PhD research explored how pathogenic bacteria persist under stress and investigated phytochemicals as potential therapeutic agents – contributions which may be vital in the global fight against multidrug-resistant pathogens.
The research was the work of Dr Sinethemba Yakobi who received his PhD in Biochemistry from UKZN for research focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind antimicrobial resistance and discovering bioactive compounds from natural sources.
Through proteomic and computational methods, Yakobi identified novel drug targets and resistance genes that could inform the development of new antimicrobial therapies. He specifically investigated natural compounds derived from the Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom), assessing their effectiveness against drug-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhoea.
His findings included the unexpected emergence of mosaic penA alleles in local N. gonorrhoeae isolates – genetic variants linked to resistance against third-generation cephalosporins, the last reliable antibiotic treatment option for gonorrhoea. This suggested a concerning potential for treatment failure. Yakobi also uncovered previously unreported mutations in bacterial efflux pump systems, indicating local evolutionary responses to antibiotic pressure. Additionally, he detected plasmid-borne resistance genes, implying that bacteria may rapidly acquire resistance by exchanging genetic material.
Yakobi, who hails from Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape, completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where his interest in microbiology and clinical pathology took root. He chose UKZN for his PhD owing to its strong reputation in infectious diseases and molecular biosciences.
He credits the University’s interdisciplinary environment, mentorship and access to advanced research tools for supporting his scientific development.
Yakobi’s fascination with biochemistry stems from its power to explain life at the molecular level and its potential to address global health challenges such as antibiotic resistance and microbial pathogenesis. His research journey was not without obstacles. Handling infectious agents like N. gonorrhoeae required strict biosafety compliance, and mastering bioinformatics and genome sequencing was another steep learning curve.
He successfully navigated these hurdles by partnering across disciplines to use specialised equipment and refining lab protocols. He highlights resilience, adaptability and strong mentorship as key to overcoming these challenges.
While completing his doctorate, Yakobi worked as a medical technologist and ad hoc lecturer at UKZN, balancing family life, church leadership and academic responsibilities. He credits faith, family and his academic community for helping him stay grounded and focused and says setting goals on unwavering faith was crucial to his success.
Yakobi is a postdoctoral research fellow in microbiology and a Laboratory Analytical Scientist at Aspen SA Operations, contributing to drug product quality and stability studies. His long-term goals include bridging the gap between academic research and industry, mentoring the next generation of African scientists, and shaping health and biosciences policy.
He thanked his family, supervisor Dr Ofentse Pooe, UKZN, funders of his research and all the colleagues and friends who supported him throughout his journey.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
