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
Immunology
Brian R. Omondi, Michelle K. Muthui, William Muasya, Benedict Orindi, Ramadhan S. Mwakubambanya, Teun Bousema, Chris Drakeley, Kevin Marsh, Philip Bejon, Melissa C. Kapulu
Summary: The study found that IgG responses to crude gametocyte extract may not be an independent predictor of gametocyte carriage after adjusting for AMA1 responses, but they could predict gametocyte carriage as a proxy marker of exposure to parasites. Serological responses to AMA1 or gametocyte extract may help identify individuals in populations who contribute to malaria transmission and support the implementation of transmission-blocking interventions.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shaoqin Zheng, Yuan Liang, Zhaojia Wang, Min Liu, Yingyi Chen, Ying Ai, Wenfeng Guo, Guoming Li, Yueming Yuan, Zhiyong Xu, Wanting Wu, Xinan Huang, Zhibing Wu, Qin Xu, Jianping Song, Changsheng Deng
Summary: Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are first-line antimalarial drugs. However, the emergence of resistance to ACTs in Plasmodium falciparum is a concern. This study successfully produced artemisinin-and piperaquine-resistant P. berghei K173 strains and explored the relationship between PfK13 and artemisinin resistance through DNA sequencing.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
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
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
Microbiology
Welmoed van Loon, Clara Bergmann, Felix Habarugira, Costanza Tacoli, Darius Savelsberg, Rafael Oliveira, Djibril Mbarushimana, Jules Ndoli, Augustin Sendegeya, Claude Bayingana, Frank P. Mockenhaupt
Summary: The study found an association between Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance-1 gene (pfmdr1) polymorphisms and altered antimalarial susceptibility, with a significant increase in the prevalence of the wild-type allele N86 and the wild-type combination NYD in recent years. The molecular data suggests a pattern shift in the pfmdr1 gene associated with artemether-lumefantrine resistance.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(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.
Article
Immunology
Oriana Kreutzfeld, Patrick K. Tumwebaze, Oswald Byaruhanga, Thomas Katairo, Martin Okitwi, Stephen Orena, Stephanie A. Rasmussen, Jennifer Legac, Melissa D. Conrad, Sam L. Nsobya, Ozkan Aydemir, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Maelle Duffey, Roland A. Cooper, Philip J. Rosenthal
Summary: This study investigated the susceptibility of P falciparum field isolates to PfDHFR inhibitors in two districts of Uganda and found common resistance-mediating mutations in Uganda. However, the new compound P218 retained excellent activity against mutant parasites.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Mukul Rawat, Abhishek Kanyal, Deepak Choubey, Bhagyashree Deshmukh, Rashim Malhotra, D. Mamatharani, Anjani Gopal Rao, Krishanpal Karmodiya
Summary: This study investigates the genetic and transcriptomic features of artemisinin-resistant parasites. The research identifies mutations in genes such as Kelch13 as molecular markers of resistance. The study also explores the deregulation of key biological pathways in resistant parasites. These findings provide important insights for further research on artemisinin resistance.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Isaiah Debrah, Yaw A. Afrane, Linda E. Amoah, Kevin O. Ochwedo, Wolfgang R. Mukabana, Daibin Zhong, Guofa Zhou, Ming-Chieh Lee, Shirley A. Onyango, Edwin O. Magomere, Harrysone Atieli, Andrew K. Githeko, Guiyun Yan
Summary: In this study, the larval ecology, sporozoite infection rates and blood meal sources of An. funestus in western Kenya were investigated. The highest abundance of An. funestus larvae was found in man-made ponds, and the distance to the nearest house was identified as the key environmental factor associated with the abundance of An. funestus larvae in aquatic habitats. This study provides valuable insights for the control of An. funestus and other mosquito species to complement existing vector control strategies.
