Professor Thushan de Silva
MBChB BSc (Hons) DTM&H MRCP FRCPath PhD
Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health
Professor of Infectious Diseases
Honorary Consultant Physician in Infectious Diseases
+44 114 215 9532
Full contact details
Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health
The Medical School
Beech Hill Road
Sheffield
S10 2RX
- Profile
-
I am an Infectious Diseases Clinician Scientist with a programme of research centred around clinical discovery science in the UK and Africa. Our group applies a broad range of methods including human immunology, epidemiology, molecular diagnostics and genomics, to establish how pathogens interact with human hosts at population and individual levels. We work primarily on respiratory viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2, and Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus), investigating the natural history of infection and immunity to inform the design of diagnostic tools, vaccines, and other preventative measures. A specific area of interest is also how immunocompromising conditions such as HIV and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation impact the clinical risk and vaccine-induced immunity to respiratory viruses.
I am part of the Clinical Infection Research Group (CIRG) in the Medical School at the University of Sheffield and am an Honorary Consultant Physician in Infectious Diseases in the South Yorkshire Regional Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine in Sheffield. I am co-director of the Florey Institute of Infection and lead the host-pathogen interactions theme. I am also a Principal Investigator in the Vaccines and Immunity Theme at the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
I completed my undergraduate medical training at the University of Bristol in 2000. Following postgraduate clinical training in General Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases and HIV in Oxford and London, I moved to Sheffield for higher specialist training in Infectious Diseases & Microbiology in 2004. After relocating to The MRC Unit The Gambia in 2007, I was awarded a British Infection Society Research Fellowship (2007-8), followed by a MRC Clinical Research Training Fellowship and PhD (2008 – 11) under the supervision of Professor Sarah Rowland-Jones and Professor Robin Weiss, to study the pathogenesis of HIV-2 infection and the molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 and HIV-2 in West Africa.
I joined the University of Sheffield in 2013 as an NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Infectious Diseases & Microbiology. I was awarded a Wellcome Trust Intermediate Clinical Fellowship (2016 -2021), based between Imperial College London and the MRC Unit The Gambia, to study the immunogenicity of intranasal Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine in children and bidirectional interactions with nasopharyngeal microbiota. I returned to the University of Sheffield as a Senior Clinical Lecturer in 2020 and led a programme of SARS-CoV-2 research through the COVID-19 pandemic, including roles as lead PI in Sheffield for the COG-UK consortium and the PITCH study. I was awarded an MBE in 2021 for services to COVID-19 research.
- Publications
-
Show: Featured publications All publications
Featured publications
Journal articles
- High SARS-CoV-2 incidence and asymptomatic fraction during Delta and Omicron BA.1 waves in The Gambia. Nature Communications, 15(1). View this article in WRRO
- Streptococcus pyogenes carriage and infection within households in The Gambia: a longitudinal cohort study. The Lancet Microbe.
- Omicron infection following vaccination enhances a broad spectrum of immune responses dependent on infection history. Nature Communications, 14(1). View this article in WRRO
- SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses and clinical outcomes after COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-suppressive disease. Nature Medicine, 29(7), 1760-1774. View this article in WRRO
- Repurposing an integrated national influenza platform for genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Ghana: a molecular epidemiological analysis. The Lancet Global Health, 11(7), e1075-e1085.
- Streptococcus pyogenes colonization in children aged 24–59 months in the Gambia: impact of live attenuated influenza vaccine and associated serological responses. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 228(7), 957-965. View this article in WRRO
- Evolution of long-term vaccine-induced and hybrid immunity in healthcare workers after different COVID-19 vaccine regimens. Med, 4(3), 191-215.e9.
- Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infections in The Gambia: an analysis of routinely collected surveillance data between March, 2020, and January, 2022. The Lancet Global Health, 11(3), e414-e424.
- SARS-CoV-2 variant biology: immune escape, transmission and fitness. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 21(3), 162-177.
- Joint consensus statement on the vaccination of adult and paediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: Prepared on behalf of the British society of blood and marrow transplantation and cellular therapy (BSBMTCT), the Children's cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG), and British Infection Association (BIA). Journal of Infection, 86(1), 1-8.
- mRNA vaccination drives differential mucosal neutralizing antibody profiles in naïve and SARS-CoV-2 previously-infected individuals. Frontiers in Immunology, 13. View this article in WRRO
- Prior upregulation of interferon pathways in the nasopharynx impacts viral shedding following live attenuated influenza vaccine challenge in children. Cell Reports Medicine, 3(2), 100516-100516.
- Characterising within-hospital SARS-CoV-2 transmission events using epidemiological and viral genomic data across two pandemic waves. Nature Communications, 13(1). View this article in WRRO
- T-cell and antibody responses to first BNT162b2 vaccine dose in previously infected and SARS-CoV-2-naive UK health-care workers: a multicentre prospective cohort study. The Lancet Microbe, 3(1), e21-e31. View this article in WRRO
- Immunogenicity of standard and extended dosing intervals of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. Cell, 184(23), 5699-5714.e11.
- The impact of viral mutations on recognition by SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cells. iScience, 103353-103353.
- The effect of live attenuated influenza vaccine on pneumococcal colonisation densities among children aged 24–59 months in The Gambia: a phase 4, open label, randomised, controlled trial. The Lancet Microbe, 2(12), e656-e665.
- D614G Spike mutation increases SARS CoV-2 susceptibility to neutralization. Cell Host & Microbe.
