Article
Infectious Diseases
Raisa Raulino, Guillaume Thaurignac, Christelle Butel, Christian Julian Villabona-Arenas, Thomas Foe, Severin Loul, Simon-Pierre Ndimbo-Kumugo, Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, Sheila Makiala-Mandanda, Steve Ahuka-Mundeke, Karen Kerkhof, Eric Delaporte, Kevin K. Arien, Vincent Foulongne, Eitel Mpoudi Ngole, Martine Peeters, Ahidjo Ayouba
Summary: This study developed a high-throughput serological screening tool to study multiple arboviruses in NHPs in Central Africa. By evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of each antigen, it was found that African non-human primates are most likely not the reservoirs, but rather intermediate hosts for these viruses.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Mercedes Viettri, Gerson Caraballo, Maria Elena Sanchez, Aurora Espejel-Nunez, Abigail Betanzos, Vianney Ortiz-Navarrete, Guadalupe Estrada-Gutierrez, Porfirio Nava, Juan E. Ludert
Summary: This study compared the growth and dissemination of Zika virus (ZIKV) with dengue virus (DENV) and yellow fever virus (YFV-17D) in cells. The results showed that ZIKV has a greater ability to infect cells and inhibits the immune and chemical responses of cells.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sheila Makiala-Mandanda, Jessica L. Abbate, Elisabeth Pukuta-Simbu, Steve Ahuka-Mundeke, Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, Eric M. Leroy, Pierre Becquart
Summary: Active syndromic surveillance of acute febrile jaundice patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo can help quickly identify potential yellow fever arbovirus outbreaks. Through retroactive screening of samples, it was found that about 21.3% of patients with acute febrile jaundice had active replication of human herpes viruses (HHVs), with nearly half of infections characterized by co-infection among HHVs or between HHVs and other viral infections. This suggests that the role of HHV in contributing to acute febrile jaundice should be routinely considered in diagnosing these patients identified through the yellow fever surveillance program.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alvan Cheng, Angie Ghanem-Uzqueda, Nicole A. Hoff, Hayley Ashbaugh, Reena H. Doshi, Patrick Mukadi, Roger Budd, Stephen G. Higgins, Christina Randall, Sue Gerber, Michel Kabamba, Guilluame Ngoie Mwamba, Emile Okitolonda-Wemakoy, Jean Jacques Muyembe-Tanfum, Anne W. Rimoin
Summary: Despite improvements in routine vaccination activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, tetanus vaccine coverage in children aged 6-59 months remains low, especially in rural areas and households with low maternal education. Identifying areas for intervention and improving vaccination coverage is crucial to prevent the potentially fatal disease.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jacques B. O. Emina, Henry V. Doctor, Yazoume Ye
Summary: This study in the Democratic Republic of Congo aimed to identify socioeconomic predictors of malaria among children aged 6-59 months. Results showed that child's age, mother's education, province of residence, and household wealth index were associated with malaria infection prevalence. Malaria infection increased with child's age and decreased with mother's education and household wealth index. Targeted interventions based on these findings could help achieve zero malaria infection in DRC.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Milan Trojanek, Vyacheslav Grebenyuk, Zdenka Mandakova, Nadezda Sojkova, Hana Zelena, Hana Rohacova, Frantisek Stejskal
Summary: This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics of imported cases of dengue (DEN), chikungunya (CHIK), and Zika virus (ZIKV) infections in Czech travellers. The study found that most Czech travellers contracted these viruses as tourists, mainly in Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. This study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive knowledge of these diseases for travel medicine practice.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ying-Hsuan Lee, Yu-Chia Hsieh, Chih-Jung Chen, Tzou-Yien Lin, Yhu-Chering Huang
Summary: A survey in Taiwan in 2010 showed that the majority of the population born after 1940 is naïve to dengue virus, while the prevalence of IgG antibody against dengue virus increases with age. Nationality and regions of residency are associated with the exposure of population to infection by dengue viruses. Further studies are needed to understand the current situation of dengue fever seroprevalence in Taiwan.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Patrick Mukadi Kakoni, Yannick Munyeku Bazitama, Jean Raphael Nepomuceno, Elisabeth Pukuta-Simbu, Francois Kawhata Mawika, Gracia Kashitu Mujinga, Luigi Palla, Steve Ahuka-Mundeke, Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum, Nobuo Koizumi, Yoshinao Kubo, Koya Ariyoshi, Chris Smith
Summary: This study in the DRC investigated the presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies among suspected yellow fever cases, finding a seropositivity rate of 7% in the samples tested. The study also highlighted significant associations between age, gender, and living area with the presence of Leptospira IgM antibodies. The findings suggest that leptospirosis is likely an overlooked cause of fever with jaundice in the DRC, particularly in young adult males. Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and burden of human leptospirosis in the country.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Awadalkareem Adam, Christian Jassoy
Summary: Arbovirus infections are prevalent in Africa due to the lack of established epidemiological surveillance systems and accurate differential diagnosis. Studies indicate these infections are endemic in most African countries, highlighting the need for improved monitoring to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Healthcare providers should be informed about prevalent arboviral diseases to better identify and manage possible cases.
