Draft:Robert Colebunders

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
  • Comment: Almost all references are written by the subject of the article so cannot be considered independent. I suspect he could pass WP:NPROF, e.g. WP:NPROF#C1. In quite a few places the article states that his work had a significant impact, but the only reference for these statements is his work itself. If there were independent sources referring to the impact of his work, either in practice or in academia, then I would be more convinced. I can see that there has been a lot done to make the article less promotional than the previous version. Mgp28 (talk) 15:48, 30 June 2024 (UTC)
  • 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 and epidemiology[1][2]. 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[3]. and Durba Marburg Virus outbreaks[4], contributing to the advancement of understanding and management of these deadly pathogens. During the 1980s, Colebunders' research, alongside his colleague Dr. Peter Piot, helped defining the clinical manifestations of HIV infection in Africa[5][6][7] and developing diagnostic tests for the virus[8]. 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[9] and HIV/tuberculosis co-infection[10] 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[11].

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[12] and contributions to defining post-COVID conditions have informed global response efforts and public health policies[13][14]. He also participated in monkeypox research[15] during the 2022-2023 outbreak[16].

Currently, Colebunders leads research on onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE), a debilitating condition found in regions where onchocerciasis is endemic[17]. 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[18]. Notably, his research has shown the potential effectiveness of onchocerciasis control programmes in preventing new OAE cases[19][20][21], highlighting the importance of integrated public health strategies. Colebunders stated in September 2020, "With the necessary efforts, the immense suffering of children with epilepsy and their families in many regions of Africa can be alleviated and hopefully even avoided altogether"[22].

Colebunders' work has also explored the potential link between OAE and conditions like Nodding syndrome and Nakalanga syndrome[23][24]. Additionally, he has developed practical interventions for managing individuals with OAE, inclduing providing antiseizure medication and addressing the stigma associated with epilepsy[25][26][27][28].

Colebunders continues to contribute to the academic community through teaching, supervising, reviewing and public speaking. For example, in 2024, he gave a class on onchocerciasis and epilepsy at the Académie Royale des Sciences d’Outre-Mer in Belgium [29], and in 2021, he participated in a Pathogens Webinar on Epilepsy in Onchocerciasis Endemic Areas[30]. Additionally, he serves as a council member for the European Region of the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID), which supports efforts to prevent, investigate, and manage infectious disease outbreaks, particularly in resource-limited countries[2]. He is also a strong advocate for open access and networking in science, highlighting the challenges faced by scientists in resource-limited settings [31].

Career

Robert Colebunders began his medical career in 1974, serving as Head of the Department of Pediatrics in a major urban hospital in Setif, Algeria[32]. He later expanded his experience to include healthcare provision in rural Bougaa, Algeria[32]. 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[33].

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[32]. A shift came in 1984 when he was sent by the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM) to coordinate the clinical studies on HIV/AIDS for "Project SIDA" ("Project AIDS" in English) in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), a position he held until 1987[34]. Together with Dr Jonathan Mann (lead epidemiologist), Henry "Skip" Francis (responsible for the laboratory) and two Zairian physicians, Dr Eugene Nzila Nzilambi and Dr Bosenga Ngali, the group produced more than a hundred publications addressing basic questions about AIDS in Africa[34][35].

Project SIDA tackled fundamental epidemiological questions: How many people were infected? Who got the disease? Was AIDS the same in Zaire as seen elsewhere? Could mosquitoes transmit HIV[35]? The project investigated the clinical manifestations of AIDS in both children and adults, documented the role of female sex workers in disease transmission, and provided evidence that condom use reduced infection rates. They found that children with malaria had a higher risk of HIV infection compared to those without malaria. Additionally, they identified a strong correlation between herpes zoster (shingles) and HIV infection, noting that the herpes virus acted as an opportunistic infection in individuals with weakened immune systems due to HIV. The project also highlighted how tuberculosis exploited the compromised immune systems of AIDS patients. Moreover, they evaluated affordable diagnostic technologies for detecting HIV antibodies, crucial for both diagnosing human infections and screening donated blood in resource-limited settings[1].

Colebunders 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[32][36]. From 1989 to 2004, he led the coordination of HIV/AIDS patient care and clinical research at the ITM in Belgium[37]. As stated by his colleague Dr. Lazare Manirankunda, In the 1990s, Dr Robert Colebunders noticed that Africans living with HIV knew little about their disease. The epidemic was very real at this time, but African communities were not yet aware of it[37].

In 1995, Colebunders 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)[2]. In 2004, he 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. In 2008, he received an EDCTP network grant in 2008 to produce a workshop on Tuberculosis Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (TB IRIS), linking this disease to his research on HIV[38]. Since October 2014, Colebunders has held the title of Emeritus Professor at ITM. His research continues to focus on onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy[39]. His dedication to this field has been further evidenced by grants awarded, including a HORIZON grant (2015-2020) [40] and an FWO senior research project (2022)[41]. 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)[42].

