Ellen Ledwaba

Dr. Ellen Ledwaba is a Lecturer in Microbiology at Rhodes University since 2023, with a focus on One Health-related water quality, bacterial pathogenesis, and antimicrobial resistance. Previously, she held post-doctoral and doctoral positions at the University of Venda and conducted pre-doctoral research at the University of Virginia.

• PhD in Microbiology (University of Venda, 2020)
• MSc in Microbiology (University of Venda, 2015)
• BSc in Microbiology (University of Limpopo, 2013)

Her research bridges bacterial pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, and environmental health in low-resource settings. Publications highlight enteric pathogens (EPEC, Shigella, Campylobacter, C. difficile), co-infections, zinc deficiency impacts, and vaccine development using murine models. She explores transmission dynamics and hygiene factors in rural communities.

Dr. Ledwaba's work spans diarrheal disease mechanisms, environmental microbiology, and translational approaches to public health challenges. Her collaborations with the University of Virginia and University of Venda emphasize global health and interdisciplinary research.