Article
Biology
Abdirahman Abdi, Fiona Achcar, Lauriane Sollelis, Joao Luiz Silva-Filho, Kioko Mwikali, Michelle Muthui, Shaban Mwangi, Hannah W. Kimingi, Benedict Orindi, Cheryl Andisi Kivisi, Manon Alkema, Amrita Chandrasekar, Peter C. Bull, Philip Bejon, Katarzyna Modrzynska, Teun Bousema, Matthias Marti
Summary: The malaria parasite life cycle involves asexual replication in human blood and differentiation into gametocytes for transmission to mosquitoes. Host factors influence the commitment to differentiate into gametocytes, but the exact mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we analyzed data from 828 children in Kenya over 18 years to understand the relationship between host immunity, parasite growth, and transmission investment. We found that reduced plasma lysophosphatidylcholine levels, which are associated with inflammatory responses, are correlated with increased transmission investment and reduced asexual replication.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Theresa Reiker, Monica Golumbeanu, Andrew Shattock, Lydia Burgert, Thomas A. Smith, Sarah Filippi, Ewan Cameron, Melissa A. Penny
Summary: Individual-based models are essential in the global fight against infectious diseases, but the complexity of the models can pose challenges for calibration. The authors propose using a Bayesian optimization framework to calibrate a complex malaria transmission simulator, resulting in improved fitting outcomes compared to previous calibrations.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Emily R. Ebel, Frans A. Kuypers, Carrie Lin, Dmitri A. Petrov, Elizabeth S. Egan
Summary: The study on 121 healthy donors of African ancestry found that various genes and phenotypes related to red blood cell variation were closely associated with the adaptability of Plasmodium falciparum within red blood cells, indicating globally widespread variations play a role in modulating parasite fitness.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rebecca L. Clements, Alexander A. Morano, Francesca M. Navarro, James P. McGee, Esrah W. Du, Vincent A. Streva, Scott E. Lindner, Jeffrey D. Dvorin
Summary: This study identifies a basal complex protein, PfBLEB, as a key player in gametocytogenesis. Parasites lacking PfBLEB are unable to form mature gametocytes, highlighting the importance of PfBLEB. The study also provides a potential molecular target for the eradication of malaria transmission.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Benyl M. Ondeto, Xiaoming Wang, Harrysone Atieli, Daibin Zhong, Guofa Zhou, Ming-Chieh Lee, Pauline Winnie Orondo, Kevin O. Ochwedo, Collince J. Omondi, Simon M. Muriu, David O. Odongo, Horace Ochanda, James Kazura, Andrew K. Githeko, Guiyun Yan
Summary: Despite initial reductions in asymptomatic malaria parasite prevalence among school children from 2005 to 2008 in all sites, a resurgence of parasite prevalence by over 40% has been observed in Kombewa and Marani since 2011. The study also found that Kombewa had a higher risk of infection compared to Iguhu and Marani.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Edwin G. Tse, Laksh Aithani, Mark Anderson, Jonathan Cardoso-Silva, Giovanni Cincilla, Gareth J. Conduit, Mykola Galushka, Davy Guan, Irene Hallyburton, Benedict W. J. Irwin, Kiaran Kirk, Adele M. Lehane, Julia C. R. Lindblom, Raymond Lui, Slade Matthews, James McCulloch, Alice Motion, Ho Leung Ng, Mario Oeren, Murray N. Robertson, Vito Spadavecchio, Vasileios A. Tatsis, Willem P. van Hoorn, Alexander D. Wade, Thomas M. Whitehead, Paul Willis, Matthew H. Todd
Summary: The research aims to develop compounds to kill the malaria parasite by targeting PfATP4. They organized a public competition, and the best models were used to predict and synthesize novel inhibitors with biological activity.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Giulia Siciliano, Veronica Di Paolo, Dante Rotili, Rossella Migale, Francesca Pedini, Marialuisa Casella, Serena Camerini, Daniele Dalzoppo, Rob Henderson, Tonnie Huijs, Koen J. Dechering, Antonello Mai, Anna Maria Caccuri, Marco Lalle, Luigi Quintieri, Pietro Alano