References

  1. ^ a b Coalition for Equitable Research in Low-Resource Settings. "Robert Colebunders". CERCLE - Coalition for Equitable Research in Low-Resource Settings. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  2. ^ a b c International Society for Infectious Diseases (3 June 2020). "ISID Council Members - ISID". Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  3. ^ Bwaka, M. A.; Bonnet, M. J.; Calain, P.; Colebunders, R.; De Roo, A.; Guimard, Y.; Katwiki, K. R.; Kibadi, K.; Kipasa, M. A.; Kuvula, K. J.; Mapanda, B. B.; Massamba, M.; Mupapa, K. D.; Muyembe-Tamfum, J. J.; Ndaberey, E. (February 1999). "Ebola hemorrhagic fever in Kikwit, Democratic Republic of the Congo: clinical observations in 103 patients". The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 179 Suppl 1: S1–7. doi:10.1086/514308. ISSN 0022-1899. PMID 9988155.
  4. ^ Colebunders, Robert; Tshomba, Antoine; Van Kerkhove, Maria D.; Bausch, Daniel G.; Campbell, Pat; Libande, Modeste; Pirard, Patricia; Tshioko, Florimond; Mardel, Simon; Mulangu, Sabue; Sleurs, Hilde; Rollin, Pierre E.; Muyembe-Tamfum, Jean-Jacques; Jeffs, Benjamin; Borchert, Matthias (15 November 2007). "Marburg hemorrhagic fever in Durba and Watsa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: clinical documentation, features of illness, and treatment". The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 196 Suppl 2: S148–153. doi:10.1086/520543. ISSN 0022-1899. PMID 17940943.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ Piot, Peter; Colebunders, Robert (1988). "Symptômes cliniques". Santé du monde 1988 ; mars : 25-26.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ 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.
  11. ^ 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.
  12. ^ 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.
  13. ^ 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.
  14. ^ Colebunders, Robert; Kenyon, Chris (2022). "Extensive Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission associated with low mortality in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. For how long?". Clinical Infectious Diseases. 74 (5): 891–892. doi:10.1093/cid/ciab593. ISSN 1058-4838. PMID 34181705.
  15. ^ 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.
  16. ^ World Health Organization. "Mpox (monkeypox) outbreak 2022". www.who.int. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  17. ^ 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.
  18. ^ 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.
  19. ^ 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.
  20. ^ 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.
  21. ^ 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.
  22. ^ Peters, Martijn (25 September 2020). "UAntwerpen-onderzoeker ontdekt oorzaak van mysterieuze knikkebolziekte". HLN. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  23. ^ 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.
  24. ^ "BBC World Service - Health Check, Mystery of Nodding Syndrome Revealed, Nodding syndrome mystery finally solved". BBC. 24 February 2017. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  25. ^ 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.
  26. ^ 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.
  27. ^ 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.
  28. ^ 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.
  29. ^ "COLEBUNDERS (27 02 2024) - Onchocerciasis (rivierblindheid) kan ook rivierepilepsie (onchocerciasis-geassocieerde epilepsie) veroorzaken | RAOS". www.kaowarsom.be. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  30. ^ "Sciforum - Pathogens-1". sciforum.net. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  31. ^ FaculteitFBD (23 October 2020). UAntwerp Open Access Week 2020: Prof. Robert Colebunders. Retrieved 24 July 2024 – via YouTube.
  32. ^ a b c d "About Robert Colebunders | Robert Colebunders | University of Antwerp". www.uantwerpen.be. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  33. ^ 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.
  34. ^ a b Piot, Peter (2012). No Time to Lose: A Life in Pursuit of Deadly Viruses. London and New York: W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN 9780393084115.
  35. ^ a b Cohen, J. "Gesundes Reisen". www.gesundes-reisen.eu. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  36. ^ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Emerging Infectious Diseases journal". wwwnc.cdc.gov. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  37. ^ a b "Project in de kijker : HIV-SAM - Sankaa Koepelorganisatie VZW" (in Flemish). 13 April 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  38. ^ European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership. "EDCTP Annual Report 2011 - Progress on grants signed before 2011". www.edctp.org. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  39. ^ Robert Colebunders. (2022). Research Gate. At https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Robert-Colebunders
  40. ^ University of Antwerp. "South Sudan | Global Health Institute | University of Antwerp". www.uantwerpen.be. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  41. ^ 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
  42. ^ Amaral, Luís-Jorge. "2nd International workshop on Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy | Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy | University of Antwerp". www.uantwerpen.be. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
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