- Estimation of seasonal influenza attack rates and antibody dynamics in children using cross-sectional serological data. The Journal of Infectious Diseases. View this article in WRRO
- Tracking changes in SARS-CoV-2 Spike: evidence that D614G increases infectivity of the COVID-19 virus. Cell. View this article in WRRO
- High burden and seasonal variation of paediatric scabies and pyoderma prevalence in the Gambia : a cross-sectional study. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 13(10). View this article in WRRO
- Long noncoding RNAs are involved in multiple immunological pathways in response to vaccination. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(34), 17121-17126. View this article in WRRO
- Effect of a Russian-backbone live-attenuated influenza vaccine with an updated pandemic H1N1 strain on shedding and immunogenicity among children in The Gambia : an open-label, observational, phase 4 study. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. View this article in WRRO
- The efficacy, effectiveness, and immunogenicity of influenza vaccines in Africa: a systematic review. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. View this article in WRRO
- Comparison of mucosal lining fluid sampling methods and influenza-specific IgA detection assays for use in human studies of influenza immunity. Journal of Immunological Methods.
- Correlates of T-cell–mediated viral control and phenotype of CD8+ T cells in HIV-2, a naturally contained human retroviral infection. Blood, 121(21), 4330-4339.
- Potent Autologous and Heterologous Neutralizing Antibody Responses Occur in HIV-2 Infection across a Broad Range of Infection Outcomes. Journal of Virology, 86(2), 930-946.
All publications
Journal articles
- Pre-clinical development of AP4B1 gene replacement therapy for hereditary spastic paraplegia type 47. EMBO Molecular Medicine. View this article in WRRO
- COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing symptomatic and severe infection among healthcare workers: A clinical review. Vaccine: X, 20, 100546-100546.
- Molecular characterization of Streptococcus pyogenes (StrepA) non-invasive isolates during the 2022–2023 UK upsurge. Microbial Genomics, 10(8).
- Effect of intra-partum azithromycin on gut microbiota development in early childhood: a post hoc analysis of a double-blind randomized trial. iScience, 110626-110626.
- Immunogenicity of third dose COVID-19 vaccine strategies in patients who are immunocompromised with suboptimal immunity following two doses (OCTAVE-DUO): an open-label, multicentre, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial. The Lancet Rheumatology, 6(6), e339-e351.
- High SARS-CoV-2 incidence and asymptomatic fraction during Delta and Omicron BA.1 waves in The Gambia. Nature Communications, 15(1). View this article in WRRO
- A structure-function analysis shows SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 balances antibody escape and ACE2 affinity. Cell Reports Medicine, 101553-101553.
- Streptococcus pyogenes carriage and infection within households in The Gambia: a longitudinal cohort study. The Lancet Microbe.
- Large-scale phenotyping of patients with long COVID post-hospitalization reveals mechanistic subtypes of disease. Nature Immunology, 25(4), 607-621.
- Health-seeking behaviour and beliefs around sore throat in The Gambia: A qualitative study. PLOS Global Public Health, 4(3). View this article in WRRO
- Efficacy and safety of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation versus alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab or cladribine in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (StarMS): protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 14(2), e083582-e083582.
- Development and characterization of a hemolysis inhibition assay to determine functionality of anti-Streptolysin O antibodies in human sera. Journal of Immunological Methods, 526, 113618-113618.
- Delayed Mucosal Antiviral Responses Despite Robust Peripheral Inflammation in Fatal COVID-19. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 230(1), e17-e29.
- 44 Quantitative PCR demonstrates the underestimated burden of Streptococcus pyogenes as a cause of paediatric pyoderma in The Gambia. Clinical Infection in Practice, 20, 100304-100304.
- Streptococcus pyogenes carriage acquisition, persistence and transmission dynamics within households in The Gambia (SpyCATS): protocol for a longitudinal household cohort study. Wellcome Open Research, 8. View this article in WRRO
- Omicron infection following vaccination enhances a broad spectrum of immune responses dependent on infection history. Nature Communications, 14(1). View this article in WRRO
- SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses and clinical outcomes after COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-suppressive disease. Nature Medicine, 29(7), 1760-1774. View this article in WRRO
- Repurposing an integrated national influenza platform for genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Ghana: a molecular epidemiological analysis. The Lancet Global Health, 11(7), e1075-e1085.
- Evaluating the cost implications of integrating SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing for infection prevention and control investigation of nosocomial transmission within hospitals. Journal of Hospital Infection.
- Establishing SARS-CoV-2 membrane protein-specific antibodies as a valuable serological target via high-content microscopy. iScience, 26(7), 107056-107056.
- Streptococcus pyogenes colonization in children aged 24–59 months in the Gambia: impact of live attenuated influenza vaccine and associated serological responses. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 228(7), 957-965. View this article in WRRO
- Rapid escape of new SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants from BA.2-directed antibody responses. Cell Reports, 42(4).
- The P323L substitution in the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase (NSP12) confers a selective advantage during infection. Genome Biology, 24(1).
- Evolution of long-term vaccine-induced and hybrid immunity in healthcare workers after different COVID-19 vaccine regimens. Med, 4(3), 191-215.e9.
- Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infections in The Gambia: an analysis of routinely collected surveillance data between March, 2020, and January, 2022. The Lancet Global Health, 11(3), e414-e424.
- Outcome of COVID-19 in hospitalised immunocompromised patients: an analysis of the WHO ISARIC CCP-UK prospective cohort study. PLoS Medicine, 20(1).
- Streptococcus pyogenes carriage acquisition, persistence and transmission dynamics within households in The Gambia (SpyCATS): protocol for a longitudinal household cohort study. Wellcome Open Research, 8.
- SARS-CoV-2 variant biology: immune escape, transmission and fitness. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 21(3), 162-177.
- SARS-CoV-2-specific nasal IgA wanes 9 months after hospitalisation with COVID-19 and is not induced by subsequent vaccination. eBioMedicine, 87.
- Joint consensus statement on the vaccination of adult and paediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: Prepared on behalf of the British society of blood and marrow transplantation and cellular therapy (BSBMTCT), the Children's cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG), and British Infection Association (BIA). Journal of Infection, 86(1), 1-8.
- A delicate balance between antibody evasion and ACE2 affinity for Omicron BA.2.75. Cell Reports, 111903-111903.
