Meet Acsa Igizeneza, our PhD candidate working on the molecular investigation of β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales

Acsa Igizeneza, from Rwanda, started her PhD on 1^st January 2026 at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium and Radboud University in the Netherlands. Acsa is undertaking a sandwich PhD program which is funded by the Belgian Directorate General for Development Cooperation (DGD).

Her doctoral research focuses on the molecular investigation of β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales to strengthen the diagnosis and management of bloodstream infections (BSIs) in tertiary hospitals in Rwanda. Through her research, Acsa aims to generate high quality antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance data to support evidence-based empirical and targeted treatment of BSIs, contributing to reduced treatment failure and improved patient outcomes in Rwanda.

Bloodstream infection

Surveillance bacteriology