UKZN’s youngest PhD graduate has eyes on becoming professor

At the age of 26, Mikyle David is the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s youngest PhD graduate, obtaining his Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine).

David, from Northdale in Pietermaritzburg, was the youngest of the PhD graduates at the university’s spring graduation this week.

From graduating with a Master’s degree in Medical Sciences: Physiology summa cum laude, David graduated with a PhD in Optics and Imaging in obstetrics and gynaecology for his study on the synergy in HIV infection and preeclampsia (hypertension in pregnant women).

David’s doctoral study was on preeclampsia (PE), a complex medical disorder that accounts for the majority of maternal and foetal deaths globally and impacts mothers who are HIV positive.

The study investigated the association and the prevalence of genetic variants of complement C3 (C3rs2230199; C3rs1047286 and C3rs344555) in the synergy of PE and HIV infection in South African women of African lineage.

The complement protein, C3, activates the body’s natural defence against HIV infection and the exacerbated inflammatory state of PE. C3 is the central and most abundant complement protein, and functions to activate the complement system in the presence of foreign invaders.

Regardless of pregnancy type, PE versus non-PE samples, David’s study found a significant difference in C3 concentration between the HIV-negative and HIV-positive individuals. As a result, complement C3 levels may be raised in the duality of PE and HIV infection. Hence, women are more likely to get PE, and HIV infection is more severe, susceptible and transmissible.

“I looked at HIV-associated preeclampsia. In my honours study I learnt about preeclampsia and I liked the topic and decided to do my masters on preeclampsia and furthered my research with my PhD. We hear about HIV and TB and don’t realise that with maternal health during pregnancy how much of an issue there is. Preeclampsia is a big concern and in KwaZulu-Natal the maternal deaths attributed to preeclampsia is almost 80%. I still believe a lot more research needs to be done on this.

“I didn’t realise that during preeclampsia how much HIV affects the physiology of pregnancy. I looked at what proteins are elevated and I also did a genetic component looking for potential biomarkers. This made a very interesting PhD,” he said.

David, who has two prosthetic limbs, was diagnosed at birth with deformed tibia and fibula bones. He was also born with a cleft hand – without two fingers on his right hand. Due to the deformities with the bones in his legs, at the age of three he underwent a double amputation from above his knee.

He said he always had a goal to further his studies and didn’t allow his disability to stand in his way.

“I always enjoyed studying biology in school and the human body and its systems fascinated me and it helped that my mother was a nurse, so I guess I’ve always been around the health sciences,” he said.

David said his PhD was “only the beginning of my studies in this field”, adding that he wants to become a professor.

David is currently a post-doctoral fellow at the University of the Free State in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and hopes to embark on a career in academia.

“I want to get into lecturing. As much as I enjoy research I feel as a lecturer you can make a strong impression on young people who want to pursue their post-graduate studies. I believe we need more researchers in the field.”