Summary: This work investigates the activity of NBDHEX and its carboxylic acid metabolite on the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. NBDHEX shows strong activity against all blood stages of the parasite, with a higher potency against the gametocytes. Covalent modifications of gametocyte proteins are found to be associated with the antiparasitic effect of NBDHEX. Both NBDHEX and its metabolite have limited cytotoxicity in vitro, making them potential starting points for the development of new drugs to block malaria transmission.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Lekkala Ravindar, Siti Aishah Hasbullah, K. P. Rakesh, Nurul Izzaty Hassan
Summary: Malaria is a deadly parasitic infection ranked as the fifth most lethal worldwide. Antimalarial medications are crucial for preventing and eradicating malaria. The 4-aminoquinoline moiety has diverse biological applications and has been favored in antimalarial drug discovery. This review focuses on its efficacy when hybridized with various heterocyclic scaffolds, aiding the development of more effective antimalarial agents.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Trent D. Ashton, Madeline G. Dans, Paola Favuzza, Anna Ngo, Adele M. Lehane, Xinxin Zhang, Deyun Qiu, Bikash Chandra Maity, Nirupam De, Kyra A. Schindler, Tomas Yeo, Heekuk Park, Anne-Catrin Uhlemann, Alisje Churchyard, Jake Baum, David A. Fidock, Kate E. Jarman, Kym N. Lowes, Delphine Baud, Stephen Brand, Paul F. Jackson, Alan F. Cowman, Brad E. Sleebs
Summary: There is an urgent need for new candidates in the antimalarial clinical portfolio due to resistance against frontline antimalarials. A high-throughput screen identified the 2,3-dihydroquinazolinone-3-carboxamide scaffold as a potential new antimalarial chemotype. This chemotype targets PfATP4 and showed promising activity in vitro and in a mouse model of malaria.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Melissa D. Conrad, Victor Asua, Shreeya Garg, David Giesbrecht, Karamoko Niare, Sawyer Smith, Jane F. Namuganga, Thomas Katairo, Jennifer Legac, Rebecca M. Crudale, Patrick K. Tumwebaze, Samuel L. Nsobya, Roland A. Cooper, Moses R. Kamya, Grant Dorsey, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Philip J. Rosenthal
Summary: This study identified multifocal emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum with partial resistance to artemisinins in Uganda. The emergence and spread of resistance were predominantly observed in areas where effective malaria control had been discontinued or transmission was unstable.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Merryn Fraser, Kai Matuschewski, Alexander G. Maier
Summary: Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, remains a major global health issue infecting over 200 million people annually. Infection with the deadliest parasite species, Plasmodium falciparum, may disrupt the asymmetry of red blood cell membranes, impacting immune system interactions.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Oliver J. Watson, Bo Gao, Tran Dang Nguyen, Thu Nguyen-Anh Tran, Melissa A. Penny, David L. Smith, Lucy Okell, Ricardo Aguas, Maciej F. Boni
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of high levels of partner-drug resistance on the early emergence of artemisinin-resistant genotypes, finding that higher frequencies of pre-existing partner-drug resistance genotypes lead to earlier establishment of artemisinin resistance. It highlights the importance of continued investment in molecular surveillance of partner-drug resistant genotypes to guide the choice of first-line ACTs.
