Draft:Robert Colebunders

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  • Comment: Still the same issues as my last decline. A lot of 'Career' is unsourced, all of 'Personal life' is unsourced - RichT|C|E-Mail 14:36, 24 January 2024 (UTC)
  • Comment: A lot of 'Career' is unsourced, all of 'Personal life' is unsourced - RichT|C|E-Mail 16:47, 10 October 2023 (UTC)


Robert Colebunders
Born (1950-04-19) 19 April 1950 (age 74)
NationalityBelgian
Alma materUniversity of Antwerp
Free University of Brussels
Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp
Scientific career
FieldsInfectious Diseases
InstitutionsGlobal Health Institute
University of Antwerp
Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp
Websiteuantwerpen.be/en/staff/robert-colebunders/my-website/

Prof. Emeritus Robert Colebunders (born 19 April 1950) is a Belgian clinician and researcher specialised in infectious diseases. He has contributed to the study and management of various pathogens, including Ebola, AIDS, tuberculosis and, more recently, COVID-19, monkeypox and onchocerciasis.

Colebunders investigated significant disease outbreaks like the Kikwit Ebola Virus[1] and Durba Marburg Virus outbreaks[2], contributing to the advancement of understanding and management of these deadly pathogens. During the 1980s, Colebunders' research helped defining the clinical manifestations of HIV infection in Africa[3][4] and developing diagnostic tests for the virus[5]. This work laid the foundation for further advancements in HIV/AIDS diagnosis, treatment and surveillance.

Throughout his career, Colebunders has focused on improving patient outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings. His studies on enhancing the quality of care for individuals living with HIV[6] and HIV/tuberculosis co-infection[7] have had a positive impact on clinical practice. Colebunders' efforts in organising and coordinating care and treatment strategies for HIV have contributed to more effective healthcare delivery models, benefiting affected persons worldwide[8].

In response to emerging infectious threats, Colebunders has been actively involved in research initiatives to understand and combat diseases such as COVID-19 and monkeypox. His studies on COVID-19 epidemiology in low- and middle-income countries[9] and contributions to defining post-COVID conditions have informed global response efforts and public health policies[10]. He also participated in monkeypox research[11] during the 2022-2023 outbreak[12].

Currently, Colebunders leads research on onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE), a debilitating condition found in regions where onchocerciasis is endemic[13]. Through collaborative efforts, he is advancing the understanding of the intricate relationship between onchocerciasis and epilepsy, termed onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE), and developing approaches for disease prevention and management[14]. Notably, his research has shown the potential effectiveness of onchocerciasis control programmes in preventing new OAE cases[15][16][17], highlighting the importance of integrated public health strategies.

Colebunders' work has also explored the potential link between OAE and conditions like Nodding syndrome and Nakalanga syndrome[18]. Additionally, he has developed practical interventions for managing individuals with OAE, inclduing providing antiseizure medication and addressing the stigma associated with epilepsy[19][20][21][22].

Career

Robert Colebunders begain his medical career in 1974, serving as Head of the Department of Pediatrics in a major urban hospital in Setif, Algeria[23]. He later expanded his experience to include healthcare provision in rural Bougaa, Algeria[24]. Between 1976 and 1982, he pursued a residency in internal medicine at St Pierre University Hospital in Brussels, Belgium, solidifying his expertise in the field[25].

From 1982 to 1984, Colebunders held a senior fellowship in Internal Medicine, contributing to the University Hospital Antwerp's Department of Cardiology and Hospital St.-Mariagasthuis in Berchem, Belgium[26]. A shift came in 1984 when he became the coordinator of clinical studies on HIV/AIDS for "Project SIDA" ("Project AIDS" in English) in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo), a position he held until 1987[27]. He furthered his research in this area as a visiting scientist at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) International Activities HIV/AIDS program in Atlanta, USA, in 1988[26][28].

