As a young researcher with two years of experience in Human Challenge Model Studies, I have specialized in laboratory-based work involving Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 6B and 3. My primary responsibilities as a research assistant include inoculum preparation, carriage detection, results interpretation, and data analysis. I collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and ethical guidelines in human challenge studies. A notable aspect of our work is the in-house manufacturing of challenge bacteria used in these pneumococcal studies, highlighting our lab's capability for specialized microbial preparation. While my main focus has been on S. pneumoniae studies, I have also contributed to other microbiology projects, including a new Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) that will utilize BCG as the challenge agent. My skill set extends to handling biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) pathogens and performing techniques such as PCR. I am well-versed in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles, ensuring that all research activities meet the highest standards of quality and ethics. This diverse experience has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of microbiology research and human challenge models, positioning me as a valuable contributor to cutting-edge infectious disease studies.
Publications
a. Effect of 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine on Experimental Carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 6B in Blantyre, Malawi: A Randomized Controlled Trial and Controlled Human Infection Study published in The LANCET Microbe.
b. Poor association between 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccineinduced serum and mucosal antibody responses with experimental Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 6B colonization published in Vaccine.
c. Natural carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae is associated with increased experimental pneumococcal carriage but reduced conjugate vaccine efficacy in human challenge model published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Connect with Faith
Faith Thole - Research Assistant - Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme | LinkedIn