Pauline Jolly PhD, MPH

Dr. Jolly received a Ph.D. in science education from Louisiana State University (1980) and a M.P.H. (1984) and Ph.D. (1989) in Immunology and Infectious Diseases from Johns Hopkins University. She joined the School of Public Health in 1991. Dr. Jolly is the Director of the UAB Minority Health International Research Training (MHIRT) Program, the Director of the Doctor of Public Health Program in International Health and the Director of the Peace Corps Master's International Program for the School of Public Health.

Her laboratory research focuses on the mechanisms of pathogenesis of lentiviruses, especially of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), specifically in the area of immune responses to infection. Dr. Jolly also conducts research on the suppression of the immune system by aflatoxin and its effects on HIV disease progress in Ghana. In addition to her laboratory research Dr. Jolly conducts field research on the prevalence and risk factors for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly in pregnant women and STD clinic attendees in Jamaica and voluntary counseling and testing for HIV in pregnancy and adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Ghana. More recently, Dr. Jolly has been studying the genetics of hypertension among Mayans in Guatemala.

Research Projects

Aflatoxin Ingestion and Health Effects in Ghana (Jolly, PI)
This project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development. The study is designed: (1) to determine aflatoxin B1 albumin adduct levels in blood and aflatoxin M1 levels in urine of study participants; (2) identify sociodemographic factors, food handling and consumption practices that determine high aflatoxin levels in participants; (3) examine the association between aflatoxin levels, cellular immune status, liver function and hepatitis B, hepatitis C, malaria and HIV infections; and (4) examine the association between aflatoxin and micronutrient levels (vitamin A and E, iron) in participants. These data will direct the design of appropriate interventions to reduce aflatoxin levels in people in the study area.

Prevalence and risk factors for HIV/STI and other infections and chronic diseases in Jamaica and Ghana (Minority Health International Research Training (MHIRT) Program, Jolly, PI)
The MHIRT is funded by the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities and the Fogarty International Center, NIH, and supports research on the distribution and determinants of different infectious and chronic diseases in specified groups in populations in different countries. Research topics in Jamaica include study of the prevalence and risk factors for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in pregnant women and STI clinic patients, promotion of condom use and HIV/STI educational intervention, determinants of adolescent sexual behavior, risk factors for stillbirth and HIV/AIDS-related stigma among community and family members of people living with HIV/AIDS. Research topics in Ghana include voluntary counseling and testing for HIV in pregnant women, reduction of HIV/AIDS related stigma, and adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

Genetics of Hypertension among Mayan people in Guatemala (Jolly, PI)
This project is funded by the Comprehensive Minority Development Program at UAB. The aims are: (1) to screen the mtDNA of hypertensive and normotensive Mayans for 6 mtDNA gene variants that possibly contribute to HTN; (2) to sequence the restriction variants obtained and compare the sequences to a database to identify the mutations; and (3) to test the mutations for genetic association with hypertension susceptibility comparing the hypertensive versus the non-hypertensive groups.