- Factors affecting turnaround time of SARS-CoV-2 sequencing for inpatient infection prevention and control decision making: Analysis of data from the COG-UK HOCI study. Journal of Hospital Infection.
- Effectiveness of rapid SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing in supporting infection control for hospital-onset COVID-19 infection: multicenter, prospective study. eLife, 11.
- mRNA vaccination drives differential mucosal neutralizing antibody profiles in naïve and SARS-CoV-2 previously-infected individuals. Frontiers in Immunology, 13. View this article in WRRO
- Intrahost evolution of the HIV-2 capsid correlates with progression to AIDS. Virus Evolution, 8(2).
- Effect of intra-partum azithromycin on the development of the infant nasopharyngeal microbiota: a post hoc analysis of a double-blind randomized trial. eBioMedicine, 83.
- Recurrent SARS-CoV-2 mutations in immunodeficient patients. Virus Evolution, 8(2).
- Spatial growth rate of emerging SARS-CoV-2 lineages in England, September 2020–December 2021. Epidemiology and Infection, 150.
- Altered subgenomic RNA abundance provides unique insight into SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7/Alpha variant infections.. Commun Biol, 5(1), 666.
- Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence following the first pandemic wave in UK healthcare workers in a large NHS Foundation Trust. Wellcome Open Research, 6, 220.
- Procalcitonin Is Not a Reliable Biomarker of Bacterial Coinfection in People With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Undergoing Microbiological Investigation at the Time of Hospital Admission. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 9(5).
- Protocol for the COG-UK hospital-onset COVID-19 infection (HOCI) multicentre interventional clinical study: evaluating the efficacy of rapid genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in UK NHS hospitals. BMJ Open, 12(4), e052514-e052514.
- A bundle of infection control measures reduces post-operative sternal wound infection due to Staphylococcus aureus but not Gram-negative bacteria: a retrospective analysis of 6,903 patient episodes. Journal of Hospital Infection.
- Divergent trajectories of antiviral memory after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nature Communications, 13(1).
- Publisher Correction: Characterising within-hospital SARS-CoV-2 transmission events using epidemiological and viral genomic data across two pandemic waves. Nature Communications, 13(1).
- Prior upregulation of interferon pathways in the nasopharynx impacts viral shedding following live attenuated influenza vaccine challenge in children. Cell Reports Medicine, 3(2), 100516-100516.
- Characterising within-hospital SARS-CoV-2 transmission events using epidemiological and viral genomic data across two pandemic waves. Nature Communications, 13(1). View this article in WRRO
- Immune reconstitution following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis : a review on behalf of the EBMT autoimmune diseases working party. Frontiers in Immunology, 12. View this article in WRRO
- Impact of intra-partum azithromycin on carriage of group A streptococcus in the Gambia: a posthoc analysis of a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. BMC Infectious Diseases, 22(1).
- T-cell and antibody responses to first BNT162b2 vaccine dose in previously infected and SARS-CoV-2-naive UK health-care workers: a multicentre prospective cohort study. The Lancet Microbe, 3(1), e21-e31. View this article in WRRO
- Prior upregulation of interferon pathways in the nasopharynx impacts viral shedding following live attenuated influenza vaccine challenge in children. Cell Reports Medicine, 2(12). View this article in WRRO
- Immunogenicity of standard and extended dosing intervals of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. Cell, 184(23), 5699-5714.e11.
- The Alpha variant was not associated with excess nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection in a multi-centre UK hospital study.. J Infect.
- The impact of viral mutations on recognition by SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cells. iScience, 103353-103353.
- The effect of live attenuated influenza vaccine on pneumococcal colonisation densities among children aged 24–59 months in The Gambia: a phase 4, open label, randomised, controlled trial. The Lancet Microbe, 2(12), e656-e665.
- SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 is associated with greater disease severity among hospitalised women but not men: multicentre cohort study. BMJ Open Respiratory Research, 8(1), e001029-e001029.
- Evolution of viral variants in remdesivir treated and untreated SARS-CoV-2 infected paediatrics patients.. J Med Virol.
- Intense and mild first epidemic wave of Coronavirus disease, the Gambia. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 27(8), 2064-2072.
- Long-term survivors following autologous haematopoetic stem cell transplantation have significant defects in their humoral immunity against vaccine preventable diseases, years on from transplant. Vaccine, 39(34), 4778-4783.
- Characterising within-hospital SARS-CoV-2 transmission events: a retrospective analysis integrating epidemiological and viral genomic data from a UK tertiary care setting across two pandemic waves.
- Characterisation of in-hospital complications associated with COVID-19 using the ISARIC WHO Clinical Characterisation Protocol UK: a prospective, multicentre cohort study. The Lancet, 398(10296), 223-237. View this article in WRRO
- Expansion of SARS-CoV-2 sequencing capacity globally is vital for future control of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sri Lanka Journal of Medicine, 30(1), 4-8.
- Rapid feedback on hospital onset SARS-CoV-2 infections combining epidemiological and sequencing data. eLife, 10.
- Co-infections, secondary infections, and antimicrobial use in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 during the first pandemic wave from the ISARIC WHO CCP-UK study : a multicentre, prospective cohort study. The Lancet Microbe.
- The SARS-CoV-2 variants associated with infections in India, B.1.617, show enhanced spike cleavage by furin.
- Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection with LamPORE, a high-throughput platform combining loop-mediated isothermal amplification and nanopore sequencing. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 59(6).
- The impact of viral mutations on recognition by SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cells.
- T cell assays differentiate clinical and subclinical SARS-CoV-2 infections from cross-reactive antiviral responses. Nature Communications, 12(1).
- In-depth analysis of laboratory parameters reveals the interplay between sex, age, and systemic inflammation in individuals with COVID-19. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 105, 579-587.
