Review
Veterinary Sciences
Keneth Iceland Kasozi, Ewan Thomas MacLeod, Susan Christina Welburn
Summary: The resistance of African animal trypanocide is a continuous threat to the elimination of African trypanosomiasis. This study investigated the threat by using major chemotherapeutic agents and found multi-drug cross-resistance, emphasizing the need to revise policies for disease control.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tatiana Dias-Guerreiro, Joana Palma-Marques, Patricia Mourata-Goncalves, Graca Alexandre-Pires, Ana Valerio-Bolas, Aurea Gabriel, Telmo Nunes, Wilson Antunes, Isabel Pereira da Fonseca, Marcelo Sousa-Silva, Gabriela Santos-Gomes
Summary: The study showed that TbEVs can establish direct communication with cells of innate and adaptive immunity, influencing the differentiation and expansion of macrophages and T lymphocytes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miebaka Jamabo, Maduma Mahlalela, Adrienne L. L. Edkins, Aileen Boshoff
Summary: Human African trypanosomiasis, caused by Trypanosoma brucei, is a neglected tropical disease targeted for eradication by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted control programs, extending the time frame. Vaccine development has been challenging due to antigenic variation and B cell depletion. Control relies on screening and drugs, with fexinidazole being a recent major breakthrough. Diagnosis, compliance, and resistance pose challenges, while ongoing drug discovery and addressing eradication challenges are discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
William J. Robinson, Annie E. Taylor, Solange Lauga-Cami, George W. Weaver, Randolph Rj Arroo, Marcel Kaiser, Sheraz Gul, Maria Kuzikov, Bernhard Ellinger, Kuldip Singh, Tanja Schirmeister, Adolfo Botana, Chatchakorn Eurtivong, Avninder S. Bhambra
Summary: Human African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, with current therapy limitations and the need for further investigation. Novel anti-trypanosomal compounds show promising potential, providing scaffolds for future drug development targeting the disease.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Vipul V. Shah, Vipul M. Patel, Pultsya Vyas
Summary: A young female patient presented with acute febrile illness and bicytopenia (leukopenia and thrombocytopenia) after returning from a recent visit to East Africa. Human African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping sickness) was diagnosed and successfully treated with suramin. This is the second reported case of HAT in India, 18 years after the first case.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Allan Mayaba Mwiinde, Martin Simuunza, Boniface Namangala, Chitalu Miriam Chama-Chiliba, Noreen Machila, Neil E. Anderson, Peter M. Atkinson, Susan C. Welburn
Summary: This study assesses the adequacy of the healthcare delivery system in Zambia for the diagnosis and management of Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). It reveals that the current healthcare system is unable to handle rHAT cases effectively. The study also identifies environmental factors, population at risk, and geographical distribution of rHAT cases.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Keneth Iceland Kasozi, Ewan Thomas MacLeod, Ibrahim Ntulume, Susan Christina Welburn
Summary: African trypanosomiasis, both in animals and humans, is associated with different pathogens and drug resistance. Research is being conducted on new combination therapies.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Keneth Iceland Kasozi, Gerald Zirintunda, Fred Ssempijja, Bridget Buyinza, Khalid J. Alzahrani, Kevin Matama, Helen N. Nakimbugwe, Luay Alkazmi, David Onanyang, Paul Bogere, Juma John Ochieng, Saher Islam, Wycliff Matovu, David Paul Nalumenya, Gaber El-Saber Batiha, Lawrence Obado Osuwat, Mahmoud Abdelhamid, Tianren Shen, Leonard Omadang, Susan Christina Welburn
Summary: Trypanosomiasis remains a major public health issue for both humans and animals globally, with sparse analysis on wildlife reservoir hosts. Increasing human activity and pressure on land resources are leading to higher risk of infections among wildlife, livestock, and humans. Protecting wildlife, animals, and human populations from infectious disease transmission is crucial to preserve these populations.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Benoit Stijlemans, Maxime Schoovaerts, Patrick De Baetselier, Stefan Magez, Carl De Trez
Summary: African trypanosome infection can lead to a seesaw balance between protective immunity and excessive inflammation, with the roles of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) being crucial in modulating the host immune microenvironment. Blocking MIF and promoting IL-10 receptor signaling pathways could potentially be used as therapy to counteract immunopathology development.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Caroline E. Dewar, Aitor Casas-Sanchez, Constentin Dieme, Aline Crouzols, Lee R. Haines, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, Brice Rotureau, Achim Schnaufer
Summary: This study demonstrates that efficient energy production through mitochondria is critical for the trypanosome's swimming ability and migration within the tsetse fly. Surprisingly, trypanosomes with impaired mitochondrial energy production are only mildly compromised in their ability to colonize the tsetse fly midgut. This study provides new insights into the complex mechanisms of trypanosome infection in tsetse flies.
