About

I am a Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Derby. My current role focuses on teaching and research across both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

I was awarded a prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship to pursue Medical Microbiology studies at the University of Liverpool. I hold a PhD in Medical Microbiology/Virology, which I obtained at the University of Plymouth in collaboration with Imperial College London through a PhD scholarship funded by the MRC/NHS Trust. I also received a Postdoctoral Research Associate Award (PDRA) jointly funded by the Wellcome Trust, and the University of Malawi.

I am working with Professor Mark Faghy who established a strong research platform trying to identify mechanisms of Long-COVID. I welcome potential PhD candidates who are interested in investigating clinical, immunological, and cellular features of patients infected with COVID-19 to improve understanding of Long COVID pathology.

Currently, I am supervising 2 PhD students who are in the final stages of their research.

Teaching responsibilities

I am responsible for leading a Medical Microbiology course within our Biomedical and Forensic Sciences department offered to both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. I design, deliver and implement the module requirements that include summative and formative assessments, providing timely feedback/feedforward, as well as personal academic tutoring.

Some of the modules I teach on include: (4BY536) Introduction to Biomedical Science, (5BY543) Microbiology, (5BY544) Clinical Immunology, (5BY545) Diagnostic Molecular Biology, (5BY546) Haematology, (6BY529) Medical Microbiology, (6BY993) Research Project, (7FO999) Research project, (7EL996) Independent Scholarly Activity, (7BY511) Applied Microbial Biotechnology.

Professional interests

I am interested in collaborating with like-minded individuals from academic, non-academic, and industrial backgrounds with a multidisciplinary approach to research and practice. My main interests are in medical microbiology, viral immunology, and molecular microbiology in understanding the immunological and molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis. Much effort nationally and internationally will be dedicated to the development and establishment of professional networks and collaborations that involve winning grants. I aim to attract top PhD, and talented Postdoctoral Researchers to be involved in our multidisciplinary research work.

Currently, my research work involves understanding the pathogenesis and mechanism of Long COVID. I also welcome collaborators and potential PhD students in viral hepatitis work.

Research interests

I am broadly interested in host-viral interactions in understanding viral pathogenesis and their elicited immune responses. During my PhD studies, I conducted research at Imperial College London at the South Kensington campus. This offered me a great opportunity to gain useful research skills in a world-class research institution.

During this time, I developed some additional skills in metabonomics, methodological design, creativity, and critical thinking. The programme involved some practical aspects in Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) techniques including data analysis and interpretation. I gained invaluable experience from world-leading experts focussing on innovation.

My PhD work mainly focussed on the different strategies to identify characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) resistance and possible immunological mechanisms that protect the HCV-exposed uninfected population. In it, I explored the involvement of viral-lipid interaction, as well as the role of innate immune response in conferring resistance to individuals who get exposed to HCV but remain uninfected.

Over the years, I have gained essential transferrable skills in molecular techniques, and Immunology utilizing Cell culture, ELISPOT, ELISA, Luminex, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods. During my PDRA award funded by the Wellcome Trust, I investigated rotavirus-specific B cell subsets in under-five children presenting with gastroenteritis at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. I gained some basic hands-on immunological phenotyping skills using FlowJo for the analysis of Flow Cytometry (BD LSRFortessa) data.

Membership of professional bodies

• Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (FIBMS) UK
• Microbiology Society
• Member of the Medical Council of Malawi
• Member of the American Society for Microbiology

Qualifications

• PhD Medical Microbiology/Virology – University of Plymouth, UK
• MSc Medical Microbiology – University of Liverpool, UK
• General Teaching Associate (GTA) – University of Plymouth, UK