Article
Immunology
Deborah M. Stiffler, Janet Oyieko, Carolyne M. Kifude, David M. Rockabrand, Shirley Luckhart, V. Ann Stewart
Summary: This study in Kombewa, Kenya found that individuals infected with HIV-1 were more likely to carry gametocytes, with significantly higher gametocyte copy numbers. In addition, HIV-1 positivity was associated with higher gametocyte prevalence in men and increased gametocyte carriage with age.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Camelia Herman, Colleen M. Leonard, Perpetua Uhomoibhi, Mark Maire, Delynn Moss, Uwem Inyang, Ado Abubakar, Abiodun Ogunniyi, Nwando Mba, Stacie M. Greby, McPaul I. Okoye, Nnaemeka C. Iriemenam, Ibrahim Maikore, Laura Steinhardt, Eric Rogier
Summary: In a nationwide HIV survey conducted in Nigeria in 2018, blood samples were collected from children aged 0-14 years and analyzed for the presence of Plasmodium antigens, DNA, and antibodies. The study found that children in Nigeria have widespread exposure to Pm, but lower rates of exposure to Po and Pv.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ben Andagalu, Oliver J. Watson, Irene Onyango, Benjamin Opot, Raphael Okoth, Gladys Chemwor, Peter Sifuna, Dennis Juma, Agnes Cheruiyot, Redemptah Yeda, Charles Okudo, Jackline Wafubwa, Santos Yalwala, David Abuom, Bernhards Ogutu, Jessica Cowden, Hoseah M. Akala, Edwin Kamau
Summary: This study investigated the transmission dynamics in an asymptomatic population in a high-malaria-burden region in Kenya and identified primary school children as the most important infectious reservoir for malaria transmission. Asymptomatic individuals with submicroscopic parasitemia transmitted malaria at a significantly higher rate compared with those with microscopic parasitemia. The high rates of treatment failures with artemether-lumefantrine suggest the need for expanded surveillance programs using molecular methods for accurate monitoring and evaluation of treatment outcomes.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(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)
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.
Article
Immunology
Anthony O. Etyang, Ruth Lucinde, Henry Karanja, Catherine Kalu, Daisy Mugo, James Nyagwange, John Gitonga, James Tuju, Perpetual Wanjiku, Angela Karani, Shadrack Mutua, Hosea Maroko, Eddy Nzomo, Eric Maitha, Evanson Kamuri, Thuranira Kaugiria, Justus Weru, Lucy B. Ochola, Nelson Kilimo, Sande Charo, Namdala Emukule, Wycliffe Moracha, David Mukabi, Rosemary Okuku, Monicah Ogutu, Barrack Angujo, Mark Otiende, Christian Bottomley, Edward Otieno, Leonard Ndwiga, Amek Nyaguara, Shirine Voller, Charles N. Agoti, David James Nokes, Lynette Isabella Ochola-Oyier, Rashid Aman, Patrick Amoth, Mercy Mwangangi, Kadondi Kasera, Wangari Ng'ang'a, Ifedayo M. O. Adetifa, E. Wangeci Kagucia, Katherine Gallagher, Sophie Uyoga, Benjamin Tsofa, Edwine Barasa, Philip Bejon, J. Anthony G. Scott, Ambrose Agweyu, George M. Warimwe
Summary: The study reveals significant regional differences in seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers in Kenya, but no differences based on professional cadre.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yash Gupta, Steven Goicoechea, Catherine M. Pearce, Raman Mathur, Jesus G. Romero, Samuel K. Kwofie, Matthew C. Weyenberg, Bharathi Daravath, Neha Sharma, Poonam, Hoseah M. Akala, Stefan M. Kanzok, Ravi Durvasula, Brijesh Rathi, Prakasha Kempaiah
Summary: Calcium channels play essential roles in protozoan parasites and have the potential to be new therapeutic targets. Antiparasitic drugs and calcium channel modulators have been shown to either kill parasites or increase their sensitivity to drugs.
MEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Douglas O. Ochora, Esezah Kakudidi, Jane Namukobe, Matthias Heydenreich, Paolo Coghi, Li Jun Yang, Edwin W. Mwakio, Ben Andagalu, Amanda Roth, Hoseah M. Akala, Vincent K. W. Wong, Abiy Yenesew
Summary: Extracts from Securidaca longipedunculata exhibited antiplasmodial activities against reference clones and clinical isolates, with a new benzophenone and known compounds showing potential anti-malarial properties. However, these compounds also displayed weak activity against cancer cell-lines while being non-toxic to normal cells.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Denis Akampurira, Hoseah M. Akala, Solomon Derese, Matthias Heydenreich, Abiy Yenesew
Summary: The extract of Zanthoxylum holstzianum stem bark exhibited good antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum, with nitidine and norchelerythrine being the most active compounds in the extract.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Douglas O. Ochora, Esezah K. Kakudidi, Jane Namukobe, Perpetua Ipulet, Dancan M. Wakoli, Winnie Okore, Edwin W. Mwakio, Redempthah A. Yeda, Agnes C. Cheruiyot, Dennis W. Juma, Ben Andagalu, Amanda L. Roth, Bernhards R. Ogutu, Abiy Yenesew, Hoseah M. Akala
Summary: Synergy was observed when extracts of Securidaca longipedunculata were combined with artemether and lumefantrine, showing potential in combating drug resistance in malaria treatment.
Article
Immunology
Ben Andagalu, Oliver J. Watson, Irene Onyango, Benjamin Opot, Raphael Okoth, Gladys Chemwor, Peter Sifuna, Dennis Juma, Agnes Cheruiyot, Redemptah Yeda, Charles Okudo, Jackline Wafubwa, Santos Yalwala, David Abuom, Bernhards Ogutu, Jessica Cowden, Hoseah M. Akala, Edwin Kamau
Summary: This study investigated the transmission dynamics in an asymptomatic population in a high-malaria-burden region in Kenya and identified primary school children as the most important infectious reservoir for malaria transmission. Asymptomatic individuals with submicroscopic parasitemia transmitted malaria at a significantly higher rate compared with those with microscopic parasitemia. The high rates of treatment failures with artemether-lumefantrine suggest the need for expanded surveillance programs using molecular methods for accurate monitoring and evaluation of treatment outcomes.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Stacey Orangi, John Ojal, Samuel P. C. Brand, Cameline Orlendo, Angela Kairu, Rabia Aziza, Morris Ogero, Ambrose Agweyu, George M. Warimwe, Sophie Uyoga, Edward Otieno, Lynette Ochola-Oyier, Charles N. Agoti, Kadondi Kasera, Patrick Amoth, Mercy Mwangangi, Rashid Aman, Wangari Ng'ang'a, Ifedayo M. O. Adetifa, J. Anthony G. Scott, Philip Bejon, Matt J. Keeling, Stefan Flasche, D. James Nokes, Edwine Barasa
Summary: This study conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of COVID-19 vaccine in Kenya. The findings showed that a slow roll-out with 30% coverage was effective in reducing deaths and cost-saving, while increasing coverage to 50% and 70% had limited effectiveness and was not cost-effective. Therefore, vaccinating young adults may no longer be cost-effective in settings where prior exposure has provided partial protection.