Article
Microbiology
Caroline E. Dewar, Aitor Casas-Sanchez, Constentin Dieme, Aline Crouzols, Lee R. Haines, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, Brice Rotureau, Achim Schnaufer
Summary: The single-celled parasite Trypanosoma brucei is transmitted by tsetse flies and its development in the fly's gut depends on efficient energy production by mitochondria.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Fatihu Ahmad Rufa'i, Daniel Baecker, Muhammad Dauda Mukhtar
Summary: Trypanosomiasis is a serious disease that affects humans and animals, causing social and economic losses. Researchers investigated the phytochemical screening of a methanolic extract of Garcinia kola nuts and evaluated its biological activity on rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The extract showed evident efficacy based on physiological changes and survival rates.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Olaf Valverde Mordt, Antoine Tarral, Nathalie Strub-Wourgaft
Summary: This article describes the strategy used to simplify the introduction of a new oral treatment for human African trypanosomiasis. The authors discuss various aspects of the drug's development, including determining dosage range, testing food effects, optimizing absorption, establishing partnerships, and preparing for regulatory approval and distribution. The article highlights the importance of early preparation and collaboration in successfully bringing the new treatment to affected regions.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Joshua Weinmann, Lukas Kirchner, Markus Engstler, Lorenz Meinel, Ulrike Holzgrabe
Summary: Human African trypanosomiasis is a devastating parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma brucei and transmitted by tsetse flies. Limited treatment options are available, and the quinolone amide MB007 has been identified as a potential lead compound. This study synthesized new quinolone amides to study the structure-activity relationship and improve solubility. The evaluation identified lead structure 9f with promising in vitro activity against T. b. brucei and no cytotoxicity. Compounds 10b and 10c were also discovered, showing improved solubility and selectivity.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniel G. Silva, Pim-Bart Feijens, Rik Hendrickx, An Matheeussen, Lucie Grey, Guy Caljon, Louis Maes, Flavio S. Emery, Anna Junker
Summary: This study identified the isoindolone ring as a scaffold for novel agents against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and explored the structure-activity relationships of various aromatic ring substitutions. Compound 20 exhibited low nanomolar potency against T. b. rhodesiense with no toxicity against MRC-5 and PMM cell lines, showing potential as a new lead template for agents against T. b. rhodesiense. However, the compounds' solubility remains a limiting factor that needs to be addressed to further develop in vivo-active derivatives.
