Justen Manasa

Experienced virologist with over 17 years of experience in academia, laboratory leadership and public health consultancy. Served as a virologist in the national COVID-19 response coordinating task force. Currently the chair of the education committee for the Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientist Council of Zimbabwe (MLCSCZ) and serve in the Laboratory committees of the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ). Excellent academic record with more than US$3m in research and training grants from the US NIH and several bio-pharmaceutical entities over a period of eight years. More than 60 peer reviewed publications to date. Passionate about innovative interdisciplinary translational research, pathogen genomics and infectious diseases dynamics as well as research mentorship and capacity building. Current research focus in on virus discovery, molecular epidemiology of HIV and Viral Hepatitis as well as the development of low-cost molecular diagnostic tools. Currently supervising six PhD students and three postdoctoral fellows.

• African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM)
• American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
• Global Virology Network (GVN)
• World Society for Virology (WSV)
• Society for Applied Microbiology (SfAM)
• International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV)
• Southern African Society for Human Genetics (SASHG)
• Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA)
• International AIDS Society (IAS)
• Zimbabwe Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientist Council (MLSc 500582).

1. African Institute of Biomedical Science and technology (Academia): Board of Trustees

2. Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientist Council (Health Professions Regulation)

a). Member of the Executive Committee

b). Chair of the Education Committee

c). Member of the Innovation Committee

3. Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (Medicines and Medical Devises Regulation)

a). Laboratory Committee

4. Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (National Research Ethics Oversight)

5. Mutala Trust (Academia)

a). Institutional Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee

1. Shamu, T., Egger, M., Mudzviti, T., Chimbetete, C., Manasa, J., & Anderegg, N. (2023). Virologic outcomes on dolutegravir-, atazanavir-, or efavirenz-based ART in urban Zimbabwe: A longitudinal study. medRxiv, 2023-10.

2. Chiku, C., Maruta, T., Manasa, J., & Mbiba, F. (2023). Regulation of Medical Devices in Zimbabwe: A qualitative study with key stakeholders. medRxiv, 2023-06.

3. Chiku, C., Maruta, T., Manasa, J., & Mbiba, F. (2023). Medical Devises Regulation in Zimbabwe: An Evaluation of operational readiness. medRxiv, 2023-06.

4. Kambarami, M. S., Ngorima, G., Moyo, P. K., Mabaya, L., Mushiri, T., & Manasa, J. (2023). Molecular evolution and adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 omicron XBB sub-lineage Spike protein under African selection pressure. Access Microbiology, 000720-v1.

5. Zhou, D. T., Mudhluli, T. E., Hall, L. J., Manasa, J., & Munyati, S. (2023). A Scoping Review of Gut Microbiome and Bifidobacterium Research in Zimbabwe: Implications for Future Studies. Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, 483-496.

6. Kouamou, V., Washaya, T., Ndhlovu, C. E., & Manasa, J. (2023). Low Prevalence of Pre-Treatment and Acquired Drug Resistance to Dolutegravir among Treatment Naïve Individuals Initiating on Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Dolutegravir in Zimbabwe. Viruses, 15(9), 1882.

7. Washaya T, Manasa J, Kouamou V. HIV drug resistance monitoring in the era of dolutegravir and injectable long-acting cabotegravir in resource-limited settings. AIDS. 2023 Aug 1;37(10):1629-1631.

8. Makamure, B., Bandason, T., Kouamou, V., Chipinduro, M., Makoga, F., Martin, J., Mashita, I., Mayini, J., Munyati, S., Metcalfe, J.Z., Phelan, J., Nziramasanga, P., Mutsvangwa, J., Manasa, J. (2023). Assessment of Quantity and Quality of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis DNA Extracts Stored at Different Temperatures. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 13 (01), 31-37. DOI: 10.5799/jmid.1265384

9. Nyagupe, C., de Oliveira Martins, L., Gumbo, H., Mashe, T., Takawira, T., Maeka, K., Juru, A., Chikanda, L., Tauya, A., Page, A., Kingsley, R., Simbi, R., Chirenda, J., Manasa, J., Ruhanya, V., & Mavenyengwa, R. (2023). SARS-CoV-2 mutations on diagnostic gene targets in the second wave in Zimbabwe: A retrospective genomic analysis. South African Medical Journal, 113(3), 141–147.

