Article
Immunology
Caitlin M. Cossaboom, Luke Nyakarahuka, Sophia Mulei, Jackson Kyondo, Alex Tumusiime, Jimmy Baluku, Gloria Grace Akurut, Dianah Namanya, Kilama Kamugisha, Hildah Tendo Nansikombi, Alex Nyabakira, Semei Mutesasira, Shannon Whitmer, Carson Telford, Julius Lutwama, Stephen Balinandi, Joel Montgomery, John D. Klena, Trevor Shoemaker
Summary: Seven confirmed Rift Valley fever cases, including one fatality, were reported in Kiruhura District, Uganda in 2021. Our findings underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance for viral hemorrhagic fevers, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Malgorzata Kwasnik, Wojciech Rozek, Jerzy Rola
Summary: Rift Valley fever is a zoonotic disease transmitted by Aedes and Culex mosquitoes, primarily affecting ruminants and camels with potential to infect humans. It is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, but has been reported in other African regions in recent decades. The movement of infected animals and vectors is considered a potential pathway for the introduction of Rift Valley fever into Europe, with a low risk estimated for Poland.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
John T. Kayiwa, Martin N. Mayanja, Teddy Muwawu Nakayiki, Fred Senfuka, Julius Mugga, Jeffrey W. Koehler, Eric C. Mossel, Julius J. Lutwama
Summary: In response to two human cases of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Uganda, an entomological investigation was carried out to determine the mosquito species and abundance, identify potential mosquito vectors, and test for virus transmission. The study revealed the isolation of two Wesselsbron virus strains, a neglected arbovirus, from Aedes tricholabis and Ae. gibbinsi mosquitoes. These isolates represent the first reported Wesselsbron virus strains in Uganda since 1966.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Deo B. Ndumu, Barnabas Bakamutumaho, Edward Miller, Jesca Nakayima, Robert Downing, Stephen Balinandi, Fred Monje, Dan Tumusiime, Mary Nanfuka, Natascha Meunier, Eugene Arinaitwe, Chris Rutebarika, Eugene Kidega, Jackson Kyondo, Rose Ademun, Kariuki M. Njenga, Francisco Veas, Jean-Paul Gonzalez
Summary: Prior to the first recorded outbreak of Rift Valley fever in Uganda in March 2016, earlier studies indicated the presence of the RVF virus in the country, but no outbreaks were recorded. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries conducted studies to determine RVF sero-prevalence in risk prone areas. The results showed varying levels of sero-prevalence in different regions, with the highest cumulative sero-prevalence in bovines.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Paul Kato Kitandwe, Paul F. McKay, Pontiano Kaleebu, Robin J. Shattock
Summary: RVF is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis that causes harm to both humans and animals. There is a need for more safe and effective DIVA-compatible vaccines due to limitations of the currently available RVF vaccines.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tugume Peterson Gordon, Muhwezi Talbert, Maud Kamatenesi Mugisha, Ainamani Elvis Herbert
Summary: This study aimed to investigate HIV viral suppression levels among adolescents in Kabale district and the associated clinical, adherence, and psychosocial factors. The findings showed that factors such as good nutrition status, absence of severe opportunistic infections, no treatment interruptions, participation in support groups, and support from family members were significantly associated with viral load suppression.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Calvin Sindato, Esron D. Karimuribo, Francesco Vairo, Gerald Misinzo, Mark M. Rweyemamu, Muzamil Mahdi Abdel Hamid, Najmul Haider, Patrick K. Tungu, Richard Kock, Susan F. Rumisha, Togolai Mbilu, Francine Ntoumi, Alimuddin Zumla, Leonard E. G. Mboera
Summary: This study conducted serological surveys in three districts of Tanzania and found the presence of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infection in both humans and animals. Animal handling practices were identified as important determinants of seropositivity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Dan Tumusiime, Ard M. Nijhof, Martin H. Groschup, Julius Lutwama, Kristina Roesel, Bernard Bett
Summary: The study revealed that pastoralists and agropastoralists in Uganda have knowledge of Rift Valley fever (RVF), including its clinical descriptions and epidemiological risk factors. The epidemiological information provided by them is crucial for designing an effective surveillance and early warning system.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(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
Immunology
Thopisang P. Motlou, Marietjie Venter
Summary: The study detected Shuni virus in human neurologic disease cases in South Africa, with SHUV RNA identified in 5% of cerebrospinal fluid specimens collected from public sector hospitals during the arbovirus season. This finding suggests that SHUV may be a previously unrecognized cause of human neurologic infections in Africa.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Xiao Wang, Yupei Yuan, Yihan Liu, Leiliang Zhang