- T-Cell and Antibody Responses to First BNT162b2 Vaccine Dose in Previously SARS-CoV-2-Infected and Infection-Naive UK Healthcare Workers: A Multicentre, Prospective, Observational Cohort Study.
- Subgenomic RNA identification in SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequencing data. Genome Research. View this article in WRRO
- Circulating SARS-CoV-2 spike N439K variants maintain fitness while evading antibody-mediated immunity. Cell, 184(5), 1171-1187.e20.
- Evaluation of procalcitonin as a contribution to antimicrobial stewardship in SARS-CoV-2 infection: a retrospective cohort study. Journal of Hospital Infection.
- Generation of a novel sars-cov-2 sub-genomic rna due to the r203k/ g204r variant in nucleocapsid: Homologous recombination has potential to change sars-cov-2 at both protein and rna level. Pathogens and Immunity, 6(2), 27-49.
- D614G Spike mutation increases SARS CoV-2 susceptibility to neutralization. Cell Host & Microbe.
- Cryptic prophages within a Streptococcus pyogenes genotype emm4 lineage. Microbial Genomics.
- Remdesivir induced viral RNA and subgenomic RNA suppression, and evolution of viral variants in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.
- Broad and strong memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells induced by SARS-CoV-2 in UK convalescent individuals following COVID-19. Nature Immunology, 21(11), 1336-1345.
- Estimation of seasonal influenza attack rates and antibody dynamics in children using cross-sectional serological data. The Journal of Infectious Diseases. View this article in WRRO
- Tracking changes in SARS-CoV-2 Spike: evidence that D614G increases infectivity of the COVID-19 virus. Cell. View this article in WRRO
- An integrated national scale SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance network. The Lancet Microbe, 1(3), e99-e100. View this article in WRRO
- Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection: the tip or the iceberg?. Thorax, 75(8), 621-622.
- Antibody testing for COVID-19: a report from the National COVID Scientific Advisory Panel [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]. Wellcome Open Research, 5.
- Improved sensitivity using a dual target, E and RdRp assay for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection : experience at a large NHS Foundation Trust in the UK. Journal of Infection.
- Viral Etiology, Clinical Features and Antibiotic Use in Children <5 Years of Age in the Gambia Presenting With Influenza-like Illness. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 39(10), 925-930.
- Roll-out of SARS-CoV-2 testing for healthcare workers at a large NHS foundation trust in the United Kingdom, March 2020. Eurosurveillance, 25(14). View this article in WRRO
- Respiratory syncytial, parainfluenza and influenza virus infection in young children with acute lower respiratory infection in rural Gambia. Scientific Reports, 9(1).
- High burden and seasonal variation of paediatric scabies and pyoderma prevalence in the Gambia : a cross-sectional study. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 13(10). View this article in WRRO
- Community-acquired invasive bacterial disease in urban Gambia, 2005–2015: A hospital-based surveillance. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 69(Supplement_2), S105-S113. View this article in WRRO
- Long noncoding RNAs are involved in multiple immunological pathways in response to vaccination. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(34), 17121-17126. View this article in WRRO
- Effect of a Russian-backbone live-attenuated influenza vaccine with an updated pandemic H1N1 strain on shedding and immunogenicity among children in The Gambia : an open-label, observational, phase 4 study. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. View this article in WRRO
- Prevalence of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) and antimicrobial resistance in community-acquired clinical Staphylococcus aureus in an urban Gambian hospital : a 11-year period retrospective pilot study. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 9. View this article in WRRO
- Genomic and epidemiological evidence of a dominant Panton-Valentine leucocidin-positive Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus lineage in Sri Lanka and presence among isolates from the United Kingdom and Australia. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 9. View this article in WRRO
- A comparison of viral microneutralization and haemagglutination inhibition assays as measures of seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine immunogenicity in the first year after reduced intensity conditioning, lymphocyte depleted allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant. Vaccine, 37(3), 452-457. View this article in WRRO
- The efficacy, effectiveness, and immunogenicity of influenza vaccines in Africa: a systematic review. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. View this article in WRRO
- Low-Bias RNA Sequencing of the HIV-2 Genome from Blood Plasma. Journal of Virology, 93(1). View this article in WRRO
- Sociodemographic and psychological determinants of influenza vaccine intention among recipients of autologous and allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant: a cross-sectional survey of UK transplant recipients using a modified health belief model. BMJ Open, 8(8), e021222-e021222. View this article in WRRO
- Potential impact of influenza vaccine roll-out on antibiotic use in Africa.. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 73(8), 2197-2200. View this article in WRRO
- HLA-associated polymorphisms in the HIV-2 capsid highlight key differences between HIV-1 and HIV-2 immune adaptation. AIDS, 6, 704-709. View this article in WRRO
- Acceptability of intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine, influenza knowledge and vaccine intent in The Gambia. Vaccine, 36(13), 1772-1780. View this article in WRRO
- Comparison of mucosal lining fluid sampling methods and influenza-specific IgA detection assays for use in human studies of influenza immunity. Journal of Immunological Methods.
- Value of immunogenicity studies of influenza vaccine in resource-limited settings. The Lancet Global Health, 5(3), e274-e274. View this article in WRRO
- Routine vaccination practice after adult and paediatric allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant: a survey of UK NHS programmes.. Bone Marrow Transplant. View this article in WRRO
- Bilateral Ocular Myositis Associated with Whipple's Disease. Ocular Oncology and Pathology, 3(1), 17-21. View this article in WRRO
- Viral Evolution and Cytotoxic T Cell Restricted Selection in Acute Infant HIV-1 Infection. Scientific Reports, 6. View this article in WRRO
- Predicting the extinction of HIV-2 in rural Guinea-Bissau. AIDS, 29(18), 2479-2486. View this article in WRRO
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis acquired during a brief visit to Cyprus. Journal of Infection, 70(3), 314-316.