10. Kouamou, V., Machekano, R., Mapangisana, T., Maposhere, C., Mutetwa, R., Manasa, J., Shamu, T., Mccarty. K., Munyati. S., Mutsvanga. J., Bogoshi. M., Israelski. D., & Katzenstein, D. (2023). Clinic-based SAMBA-II vs centralized laboratory viral load assays among HIV-1 infected children, adolescents, and young adults in rural Zimbabwe: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS ONE, 17(2).

11. Kouamou, V., Machekano, R., Mapangisana, T., Maposhere, C., Munyati, S., Mutsvangwa, J., Shamu. T., McCarty. K., Katzenstein. D., & Manasa, J. (2022). Tenofovir, Lamivudine, and Dolutegravir Among Rural Adolescents in Zimbabwe: A Cautionary Tale. AIDS research and human retroviruses, 38(10), 774-778.

12. Chiripanhura, P., Katsamudanga. A., Manasa, J. (2022). The Archaeology and History of Human Diseases in the Zimbabwean Past. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Anthropology. 15 September 2022. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190854584.013.530

13. Kouamou V, Inzaule S, Manasa J. Weight gain stopping/switch rules for antiretroviral clinical trials. AIDS. 2022 Jun 1;36(7):1053-1054.

14. Averhoff F, Berg M, Rodgers M, Osmanov S, Luo X, Anderson M, Meyer T, Landay A, Gamkrelidze A, Kallas EG, Ciuoderis K, Hernandez JP, Henry JH, Osorio J, Lindo J, Deshommes J, Anzinger J, Manasa J, Alkashvili M, Souleyman M, Kaleebu P, Correa-Oliveira R, Solomon S, de Olivera T, Suputtamongkol Y, Cloherty G. The Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition: a unique multisector approach adds to global pandemic preparedness efforts. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 117, 356-360.

15. Chipendo T, Marembo T, Chituri H, Munemo C, Manangazira P, Bangure D, Manasa J (2021). An analysis of the COVID-19 laboratory dataset at AiBST Laboratory in Harare, Zimbabwe, 2020. Pan African Medical Journal (PAMJ). 25 Nov 2021. 40(183)

16. Kavenga F, Rickman H, Chingono R, Taruvinga T, Marembo T, Manasa J, Marambire E, McHugh G, Gregson CL, Bandason T, Redzo N, Maunganidze A, Magure T, Ndhlovu C, Mujuru H, Rusakaniko S, Manangazira S, Ferrand RA, Kranzer K (2021). Comprehensive occupational health services for front-line healthcare workers in Zimbabwe during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Plos one, 16(11), e0260261.

17. Kouamou V, Inzaule S, Manasa J (2021). HIV Drug Resistance Monitoring in the Era of Dolutegravir in Africa. Lancet HIV – 2021 Nov;8(11): e664-e666.

18. Madyadi A, Dhoro M, Shamu T, Washaya T, Kouamou V, Chimukangara B, Katzenstein D, Manasa J (2021). HIV-1 genetic diversity and natural polymorphisms of the integrase gene in integrase inhibitor naive patients in Harare, Zimbabwe. AIDS Research and Human Retrovirus – http://doi.org/10.1089/AID.2021.0084.