Recent conferences

• Chimberenga, S., Mgawa, A., James, G., Jumbe, E., Van Hout, MC., Nyirenda, M., Shawa, IT. Unsafe Sexual practice prior to incarceration, a high-risk factor of HBV and HIV infection among prisoners in Blantyre, Malawi.  International Network on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU) Conference, Geneva Switzerland, 2023
• Stockdale, A., Kreuels, B., Shawa, I., Silungwe, N., Chetcuti, K., Joekes, E., Mbale, B., Mallewa, J., Tannich, E., Weiler-Normann, C. and Lüetgehetman, M., 2023. P34 Aetiology and outcomes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in Blantyre, Malawi
• Stockdale AJ, Kreuels B, Shawa IT, Geretti AM, Gordon MA. Aetiology and outcomes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre, Malawi. Conference on Liver Disease in Africa (COLDA) (Digital). Sept 2020. https://academicmedicaleducation.com/conference-liver-disease-africa-2020
• Stockdale AJ, Silungwe NM, Shawa IT, Kreuels B, Everett D, Gordon MA, Geretti AM. Performance of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in Malawi: A comparative evaluation in community and inpatient populations with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Conference on Liver Disease in Africa (COLDA) (Digital). Sept 2020. https://academicmedicaleducation.com/conference-liver-disease-africa-2020
• Stockdale AJ, Meiring J, Shawa IT, Thindwa D, Silungwe N, Mbewe M, Mitambo C, Kachala R, Kreuels B, Patel P, Patel P, Gordon SB, Geretti AM, Gordon MA. Evaluation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) epidemiology, vaccine impact and treatment eligibility: a census-based community    serological survey in Blantyre, Malawi. International Liver Congress: European Association for the Study of the Liver (Digital). Journal of Hepatology; 2020: 73:S790: abstract SAT274, page S790: https://ilc-congress.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/digital-ilc-2020-abstract-book-20-august.pdf
• Stockdale AJ, Shawa I, Everett D, Geretti AM, Gordon MA. Epidemiology of hepatitis B and evaluation of vaccine efficacy in a census-based community serosurvey of Ndriande township in Blantyre, Malawi. 11th European Congress on Tropical Medicine and International Health, Liverpool, UK. Abstract published in Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2019;113:S225
• Stockdale A, Meiring J, Shawa IT, Thindwa D, Silungwe N, Mbewe M, Mitambo C, Kachala R, Kreuels B, Patel P, Patel P. Evaluation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) epidemiology, vaccine impact and treatment eligibility: a census-based community serological survey in Blantyre, Malawi. Journal of Hepatology. 2020 Aug 1;73:S790
• Bassendine M, Pagano S, Bridge S, Sheridan D, Shawa I, Cramp M, et al. SAT-221-Autoantibodies to apolipoprotein A1 (apoA-1): A new prognostic biomarker in HCV infection. J Hepatol. 2019; doi: 10.1016/s0618-8278(19)31454-9
• Shawa I., Bennett K, Sheridan D, et al. Upregulated innate immune responses in a hepatitis C virus exposed uninfected cohort. J Hepatol 2018;68:S798. doi:10.1016/S0168-8278(18)31867-1. France. Poster
• Shawa IT, Cox IJ, Riva A, et al. Urine Metabolic Profiling Distinguishes HCV Exposed Uninfected Injection Drug Users From Those With Chronic Or Resolved HCV Infection. In: British Association for the study of the Liver Annual Meeting. 2016. Manchester, UK.  Poster
• Shawa IT, Gomez Romero M, Pechlivanis A, et al. Serum lipid profiling using Ultra-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS) discriminates HCV exposed uninfected injection drug users from those susceptible to infection. In: British Association for the study of the Liver. 2016. Manchester, UK. Poster
• Sheridan DA, Gomez Romero M, Bridge S, Crossey M, Shawa IT, Neely D, Felmlee D, Holmes E, Bassendine M, Taylor-Robinson S. P0725 : Lipidomics analysis of fasting serum identifies novel lipid biomarkers specific for HCV genotype 3 and genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C virus infection. J Hepatol [Internet] 2015;62:S596 [DOI: 10.1016/S0168-8278(15)30928-4]; Spain. Poster

Experience in industry

I have worked as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Malawi College of Medicine, an opportunity that enhanced my professional development skills. While working at the University of Malawi, I performed several duties that included but were not limited to:

• Head of Department 
• Research Ethics Committee (Central IRB) – Member
• University Senate Committee (Academic Board) – Faculty/College Representative
• Module, Programme leadership; and Research Coordinator
• Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – Welcome Trust
• American Society for Microbiology (ASM) – Country Ambassador to Malawi
• And several other roles

I also conducted and completed two important consultancy services that were funded by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the European Union (EU) as follows:

• Improving the turnaround time for Malaria Testing at Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) ACCEPTED
• Implementation of HIV supplementary/Confirmatory testing system for the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) ACCEPTED

When the first case of SARS-CoV-2 was reported in Malawi, I was involved in COVID-19 molecular diagnostics and community services (that included the provision of professional guidance in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic); debunking the COVID-19 vaccination myths through Television and Radio interviews.