Article
Virology
Phionah Tushabe, Wayne Howard, Josephine Bwogi, Molly Birungi, James P. Eliku, Proscovia Kakooza, Henry Bukenya, Prossy Namuwulya, Joseph Gaizi, Mayi Tibanagwa, Theopista Kabaliisa, Julius Mulindwa, Dennis Muhanguzi, Melinda Suchard, Nicksy Gumede, Barnabas Bakamutumaho
Summary: Retrospective analysis of 112 NPEV isolates from AFP patients identified 31 different NPEV types, with most being Enterovirus B. Patients were mainly located in the eastern region and were primarily children under 5 years old, with more male patients. Echovirus 11 was frequently observed, and a unique genogroup was indicated in the analysis of EV-A71 sequences.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
E. Dickson, N. E. Palmateer, J. Murray, C. Robertson, C. Waugh, L. A. Wallace, L. Mathie, K. Heatlie, S. Mavin, P. Gousias, B. Von Wissman, D. J. Goldberg, A. McAuley
Summary: The study estimated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the general population of Scotland, finding a rate of 4.3% over the study period. The proportion varied between 1.9% and 6.8% each week with no significant differences by age, sex, or geographical area.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Walter O. Okello, Ewan T. MacLeod, Dennis Muhanguzi, Charles Waiswa, Susan C. Welburn
Summary: The study indicates that applying deltamethrin to the belly, legs, and ears of cattle in Africa may help reduce the damage caused by vector-borne diseases transmitted by tsetse and ticks. Cost-benefit analysis of spraying different proportions of the cattle population shows that spraying 50% of the population yields a very high return on investment.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Ali Milton, Dennis Muhanguzi, Allan Male, Ali Kajubi, Stephen Buah, Jerome Kubiriba, Robooni Tumuhimbise
Summary: This study aimed to develop a cheap and easily accessible genotyping method for the banana weevil. By using transcriptome-derived SSR markers, the genetic diversity of banana weevil populations in different regions of Uganda was analyzed, providing valuable information for integrated pest management strategies.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. Talenti, J. Powell, J. D. Hemmink, E. A. J. Cook, D. Wragg, S. Jayaraman, E. Paxton, C. Ezeasor, E. T. Obishakin, E. R. Agusi, A. Tijjani, K. Marshall, A. Fisch, B. R. Ferreira, A. Qasim, U. Chaudhry, P. Wiener, P. Toye, L. J. Morrison, T. Connelley, J. G. D. Prendergast
Summary: This study generated assemblies for African cattle breeds and integrated them with genomic data for global cattle breeds into a graph genome. Compared to the current reference assembly, this more representative assembly contains additional sequence, increases read mapping rates, reduces biases, and improves structural variant calling consistency.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Louise Hamill, Guillaume Trotignon, Charles MacKenzie, Becks Hill, Alex Pavluck, Dyesse Yumba, Sunday Isiyaku, Adamani William, Audrey Nyior, Michael Igbe, Chukwuma Anyaike, Joel Akilah, David Agyemang, Benjamin Marfo, Philip Downs, Iain Jones
Summary: Efforts towards eliminating onchocerciasis transmission by 2030 in at least 21 countries require recent and accurate data, as well as reassessment of how to conduct onchocerciasis elimination mapping. This study summarizes the methods and cost implications of conducting pilot OEM surveys in Ghana and Nigeria in 2018, highlighting the significant cost drivers in procurement and logistics of diagnostics.
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Joseph Nkamwesiga, Fedor Korennoy, Paul Lumu, Peninah Nsamba, Frank Nobert Mwiine, Kristina Roesel, Barbara Wieland, Andres Perez, Henry Kiara, Dennis Muhanguzi
Summary: Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious and fatal disease that affects small ruminants globally. This study in Uganda identified the trends and drivers of PPR outbreaks using outbreak data from 2007 to 2020. The study found that inter-district and cross-border animal movement, along with certain environmental factors, contribute to the spread of PPR. The findings highlight the importance of prioritizing vaccination in new hotspot areas to prevent further transmission.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. Talenti, J. Powell, J. D. Hemmink, E. A. J. Cook, D. Wragg, S. Jayaraman, E. Paxton, C. Ezeasor, E. T. Obishakin, E. R. Agusi, A. Tijjani, W. Amanyire, D. Muhanguzi, K. Marshall, A. Fisch, B. R. Ferreira, A. Qasim, U. Chaudhry, P. Wiener, P. Toye, L. J. Morrison, T. Connelley, J. G. D. Prendergast
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. Talenti, J. Powell, D. Wragg, M. Chepkwony, A. Fisch, B. R. Ferreira, M. E. Z. Mercadante, I. M. Santos, C. K. Ezeasor, E. T. Obishakin, D. Muhanguzi, W. Amanyire, I. Silwamba, J. B. Muma, G. Mainda, R. F. Kelly, P. Toye, T. Connelley, J. Prendergast