19. Kouamou V, Ndhlovu CE, Katzenstein D, Manasa J (2021). Rapid HIV-1 drug resistance testing in a resource limited setting: The Pan Degenerate Amplification and Adaptation assay (PANDAA). Pan African Medical Journal (PAMJ) - 2021;40(57). 10.11604/pamj.2021.40.57.28558

20. Kouamou V, Matarise R, Dos Santos E, N Elose, Manasa J (2021). SARS-CoV-2 in Zimbabwe: milestones and challenges faced towards achieving the expected 60% herd immunity. Pan African Medical Journal. 2021; 39:255. [doi: 10.11604/pamj.2021.39.255.30331]

21. Manyana S, Gounder L, Pillay M, Manasa J, Naidoo K and Chimukangara B (2021). HIV-1 drug resistance genotyping in resource limited settings: Current and future perspectives in sequencing technologies. Viruses, 13, 1125. https://doi.org/10.3390/v13061125.

22. Namulondo J, Gudza-Mugabe M, Mtapuri-Zinyowera S, Chikwanda P, Mangwendeza MP, Simbi R, Mataka A, Matubu A, Manasa J, Mukaratirwa A, Manayame B, Chimusoro A, Gasasira A (2021). Timely Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Limited Resource Settings: The Role of the Laboratory in Zimbabwe [Online First], IntechOpen, DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.96629.

23. Zhou DT, Mudhluli TE, Madhombiro M, Nyamhunga A, Matekaire-Chirimo R, Mudzviti T, Manasa J, Ma Q, Maponga CC, Morse G (2021). Emerging role for pharmacogenomics in HIV research in Africa. Future Virology Journal. Published online ahead of print (https://doi.org/10.2217/fvl-2020-0388)

24. Kouamou V, Ndhlovu CE, Manasa J (2021) The Transition to Dolutegravir-Based Regimens in the Presence of High-Level Drug Resistance to Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors: Does It Deserve More Attention? Current Research on HIV/AIDS: CRHA-123. DOI: 10.29011/2575-7105.100123

25. Mapangisana T, Machekano R, Kouamou V, Maposhere C, McCarty K, Mudzana M, Munyati S, Junior Mutsvangwa J, Manasa J, Shamu T, Bogoshi M, Israelski D, Katzenstein D (2021). Viral load care of HIV-1 infected children and adolescents: A longitudinal study in rural Zimbabwe. PLoSOne. Jan 14;16(1):e0245085. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245085. eCollection 2021.PMID: 33444325

26. Kouamou V, Matevera J, Manasa J, Ndhlovu CE, Katzenstein D, McGregor AM (2021). Pre-treatment HIV Drug Resistance Among Adults Initiating or Re-initiating 1st Line Antiretroviral Therapy in Zimbabwe: Fast-trackin the Transition to Dolutegravir Based 1st Line Regimens? AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses: Jan 11. doi: 10.1089/AID.2020.0242.PMID: 33430681

27. Mufwambi W, Stingl J, Masimirembwa C, Manasa J, Nhachi C, Stadler N, Mwila C, Kalungia AC, Mukosha M, Mutiti CS, Kamoto A, Kaonga P, Godman B, Munkombwe D. (2021). Healthcare professionals' knowledge of pharmacogenetics and attitudes towards antimicrobial utilization in Zambia: implications for a precision medicine approach to reducing antimicrobial resistance. Frontiers in Pharmacology: 11. 551522. ISSN 1663-9812.

28. Thistle P, Parpia R, Pain D, Manasa J, Lee H, Schnipper LE (2020). Prevalence and subtype distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) among women presenting for cervical cancer screening at Karanda Mission Hospital (2020). JCO of Global Oncology no. 6: 1276-1281. Published online August 12, 2020.

29. Nyazika T, Kaela R, Mugoni M, Musomekwa K, Kyei-Baafour E, Chiwanda S, Mapondera P, Sithole E, Mavunganidze G, Manasa J, Jambo K, and Musarurwa C (2020). The implementation of antibody Rapid Diagnostic Testing vs. rRT-PCR sample pooling in the screening of COVID-19: A case of different testing strategies in Africa. mSphere 5: e00524-20. https://doi.org/10.1128/mSphere.00524-20.

