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

Author: mycolabadmin
1/2/2025
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Summary

A study from Makerere University in Uganda found that funding has significantly boosted research on fungal diseases among graduate students. The number of students focusing on medical mycology jumped from 16% to 40% between 2023 and 2024, with more advanced laboratory techniques being used. The research focused on serious fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis, which particularly affects people with HIV/AIDS. The university’s creation of a collaborative research group helped students work together and complete their projects on time.

Background

Medical mycology research has historically received limited funding and attention in developing countries despite the substantial global burden of fungal diseases. Uganda experiences a particularly high burden of invasive fungal diseases, with approximately 20% of the population affected. Previous data showed medical mycology comprised only 3.3% of postgraduate microbiology dissertations at Makerere University.

Objective

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

Results

Of 60 postgraduate medical microbiology dissertations analyzed, 18 (30%) focused on medical mycology. Medical mycology dissertations increased from 16% in 2023 to 40% in 2024. Cryptococcal meningitis was the most studied fungal disease (35.7%), followed by Candida (28.6%). Polymerase chain reaction (50%) and semi-automated culture (35.7%) were the most commonly used laboratory methods. Timely completion rates were 75% in 2023 and 71.4% in 2024.

Conclusion

There has been a significant increase in medical mycology research among postgraduate microbiology students at Makerere University, largely attributable to increased funding from government, international, and non-governmental sources. The formation of the Makerere University Fungal Group promoted collaborative learning and further enhanced research productivity. Continued investment in medical mycology research is essential for addressing the public health challenges posed by fungal diseases in Uganda and similar resource-limited settings.

Published in:International Journal of Infectious Diseases Regional,
Study Type:Retrospective Analysis,
Source: PMID: 39895834, DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100562