School of Life Sciences

Prof Matthew Adeleke

Associate Professor

  • 031 260 8212
  • AdelekeM@ukzn.ac.za
  • PhD
  • Genetics
  • Westville campus

Prof Adeleke holds a PhD in Animal Breeding and Genetics. Matthew leads Eimeria parasite research towards the development of a new-generation of anticoccidial vaccine in chickens. He also works with Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium parasites. Besides, he investigates rumen microbiome using metagenomics following manipulation with probiotics. Previously, Matthew carried out applied genetics-led research contributing to the development of improved indigenous chickens for smallholder farmers.

Research interests

  • Genetics of Apicomplexan and Apicomplexan-Related Parasitic Diseases
  • Livestock Microbiome using Next Generation Sequencing
  • Genetic Improvement of Indigenous Livestock Species
  • Immunoinformatics

Research profiles

Google Scholar
ResearchGate
Scopus
ORCID
Researcher ID

Current projects

Our current research focus is on the genetics of apicomplexans particularly Eimeria, Toxoplasma and Plasmodium.

  • The first aim of our research group is to develop effective molecular markers with higher sensitivity that can detect and discriminate these parasites. This is to address the problem of emergence of resistance of these parasites that make them evade therapeutic interventions either due to gene or genome evolution. Besides, Eimeria work is extends to developing a new generation of anticoccidial vaccines and cost-effective Eimeria vaccine delivery in chickens.
  • Secondly, our lab collaboratively investigates animal microbiome using metagenomics with a view to addressing antimicrobial resistance from livestock sources.

Previously, Prof Adeleke carried out applied genetics-led research contributing to the development of improved indigenous chickens for smallholder farmers to address food insecurity, particularly among the resource-limited communities.

Collaborators

  • Dr AA Adeniyi, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria
  • Prof DP Blake, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
  • Dr E Ibeagha-Awemu, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada
  • Dr J Chen, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, China
  • Dr M Agbaje, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
  • Dr M Okpeku, University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • Dr SI Tshilwane, University of Pretoria, South Africa
  • Dr SO Peters, Berry College, USA

Editorial roles

  • Topic Editor – Frontiers in Genetics, Switzerland
  • Review Editor – Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Switzerland
  • Review Editor – Frontiers in Animal Science, Switzerland
  • Editorial Board Member – BMC Infectious Diseases, England