Biography
Kabelo Gabriel Kaapu is a Ph.D. candidate in Medical Microbiology at the University of Limpopo, specializing in molecular biology of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. He has an MSc in Medical Sciences and extensive laboratory experience in tuberculosis diagnostics, whole genome sequencing, and antimicrobial resistance research. Kabelo has presented his work at national and international conferences, including the World Congress on Lung Health and the SA TB Conference. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, focusing on drug resistance in bacterial infections. He is also an aspiring academic and an advocate for medical diagnostics aiming to contribute to global health solutions.
Key Impacts
Genomic variants and associated drug resistance profiles revealed by whole genome sequencing in drug-resistant M. tuberculosis clinical isolates from Limpopo province
Whole genome sequencing revealed extensive drug resistance in 32% of M. tuberculosis isolates from Limpopo province, driven by Euro-American lineage 4.1.1 and Beijing lineage 2.2.1, highlighting the need for integrated phenotypic and genomic data for effective DR-TB management.
Source: Conference 2024
Diagnostic performance of the FluoroType MTBDR assay for rifampicin and isoniazid resistance in routine laboratory setting
FluoroType MTBDR assay offers superior diagnostic accuracy for rifampicin and isoniazid resistance in M. tuberculosis, surpassing Genotype MTBDRplus in sensitivity and specificity.
Source: Conference 2024