From 1989 to 2004, Colebunders led the coordination of HIV/AIDS patient care and clinical research at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM) in Belgium[29]. In 1995, he was appointed Professor in Tropical Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) at ITM, Antwerp. He further expanded his academic roles in 1996, becoming Professor in Infectious Diseases at the University of Antwerp (UA)[30].

In 2004, Colebunders took a sabbatical to serve as a Senior Clinical Investigator at the Infectious Diseases Institute in Kampala, Uganda. Upon his return to ITM, Antwerp, in April 2005, he led the clinical HIV/STD Unit in the Department of Clinical Sciences until April 2014.

Since October 2014, Colebunders has held the title of Emeritus Professor at ITM. His research continues to focus on onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy[30]. His dedication to this field has been further evidenced by grants awarded, including a HORIZON grant (2015-2020) [31] and an FWO senior research project (2022)[32]. In September 2023, he co-organised the "2nd International Workshop on Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy," promoting collaboration among experts from around the globe, including representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)[33]

References

  1. ^ Bwaka MA, Bonnet MJ, Calain P, Colebunders R, De Roo A, Guimard Y, Katwiki KR, Kibadi K, Kipasa MA, Kuvula KJ, Mapanda BB, Massamba M, Mupapa KD, Muyembe-Tamfum JJ, Ndaberey E, Peters CJ, Rollin PE, Van den Enden E, Van den Enden E. Ebola hemorrhagic fever in Kikwit, Democratic Republic of the Congo: clinical observations in 103 patients. J Infect Dis. 1999 Feb;179 Suppl 1:S1-7. doi: 10.1086/514308. PMID: 9988155.
  2. ^ Colebunders R, Tshomba A, Van Kerkhove MD, Bausch DG, Campbell P, Libande M, Pirard P, Tshioko F, Mardel S, Mulangu S, Sleurs H, Rollin PE, Muyembe-Tamfum JJ, Jeffs B, Borchert M; International Scientific and Technical Committee "DRC Watsa/Durba 1999 Marburg Outbreak Investigation Group". Marburg hemorrhagic fever in Durba and Watsa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: clinical documentation, features of illness, and treatment. J Infect Dis. 2007 Nov 15;196 Suppl 2:S148-53. doi: 10.1086/520543. PMID: 17940943
  3. ^ Colebunders R, Mann JM, Francis H, Bila K, Izaley L, Kakonde N, Kabasele K, Ifoto L, Nzilambi N, Quinn TC, et al. Evaluation of a clinical case-definition of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Africa. Lancet. 1987 Feb 28;1(8531):492-4. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(87)92099-x. PMID: 2881049.
  4. ^ Colebunders, R, Kintin, D, Fleerackers, Y, Demeulenaere, T, Vandenbruaene, M, Goeman, J, Kestens, L, Farber, CM & Soete, F 1993, 'Surveillance case definition for AIDS in resource-poor countries [letter]', Lancet, vol. 342, pp. 864-865.
  5. ^ Mann JM, Francis H, Mwandagalirwa K, Ndongala L, Mavunza-Paka D, Baekert G, Malonga M, Bosenge N, Nzilambi N, Colebunders RC, et al. ELISA readers and HIV antibody testing in developing countries. Lancet. 1986 Jun 28;1(8496):1504. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(86)91541-2. PMID: 2873309.
  6. ^ Colebunders R, Decock R, Mbeba MJ. Improving the quality of care for persons with HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Trop Geogr Med. 1995;47(2):78-81. PMID: 8592768.
  7. ^ Colebunders RL, Braun MM, Nzila N, Dikilu K, Muepu K, Ryder R. Evaluation of the World Health Organization clinical case definition of AIDS among tuberculosis patients in Kinshasa, Zaire. J Infect Dis. 1989 Nov;160(5):902-3. doi: 10.1093/infdis/160.5.902. PMID: 2809263.
