One Health Research Unit

1726649612868

The One Health Research Unit is dedicated to understanding and mitigating infectious diseases at the human-animal-environment interface. The research focuses on zoonotic pathogens, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and environmentally transmitted diseases, with a particular emphasis on Mycobacteria spp. of public health concern.

Genomic Surveillance & Pathogen Biology

Use of whole-genome sequencing, metagenomics, and bioinformatics to characterise mycobacterial pathogens in wildlife, livestock, and environmental reservoirs. This helps identify emerging trends in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and transmission pathways across species.

Host-Pathogen Interactions & Immunology

Investigating immune responses and susceptibility factors in various host species, with a focus on bovine tuberculosis (bTB), atypical mycobacteriosis, and co-infections. Developing high-yield antigen expression systems to study immune mechanisms and improve diagnostics.

Diagnostic Assay Development

Designing and validating species-specific diagnostic assays for early disease detection and surveillance. This has contributed to the development of ELISA-based tests, molecular diagnostics, and point-of-care tools for zoonotic TB and other mycobacterial infections.

Environmental & Epidemiological Studies

Assessing waterborne and soil-dwelling mycobacteria, investigating their impact on the health of humans, livestock, and wildlife. The research informs biosecurity measures and One Health strategies for managing mycobacterial outbreaks in high-risk environments.

By integrating molecular biology, epidemiology, and immunology, the One Health Research Unit aims to deliver evidence-based solutions for the prevention, surveillance, and control of zoonotic diseases. Their work supports public health policy, agricultural sustainability, and wildlife conservation, emphasising the critical role of a One Health approach in tackling emerging infectious diseases.

National Collaborations

  1. SAMRC Genomics Centre
  2. African Health Research Institute
  3. National Health Laboratory Service
  4. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases of South Africa
  5. South African National Parks – Kruger National Park
  6. Ezemvelo Wildlife – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
  7. University of the Western Cape
  8. Wildlife Ranching South Africa
  9. University of Cape Town
  10. Stellenbosch University


Prof Wynand Goosen
GoosenWJ@ufs.ac.za
Publications

International Collaborations

  1. University of Aberdeen (UK)
  2. University of Glasgow (UK)
  3. Utrecht University (Netherlands)
  4. St George’s University of London (UK)
  5. Cepheid® (California, USA)
  6. International Livestock Research Institute (Kenya) & University of Liverpool (UK)
  7. Smithsonian Institution (USA)
  8. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (USA)
  9. Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University (Canada)
  10. The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (UK)
  11. Aberystwyth University (Wales)
  12. University College Dublin – School of Veterinary Medicine (Ireland)
  13. University of Zurich (Switzerland)
  14. The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford (UK)
  15. The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies & The Roslin Institute, Edinburgh (Scotland)
  16. Scotland Rural College (Scotland)

Research Groups
Human & Animal Health
Microbiology and Biochemistry Home



BLOEMFONTEIN CAMPUS FACULTY CONTACT

Elfrieda van den Berg (Marketing Manager)
T: +27 51 401 2531
E:vdberge@ufs.ac.za

QWAQWA CAMPUS FACULTY CONTACT

Dilahlwane Mohono (Faculty Officer)
T: +27 58 718 5284
E:naturalscienceqq@ufs.ac.za

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