Transcripts of interleukin-4-inducing principle of Schistosoma mansoni eggs (IPSE) as a quantitative biomarker and/or diagnostic tool for schistosomiasis

Trainee Mentoring Award

Mentee: Evaristus C. Mbanefo, PhD

Mentor: Michael Hsieh, MD, PhD

Objective: To develop a qPCR based assay for detection of mRNA transcripts of interleukin-4-inducing principle of Schistosoma mansoni eggs (IPSE) as a quantitative morbidity biomarker and diagnostic tool for schistosomiasis.

Identifying Host Genetic Risk and Protective Factors in Congenital Zika Syndrome

Faculty to Faculty Mentoring Grants

Mentee: Youssef A. Kousa, DO, PhD, MS

Mentor: Adre du Plessis, MBChB, Roberta DeBiasi, MD, MS

Objectives: 

1. To obtain preliminary data necessary to apply for an (external) NIH research grant to test the hypothesis that genetic risk and protective factors contribute to birth defects with exposure to Zika virus 
2. To enroll 160 additional families (mother-infant dyads or trio when the father is available) who were exposed to Zika virus during pregnancy 
3. To perform neonatal physical exams on each infant enrolled in the study 
4. To isolate DNA from all collected blood samples