Summary: This article provides an overview of the pathogenesis of Rift Valley fever (RVF) and the immune evasion competition between the virus and the host. Understanding the host immune response and viral antibodies can help identify new drug targets and potential solutions for current and future epidemics.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Cecile Troupin, Isabelle Ellis, Bakary Doukoure, Alimou Camara, Moustapha Keita, Moise Kagbadouno, Jean-Mathieu Bart, Ramadan Diallo, Sandra Lacote, Philippe Marianneau, Martin H. Groschup, Noel Tordo
Summary: This study evaluated the seroprevalence of brucellosis, Q fever, and Rift Valley fever in domestic ruminants in Guinea. The results showed that cattle had the highest seroprevalence for these three diseases, with brucellosis and Q fever being widespread in Guinea. The study highlights the need for improved surveillance and screening for zoonotic diseases in Guinea.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Earl A. Middlebrook, Alicia T. Romero, Bernard Bett, Daniel Nthiwa, Samuel O. Oyola, Jeanne M. Fair, Andrew W. Bartlow
Summary: Zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis, Q fever and Rift Valley fever can have devastating effects on human, livestock, and wildlife health, leading to severe disease outcomes and altered transmission dynamics. Further research is needed on identifying and managing coinfections to improve disease risk management in zoonotic diseases.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nathaniel S. Chapman, Haiyan Zhao, Nurgun Kose, Jonna B. Westover, Birte Kalveram, Robin Bombardi, Jessica Rodriguez, Rachel Sutton, Joseph Genualdi, A. Desiree LaBeaud, Francis M. Mutuku, Phillip R. Pittman, Alexander N. Freiberg, Brian B. Gowen, Daved H. Fremont, James E. Crowe
Summary: By isolating antibodies from B cells of individuals who were naturally infected or vaccinated, researchers found that immune responses to RVFV share similar antigenic sites, with some specific antibodies demonstrating potent neutralizing activities in vitro. These antibodies can inhibit virus-cell fusion process, thereby contributing to antibody-mediated neutralization against RVFV infections.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Virology
Lingqing Xu, Alden C. Paine, Dominique J. Barbeau, Frances Alencastro, Andrew W. Duncan, Anita K. Mcelroy
Summary: RVFVmiR-122, a recombinant miRNA-targeted virus, specifically limits the replication of RVFV in liver cells. C57BL/6 mice infected with RVFVmiR-122 show a different clinical outcome compared to those infected with RVFVmiR-184, and this difference is eliminated in Mir-122 KO mice.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Stephen Balinandi, Shannon Whitmer, Sophia Mulei, Luke Nyakarahuka, Alex Tumusiime, Jackson Kyondo, Jimmy Baluku, Joseph Mutyaba, Lawrence Mugisha, Maja Malmberg, Julius Lutwama, Trevor R. Shoemaker, John D. Klena
Summary: This study reviewed case reports of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) patients in Uganda between 2013 and 2019 and analyzed the genome sequences of the virus. The findings indicate that CCHF cases in Uganda are most common from July to December and are located along the cattle corridor. The most common symptoms reported include fever, hemorrhage, headache, fatigue, vomiting, and myalgia.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Luke Nyakarahuka, Sophia Mulei, Shannon Whitmer, Kyondo B. Jackson, Alex M. Tumusiime, Amy Schuh, Jimmy J. Baluku, Allison D. Joyce, Felix R. Ocom, Jayne Tusiime, Joel Montgomery, Stephen Balinandi, Julius Lutwama, John Klena, Trevor Shoemaker
Summary: This publication demonstrates how Uganda managed to control the introduction of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2019. By intensifying cross-border surveillance and implementing international health regulations, they successfully limited the spread of the virus in Uganda. Three cases were identified and contained, with no onward transmission. This experience can serve as a model for cross-border surveillance and control of infectious disease outbreaks.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Grace Nabakooza, Andrzej Pastusiak, David Patrick Kateete, Julius Julian Lutwama, John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, Simon David William
Summary: This study found a high frequency of intra-subtype reassortment events among influenza viruses in Africa, highlighting the importance of reassortment in the evolution and diversification of the virus. The spatial and temporal distribution patterns of reassortants suggest that Africa is part of the global influenza ecology. The findings emphasize the importance of routine whole-genome sequencing and analysis in monitoring the circulation of influenza viruses and detecting emerging viruses.