  8. ^ Suwanpimolkul G, Gatechompol S, Kawkitinarong K, Ueaphongsukkit T, Sophonphan J, Siriyakorn N, Jirajariyavej S, Khusuwan S, Panarat P, Wannalerdsakun S, Saetiew N, Chayangsu S, Wiwatrojanagul S, Noopetch P, Danpornprasert P, Mekviwattanawong S, Fujitnirun C, Lertpiriyasuwat C, Han WM, Kerr SJ, Ruxrungtham K, Avihingsanon A; the HIV-TB study team. Incidence of active tuberculosis among people living with HIV receiving long-term antiretroviral therapy in high TB/HIV burden settings in Thailand: implication for tuberculosis preventive therapy. J Int AIDS Soc. 2022 Apr;25(4):e25900. doi: 10.1002/jia2.25900. PMID: 35384317; PMCID: PMC8982319.
  9. ^ Colebunders R, Siewe Fodjo JN. COVID-19 in Low and Middle Income Countries. Pathogens. 2022 Nov 11;11(11):1325. doi: 10.3390/pathogens11111325. PMID: 36422577; PMCID: PMC9692955.
  10. ^ Villar JC, Gumisiriza N, Abreu LG, Maude RJ, Colebunders R. Defining post-COVID condition. Lancet Infect Dis. 2022 Mar;22(3):316-317. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00060-3. PMID: 35218747; PMCID: PMC8865876.
  11. ^ Mande G, Akonda I, De Weggheleire A, Brosius I, Liesenborghs L, Bottieau E, Ross N, Gembu GC, Colebunders R, Verheyen E, Ngonda D, Leirs H, Laudisoit A. Enhanced surveillance of monkeypox in Bas-Uélé, Democratic Republic of Congo: the limitations of symptom-based case definitions. Int J Infect Dis. 2022 Sep;122:647-655. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.06.060. Epub 2022 Jul 7. PMID: 35809857; PMCID: PMC9628793.
  12. ^ Mpox (monkeypox) outbreak. (2022). World Health Organization. At https://www.who.int/emergencies/situations/monkeypox-oubreak-2022
  13. ^ Colebunders R, Njamnshi AK, Menon S, Newton CR, Hotterbeekx A, Preux PM, Hopkins A, Vaillant M, Siewe Fodjo JN. Onchocerca volvulus and epilepsy: A comprehensive review using the Bradford Hill criteria for causation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2021 Jan 7;15(1):e0008965. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008965. PMID: 33411705; PMCID: PMC7790236.
  14. ^ Hadermann A, Amaral LJ, Van Cutsem G, Siewe Fodjo JN, Colebunders R. Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy: an update and future perspectives. Trends Parasitol. 2023 Feb;39(2):126-138. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.11.010. Epub 2022 Dec 15. PMID: 36528471.
  15. ^ Colebunders R, Njamnshi AK, van Oijen M, Mukendi D, Kashama JM, Mandro M, Gumisiriza N, Preux PM, Suykerbuyk P, Idro R. Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy: From recent epidemiological and clinical findings to policy implications. Epilepsia Open. 2017 Apr 26;2(2):145-152. doi: 10.1002/epi4.12054. PMID: 29588943; PMCID: PMC5719844.
  16. ^ Jada SR, Amaral LJ, Lakwo T, Carter JY, Rovarini J, Bol YY, Logora MY, Hadermann A, Hopkins A, Fodjo JNS, Colebunders R. Effect of onchocerciasis elimination measures on the incidence of epilepsy in Maridi, South Sudan: a 3-year longitudinal, prospective, population-based study. Lancet Glob Health. 2023 Aug;11(8):e1260-e1268. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(23)00248-6. PMID: 37474232.
  17. ^ Bhwana D, Amaral LJ, Mhina A, Hayuma PM, Francis F, Siewe Fodjo JN, Mmbando BP, Colebunders R. Impact of a bi-annual community-directed treatment with ivermectin programme on the incidence of epilepsy in an onchocerciasis-endemic area of Mahenge, Tanzania: A population-based prospective study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2023 Jun 28;17(6):e0011178. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011178. PMID: 37379350; PMCID: PMC10335697.
