A KwaZulu-Natal clinical psychologist has put South Africa on the world map by demonstrating a link between rape and its impact on the immune system.

Prishika Pillay presented the research recently in Wisconsin, United States, at a conference on psychoneuroimmunology, which studies the impact of psychological stress on the immune system, central nervous system and endocrine system.

Pillay, from Pietermaritzburg, discussed her research on rape survivor stress with medical researchers from around the world.

No other research to date has focused on the impact of the traumatic stress of rape on the immune system.

"I have been passionate about this area of research for many years. Presenting at the conference was an opportunity of a lifetime, which will undoubtedly open many avenues for me and for our country in terms of research.

"Very few perpetrators of rape use a condom, so when someone's immune system is suppressed, already it makes a person more vulnerable to being infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases," she said.

She added that, in addition to psychological and physiological stress, emotional stress could leave the immune system of a rape survivor vulnerable to disease, which could manifest as depression and post-dramatic stress disorder.

Pillay said the conference offered a rare opportunity to forge relationships with others in the field. "The people I met were so willing and excited to share their information and techniques in the field."

She said many delegates at the conference had been touched by the rape crisis in South Africa.

"The rape statistics, trauma and physiological and psychological consequences brought tears to the world's eyes. We should not be living in such an amoral and valueless society."

Pillay has been involved in rape crisis for 13 years and has fought for the rights of survivors.

In 2005, she successfully challenged a magistrate's order to provide the court with confidential information of her sessions with a rape victim.

She has also served as chairperson of Rape Crisis in Pietermaritzburg and chairperson of the Pietermaritzburg Psychologists' Forum.

"I do not take credit for this research, as I am just an instrument in the research process. The true heroes, to whom all credit needs to be directed, are the thousands and thousands of children, men and women who are survivors of rape and sexual assault."