Dr Wilber Sabiiti
Principal Research Fellow
Biography
I am a biomedical scientist with interest in translational research, working on the interface of applied biological science and healthcare provision. My work takes a holistic approach from primary discovery and optimisation in the laboratory to addressing barriers of translating biomedical research innovations into policy and practice. Achieving this kind of work requires interdisciplinary approach and expertise, which I have achieved by bringing together international minds in various research consortia primary between UK and Africa but also continental Europe, Asia and North America. In recent years my group has focused on the development and optimisation of rapid tests for quantification of bacteria responsible for tuberculosis (TB) disease and exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This work has resulted in the tuberculosis Molecular Bacterial Load Assay (TB-MBLA), the first ever fully quantitative test for quantifying patient TB bacterial load and measuring the change of this load as patient responds to treatment. Working with interdisciplinary team of researchers from UK, USA and East Africa, we are investigating the biolgical and socioeconomic drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and more recently the impact of COVID-19 on antibiotics use and risk of AMR rise. Besides research I teach Introductory epidemiology & TB pathology, diagnosis and treatment to Bachelor of Medicine- and Interdisciplinary approaches to solving global health challenges to Master of International development- students. I belong to several international learned societies and I am a member of several professional committees and/or panels: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Academic Adviser panel, UK NIHR College of Experts for the Global Effort on COVID-19, COVID-19 Clinical Clinical Research Coalition Virology, Imunology & Diagnostics Working group, TDR/WHO AMR Knowledge management consultant and Newton fund Biomedical Science reviewer panel.
PhD supervision
- Ritah Nakiboneka
- Winters Muttamba
Selected publications
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Accuracy of the tuberculosis molecular bacterial load assay to diagnose and monitor response to anti-tuberculosis therapy: a longitudinal comparative study with standard-of-care smear microscopy, Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra, and culture in Uganda
Musisi, E., Wamutu, S., Ssengooba, W., Kasiinga, S., Sessolo, A., Sanyu, I., Kaswabuli, S., Zawedde, J., Byanyima, P., Kia, P., Muwambi, W., Toskin, D. T., Kigozi, E., Walbaum, N., Dombay, E., Legrady, M. B., Ssemambo, K. D-M., Joloba, M., Kuchaka, D., Worodria, W., & 3 others , 5 Mar 2024, (E-pub ahead of print) In: The Lancet Microbe.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Accuracy of the tuberculosis molecular bacterial load assay to diagnose and monitor response to anti-tuberculosis therapy: a longitudinal comparative study with standard-of-care smear microscopy, Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra, and culture in Uganda
Musisi, E., Wamutu, S., Ssengooba, W., Kasiinga, S., Sessolo, A., Sanyu, I., Kaswabuli, S., Zawedde, J., Byanyima, P., Kia, P., Muwambi, W., Toskin, D. T., Kigozi, E., Walbaum, N., Dombay, E., Legrady, M. B., Ssemambo, K. D-M., Joloba, M., Kuchaka, D., Worodria, W., & 3 others , Apr 2024, In: The Lancet Microbe. 5, 4, p. e345-e354Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Developing biomarkers assays to accelerate tuberculosis drug development: defining target product profiles
Gillespie, S. H., DiNardo, A. R., Georghiou, S. B., Sabiiti, W., Kohli, M., Panzner, U., Kontsevaya, I., Hittel, N., Stuyver, L. J., Tan, J. B., van Crevel, R., Lange, C., Nguyen, T. T. T., Heyckendorf, J., Ruhwald, M. & Heinrich, N., 9 May 2024, (E-pub ahead of print) In: The Lancet Microbe. In Press, 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
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Open access
Evidencing the intersection of environmental, socioeconomic, behavioural and demographic drivers of antibacterial resistance in East Africa
Keenan, K., Papathomas, M., Mshana, S. E., Asiimwe, B., Kiiru, J., Lynch, A. G., Kesby, M., Neema, S., Mwanga, J. R., Mushi, M. F., Green, D. L., Jing, W., Olamijuwon, E., Zhang, Q., Sippy, R., Fredricks, K. J., Gillespie, S. H., Sabiti, W., Bazira, J., Sloan, D. J., & 7 others , 15 Feb 2024, Rochester, NY: SSRN, 26 p.Research output: Working paper › Preprint
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Improved Diagnosis and Treatment Monitoring of Tuberculosis Using Stool and the Tuberculosis Bacterial Load Assay (TB-MBLA)
Musisi, E., Mtafya, B., Wambi, W. S., Zawedde, J., Sessolo, A., Ssengooba, W., Walbaum, N., Ntinginya, N. E., Gillespie, S. H. & Sabiiti, W., 2024, In: Methods in Molecular Biology. 2833, p. 153-160 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
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Laboratory validation of a simplified DNA extraction protocol followed by a portable qPCR detection of M. tuberculosis DNA suitable for point of care settings
Sabiiti, W., 8 May 2024, In: medRxiv.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
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Open access
Predominance of multidrug-resistant bacteria causing urinary tract infections among symptomatic patients in East Africa: a call for action
Maldonado-Barragán, A., Mshana, S. E., Keenan, K., Ke, X., Gillespie, S. H., Stelling, J., Maina, J., Bazira, J., Muhwezi, I., Mushi, M. F., Green, D. L., Kesby, M., Lynch, A. G., Sabiiti, W., Sloan, D. J., Sandeman, A., Kiiru, J., Asiimwe, B. & Holden, M. T. G., Feb 2024, In: JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance. 6, 1, 11 p., dlae019.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Quantifying Viable M. tuberculosis Safely Obviating the Need for High Containment Facilities
Mtafya, B., Musisi, E., Qwaray, P., Sichone, E., Walbaum, N., Ntinginya, N. E., Gillespie, S. H. & Sabiiti, W., 2024, In: Methods in Molecular Biology. 2833, p. 145-152 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
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Open access
Review 1: Laboratory validation of a simplified DNA extraction protocol followed by a portable qPCR detection of M. tuberculosis DNA suitable for point of care settings
Sabiiti, W., 8 May 2024, In: Rapid Reviews Infectious Diseases. 74b5vqb1.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Treatment seeking behaviours, antibiotic use and relationships to multi-drug resistance: A study of urinary tract infection patients in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda
HATUA Consortium, Feb 2024, In: PLOS Global Public Health. 4, 2, e0002709.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review