Holours Student

Rapelang is a BSc Biotechnology graduate currently pursuing an Honours degree in Microbiology at Stellenbosch University.
Her research focuses on detecting and identifying Entamoeba histolytica and related species in children under five living in informal settlements in the Western Cape, South Africa. Through the use of diagnostic methods such as PCR and microscopy, the project aims to accurately determine parasite prevalence and overcome the challenge of misidentifying non-pathogenic species that are morphologically similar.

The study highlights the role of poor sanitation in transmission and contributes to a better understanding of the health risks posed by intestinal parasites in vulnerable child populations.