Article
Immunology
Christine Marie George, Alves Birindwa, Shan Li, Camille Williams, Jennifer Kuhl, Elizabeth Thomas, Ruthly Francois, Amani Sanvura Presence, Bisimwa Rusanga Jean Claude, Patrick Mirindi, Lucien Bisimwa, Jamie Perin, O. Colin Stine
Summary: By conducting a cohort study of 236 children under 5 years old in rural eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, we investigated the association between enteric pathogens, fecal microbes, and child growth. Using quantitative PCR analysis, we found that 66% of children had more than 3 pathogens in their feces. The study revealed that children with Akkermansia muciniphila in their feces showed larger increases in height-for-age z-scores, while children with Cryptosporidium had larger declines in weight-for-height/length z-scores.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Mohammad M. Obaidat, James C. Graziano, Maria Morales-Betoulle, Shelley M. Brown, Cheng-Feng Chiang, John D. Klena
Summary: The epidemiology of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in Jordan is unknown. A study found 3% of tested dairy cattle, sheep, and goats were RVFV seropositive and 14% were CCHFV seropositive. Ongoing surveillance is necessary to evaluate the risk to humans and protect public health.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Laura K. Aisenberg, Kimberly E. Rousseau, Katherine Cascino, Guido Massaccesi, William H. Aisenberg, Wensheng Luo, Kar Muthumani, David B. Weiner, Stephen S. Whitehead, Michael A. Chattergoon, Anna P. Durbin, Andrea L. Cox
Summary: Researchers have discovered that preexisting dengue virus antibodies can enhance interferon production in cells during secondary infection, providing protection against severe outcomes. This finding provides new insights into the role of antibodies in dengue and Zika virus infections.
Article
Immunology
Daniel Katuashi Ishoso, M. Carolina Danovaro-Holliday, Aime Mwana-Wabene Cikomola, Christophe Luhata Lungayo, Jean-Crispin Mukendi, Dieudonne Mwamba, Christian Ngandu, Eric Mafuta, Paul Samson Lusamba Dikassa, Aimee Lulebo, Deo Manirakiza, Franck-Fortune Mboussou, Moise Desire Yapi, Gaga Fidele Ngabo, Richard Bahizire Riziki, Cedric Mwanga, John Otomba, Marcellin Mengouo Nimpa
Summary: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has a high proportion of never vaccinated or zero-dose (ZD) children. A study examined the proportion of ZD children and associated factors in the DRC, finding that one in five children aged 12-23 months had never been vaccinated in 2021. Factors associated with being a ZD child suggest inequalities in vaccination, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Article
Microbiology
Seydou Ka, Natacha Merindol, Aissatou Aicha Sow, Amita Singh, Karima Landelouci, Melodie B. Plourde, Genevieve Pepin, Marco Masi, Roberta Di Lecce, Antonio Evidente, Matar Seck, Lionel Berthoux, Laurent Chatel-Chaix, Isabel Desgagne-Penix
Summary: The study found that Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) from plants of the Amaryllidaceae family have strong antiviral activity, with cherylline specifically inhibiting dengue virus and Zika virus replication. This suggests that AAs, including cherylline, could be a potential source of new antiviral drugs.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Molly Deutsch-Feldman, Jonathan B. Parr, Corinna Keeler, Nicholas F. Brazeau, Varun Goel, Michael Emch, Jessie K. Edwards, Melchior Kashamuka, Antoinette K. Tshefu, Steven R. Meshnick
Summary: The research found that previous surveys often overlooked the higher burden of malaria in older children and adolescents, whereas in fact, this age group had the highest prevalence of the disease.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Cedar L. Mitchell, Nicholas F. Brazeau, Corinna Keeler, Melchior Kashamuka Mwandagalirwa, Antoinette K. Tshefu, Jonathan J. Juliano, Steven R. Meshnick