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Kwesi Z. Tandoh, Collins M. Moranga, Michael Wilson, Neils B. Quashie, Nancy O. Duah-Quashie
Summary: Plasmodium falciparum, the cause of malaria, is developing resistance to artemisinin, a drug used to treat malaria, which threatens the effectiveness of malaria control. The development of artemisinin resistance may involve the role of extracellular vesicles in increasing oxidative stress tolerance and reducing the trafficking of hemoglobin to the food vacuole.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Zena Lapp, Andrew A. Obala, Lucy Abel, David A. Rasmussen, Kelsey M. Sumner, Elizabeth Freedman, Steve M. Taylor, Wendy Prudhomme-O'Meara
Summary: This study compared the genetic diversity, prevalence, and evenness of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in human and mosquito hosts. The results showed that the parasite populations in mosquitoes were more diverse compared to humans, and the prevalence of haplotypes was more even in humans. In addition, infections in humans were more likely to harbor dominant haplotypes. Furthermore, there was little overlap in the genetic composition of abdomen and head infections within a mosquito.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lekkala Ravindar, Siti Aishah Hasbullah, K. P. Rakesh, Nurul Izzaty Hassan
Summary: Malaria is a major public health risk and economic burden in disease-endemic countries. Drug resistance in malaria parasites is a significant problem in malaria control. Novel drug discovery is essential to combat this issue.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Winnie W. Kamau, Rosemary Sang, Edwin O. Ogola, Gilbert Rotich, Caroline Getugi, Sheila B. Agha, Nelson Menza, Baldwyn Torto, David P. Tchouassi
Summary: The study found that Ae. bromeliae was the most dominant sub-species in both areas, exhibiting high survival rates and human blood-feeding behavior. Additionally, the presence of Ae. lilii in Kenya was documented for the first time. Moreover, these mosquitoes have a wide host feeding range, potentially exposing humans to various zoonotic pathogens.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Edwin O. Ogola, Anne Kopp, Armanda D. S. Bastos, Inga Slothouwer, Marco Marklewitz, Dorcus Omoga, Gilbert Rotich, Caroline Getugi, Rosemary Sang, Baldwyn Torto, Sandra Junglen, David P. Tchouassi
Summary: Ticks infected with JMTV were found in two pastoralist-dominated areas in Kenya, with goats, sheep, and tortoises being the hosts. The study confirms the circulation of JMTV in Kenya and highlights the need for further research on its potential impact on public health.
Article
Entomology
Tarekegn Fite, Tadele Tefera, Martin Husemann, Gezahegne Getaneh, Jandouwe Villinger
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of H. armigera in Ethiopia. The cyt b gene showed low-to-moderate haplotype diversity and high nucleotide diversity. The findings supported a model of population expansion and revealed significant genetic structure among populations.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tatenda Chiuya, Jandouwe Villinger, Laura C. Falzon, Lorren Alumasa, Fredrick Amanya, Armanda D. S. Bastos, Eric M. Fevre, Daniel K. Masiga
Summary: Malaria is the common diagnosis for febrile illness in sub-Saharan Africa. This study found under-diagnosis of other causes of fever in malaria-endemic areas. Additionally, arboviruses and Rickettsia were not detected in the samples, but other surveys indicate their circulation in the area. Evaluating the prevalence of malaria and other causes of fever is important for correct diagnosis and improving patient outcomes.
Review
Parasitology
Jackson M. Muema, Joel L. Bargul, Meshack A. Obonyo, Sospeter N. Njeru, Damaris Matoke-Muhia, James M. Mutunga
Summary: An integrated approach to combating arthropod-borne diseases involves using natural compounds to design interventions that can block pathogen transmission. This review explores the potential of natural compounds in inhibiting the transmission of human pathogens and proposes translational strategies for disease control interventions.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Joseph Wang'ang'a Oundo, Daniel Masiga, Quirine ten Bosch, Jandouwe Villinger, Constantianus J. M. Koenraadt, Shewit Kalayou
Summary: Tick-borne diseases are a significant issue in livestock health in sub-Saharan Africa, including coastal Kenya. This study investigates the epidemiology and management factors of tick-borne diseases in zebu cattle in coastal Kenya.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Edwin O. Ogola, Anne Kopp, Armanda D. S. Bastos, Inga Slothouwer, Dorcus C. A. Omoga, Josephine Osalla, Rosemary Sang, Baldwyn Torto, Sandra Junglen, David P. Tchouassi
Summary: This study found that ticks in dryland pastoralist ecosystems in Kenya carry various phleboviruses, including potentially three novel viruses. Additionally, tick-associated viruses related to sandflies were also detected in the same region. Further research is needed to understand the transmission and potential infection of these viruses in vertebrates.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biology
David P. Tchouassi, Sheila B. Agha, Jandouwe Villinger, Rosemary Sang, Baldwyn Torto
Summary: This article summarizes the current knowledge on the blood feeding, oviposition, and plant-feeding habits of Aedes aegypti in sub-Saharan Africa, compared with other regions globally. The emphasis is on understanding the connection between subspecies adaptation in these traits and the risk of arbovirus disease in response to climate change and urbanization, for effective disease control.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Robert M. M. Mugo, Benedict Orindi, Faiz M. M. Shee, Duncan Bellamy, Jedidah Mwacharo, Katie J. J. Ewer, Philip Bejon, Francis M. M. Ndungu
Summary: This study compared the levels of anti-circumsporozoite protein (CSP) IgG antibodies induced by RTS,S/AS01 vaccine measured using three different enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assays (ELISA). The results showed agreement and linear correlation among the three ELISA protocols, indicating the possibility of converting results into equivalent units for comparing immunogenicities of different vaccines.
