Several projects are being conducted at established
research sites, including the CIRDRI Site B Research
HIV-related cardiovascular disease
Research projects investigated HIV/TB-associated Site, which hosts focused programmes aimed
immune dysregulation and the risk of hypertension at developing research skills and strengthening
in sub-Saharan Africa; myocardial disease and capacity among research staff and teams.
heart failure in ART-treated people living with HIV
in community settings; HIV-associated heart failure AI in Medical and Health Research
risk scores in primary care; and the burden and One of the Unit’s research projects was a proof-
causes of myocardial fibrosis versus steatosis in HIV. of-principle study evaluating the use of artificial
intelligence in ECG diagnosis of rheumatic heart
The CTAAC Heart study explored the prevalence disease. Plans are underway to expand the project
of myocardial disease in adolescents and young into a larger population-based study.
adults with vertically acquired HIV, as well as the
potential contribution of inflammation and fibrosis The Unit is also collaborating on an mHealth-based
to disease pathogenesis. project aimed at improving VKA adherence and
INR control among people living with rheumatic
heart disease who require anticoagulation therapy.

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