Summary: The study found that Plasmodium ovale infections are widely distributed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with major risk factors including gender, co-infection with P. falciparum, and rural residence. Both P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri were found circulating throughout the country.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Valerie Mueller, Glenn Sheriff, Corinna Keeler, Megan Jehn
Summary: After an initial delay, Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing the impact of the pandemic with falling export demand and rising caseloads. Governments have adopted various policies to balance reducing infection rates with economic output loss. The differences in country characteristics across the continent affect the costs and benefits of alternative policy designs.
APPLIED ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVES AND POLICY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Molly Deutsch-Feldman, Jonathan B. Parr, Corinna Keeler, Nicholas F. Brazeau, Varun Goel, Michael Emch, Jessie K. Edwards, Melchior Kashamuka, Antoinette K. Tshefu, Steven R. Meshnick
Summary: The research found that previous surveys often overlooked the higher burden of malaria in older children and adolescents, whereas in fact, this age group had the highest prevalence of the disease.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katerina Brandt, Varun Goel, Corinna Keeler, Griffin J. Bell, Allison E. Aiello, Giselle Corbie-Smith, Erica Wilson, Aaron Fleischauer, Michael Emch, Ross M. Boyce
Summary: The analysis of SARS-CoV-2 testing data in North Carolina revealed disparities in access to COVID-19 testing across racial-ethnic groups, particularly among Latinx, NL Black, and other historically marginalized populations. Additionally, people living in rural areas showed higher test positivity rates across all racial-ethnic groups.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Margaret Carrel, Seungwon Kim, Melchior Kashamuka Mwandagalirwa, Nono Mvuama, Joseph A. Bala, Marthe Nkalani, Georges Kihuma, Joseph Atibu, Alpha Oumar Diallo, Varun Goel, Kyaw L. Thwai, Jonathan J. Juliano, Michael Emch, Antoinette Tshefu, Jonathan B. Parr
Summary: The study found that malaria prevalence varied by age and ITN usage, with higher risk for individuals if another household member had malaria. Environmental factors like higher malaria prevalence in the neighborhood and proximity to water sources were also associated with malaria outcomes. Targeting non-traditional age groups and implementing household- and neighborhood-focused interventions may be effective in improving malaria outcomes in high-burden countries like the DRC.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicholas F. Brazeau, Cedar L. Mitchell, Andrew P. Morgan, Molly Deutsch-Feldman, Oliver John Watson, Kyaw L. Thwai, Pere Gelabert, Lucy van Dorp, Corinna Y. Keeler, Andreea Waltmann, Michael Emch, Valerie Gartner, Ben Redelings, Gregory A. Wray, Melchior K. Mwandagalirwa, Antoinette K. Tshefu, Joris L. Likwela, Jessie K. Edwards, Robert Verity, Jonathan B. Parr, Steven R. Meshnick, Jonathan J. Juliano
Summary: This study conducted a prevalence survey of P. vivax infections among adults in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, finding a prevalence rate of 2.97% with relatively flat distribution but higher prevalence in certain regions. The research suggests that the P. vivax strains in the DRC may belong to a separate contemporary clade, distinct from non-human ape strains and ancestral European strains.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Clark H. Cunningham, Christopher M. Hennelly, Jessica T. Lin, Ratawan Ubalee, Ross M. Boyce, Edgar M. Mulogo, Nicholas Hathaway, Kyaw L. Thwai, Fernandine Phanzu, Albert Kalonji, Kashamuka Mwandagalirwa, Antoinette Tshefu, Jonathan J. Juliano, Jonathan B. Parr
Summary: The novel SHERLOCK assays demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting various species of Plasmodium, making them valuable tools for malaria diagnosis and surveillance.