- Identification of a novel three-domain KIR allele:KIR3DL1*087using high-resolution molecular techniques. Tissue Antigens, 85(2), 153-154.
- KIR3DL1*0250102: a novel three-domain KIR subtype identified in West Africa. Tissue Antigens, 85(2), 151-152.
- KIR3DL1*0250103: a novel three-domain KIR allele isolated in West African samples. Tissue Antigens, 86(2), 150-151.
- KIR3DL1*0040102- a novel three-domain KIR subtype isolated from donors of African descent. Tissue Antigens, 86(3), 220-221.
- Full-length sequence ofKIR3DL1*0310102detected in DNA samples from West Africa. Tissue Antigens, 86(4), 312-313.
- A novelKIR3DL1*0150103subtype identified in West Africa. Tissue Antigens, 86(1), 70-71.
- Description of a novelKIR3DL1*0150211allele isolated using molecular techniques. Tissue Antigens, 84(6), 596-597.
- Isolation of full-length genomic sequences of theKIR3DL1*0040103allele from African donors using sequence-based techniques. Tissue Antigens, 84(6), 594-595.
- Complete genomic sequence ofKIR3DL1*0150102. Tissue Antigens, 84(6), 595-596.
- A new variant of killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptorKIR3DL1*03101isolated using sequence-based techniques. Tissue Antigens, 84(5), 521-522.
- Genomic full length sequence of a novel killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor,KIR3DL1*0010103identified by sequencing. Tissue Antigens, 84(5), 520-521.
- Boosting of HIV-1 Neutralizing Antibody Responses by a Distally Related Retroviral Envelope Protein. The Journal of Immunology, 192(12), 5802-5812.
- Successful use of Fendrix in HIV-infected non-responders to standard hepatitis B vaccines. Journal of Infection, 68(4), 397-399.
- Full-lengthKIR3DL1*022detected in an African donor. Tissue Antigens, 84(4), 427-429.
- A novelKIR3DL1*0200102allele isolated from a West African donor by sequence-based typing. Tissue Antigens, 83(4), 305-306.
- Full-length sequence ofKIR3DL1*01501allele found in Sub-Saharan Africa by long-range sequencing. Tissue Antigens, 83(2), 126-127.
- The role of CD8+ T-cell responses in the pathogenesis of HIV-2, a naturally contained human retroviral infection. Journal of Infection, 67(4), 344-344.
- Correlates of T-cell–mediated viral control and phenotype of CD8+ T cells in HIV-2, a naturally contained human retroviral infection. Blood, 121(21), 4330-4339.
- Population dynamics of HIV-2 in rural West Africa. AIDS, 27(1), 125-134.
- Effect of HIV-2 infection on HIV-1 disease progression.. N Engl J Med, 367(20), 1962.
- Effect of HIV-2 Infection on HIV-1 Disease Progression. New England Journal of Medicine, 367(20), 1961-1963.
- Monocytes Regulate the Mechanism of T-cell Death by Inducing Fas-Mediated Apoptosis during Bacterial Infection. PLoS Pathogens, 8(7). View this article in WRRO
- Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome and the Influence of T Regulatory Cells: A Cohort Study in the Gambia. PLoS ONE, 7(6). View this article in WRRO
- Molecular Epidemiology of Endemic Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 in a Rural Community in Guinea-Bissau. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 6(6). View this article in WRRO
- Maternal Proviral Load and Vertical Transmission of Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 in Guinea-Bissau. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, 28(6), 584-590.
- T-cell immunity to Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus: recognition of primary effusion lymphoma by LANA-specific CD4+ T cells. Blood, 119(9), 2083-2092.
- Potent Autologous and Heterologous Neutralizing Antibody Responses Occur in HIV-2 Infection across a Broad Range of Infection Outcomes. Journal of Virology, 86(2), 930-946.
- Emergence of HBV resistance to lamivudine (3TC) in HIV/HBV co-infected patients in The Gambia, West Africa. BMC Research Notes, 4. View this article in WRRO
- HTLV-1 and HIV-2 Infection Are Associated with Increased Mortality in a Rural West African Community. PLoS ONE, 6(12). View this article in WRRO
- Mortality and immunovirological outcomes on antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1 and HIV-2-infected individuals in the Gambia. AIDS, 25(17), 2167-2175.
- Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV-2 Infection: Recommendations for Management in Low-Resource Settings. AIDS Research and Treatment, 2011. View this article in WRRO
- Molecular epidemiology of endemic Human T-Lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) in a community in rural Guinea-Bissau. Retrovirology, 8(S1).
- Maternal proviral load and vertical transmission of Human T cell Lymphotropic Virus type 1 in Guinea-Bissau. Retrovirology, 8(S1).
- HIV-2 goes global: An unaddressed issue in Indian anti-retroviral programmes. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 132(12), 660-662.
- HIV-1 subtype distribution in the Gambia and the significant presence of CRF49_cpx, a novel circulating recombinant form. Retrovirology, 7(1). View this article in WRRO
- HIV-2 capsids distinguish high and low virus load patients in a West African community cohort. Vaccine, 28, B60-B67.
- Dual infection with HIV-1 and HIV-2: double trouble or destructive interference?. HIV Therapy, 4(3), 305-323.
- Presence of a Multidrug‐Resistance Mutation in an HIV‐2 Variant Infecting a Treatment‐Naive Individual in Caio, Guinea Bissau. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 48(12), 1790-1793.
- HIV-2: the forgotten AIDS virus. Trends in Microbiology, 16(12), 588-595.
- Successful treatment of actinomyces brain abscesses using once daily parenteral ceftriaxone in an outpatient setting: a case series. Journal of Infection, 57(5), 426-427.
- Resisting Immune Exhaustion in HIV-1 Infection. PLoS Medicine, 5(5), 721-724. View this article in WRRO
- The significance of low-positive MOTA scoresin the BD-ProbeTec-Strand Displacement Amplification test for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Journal of Infection, 55(3), e67-e68.
