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Dr. Margaret Oluwatoyin Japhet is an Associate Professor of Virology at the Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. She completed her undergraduate and master’s studies in Microbiology and Virology respectively, from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Dr Japhet completed her doctorate study in Microbiology at Ekiti State University, Nigeria, and Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany, where the molecular aspect of the work was carried out. She is a fellow of the EDCTP (European and Developing Countries Clinical Trial Partnership) and New York Academy of Science, being awarded different grants for viral studies by both organizations. In addition, she is a faculty member as a visiting Professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, Howard University, USA. Dr Japhet’s research focus is on immunology of viral infections, diagnosis, and control.
Tell us a bit about the current research work that you are part of?
I am currently involved in the development of nanoparticle-based immunoassay kit for detection of rotavirus diarrhoea using cotton swab, rotavirus antigen, monoclonal antibody and nanobeads. Group A rotavirus (RVA) is the most common cause of severe diarrhoea in infants and young children worldwide, accounting for about 60% of all diarrheal episodes in developing countries, yet its routine diagnosis is scarce in developing counties due to cost, equipment and need for trained personnel. Our study is on development of a rapid, sensitive, simple, and equipment-free rotavirus kit, suitable for use in low-income areas with limited access to laboratory facilities and trained personnel.
What made you choose the field of Immunology over others?
My immunology study is attached to virology. Immunology is core to viral studies and virology cannot be complete without immunology. There is the need to know how viruses affect the body and how the immune system reacts to fight these infections. This is the basis of vaccinology/control of viral infections.
What drew you to Immunopaedia?
I became aware of Immunopaedia during the Immuno-Gambia course which held at Banjul, the Gambia in 2016. I enjoyed the training, and I was invited to become an Immunopaedia Ambassador amongst all the Nigeria participants. I have since been involved in writing “Breaking News,” creating videos on immunology, and recently, I assisted in the preparation of pre-course material.
What advice do you have for fellow researchers that are interested in Immunology?
Interest, passion, and determination! They should not give up on an initial challenge in comprehension. They can get basic knowledge from the Immunopaedia website for a start.
If you were not involved in Immunology, what other scientific fields do you see yourself contributing to?
I can’t think of any!
If you could learn and perform the assay/laboratory technique of your dreams, which one would that be and why?
Whole genome sequencing and next generation sequencing, because this could help to detect both known and novel viral transcripts.
If anyone was visiting Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria for the first time, what do you feel are top 5 things they must not leave without experiencing?
- Visiting the Obafemi Awolowo University Campus, Africa most beautiful Institution with architectural master pieces
- Visiting the Oni of Ife Palace, the ancient Yoruba heritage
- Ife Grant Resort Centre
- Ojaja Mall
- Country Kitchen Eatery for sumptuous meals and drinks
Recent Publications:
Adesina, O.A., Akanbi, O.A., Opaleye, O.O., Japhet M.O., Wang, B., Oluyege, A.O., Klink P., Bock, C.T. (2021). Detection of Q129H Immune Escape Mutation in Apparently Healthy Hepatitis B Virus Carriers in Southwestern Nigeria. Viruses. 29;13(7):1273 pgs 1-14. –
Omotade, T.I., Babalola, T.E., Anyabolu, C.H., Japhet, M.O. (2023). Rotavirus and Bacterial Diarrhoea Among Children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria: Burden, Risk Factors and Seasonality. PLOS ONE.18(9):1-16.
Japhet, M.O., Adama, T.U., Oyewale, A.P., Omotade, T. I., Awe, A., Elujoba S. O. (2023). High Prevalence of Hepatitis E IgM Antibody among pregnant women in their Second and Third Trimester in Southwest Nigeria. Pan African Journal of Life sciences (PAJOLS). 7(3): 699-705
