Monkgomotsi Maseng
Botswana Harvard Health Partnership (BHP) Gaborone, Botswana
Monkgomotsi Maseng is a laboratory scientist based at the University of Botswana. One of her key areas of focus is exploring the role of host factors, including genetic components, in the development of antimicrobial resistance and chronic inflammation. Through her research, she aims to shed light on the genetic variations among individuals, especially concerning. These genetic differences significantly influence treatment outcomes. In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, burdened with infectious diseases like HIV, TB, and malaria, it has become crucial to investigate drug-gene interactions as potential risk factors for treatment failure. Understanding these host factors can pave the way forward for the development of tailored prevention, control, and treatment methods. This tailored approach, rooted in the principles of pharmacogenetics, ensures efficient and safe treatments, minimising the risks of side effects and drug resistance.
Maseng’s research underscores the importance of personalised treatment strategies, emphasising the significance of dosage adjustments based on individual genetic profiles. By adopting this approach, therapeutic outcomes can be optimised, ultimately improving the effectiveness of treatments for HIV, TB, malaria, and other chronic infections.