- HIV-1 Infection and the Kidney: An Evolving Challenge in HIV Medicine. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 82(9), 1103-1116. View this article in WRRO
- Screening for Extended-Spectrum Beta Lactamase producing gram-negative organisms: can the sensitivity and specificity of current guidance be improved?. Journal of Infection, 55(3), e58-e58.
- The use of adjuvant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in HIV-related disseminated atypical mycobacterial infection. Journal of Infection, 54(4), e207-e210.
- Significance of Low Positive Scores Obtained with a Method Other than Acceleration in the BDProbeTec-Strand Displacement Amplification Test for Detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 44(12), 4628-4629.
- Haemorrhagic acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: an unusual case of blindness in an HIV-infected patient. International Journal of STD & AIDS, 17(7), 495-497.
- WITHDRAWN: Ongoing queries: Interpretation of serology in asymptomatic or atypical chronic Q fever. Journal of Infection.
- WITHDRAWN: Spontaneous resolution of endophthalmitis due to nocardia species. Journal of Infection.
- Ongoing queries: Interpretation of serology in asymptomatic or atypical chronic Q fever. Journal of Infection, 52(4), e113-e116.
- Ventriculitis and hydrocephalus: an unusual presentation of toxoplasmosis in an adult with human immunodeficiency virus. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 76(8), 1074-1074.
- HIV infection associated with Strongyloides stercoralis colitis resulting in Streptococcus bovis bacteraemia and meningitis. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 81(3), 276-277.
- Molecular methods enhance the detection of pyoderma-related Streptococcus pyogenes and emm-type distribution in children. The Journal of Infectious Diseases.
- Efficient overexpression and purification of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid proteins in Escherichia coli. Biochemical Journal.
- Obesity differs from diabetes mellitus in antibody and T-cell responses post-COVID-19 recovery. Clinical and Experimental Immunology.
- Author Correction: Para-infectious brain injury in COVID-19 persists at follow-up despite attenuated cytokine and autoantibody responses. Nature Communications, 15(1).
- Unsupervised machine learning to investigate trajectory patterns of COVID-19 symptoms and physical activity measured via the MyHeart Counts App and smart devices. npj Digital Medicine, 6(1).
- CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and antibodies are associated with protection against Delta vaccine breakthrough infection: a nested case-control study within the PITCH study. mBio.
- Acquisition and carriage of genetically diverse multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacilli in hospitalised newborns in The Gambia. Communications Medicine, 3(1).
- Circulation of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia. Gates Open Research, 6, 148-148.
- Genomic Characterization of Skin and Soft Tissue Streptococcus pyogenes Isolates from a Low-Income and a High-Income Setting. mSphere.
- Circulation of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia. Gates Open Research, 6, 148-148.
- Development and Characterisation of a Four-Plex Assay to Measure Streptococcus pyogenes Antigen-Specific IgG in Human Sera. Methods and Protocols, 5(4), 55-55.
- SARS-CoV-2-Specific T Cell Responses Are Not Associated with Protection against Reinfection in Hemodialysis Patients. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, ASN.2021121587-ASN.2021121587.
- Tracking SARS-CoV-2 Mutations & Variants Through the COG-UK-Mutation Explorer. Virus Evolution.
- Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence following the first pandemic wave in UK healthcare workers in a large NHS Foundation Trust. Wellcome Open Research, 6, 220-220.
- Molecular Epidemiology of Group A Streptococcus Infections in The Gambia. Vaccines, 9(2), 124-124.
- Broad and strong memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells induced by SARS-CoV-2 in UK convalescent COVID-19 patients.
- The impact of an updated pandemic H1N1 strain on shedding and immunogenicity to Russian-backbone live attenuated influenza vaccine among children in The Gambia: an open-label, observational, phase 4 study.. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.
- Correction: Resisting Immune Exhaustion in HIV-1 Infection. PLoS Medicine, 5(6), e134-e134.
- Isolated endogenous endophthalmitis secondary to Nocardia spp in an immunocompetent adult. Journal of Clinical Pathology, 59(11), 1226-1226.
- periscope: sub-genomic RNA identification in SARS-CoV-2 ARTIC Network Nanopore Sequencing Data.
- Routine measurement of serum procalcitonin allows antibiotics to be safely withheld in patients admitted to hospital with SARS-CoV-2 infection.. View this article in WRRO
- Complexities in predicting the immunogenicity of live attenuated influenza vaccines. Clinical Infectious Diseases. View this article in WRRO
- Genomic and Epidemiological Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Viruses in Sri Lanka. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12.
- Poor Antibody Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Vaccination Are Associated With High Re-Infection Rates in Haemodialysis and Renal Transplant Patients.
- Examining the Immunological Effects of COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients with Conditions Potentially Leading to Diminished Immune Response Capacity – The OCTAVE Trial.
- Co-Infections, Secondary Infections, and Antimicrobial Usage in Hospitalised Patients with COVID-19 from the ISARIC WHO CCP-UK Study: A Prospective, Multicentre Cohort Study.
- Pre-Existing Upregulation of Interferon Pathways in the Nasopharynx Impacts Viral Shedding Following Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine Challenge in Children.
- Characterisation of SARS-CoV-2 Membrane Protein-Specific Antibodies as an Additional Serological Target Following COVID-19 Infections Identified Through a High Content Microscopy-Based Platform.
- Interactions between Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine and the Nasopharyngeal Microbiota Among Children Aged 24-59 Months in the Gambia: A Phase IV Open Label, Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial.
- Streptococcus Pyogenes Carriage and Infection within Households in the Gambia: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.
- SARS-CoV-2 Incidence and Re-Infection During Delta and Omicron Ba.1 Waves in the Gambia: Results from a Prospective Household Cohort Study in a Population with Low SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Coverage.