Article
Immunology
Matthew J. Cummings, Barnabas Bakamutumaho, Adam Price, Nicholas Owor, John Kayiwa, Joyce Namulondo, Timothy Byaruhanga, Komal Jain, Thomas S. Postler, Moses Muwanga, Christopher Nsereko, Irene Nayiga, Stephen Kyebambe, Xiaoyu Che, Stephen Sameroff, Rafal Tokarz, Shivang S. Shah, Michelle H. Larsen, W. Ian Lipkin, Julius J. Lutwama, Max R. O'Donnell
Summary: This study investigated the influence of HIV infection on the immunopathology and organ dysfunction of patients hospitalized with suspected sepsis in Uganda. The results showed that HIV-infected patients presented with more severe physiological disturbances and shock, and had a higher mortality rate at 30 days. Furthermore, HIV-infected patients exhibited exaggerated activation of multiple immune and thrombotic metabolic pathways. This study revealed the specific circumstances of HIV-infected patients in the pathogenesis of sepsis, providing important information for further research and treatment.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Matthew J. Cummings, Barnabas Bakamutumaho, Komal Jain, Adam Price, Nicholas Owor, John Kayiwa, Joyce Namulondo, Timothy Byaruhanga, Moses Muwanga, Christopher Nsereko, Stephen Sameroff, W. Ian Lipkin, Julius J. Lutwama, Max R. O'Donnell
Summary: The global burden of sepsis is particularly severe in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where the management of severe infections is challenged by epidemic HIV and unique pathogen diversity. In a prospective cohort study in Uganda, machine learning methods were used to develop a prediction model for 30-day mortality in adults with suspected sepsis. The model integrated physiology-based risk scores with soluble biomarkers and showed enhanced prediction accuracy when combined with whole-blood RNA sequencing data.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
John T. Kayiwa, Martin N. Mayanja, Teddy Muwawu Nakayiki, Fred Senfuka, Julius Mugga, Jeffrey W. Koehler, Eric C. Mossel, Julius J. Lutwama
Summary: In response to two human cases of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Uganda, an entomological investigation was carried out to determine the mosquito species and abundance, identify potential mosquito vectors, and test for virus transmission. The study revealed the isolation of two Wesselsbron virus strains, a neglected arbovirus, from Aedes tricholabis and Ae. gibbinsi mosquitoes. These isolates represent the first reported Wesselsbron virus strains in Uganda since 1966.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Matthew J. Cummings, Barnabas Bakamutumaho, Komal Jain, Adam Price, Nicholas Owor, John Kayiwa, Joyce Namulondo, Timothy Byaruhanga, Moses Muwanga, Christopher Nsereko, Irene Nayiga, Stephen Kyebambe, Xiaoyu Che, Stephen Sameroff, Rafal Tokarz, Wai Wong, Thomas S. Postler, Michelle H. Larsen, W. Ian Lipkin, Julius J. Lutwama, Max R. O'Donnell
Summary: This study found that detection of urine TB-LAM was associated with organ dysfunction and immune responses in hospitalized adults with severe HIV/TB. Higher TB-LAM grade was correlated with more severe physiological derangement and impaired antibacterial defense. Therefore, immunomodulatory therapies may be a potential strategy for treating critically ill HIV/TB patients.
JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Arthur W. D. Edridge, Nathalie van den Brekel, Philly Mukungu, Rachael Nakayima, Samuel Bbosa, Peter Isagara, Michael Boele van Hensbroek, Lia van der Hoek, John Kayiwa, Julius J. Lutwama, Richard Idro
Summary: We investigated whether a novel orthobunyavirus called Ntwetwe virus, which was discovered in a Ugandan girl with a fatal encephalopathy, was a common cause of hospital admission for children to Kiboga hospital in Uganda. A case-control study was conducted between September 2019 and September 2020, comparing cases with severe neurological disease and mild febrile illness to healthy controls without fever. Among 143 subjects, no cases with an acute infection of Ntwetwe virus were identified. This suggests that Ntwetwe virus does not contribute significantly to the disease burden among children seeking medical care at Kiboga hospital during the study period.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Stephen Balinandi, Shannon Whitmer, Sophia Mulei, Charity Nassuna, Godfrey Pimundu, Tonny Muyigi, Markus Kainulainen, Elizabeth Shedroff, Inna Krapiunaya, Florine Scholte, Luke Nyakarahuka, Alex Tumusiime, Jackson Kyondo, Jimmy Baluku, Jocelyn Kiconco, Julie R. Harris, Alex R. Ario, Atek Kagirita, Henry K. Bosa, Isaac Ssewanyana, Susan Nabadda, Henry G. Mwebesa, Jane R. Aceng, Diana Atwine, Julius J. Lutwama, Trevor R. Shoemaker, Joel M. Montgomery, Pontiano Kaleebu, John D. Klena
Summary: Uganda experienced five Ebola disease outbreaks caused by Bundibugyo virus (n = 1) and Sudan virus (SUDV) (n = 4) from 2000 to 2021. The fifth Sudan virus disease outbreak in Mubende district in 2022 resulted in a total of 142 confirmed cases and 22 probable cases. Genetic analysis of the new variant showed its close relatedness to the Nakisamata SUDV sequence from 2011 and provided valuable information for diagnostics and future therapy development.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Rebekah C. Kading, Erin M. Borland, Eric C. Mossel, Teddy Nakayiki, Betty Nalikka, Jeremy P. Ledermann, Mary B. Crabtree, Nicholas A. Panella, Luke Nyakarahuka, Amy T. Gilbert, Julian C. Kerbis-Peterhans, Jonathan S. Towner, Brian R. Amman, Tara K. Sealy, Barry R. Miller, Julius J. Lutwama, Robert M. Kityo, Ann M. Powers
Summary: This study identified neutralizing antibodies against o'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in serum samples collected from bats in Uganda, suggesting the interepidemic circulation of these viruses in the country. However, Egyptian rousette bats are unlikely to serve as reservoirs for these viruses due to the inconsistent occurrence of antibodies.