International experience

• I received the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) Travel Grant to visit the University of Tromsø in Tromsø, Norway to learn molecular virology research skills
• I attended a two-week training in viral research and diagnostics at CAVIDI, in Uppsala, Sweden to determine the HIV RT Viral Load and Drug Resistance
• I received a DELPHE (Development Partnerships in Higher Education) Travel grant to learn diagnostic medical virology at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, Scotland through funding from the UK Department for International Development (DFID)
• Prior to this, I visited Mindray company in Shenzhen, China for medical diagnostic instrumentation training
• I have presented research work at a conference in Geneva, Switzerland
• I attended several trainings, workshops and conferences in South Africa
• I attended several trainings, workshops and conferences in Malawi

Additional interests and activities

• Editorial Board Member – BMC Infectious Diseases
• University of Derby Ethics Committee  – Member

In the media

I have appeared in mainstream media in Malawi on different topics ranging from COVID-19, HIV, Hepatitis and others.

Recent publications

2024

• Madhlopa, Q.K., Mtumbuka, M., Kumwenda, J., Illingworth, T.A., Van Hout, M.C., Mfutso-Bengo, J., Mikeka, C. and Shawa, I.T., 2024. Factors affecting COVID-19 vaccine uptake in populations with higher education: insights from a cross-sectional study among university students in Malawi. BMC Infectious Diseases, 24(1), p.848
• Chimberenga, S., Phiri, V.S., Mgawa, A., James, G., Jumbe, E., Van Hout, M.C., Nyirenda, M. and Shawa, I.T., 2024. Unsafe sexual practices prior to incarceration, and early childhood transmission are potential high-risk factors of Hepatitis B and HIV infection among prisoners in Blantyre, Malawi. Microbes and Infectious Diseases
• Shawa, I.T., 2024. Antiviral properties of cannabidiol for the management of COVID-19. In Cannabis and Khat in Drug Discovery (pp. 137-151). Elsevier Science
• Guraka, A., Mierlea, S., Drake, S.J., Shawa, I.T., Waldron, J., Corcoran, M., Dowse, D., Walkman, D., Burn, L., Sivasubramaniam, S. and Kermanizadeh, A., 2024. A comprehensive toxicological analysis of panel of unregulated e-cigarettes to human health. Toxicology, 509, p.153964
• Lazarus, J.V., Mark, H.E., Allen, A.M., Arab, J.P., Carrieri, P., Noureddin, M., Alazawi, W., Alkhouri, N., Alqahtani, S.A., Anstee, Q.M. and Arrese, M., 2024. A global action agenda for turning the tide on fatty liver disease. Hepatology, 79(2), pp.502-523
• Fouad, Y., Ghazinyan, H., Alboraie, M., Al Khatry, M., Desalegn, H., Al-Ali, F., El-Shabrawi, M.H., Ocama, P., Derbala, M., Barakat, S. and Awuku, Y.A., 2024. Joint position statement from the Middle East and North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa on continuing to endorse the MAFLD definition. Journal of Hepatology, 80(5), pp.e194-e197

2023

• Allison, R., Guraka, A., Shawa, I.T., Tripathi, G., Moritz, W. and Kermanizadeh, A., 2023. Drug induced liver injury–a 2023 update. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B, pp.1-26
• Lazarus, J.V., Mark, H.E., Allen, A.M., Arab, J.P., Carrieri, P., Noureddin, M., Alazawi, W., Alkhouri, N., Alqahtani, S.A., Arrese, M. and Bataller, R., 2023. A global research priority agenda to advance public health responses to fatty liver disease. Journal of hepatology, 79(3), pp.618-634