Article
Microbiology
Sindew M. Feleke, Emily N. Reichert, Hussein Mohammed, Bokretsion G. Brhane, Kalkidan Mekete, Hassen Mamo, Beyene Petros, Hiwot Solomon, Ebba Abate, Chris Hennelly, Madeline Denton, Corinna Keeler, Nicholas J. Hathaway, Jonathan J. Juliano, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Eric Rogier, Jane Cunningham, Ozkan Aydemir, Jonathan B. Parr
Summary: A study in Ethiopia found that existing malaria diagnostic methods miss about 10% of cases due to a gene deletion in Plasmodium falciparum. The rapid expansion of pfhrp2 deletion highlights the need for improved monitoring and diagnostic strategies for this deletion throughout the Horn of Africa. Further research is necessary to understand the implications of pfhrp2 deletion in malaria testing and treatment.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Alexandra C. Willcox, Kevin Sung, Meghan E. Garrett, Jared G. Galloway, Jesse H. Erasmus, Jennifer K. Logue, David W. Hawman, Helen Y. Chu, Kim J. Hasenkrug, Deborah H. Fuller, Frederick A. Matsen, Julie Overbaugh
Summary: The study compared the antibody responses to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein in convalescent humans, convalescent (re-infected) rhesus macaques, mRNA-vaccinated humans, and repRNA-vaccinated pigtail macaques using a phage-based deep mutational scanning approach. The results showed that macaques and humans share some common epitope targets but also have differences in recognizing certain epitopes. There is considerable individual variability in antibody escape profiles within each group. The findings suggest that macaques can serve as a model for studying human immunity to SARS-CoV-2, but there are differences between species and exposure type.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wentao Chen, Hao Luo, Lihong Zeng, Yuying Pan, Jonathan B. Parr, Yinbo Jiang, Clark H. Cunningham, Kelly L. Hawley, Justin D. Radolf, Wujian Ke, Jiangli Ou, Jianjiang Yang, Bin Yang, Heping Zheng
Summary: This study develops a PCR-LwCas13a assay for the diagnosis of syphilis, which achieves better sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional methods. It also demonstrates the potential of CRISPR-based approaches for improving syphilis diagnosis and surveillance.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Corinna Keeler, Thomas J. Luben, Nina Forestieri, Andrew F. Olshan, Tania A. Desrosiers
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between residential proximity to polluted sites in North Carolina and preterm birth and low birth weight. The findings suggest that living near polluted sites may increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Parasitology
William L. Hamilton, Deus S. Ishengoma, Jonathan B. Parr, Daniel J. Bridges, Alyssa E. Barry
Summary: Nanopore-based sequencing platforms have the potential to provide affordable malaria molecular surveillance (MMS) in resource-limited settings, enabling tracking and response to emerging threats such as drug resistance and diagnostic evade. However, implementing MMS using nanopore sequencing faces challenges and requires important technical developments and innovations.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Alexandra C. Willcox, Alex S. Huber, Ababacar Diouf, Jordan R. Barrett, Sarah E. Silk, David Pulido, Lloyd D. W. King, Daniel G. W. Alanine, Angela M. Minassian, Mahamadou Diakite, Simon J. Draper, Carole A. Long, Kazutoyo Miura
Summary: The study found that pre-existing antibodies will interact favorably with vaccine-induced RH5 antibodies, supporting RH5 vaccine trials in malaria-endemic regions.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alexandra C. Willcox, Barbra A. Richardson, Juma Shafi, Emmanuel Kabare, John Kinuthia, Walter Jaoko, Kishorchandra Mandaliya, Julie Overbaugh, R. Scott McClelland
Summary: A risk stratification tool was developed using data from female sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya, to predict HIV infection risk and guide targeted PrEP promotion in higher-risk populations.