- Immunogenicity of SARSCoV2 Third Dose Vaccine Strategies in Immunocompromised Patients with Suboptimal Immunity Following Two Doses (OCTAVE-DUO): An Open-Label, Multi-Centre, Randomised, Controlled Phase III Trial.
Chapters
- List of Contributors, Infectious Diseases (pp. xv-xxxvi). Elsevier
- Managing the Patient with Recurring Skin Infections, Infectious Diseases (pp. 133-135.e1). Elsevier
- Immune Mechanisms of Viral Control in HIV-2 Infection, Models of Protection Against HIV/SIV (pp. 293-315). Elsevier
- Contributors, Models of Protection Against HIV/SIV (pp. xi-xii). Elsevier
Conference proceedings papers
- Viral microneutralization assay to determine seasonal influenza vaccine immunogenicity in the first year post reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic HSCT. BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION, Vol. 52 (pp S269-S270)
- Routine Vaccination Programme (RVP) Practice after Adult and Paediatric Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT): A British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (BSBMT) Survey of UK NHS-Based Programmes. BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION, Vol. 51 (pp S400-S401)
- A study of adherence to a vaccination schedule following adult allogenic haematopoietic stem cell transplants in UK transplant centre. BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION, Vol. 50 (pp S203-S204)
Preprints
- Molecular characterisation ofStreptococcus pyogenes(StrepA) non-invasive isolates during the 2022-23 UK upsurge, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Molecular methods enhance the detection of pyoderma-related Streptococcus pyogenes and emm-type distribution in children, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Efficient overexpression and purification of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid proteins in Escherichia coli, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Large scale phenotyping of long COVID inflammation reveals mechanistic subtypes of disease after COVID-19 hospitalisation, Research Square Platform LLC.
- Obesity Differs from Diabetes Mellitus in Antibody and T Cell Responses Post COVID-19 Recovery, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Large scale phenotyping of long COVID inflammation reveals mechanistic subtypes of disease, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- CD4+ and CD8+ T cell and antibody correlates of protection against Delta vaccine breakthrough infection: A nested case-control study within the PITCH study, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Omicron BA.1/BA.2 infections in triple-vaccinated individuals enhance a diverse repertoire of mucosal and blood immune responses, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- EARLY ACQUISITION AND CARRIAGE OF GENETICALLY DIVERSE MULTI-DRUG RESISTANT GRAM-NEGATIVE BACILLI IN HOSPITALISED SMALL VULNERABLE NEWBORNS IN THE GAMBIA, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Nasal IgA wanes 9 months after hospitalisation with COVID-19 and is not induced by subsequent vaccination, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infections in The Gambia, March 2020 to Jan 2022, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection with LamPORE, a high-throughput platform combining loop-mediated isothermal amplification and nanopore sequencing, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Generation of a novel SARS-CoV-2 sub-genomic RNA due to the R203K/G204R variant in nucleocapsid: homologous recombination has potential to change SARS-CoV-2 at both protein and RNA level, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- High burden and seasonal variation of paediatric scabies and pyoderma prevalence in The Gambia: a cross-sectional study, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Circulation of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Outcome of COVID-19 in hospitalised immunocompromised patients: an analysis of the WHO ISARIC CCP-UK prospective cohort study, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- How acceptable is rapid whole genome sequencing for infectious disease management in hospitals? Perspectives of those involved in managing nosocomial SARS-CoV-2, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Evolution of long-term hybrid immunity in healthcare workers after different COVID-19 vaccination regimens: a longitudinal observational cohort study, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of rapid SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing in supporting infection control teams: the COG-UK hospital-onset COVID-19 infection study, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Comparison of two T cell assays to evaluate T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 following vaccination in naïve and convalescent healthcare workers, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Spatial Growth Rate of Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Lineages in England, September 2020–December 2021, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Ghana: Leveraging an Integrated National Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 Platform.
- Evolution of Long-Term Hybrid Immunity in Healthcare Workers after Different Covid-19 Vaccination Regimens: A Longitudinal Observational Cohort Study.
- A high content microscopy-based platform for detecting antibodies to the nucleocapsid, spike and membrane proteins of SARS-CoV-2, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Characteristics and outcomes of an international cohort of 400,000 hospitalised patients with Covid-19, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Comparative genomic analysis of skin and soft tissue Streptococcus pyogenes isolates from low- and high-income settings, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence following the first pandemic wave in UK healthcare workers in a large NHS Foundation Trust.
- SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 is associated with greater disease severity among hospitalised women but not men, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Divergent trajectories of antiviral memory after SARS-Cov-2 infection, Research Square Platform LLC.
- The Impact of Viral Mutations on Recognition by SARS-CoV-2 Specific T-Cells.
- Genomic and epidemiological analysis of SARS-CoV-2 viruses in Sri Lanka, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Protocol for the COG-UK hospital onset COVID-19 infection (HOCI) multicentre interventional clinical study: evaluating the efficacy of rapid genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in United Kingdom NHS hospitals, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- T-Cell and Antibody Responses to First BNT162b2 Vaccine Dose in Previously SARS-CoV-2-Infected and Infection-Naive UK Healthcare Workers: A Multicentre, Prospective, Observational Cohort Study.
- Altered Subgenomic RNA Expression in SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Infections.
- Early analysis of a potential link between viral load and the N501Y mutation in the SARS-COV-2 spike protein, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Importance of patient bed pathways and length of stay differences in predicting COVID-19 bed occupancy in England, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Genomic epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Zimbabwe: Role of international travel and regional migration in spread, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Sustained T Cell Immunity, Protection and Boosting Using Extended Dosing Intervals of BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine.
- The Effect of Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine on Pneumococcal Colonisation Densities Among Children Aged 24-59 Months in the Gambia - A Phase IV, Open Label, Randomised Controlled Trial.
- The Alpha Variant B.1.1.7 Was Not Associated With Excess Healthcare Acquired COVID-19 Infection in a Multi-Centre UK Hospital Study.