Letter
Immunology
Ben Andagalu, Oliver J. Watson, Irene Onyango, Benjamin Opot, Raphael Okoth, Gladys Chemwor, Peter Sifuna, Dennis Juma, Agnes Cheruiyot, Redemptah Yeda, Charles Okudo, Jackline Wafubwa, Santos Yalwala, David Abuom, Bernhards Ogutu, Jessica Cowden, Hoseah M. Akala, Edwin Kamau
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Redemptah Yeda, Charles Okudo, Eunice Owiti, Gladys Biwot, Cliff Momanyi, Winnie Korir, Thoya Mitsanze, Caroline Tegerei, Dennis Juma, Benjamin Opot, Edwin Mwakio, Gladys Chemwor, Raphael Okoth, Douglas O. Ochora, Agnes C. Cheruiyot, Amanda Roth, Hoseah M. Akala, Ben Andagalu
Summary: This study investigated the burden of malaria infection in individuals with different blood groups. The results showed that individuals with blood group B had a higher parasitaemia compared to those with blood group O, while individuals with blood group A and B had lower parasitaemia than those with blood group O.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Dancan M. Wakoli, Bartholomew N. Ondigo, Douglas O. Ochora, Joseph G. Amwoma, Winnie Okore, Edwin W. Mwakio, Gladys Chemwor, Jackeline Juma, Raphael Okoth, Charles Okudo, Redemptah Yeda, Benjamin H. Opot, Agnes C. Cheruiyot, Dennis Juma, Amanda Roth, Benhards R. Ogutu, Daniel Boudreaux, Ben Andagalu, Hoseah M. Akala
Summary: This study investigated the susceptibility of Kenyan parasites to various antimalarials and found that while the parasites remained sensitive to Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and other antimalarials, the response to artemether and lumefantrine was declining.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Peter O. Oluoch, Catherine S. Forconi, Cliff I. Oduor, Dominic A. Ritacco, Hoseah M. Akala, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Jonathan J. Juliano, John M. Ong'echa, Christian Munz, Ann M. Moormann
Summary: The prevalence of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and the occurrence of endemic Kaposi sarcoma (KS) are higher in regions with malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. A study examined KSHV serological profiles and viral loads in children with acute malaria and healthy children from high and low malaria regions. The results showed that KSHV seroprevalence was significantly associated with malaria endemicity, and acute malaria episodes disrupted KSHV latency in seropositive children.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Douglas O. Ochora, Reagan M. Mogire, Rael J. Masai, Redemptah A. Yeda, Edwin W. Mwakio, Joseph G. Amwoma, Dancan M. Wakoli, Abiy Yenesew, Hoseah M. Akala
Summary: This study tested the antiplasmodial activities of approved drugs using a target-similarity approach and found that some of these drugs showed excellent antiplasmodial activity, indicating their potential as antimalarials.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Edwin Kamau, Risper Maisiba, Nicole Dear, Allahna Esber, Ajay P. Parikh, Michael Iroezindu, Emmanuel Bahemana, Hannah Kibuuka, John Owuoth, Jonah Maswai, Benjamin Opot, Raphael O. Okoth, Farid Abdi, Maureen Mwalo, Dennis Juma, Ben Ben Andagalu, Hoseah M. Akala, Neha Shah, Trevor A. Crowell, Jessica Cowden, Christina S. Polyak, Julie A. Ake
Summary: This study investigated the hematologic abnormalities in malaria-asymptomatic people living with HIV in regions with different levels of malaria transmission. The results showed that anemia, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia varied across different geographic sites, with PLHIV having higher odds of anemia and leucopenia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Douglas O. Ochora, Caroline Murithi, Rael J. Masai, Farid Abdi, Agnes Cheruyiot, Esther Katuura, Savina Asiimwe, Alice Nabatanzi, Godwin Anywar, Hannington Oryem-Origa, Jane Namukobe, Esezah K. Kakudidi, Abiy Yenesew, Hoseah M. Akala, Edwin Kamau
Summary: Caesalpinia decapetala has potential antiplasmodial activity against malaria, inhibiting the growth of different strains of Plasmodium falciparum. This study suggests that Caesalpinia decapetala could be a treatment option for combating antimalarial drug resistance.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ben Andagalu, Pinyi Lu, Irene Onyango, Elke Bergmann-Leitner, Ruth Wasuna, Geoffrey Odhiambo, Lorna J. Chebon-Bore, Luicer A. Ingasia, Dennis W. Juma, Benjamin Opot, Agnes Cheruiyot, Redemptah Yeda, Charles Okudo, Raphael Okoth, Gladys Chemwor, Joseph Campo, Anders Wallqvist, Hoseah M. Akala, Daniel Ochiel, Bernhards Ogutu, Sidhartha Chaudhury, Edwin Kamau
Summary: The study found that pre-existing immunity affects the efficacy of artemisinin combination therapy (ASMQ), but not artemether-lumefantrine (AL). Machine learning models predicted the treatment outcomes of ASMQ, indicating that immune responses may interact with drug half-life to provide long-term efficacy of treatment.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)