Article
Immunology
Luke Nyakarahuka, Shannon Whitmer, Jackson Kyondo, Sophia Mulei, Caitlin M. Cossaboom, Carson T. Telford, Alex Tumusiime, Gloria Grace Akurut, Dianah Namanya, Kilama Kamugisha, Jimmy Baluku, Julius Lutwama, Stephen Balinandi, Trevor Shoemaker, John D. Klena
Summary: Two cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) were detected among refugees in a settlement in Kikuube district, Uganda. Further investigations revealed a high prevalence of CCHF IgG antibodies (71.3%) in goats within the settlement. This highlights the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to controlling CCHF in both humans and animals in Uganda.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Caitlin M. Cossaboom, Luke Nyakarahuka, Sophia Mulei, Jackson Kyondo, Alex Tumusiime, Jimmy Baluku, Gloria Grace Akurut, Dianah Namanya, Kilama Kamugisha, Hildah Tendo Nansikombi, Alex Nyabakira, Semei Mutesasira, Shannon Whitmer, Carson Telford, Julius Lutwama, Stephen Balinandi, Joel Montgomery, John D. Klena, Trevor Shoemaker
Summary: Seven confirmed Rift Valley fever cases, including one fatality, were reported in Kiruhura District, Uganda in 2021. Our findings underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance for viral hemorrhagic fevers, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Nicholas Bbosa, Deogratius Ssemwanga, Hamidah Namagembe, Ronald Kiiza, Jocelyn Kiconco, John Kayiwa, Tom Lutalo, Julius Lutwama, Alfred Ssekagiri, Isaac Ssewanyana, Susan Nabadda, Henry Kyobe-Bbosa, Jennifer Giandhari, Sureshnee Pillay, Upasana Ramphal, Yajna Ramphal, Yeshnee Naidoo, Derek Tshiabuila, Houriiyah Tegally, Emmanuel J. San, Eduan Wilkinson, Tulio de Oliveira, Pontiano Kaleebu
Summary: Genomic surveillance in Uganda has shown the rapid replacement of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants over time, with Delta dominating. However, the detection of the more transmissible Omicron variant among travelers and increasing community transmission emphasize the importance of near-real-time genomic surveillance and adherence to infection control measures in preventing future pandemic waves.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Matthew J. Cummings, Barnabas Bakamutumaho, Adam Price, Nicholas Owor, John Kayiwa, Joyce Namulondo, Timothy Byaruhanga, Moses Muwanga, Christopher Nsereko, Stephen Sameroff, Rafal Tokarz, Wai Wong, Shivang S. Shah, Michelle H. Larsen, W. Ian Lipkin, Julius J. Lutwama, Max R. O'Donnell
Summary: This study identified two immune subtypes among 288 adults hospitalized with sepsis in Uganda, characterized by differential activation of pro-inflammatory innate and adaptive immune pathways, T-cell exhaustion, metabolic reprogramming, and association with severe HIV-associated tuberculosis, extensive organ dysfunction, worse functional outcomes, and higher 30-day mortality. These results emphasize the unique features of sepsis immunopathology in sub-Saharan Africa and highlight the importance of developing more biologically-informed treatment strategies incorporating immunomodulation in the region.
