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Increasing postgraduate medical mycology research dissertations at Uganda’s higher institution of learning

Summary

This study shows how providing research funding helped increase medical mycology studies at a Ugandan university. Over just two years, the percentage of graduate student research focused on fungal diseases jumped from 16% to 40%. Students studied important fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis and candida, using modern laboratory techniques. The research group’s collaborative learning approach and financial support enabled students to complete their studies on time and advance understanding of fungal diseases that significantly impact public health.

Background

Medical mycology has historically received limited attention and funding in developing countries despite the significant burden of fungal diseases. In Uganda, approximately 20% of the population is affected by invasive fungal diseases, with cryptococcal meningitis being a leading cause of mortality in HIV/AIDS patients. Previous research showed that medical mycology comprised only 3.3% of postgraduate dissertations at Makerere University.

Objective

This study aims to illuminate the positive impact of increased funding support on postgraduate medical mycology research at Makerere University. The researchers report changes in the proportion of medical mycology dissertation topics, diversity of research topics, laboratory methods used, and student completion rates from 2023 to 2024.

Results

Medical mycology dissertations increased from 16% in 2023 to 40% in 2024. Cryptococcal meningitis was the most studied fungal disease at 35.7%, followed by Candida at 28.6%. Polymerase chain reaction and semi-automated culture were the most commonly used laboratory methods. Timely completion rates were 75% in 2023 and 71.4% in 2024, with funding enabling student success.

Conclusion

Enhanced funding has driven a significant increase in medical mycology research at Makerere University with improved research output, topic diversification, advanced methodologies, and higher completion rates. The formation of the Makerere University Fungal Group promoted collaborative learning and research innovation. Continued investment in medical mycology research funding and capacity building is essential to address the burden of fungal diseases in Uganda.
  • Published in:IJID Regional,
  • Study Type:Retrospective Analysis,
  • Source: PMID: 39895834; DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100562
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