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Benedict Orindi, Adrian Quintero, Luk Bruyneel, Baoyue Li, Emmanuel Lesaffre
Summary: Li et al developed a multilevel covariance regression (MCR) model that extends the covariance regression model of Hoff and Niu by assuming a hierarchical structure for mean and covariance matrix. In this study, we propose a Bayesian framework for a combined multilevel factor analysis and covariance regression model, simultaneously modeling the MCR model and a multilevel factor analysis (MFA) model. The proposed model replaces the responses in the MCR part with the factor scores from an MFA model. Through simulation study and real data analysis, we demonstrate that the proposed model is efficient for cases where the responses of the MCR model are latent variables, such as patient experience measurements in our motivating dataset.
STATISTICS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Dorcus C. A. Omoga, David P. Tchouassi, Marietjie Venter, Edwin O. Ogola, Gilbert Rotich, Joseph N. Muthoni, Dickens O. Ondifu, Baldwyn Torto, Sandra Junglen, Rosemary Sang
Summary: This study investigated the circulation of rodent-borne hantaviruses in peridomestic rodents and shrews in two semi-arid ecologies within the Kenyan Rift Valley. Hantavirus RNA was detected in shrews, confirming the presence of hantaviruses in this species for the first time in Kenya.
Article
Microbiology
Edwin O. Ogola, Armanda D. S. Bastos, Gilbert Rotich, Anne Kopp, Inga Slothouwer, Dorcus C. A. Omoga, Rosemary Sang, Baldwyn Torto, Sandra Junglen, David P. Tchouassi
Summary: In this study, two insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs) were identified, one in Mansonia africana mosquitoes and another in Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae s.l., Mansonia africana, and Culex univittatus mosquitoes that had fed on human blood. The ISFs were not pathogenic to humans and animals but may affect the transmission of arboviruses by mosquitoes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tobias Landmann, Michael Schmitt, Burak Ekim, Jandouwe Villinger, Faith Ashiono, Jan C. Habel, Henri E. Z. Tonnang
Summary: The diversity of stingless bees, butterflies, and dragonflies is higher in protected areas compared to unprotected areas in agro-ecological zones of Kenya and South Africa. A metric based on insect diversity and landscape naturalness is presented as a reliable tool for monitoring human impacts on biodiversity and informing conservation policy. The metric showed significant differences in biodiversity status values between protected and non-protected areas, while protected areas regardless of agro-ecology had similar values. This biodiversity status metric is applicable in data-scarce environments and useful for conservation actions and reporting.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Steve Kiplagat, Jandouwe Villinger, Collins K. Kigen, Kevin O. Kidambasi, Jackson M. Muema, Stephie M. Mwangi, Maureen Wangari, Damaris Matoke-Muhia, Daniel K. Masiga, Joel L. Bargul
Summary: This study conducted an entomological survey in the Laisamis area of northern Kenya and found the most common sand fly species to be Sergentomyia clydei, with the presence of Phlebotomus (Artemievus) alexandri carrying Leishmania DNA. Out of 13 blood-fed sand flies, 9 had fed on humans, and 33.3% of them carried Leishmania DNA. The findings of this study are important for understanding sand fly vector populations and the potential transmission of leishmaniasis in the area.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Merid N. Getahun, Jandouwe Villinger, Joel L. Bargul, Jackson M. Muema, Abel Orone, John Ngiela, Peter O. Ahuya, Rajinder K. Saini, Baldwyn Torto, Daniel K. Masiga
Summary: African animal trypanosomosis is spreading beyond traditional areas and infecting non-tsetse hematophagous flies and domestic animals in northern Kenya. The study identified potential mechanical vectors, their host feeding patterns, and trypanosome infection in these vectors and domestic animals. Different Trypanosoma species were found in biting flies and camels, indicating a wide geographic distribution of trypanosomes in Kenya. The study also revealed diverse clinical outcomes associated with infection by different Trypanosoma species. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex epidemiology of trypanosomosis in camels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TROPICAL INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)