Dr. Lerato Mohapi

Lerato Mohapi is an infectious diseases researcher whose work centers on tuberculosis and HIV, with emphasis on treatment optimization, prevention, and long-term outcomes in high-burden settings. Involvement in major international phase 3 trials has shaped evidence for shortened rifapentine-based regimens for drug-susceptible TB and their safe use alongside antiretroviral therapy. Contributions also extend to first-line HIV therapeutics, including long-term evaluations of doravirine.

Research highlights include risk-stratified approaches to pulmonary TB, identification of pharmacokinetic drivers of treatment response, and modeling studies supporting simplified rifapentine dosing with efavirenz. Work in household contacts of drug-resistant TB has clarified determinants of infection and disease progression, informing targeted prevention strategies. Studies on anemia, inflammation, and TB risk in advanced HIV further demonstrate expertise in translational and clinical epidemiology.

Additional contributions span vaccine immunogenicity in people living with HIV and therapeutic trials for emerging infections such as COVID-19. Across publications, a consistent strength lies in integrating clinical trials, pharmacology, and biomarker analyses to guide policy-relevant interventions that improve outcomes in vulnerable populations.