30. Kouamou V, Manasa J, Katzenstein D, McGregor AM, Ndhlovu CE, Makadzange AT (2020). Diagnostic accuracy of Pan Degenerative Amplification and Adaptation (PANDAA) assay for HIV-1 drug resistance mutations analysis in low and middle-income countries. Journal of Clinical Microbiology (JCM)- Jun 10: JCM.01045-20. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01045-20.

31. Mutsaka-Makuvaza MJ, Zhou XN, Tshuma C, Abe E, Manasa J, Manyangadze T, Allan F, Chin’ombe N, Webster B, Midzi N. Genetic diversity of Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni in Shamva district, Zimbabwe: Role on intestinal schistosomiasis transmission. Molecular Biology Reports (MOLE) – 47, 4975-4987.

32. Zhou DT, Maponga CC, Madhombiro M, Dube A, Mano R, Nyamhunga A, Machingura I, Manasa J, Hakim J, Chirenje ZM, Mudzviti T, Nhachich C, Ma Q, DiFransesco R, Masanganise R, and Morse GD. Mentored postdoctoral training in Zimbabwe: A report on a successful collaborative effort. Journal of Public Health in Africa. 2019; 10:1081

33. Kouamou V, Varyani B, Shamu T, Mapangisana T, Chimbetete C, Mudzviti T, Manasa J, Katzenstein D. Drug resistance among Adolescents and Young Adults with Virologic Failure of 1st Line ART and Responses to 2nd Line Treatment. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses - Apr 2. doi: 10.1089/AID.2019.0232.

34. Mutsaka-Makuvaza MJ, Zhou XN, Tshuma C, Abe E, Manasa J, Manyangadze T, Allan F, Chin’ombe N, Webster B, Midzi N (2020). Molecular diversity of Bulinus species in Madziwa area, Shamva district in Zimbabwe: implications for urogenital schistosomiasis transmission. BMC Parasites & Vectors (2020) 13:14

35. Kouamou V, Manasa J, Katzenstein D, McGregor AM, Ndhlovu CE, Makadzange AT (2019). Drug resistance and optimizing dolutegravir regimens for adolescents and young adults failing antiretroviral therapy. AIDS. 2019 Sep 1;33(11):1729-1737.

36. Clutter DS, Mazarei G, Sinha R, Manasa J, Nouhin J, LaPrade E, Bolouki S, Tzou PL, Hannita-Hui J, Sahoo MK, Kuimelis P, Kuimelis RG, Pinsky BA, Schoolnik GK, Hassibi A, Shafer RW (2019). Multiplex Solid-Phase Melt Curve Analysis for the Point-of-Care Detection of HIV-1 Drug Resistance. Journal of Molecular Diagnostics. 2019 Jul;21(4):580-592.

37. De La Cruz J, Vardhanbhuti S, Sahoo MK, Rovner R, Bosch RJ, Manasa J, Katzenstein DA, Pinsky BA (2019). Persistence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Drug Resistance Mutations in Proviral Deoxyribonucleic Acid After Virologic Failure of Efavirenz-Containing Antiretroviral Regimens. Open Forum Infectious Diseases. 2019 Jan 16;6(3):ofz034. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofz034. eCollection Mar.

38. Fitzpatrick MB, Dube Mandishora RS, Katzenstein DA, McCarty K, Weber J, Sahoo MK, Manasa J, Chirenje ZM, Pinsky BA (2019). hrHPV prevalence and type distribution in rural Zimbabwe: A community-based self-collection study using near-point-of-care GeneXpert HPV testing. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. May;82:21-29.