  18. ^ Van Cutsem G, Siewe Fodjo JN, Dekker MCJ, Amaral LJ, Njamnshi AK, Colebunders R. Case definitions for onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy and nodding syndrome: A focused review. Seizure. 2023 Apr;107:132-135. doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.03.024. Epub 2023 Mar 31. PMID: 37023626.
  19. ^ Colebunders R, Siewe Fodjo JN, Hopkins A, Hotterbeekx A, Lakwo TL, Kalinga A, Logora MY, Basáñez MG. From river blindness to river epilepsy: Implications for onchocerciasis elimination programmes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2019 Jul 18;13(7):e0007407. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007407. PMID: 31318857; PMCID: PMC6638735.
  20. ^ Jada SR, Tionga MS, Siewe Fodjo JN, Carter JY, Logora MY, Colebunders R. Community perception of epilepsy and its treatment in onchocerciasis-endemic villages of Maridi county, western equatoria state, South Sudan. Epilepsy Behav. 2022 Feb;127:108537. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108537. Epub 2022 Jan 10. PMID: 35026562.
  21. ^ Jada SR, Siewe Fodjo JN, Abd-Elfarag G, Tionga M, Carter JY, Logora MY, Newton C, Colebunders R. Epilepsy-related stigma and cost in two onchocerciasis-endemic areas in South Sudan: A pilot descriptive study. Seizure. 2020 Oct;81:151-156. doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.08.003. Epub 2020 Aug 11. PMID: 32810838.
  22. ^ O'Neill S, Irani J, Siewe Fodjo JN, Nono D, Abbo C, Sato Y, Mugarura A, Dolo H, Ronse M, Njamnshi AK, Colebunders R. Stigma and epilepsy in onchocerciasis-endemic regions in Africa: a review and recommendations from the onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy working group. Infect Dis Poverty. 2019 May 20;8(1):34. doi: 10.1186/s40249-019-0544-6. PMID: 31109376; PMCID: PMC6526597.
  23. ^ "About Robert Colebunders | Robert Colebunders | University of Antwerp".
  24. ^ "About Robert Colebunders | Robert Colebunders | University of Antwerp".
  25. ^ Colebunders R, Mariage JL, Coche JC, Pirenne B, Kempinaire S, Hantson P, Van Gompel A, Niedrig M, Van Esbroeck M, Bailey R, Drosten C, Schmitz H. A Belgian traveler who acquired yellow fever in the Gambia. Clin Infect Dis. 2002 Nov 15;35(10):e113-6. doi: 10.1086/344180. Epub 2002 Oct 28. PMID: 12410495.
  26. ^ a b About Robert Colebunders. (2020). University of Antwerp. At https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/staff/robert-colebunders/my-website/
  27. ^ Piot, Peter (2012). No Time to Lose: A Life in Pursuit of Deadly Viruses. London and New York: W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN 9780393084115.
  28. ^ Emerging Infectious Diseases: Emergomyces africanus in Soil, South Africa. Centers for Diseases Control and Prevnetion. At https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/24/2/17-1351-f1
  29. ^ Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp
  30. ^ a b Robert Colebunders. (2022). Research Gate. At https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Robert-Colebunders
  31. ^ South Sudan. (2019). University of Antwerp. At https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/global-health-institute/research/research-projects/south-sudan/
  32. ^ FWO awards 5 ITM senior research projects. (2022). Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp. At https://www.itg.be/en/health-stories/articles/fwo-awards-senior-research-projects
  33. ^ 2nd International workshop on Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy. (2024). University of Antwerp. At https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/oae/oae-alliance/activities/oae-2023/
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