VALID8

Dr Lydia Mosi is a VALIDATE Invertigator an Associate Professor at the University of Ghana, Ghana with over 20 years experience applying the One Health approach to dieseases lik Buruli Ulcer

For World NTD Day 2025, we asked Lydia about her career and research.

Keep an eye out for more interviews from other members of our network on our VALID8 page.

1. What do you do/what do you research?

At the University of Ghana, I teach Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics in the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology. My research work over the past 20 years has focused on understanding how Mycobacterium ulcerans, the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, is transmitted from the environment to humans. I achieve this by using molecular methods to track the presence of the bacterium at the human and environmental interface within endemic communities. Additionally, I am interested in identifying biomarkers for the development of early diagnostic tests that can be used at the point of care.

2. What do you tell non-scientists you do?

I teach at the university and conduct research to understand the transmission of a serious disease!

3. What is Buruli ulcer, and what drew you to study it?

Buruli ulcer is a neglected tropical skin disease that presents as painless ulcers, mostly on the legs and hands of affected individuals. It has been reported in over 33 countries, with the most endemic locations being West Africa and Australia. Mycobacterium ulcerans is the pathogen that causes Buruli ulcer, and it produces a lipid toxin called mycolactone, which is responsible for the disease's pathology. The mode of transmission is still not known, making it difficult to understand the disease's epidemiology. In West Africa, the rural poor are the most affected, and endemic communities often have slow-moving water as a risk factor. My journey into Buruli ulcer research began with my undergraduate thesis project, and I was captivated the first time I saw a patient in the field with a large, painless ulcer. The rest, as they say, is history!

4. Why is your work important and what could your work lead to?

Understanding how Buruli ulcer is transmitted allows us to develop targeted interventions to eradicate the disease. This is my life’s goal!

5. What is the most interesting thing you have learned in your job?

Teaching and learning from young, brilliant students.

6. What is the best part of your job?

The opportunity to train the next generation of African scientists!

7. What is the most challenging part of your job or research, especially regarding working with a “neglected” disease like Buruli ulcer?

Access to research funding because Buruli ulcer is not a “celebrity” disease like malaria or HIV.

8. In recognition of World NTD Day, how does your research help in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (like Buruli ulcer), and why are vaccines vital in this context?

Most neglected tropical diseases can be eliminated or eradicated with the right attention. Buruli ulcer is especially neglected because it is not present in developed countries, except Australia, and in Africa, where it is most prevalent, access to healthcare is woefully inadequate. My research hopes to elucidate how disease transmission can be completely blocked. This has been achieved with guinea worm, so it is possible!