The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) continues to cement its position as a global leader in health research, with internationally recognised experts delivering insights on the world stage. At the 22nd Lancefield International Symposium on Streptococci and Streptococcal Diseases (LISSSD) held from 1–5 June 2025 in Brisbane, Australia, SAMRC Vice-President Prof Liesl Zühlke delivered a keynote lecture titled “Rheumatic Heart Disease Interventions for Prevention in Africa: Current Status and Future Priorities.” Joining her at this high-level scientific gathering was Prof Mark Engel, Director of Cochrane South Africa, further highlighting the SAMRC’s commitment to driving impactful, evidence-based research both at home and abroad.
The conference was hosted by The Lancefield Society, which is a not-for-profit and non-governmental international association which aims to raise awareness, promote scientific collaboration and research, and improve diagnosis, prevention and treatment of streptococcal diseases. The main activity of the Lancefield Society is the triennial LISSSD conference, which brings together clinicians, scientists and students engaged in the field of streptococci diseases research.
Streptococcal diseases, such as strep throat, scarlet fever, skin and wound infections, sepsis, endocarditis, and rheumatic fever, are caused primarily by the bacterium Group A Streptococcus (GAS), or Streptococcus pyogenes, which remains one of the deadliest pathogens worldwide. These illnesses continue to be widespread in low- and middle-income countries and are especially prevalent among vulnerable populations, such as infants, the elderly, and those with limited access to healthcare.
The meeting offered a cutting-edge scientific programme that featured keynote addresses and plenary sessions covering the latest advances in clinical aspects, disease pathogenesis and preventative interventions, novel diagnostics and therapeutics, as well as the latest vaccine developments related to acute streptococcal infections as well as post-streptococcal complications.
Prof Zühlke’s keynote lecture presented work with the WHO AFRO and SAMRC/UCT to assess the ARF/RHD landscape for all WHO AFRO countries. This collaboration is the first of its kind and was recently published on the WHO Afro website and will form the basis for ongoing engagement with WHO. Recently Prof Zuhlke was one of the co-authors of the WHO guidelines for RHD with scientific input from Prof Engel, Prof Tamara Kredo and CSA. She also presented at a session chaired by RHD patients “Lived Experience of RHD”, which highlighted the critical importance of person-centered, values-based research with those with lived experience at the centre. In addition, they attended meetings as part of their respective roles on the steering and scientific committees of SAVAC and the ARC Network.
Prof Engel said, “So wonderful to be able to hear the latest in the understanding of Strep A epidemiology, pathogenesis and vaccine efforts. We come away motivated to continue to contribute to global efforts at tackling Strep diseases.”
“Rheumatic Heart Disease is a completely preventable disease, a barometer of poverty, injustice and poor access to healthcare. As we face an orchestrated assault on the research ecosystem -targeting vulnerable populations, this conference has brought together researchers, colleagues and those with lived experiences to continue the fight to eradicate RHD and improve the lives of those living with this disease”, concluded Prof Zühlke.
Read more about LISSSD 2025 Conference | HERE