2022

• Méndez-Sánchez, N., Bugianesi, E., Gish, R.G., Lammert, F., Tilg, H., Nguyen, M.H., Sarin, S.K., Fabrellas, N., Zelber-Sagi, S., Fan, J.G. and Shiha, G., 2022. Global multi-stakeholder endorsement of the MAFLD definition. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 7(5), pp.388-390
• Lazarus, J.V., Mark, H.E., Villota-Rivas, M., Palayew, A., Carrieri, P., Colombo, M., Ekstedt, M., Esmat, G., George, J., Marchesini, G. and Novak, K., 2022. The global NAFLD policy review and preparedness index: Are countries ready to address this silent public health challenge?. Journal of Hepatology, 76(4), pp.771-780
• Stockdale, A.J., Meiring, J.E., Shawa, I.T., Thindwa, D., Silungwe, N.M., Mbewe, M., Kachala, R., Kreuels, B., Patel, P., Patel, P. and Henrion, M.Y., 2022. Hepatitis B vaccination impact and the unmet need for antiviral treatment in Blantyre, Malawi. The Journal of infectious diseases, 226(5), pp.871-880
• Mhango, C., Mandolo, J.J., Chinyama, E., Wachepa, R., Kanjerwa, O., Malamba-Banda, C., Matambo, P.B., Barnes, K.G., Chaguza, C., Shawa, I.T. and Nyaga, M.M., 2022. Rotavirus genotypes in hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis before and after rotavirus vaccine introduction in Blantyre, Malawi, 1997–2019. The Journal of infectious diseases, 225(12), pp.2127-2136
• Sheridan, D.A., Shawa, I.T., Thomas, E.L., Felmlee, D.J., Bridge, S.H., Neely, D., Cobbold, J.F., Holmes, E., Bassendine, M.F. and Taylor-Robinson, S.D., 2022. Infection with the hepatitis C virus causes viral genotype-specific differences in cholesterol metabolism and hepatic steatosis. Scientific reports, 12(1), pp.1-11
• Benedicto-Matambo, P., Bines, J.E., Malamba-Banda, C., Shawa, I.T., Barnes, K., Kamng’ona, A.W., Hungerford, D., Jambo, K.C., Iturriza-Gomara, M., Cunliffe, N.A. and Flanagan, K.L., 2022. Leveraging Beneficial Off-Target Effects of Live-Attenuated Rotavirus Vaccines. Vaccines, 10(3), p.418
• Stockdale, A.J., Kreuels, B., Shawa, I.T., Meiring, J.E., Thindwa, D., Silungwe, N.M., Chetcuti, K., Joekes, E., Mbewe, M., Mbale, B. and Patel, P., 2022. A clinical and molecular epidemiological survey of hepatitis C in Blantyre, Malawi, suggests a historic mechanism of transmission. Journal of Viral Hepatitis, 29(4), pp.252-262

2021

• Sheridan DA, Shawa IT, Thomas EL, et al. Lipidomics and body fat composition analysis characterises specific differences in cholesterol metabolism and steatosis between hepatitis C virus genotypes 1 and 3. Research Square; 2021. DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-990460/v1
• Lazarus JV, Mark HE, Anstee QM, Arab JP, Batterham RL, Castera L, Cortez-Pinto H, Crespo J, Cusi K, Dirac MA, Francque S. Advancing the global public health agenda for NAFLD: a consensus statement. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2021 Oct 27:1-9
• Mandolo, J.J., Henrion, M.Y., Mhango, C., Chinyama, E., Wachepa, R., Kanjerwa, O., Malamba-Banda, C., Shawa, I.T., Hungerford, D., Kamng’ona, A.W. and Iturriza-Gomara, M., 2021. Reduction in severity of all-cause gastroenteritis requiring hospitalisation in children vaccinated against rotavirus in Malawi. Viruses, 13(12), p.2491
• Stockdale, A.J., Silungwe, N.M., Shawa, I.T., Kreuels, B., Gordon, M.A. and Geretti, A.M., 2021. Diagnostic performance evaluation of hepatitis B e antigen rapid diagnostic tests in Malawi. BMC infectious diseases, 21(1), pp.1-10

2020

• Munharo, S., Nayupe, S., Mbulaje, P., Patel, P., Banda, C., Gacutno, K.J.A., Lin, X. and Shawa, I.T., 2020. Challenges of COVID-19 testing in low-middle income countries (LMICs): the case of Malawi. Journal of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, 5(10.21037)

2017

• Shawa, I.T., Felmlee, D.J., Hegazy, D., Sheridan, D.A. and Cramp, M.E., 2017. Exploration of potential mechanisms of hepatitis C virus resistance in exposed uninfected intravenous drug users. Journal of Viral Hepatitis, 24(12), pp.1082-1088
• Shawa, I.T., Sheridan, D.A., Felmlee, D.J. and Cramp, M.E., 2017. Lipid interactions influence hepatitis C virus susceptibility and resistance to infection. Clinical Liver Disease, 10(1), p.17
• Chipetah, F., Chirambo, A., Billiat, E. and Shawa, I.T., 2017. Hepatitis B virus seroprevalence among Malawian medical students: a cross-sectional study. Malawi Medical Journal, 29(1), pp.29-31

Book Chapter Authorship

• Shawa, I.T., 2024. Antiviral properties of cannabidiol for the management of COVID-19. In Cannabis and Khat in Drug Discovery (pp. 137-151). Elsevier Science
• Shawa, I.T., 2019. Hepatitis B and C viruses. In Hepatitis B and C. IntechOpen