Summary: This study used optical mapping to generate a high-quality database of structural variation in cattle from different geographical regions and breeds, providing a resource for further study of SVs in cattle.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Lina Gonzalez Gordon, Thibaud Porphyre, Dennis Muhanguzi, Adrian Muwonge, Lisa Boden, Barend M. de C. Bronsvoort
Summary: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a global transboundary animal disease with endemic transmission cycles in some parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Spatial and spatio-temporal analyses have been used to explore the burden of the disease and identify high-risk areas. Studies have found that animal demographics, spatial accessibility, trade, socio-economic, and environmental factors are commonly linked to FMD risk in endemic contexts.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Dieter J. A. Heylen, Bersissa Kumsa, Elikira Kimbita, Mwiine Nobert Frank, Dennis Muhanguzi, Frans Jongejan, Safiou Bienvenu Adehan, Alassane Toure, Fred Aboagye-Antwi, Ndudim Isaac Ogo, Nick Juleff, Dionne Crafford, Josephus Fourie, Michel Labuchange, Maxime Madder
Summary: This study conducted a surveillance of tick-borne pathogens in cattle in rural areas of several African countries. The prevalence of different pathogens varied among countries and was associated with the distribution of specific vector ticks. Factors such as age, gender, weight, and tick exposure were also found to be related to infections. The findings of this study can provide important insights for monitoring and prevention of tick-borne pathogens in cattle.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Dieter J. A. Heylen, Bersissa Kumsa, Elikira Kimbita, Mwiine Nobert Frank, Dennis Muhanguzi, Frans Jongejan, Safiou Bienvenu Adehan, Alassane Toure, Fred Aboagye-Antwi, Ndudim Isaac Ogo, Nick Juleff, Josephus Fourie, Alec Evans, Joseph Byaruhanga, Maxime Madder
Summary: This study determines the tick species with the highest economic impact on cattle in seven sub-Saharan African countries. The results show that tick diversity and prevalence are higher in East Africa compared to West Africa. Amblyomma variegatum, Rhipicephalus microplus, R. evertsi evertsi, and R. appendiculatus are the most prevalent tick species of economic importance in East Africa. In West Africa, A. variegatum and R. microplus occur in high numbers. The study also finds that treating cattle with anti-parasiticides can reduce infestation levels of six tick species.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Gerald Nizeyimana, Patrick Vudriko, Joseph Erume, Frank Mubiru, Wilfred Eneku, Savino Biryomumaisho, Robert Mwebe, Eugene Arinaitwe, Rose Ademun, Stella Atim, Chrisostom Ayebazibwe, Dennis Muhanguzi, Robert Tweyongyere
Summary: Sheep and goat pox outbreaks in Uganda have predominantly occurred in the northeastern region, with an increasing number of outbreaks over the years. The disease poses a significant threat to small ruminant health and productivity.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Richard P. Bishop, Naftaly W. Githaka, Thomas Bazarusanga, Chandra Bhushan, Abel Biguezoton, Patrick Vudriko, Dennis Muhanguzi, Maria Tumwebaze, Timbiira John Bosco, Caryn Shacklock, Josphat Kiama, Maxime Madder, Christine Maritz-Olivier, Weining Zhao, Francois Maree, Ayodele O. Majekodunmi, Lenaig Halos, Frans Jongejan, Alec Evans
Summary: A meeting sponsored by the BMGF and organised by Clinglobal took place at ILRI in Nairobi, Kenya from October 19th to 21st, 2022. The meeting brought together experts on tick control in Africa from academia, international agencies, the private Animal Health sector, and government veterinary services. Key outcomes included a shared commitment to standardise bioassay protocols for acaricide resistance, the development of molecular assays for detecting resistance, and the creation of platforms for disseminating resistance data to enable evidence-based control of livestock ticks. The meeting also showcased recently established networks focused on parasite control in Africa and globally.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lina Gonzalez-Gordon, Thibaud Porphyre, Adrian Muwonge, Noelina Nantima, Rose Ademun, Sylvester Ochwo, Norbert Frank Mwiine, Lisa Boden, Dennis Muhanguzi, Barend Mark de C. Bronsvoort
Summary: Animal movements play a crucial role in the spread of Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs). The study conducted network analysis on cattle movements in Uganda to identify districts and sub-regions for targeted risk-based surveillance and intervention. The results show that cattle trade contributes to both local and long-distance disease spread in Uganda. The structure of the trade network can be exploited to reduce trade risks, and similar features can be observed in the slaughter network. Analyzing the livestock supply chain provides a unique framework for understanding and quantifying risks for TADs in Uganda.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)