- Pre-Existing Upregulation of Interferon Pathways in the Nasopharynx Impacts Viral Shedding Following Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine Challenge in Children.
- Co-Infections, Secondary Infections, and Antimicrobial Usage in Hospitalised Patients with COVID-19 from the ISARIC WHO CCP-UK Study: A Prospective, Multicentre Cohort Study.
- Examining the Immunological Effects of COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients with Conditions Potentially Leading to Diminished Immune Response Capacity – The OCTAVE Trial.
- Estimated transmissibility and impact of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 in England, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Intense and Mild Wave of COVID-19 in the Gambia: A Cohort Analysis.
- Intense and Mild Wave of COVID-19 in The Gambia: a Cohort Analysis, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Impact of intra-partum Azithromycin on carriage of group A streptococcus in The Gambia: a posthoc analysis of a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Rapid feedback on hospital onset SARS-CoV-2 infections combining epidemiological and sequencing data.
- T cell assays differentiate clinical and subclinical SARS-CoV-2 infections from cross-reactive antiviral responses.
- In-depth Analysis of Laboratory Parameters Reveals the Interplay Between Sex, Age and Systemic Inflammation in Individuals with COVID-19.
- D614G Spike Mutation Increases SARS CoV-2 Susceptibility to Neutralization, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Spike mutation pipeline reveals the emergence of a more transmissible form of SARS-CoV-2, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Antibody testing for COVID-19: A report from the National COVID Scientific Advisory Panel, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Use of a pandemic H1N1 strain with updated haemagglutinin and neuraminidase results in increased nasopharyngeal shedding and improved immunogenicity to Russian-backbone live attenuated influenza vaccine among children aged 2 – 4 years old: an open-label, prospective, observational, phase 4 study in The Gambia, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Genomic and epidemiological evidence of a dominant Panton-Valentine leucocidin-positive Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus lineage in Sri Lanka with spread to the United Kingdom and Australia, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- The Alpha Variant B.1.1.7 Was Not Associated With Excess Healthcare Acquired COVID-19 Infection in a Multi-Centre UK Hospital Study.
- Intrahost evolution of the HIV-2 capsid correlates with progression to AIDS, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
- Teaching interests
-
I am involved in delivering the undergraduate (MBChB) Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and Microbiology curriculum at the University of Sheffield. I also lecture on the MSc in Antimicrobial Resistance (MED404), Molecular Medicine MSc (MED6006) and Pharmacology of Respiratory Disease (CDL302, Biomedical Science).
- Professional activities and memberships
-
National and International
- British Infection Association Scientific and Research Secretary (2023 - )
- Wellcome Trust Early Career Award Interview Committee, Infection and Immunobiology (2022 - )
- Africa Research Excellence Fund (https://www.africaresearchexcellencefund.org.uk/) College of Experts (2022 - )
- Chair, Vaccines Subcommittee, British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and cellular therapy (BSBMTCt), vaccination subcommittee (2023 - )
- Associate Editor, Journal of Infection (2019 - )
Local
- Co-Director, Florey Institute of Infection (2023 - )
- Director of CL3 suite, Medical School, University of Sheffield (2022 - )
- UREC Ethics reviewer for Medical School (2022 -)
- University of Sheffield Biosafety Committee (2019 -)
- Research themes and key projects
Mucosal and systemic immunity to respiratory viruses
- Hybrid immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in Zimbabwean adults with HIV and other chronic diseases (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2023 – 2026). Key collaborators: Professor Sarah Rowland-Jones, Professor Katharina Kranzer, Professor Andrew Prendergast.
- Study of SARS-CoV-2 systemic and mucosal immunity within a household transmission study in The Gambia (UKRI). Key collaborators: Prof. Beate Kampmann, Professor Adam Kucharski.
- Study of SARS-CoV-2 T-cell and antibody responses as part of the PITCH study, OCTAVE study and IMMPROVE consortium (2024 – 2028).
- Part of a consortium to establish a Global Paediatric Cell Atlas of Nasal and Oral Mucosa (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, 2021 – 2025).
- Supervisor for Dr. Ben Lindsey, Wellcome Trust 4ward North Clinical PhD fellowship on inflammatory memory in the upper respiratory tract following respiratory viral infections (2023 – 2026).
Epidemiology of respiratory viruses
- Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses by establishment of a sentinel surveillance platform for influenza-like illness in The Gambia, along with a household transmission cohort (TransVir) with Prof. Beate Kampmann, Professor Adam Kucharski, Dr. Abdul Karim Sesay.
- University of Sheffield lead for the COVID-19 Genomics Consortium UK (COG-UK), using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) to sequence SARS-CoV-2 isolates in South Yorkshire. Building on our group’s sequencing expertise gained during this project, we are now focusing on optimising ONT-based assays with direct utility in NHS diagnostic microbiology and virology laboratories. This aligns work with key deliverables our group are leading within the Infection and Immunity Theme of NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).
The epidemiology and immune responses to Streptococcus pyogenes
Several clinical and molecular epidemiology studies forming part of the MRC Unit The Gambia Strep A research portfolio, with Dr. Claire Turner (School of Biosciences), Prof. Michael Marks (LSHTM) and Prof Ed Clarke (MRC Gambia).
- Co-supervisor for three Wellcome Trust Clinical PhD Training Fellows in Global Health (Dr. Edwin Armitage, Dr. Alex Keeley, Dr Ed Monk) who are using the platform of a household and school transmission studies to explore transmission and natural immunity to S. pyogenes.
- Co-lead at the MRC Gambia in a global network of scientists seeking to define correlates of immune protection in natural infection with Streptococcus pyogenes (iSpy Network, 2023 - 2027).
- Lead for immunology studies across UoS and MRC Gambia in a Wellcome Trust funded S. pyogenes human challenge study to establish correlates of protection (2025 – 2027).