39. Chimukangara B, Kharsany AB, Lessells RJ, Naidoo K, Rhee SY, Manasa J, Gräf T, Lewis L, Cawood C, Khanyile D, Diallo K, Ayalew KA, Shafer R, Hunt G, Pillay D, Abdool SK, de Oliveira T (2019). Moderate to high levels of pre-treatment HIV drug resistance in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses;35(2): 129-138

40. Shoko R, Manasa J, Maphosa M, Mbanga J, Mudziwapasi R, Nembaware V, Sanyika WT, Tinago T, Chikwambi Z, Mawere C, Matimba A, Mugumbate G, Mufandaedza J, Mulder N, Patterton H (2018). Strategies and opportunities for promoting bioinformatics in Zimbabwe. PLoS Computational Biology; 14(11): e1006480.

41. Tzou PL, Rhee SY, Pond SLK, Manasa J, Shafer RW (2018). Selection analyses of paired HIV-1 gag and gp41 sequences obtained before and after antiretroviral therapy. Scientific Data; 5:18014.

42. Chimukangara B, Manasa J, Mitchell R, Nyabadza G, Katzenstein D, Masimirembwa C (2017). Community Based Antiretroviral Treatment in Rural Zimbabwe. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses; 33(12): 1185-1191

43. Manasa J, Varghese V, Pond SLK, Rhee SY, Tzou PL, Fessel WJ, Jang KS, White E, Rögnvaldsson T, Katzenstein DA, Shafer RW. (2017). Evolution of gag and gp41 in Patients Receiving Ritonavir-Boosted Protease Inhibitors, Scientific Reports; 7(1): 11559.

44. Ratmann O, Wymant C, Colijn C, Danaviah S, Essex M, Frost SDW, Gall A, Gaiseitsiwe S, Grabowski M, Gray R, Guindon S, von Haeseler A, Kaleebu P, Kendall M, Kozlov A, Manasa J, Minh BQ, Moyo S, Novitsky V, Nsubuga R, Pillay S, Quinn TC, Serwadda D, Ssemwanga D, Stamatakis A, Trifinopoulos J, Wawer M, Leigh Brown A, de Oliveira T, Kellam P, Pillay D, Fraser C. (2017). HIV-1 full-genome phylogenetics of generalized epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa: impact of missing nucleotide characters in next-generation sequences, AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses; 33(11): 1083-1098.

45. Chimukangara B, Varyani B, Shamu T, Mutsvangwa J, Manasa J, White E, Chimbetete C, Luethy R, Katzenstein D. (2017). HIV drug resistance testing among patients failing second line antiretroviral therapy Comparison of in-house and commercial sequencing. Journal of Virological Methods; 243:151-157.

46. Modukanele, K., Sherwin, J., White, E., Manasa, J., Zijenah, L.S., Bassett, M.T., Kassaye, S.G., & Katzenstein, D. (2017). Envelope Tropism and Diversity of Subtype C HIV among pregnant Women in Zimbabwe. Clinical Research in HIV/AIDS; 4(2): 1038.

47. Rossouw TM, Nieuwoudt M, Manasa J, Malherbe G, Lessells RJ, Pillay S, DanaviahS, Mahasha P, van Dyk G, de Oliveira T. (2017). HIV drug resistance levels in adults failing first-line antiretroviral therapy in an urban and a rural setting in South Africa. HIV Medicine; 18(2): 104-114.

48. Manasa J, Danaviah S, Lessells RJ, Elshareef M, Tanser F, Wilkinson E, Pillay S, Mthiyane H, Mwambi H, Pillay D, de Oliveira T. (2016). Increasing HIV-1 Drug Resistance Between 2010 and 2012 in Adults Participating in Population-Based HIV Surveillance in Rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses;32(8): 763-9.

49. Manasa J, Katzenstein D. (2016). Editorial Commentary: Scaling Up Antiretroviral Therapy in Africa: Are We There Yet? Clinical Infectious Diseases; 62(4): 519-20.

50. Kiepiela P, Manasa J, Moosa M, Moodley P, Gordon M, Parikh UM, Sunpath H, de Oliveira T, Ramjee G. (2014). HIV Drug Resistance Patterns at the Epicentre of the HIV-1 Epidemic in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa 2003-2013. Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research; 5 (5): 299.

