Ucheoma Ugoji

PhD Student in Biology, School of Life Science and the Environment, Royal Holloway, University of London, United Kingdom

Infections caused by fungi have become a major global problem in hospitals. The incidence of sepsis caused by fungi has increased since 1990s. The mortality and population affected by fungal infections is difficult to ascertain because there is little available data. The current available data worldwide are estimates that are reported in different ways. The incidence of Candida bloodstream infection (BSI) in Europe is estimated to range between 6.7 and 54 per 1,000 ICU admissions, with a mortality of 33.9–61.8 %. Candida species cause 8% to 10% of nosocomial blood stream infections. Despite the advances made in the diagnosis and treatment of candidiasis, the infection still causes high mortality rates . The rapid detection of Candida has become very important due to the increased incidence of Candida infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Current laboratory diagnostic procedures are time consuming and requires a minimum of a week to identify Candida species. There is a need for the development of new alternatives to circumvent these problems. Alternative fast, efficient specific and sensitive and economic diagnostic methods and tools are urgently required. I am interested in developing  new molecular diagnostic tools for the rapid detection of Candida species leading to better patient management and outcomes.

BSc in Microbiology, PgC in Biomedical Science, PgC in Public Health, MSc in Microbiology.

I am a registered Clinical Scientist and Biomedical Scientist .  I am involved in research and development of new molecular diagnostic assays for the detection of infectious diseases. I am currently working in a diagnostic NHS laboratory . My work involves testing patient samples recieved in the department . I am also involved in maintaining the quality management system in my department. I verify and validate new diagnostic tests before they are introduced into routine use. I conduct  training in the department as well.

Projects 

Effect of temperature on the antifungal and antibacterial activity of Tolypocladium cylindrosporium.

Development of  a novel DNA- based catalytic enzymes for the detection of Human pathogenic Candida infections.

Studies on the endoparasitic fauna of land snails (Achatina achatina and Achatina marginata) with reference to helminth infections.

Could mycoplasmas be as important pathogens as Chlamydia species in sexual health?

Publication

Characterisation of Norovirus Strains in Rural Ghanaian Children with Acute Diarrhoea (J Med Virol. 2006 Nov., 78(11): 1480-5