51. Manhanzva MT, Mutsvangwa J, Beck IA, Frenkel LM, Tshabalala M, Manasa J, Murahwa AT and Gwanzura L. (2014). The Burden of HIV Associated Drug Resistance Mutations in an Early Infant Diagnosis Program: A Glance through the Pediatric Window of Zimbabwe. Journal of Infectious Diseases and Therapy; 3(1): 198.

52. Manasa J, Danaviah S, Pillay S, Padayachee P, Mthiyane H, Mkhize C, Lessells RJ, Seebregts C, de Wit TF, Viljoen J, Katzenstein D, De Oliveira T. (2014) An affordable HIV-1 drug resistance monitoring method for resource limited settings. Journal of Visualized Experiments; 85: e51242

53. Lessells RJ, Stott KE, Manasa J, Naidu KK, Skingsley A, Rossouw T, de Oliveira T; Southern African Treatment and Resistance Network (SATuRN). 2014. Implementing antiretroviral resistance testing in a primary health care HIV treatment programme in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: early experiences, achievements and challenges. BioMed Central (BMC) Health Services Research; 14: 116.

54. Pillay S, Bland RM, Lessells RJ, Manasa J, de Oliveira T, Danaviah S. (2014). Drug resistance in children at virological failure in a rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, cohort. AIDS Research and Therapy; 11(1): 3.

55. Manasa J, Lessells R, Rossouw T, Naidu K, Van Vuuren C, Goedhals D, van Zyl G, Bester A, Skingsley A, Stott K, Danaviah S, Chetty T, Singh L, Moodley P, Iwuji C, McGrath N, Seebregts CJ, de Oliveira T. (2014). Southern African Treatment Resistance Network (SATuRN) RegaDB HIV drug resistance and clinical management database: supporting patient management, surveillance and research in southern Africa. The Journal of Biological Databases and Curation (Database); 2014:bat082.

56. Singh L, Parboosing R, Manasa J, Moodley P, de Oliveira T. (2013). High level of HIV-2 false positivity in KwaZulu-Natal province: a region of South Africa with a very high HIV-1 subtype C prevalence. Journal of Medical Virology; 85(12): 2065-71.

57. Manasa J, Lessells RJ, Skingsley A, Naidu KK, Newell ML, McGrath N, de Oliveira T; Southern African Treatment and Resistance Network. (2013). High-levels of acquired drug resistance in adult patients failing first-line antiretroviral therapy in a rural HIV treatment programme in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. PLoS One; 8(8): e72152.

58. Manasa J, Katzenstein D, Cassol S, Newell ML, de Oliveira T; Southern Africa Treatment And Resistance Network (SATuRN). (2012). Primary drug resistance in South Africa: data from 10 years of surveys. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses; 28(6): 558-65.

59. Tshabalala M, Manasa J, Zijenah LS, Rusakaniko S, Kadzirange G, Mucheche M, Kassaye S, Johnston E, Katzenstein D. (2011). Surveillance of transmitted antiretroviral drug resistance among HIV-1 infected women attending antenatal clinics in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe. PLoS One; 6(6): e21241.

60. de Oliveira T, Shafer RW, Seebregts C (2010). Public database for HIV drug resistance in southern Africa. Nature; 464(7289): 673.

61. Dalai SC, de Oliveira T, Harkins GW, Kassaye SG, Lint J, Manasa J, Johnston E, Katzenstein D (2009). Evolution and molecular epidemiology of subtype C HIV-1 in Zimbabwe. AIDS; 23(18): 2523-32.

62. Manasa J, Musabaike H, Masimirembwa C, Burke E, Luthy R, Mudzori J (2007). Evaluation of the Partec flow cytometer against the BD FACSCalibur system for monitoring immune responses of human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in Zimbabwe. Clinical and Vaccine Immunology; 14(3): 293-8.