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.
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
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
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
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
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)
Article
Virology
Xue Wang, Cuixia Hu, Wei Ye, Jia Wang, Xiaofei Dong, Jie Xu, Xiaorong Li, Manfeng Zhang, Hongyun Lu, Fanglin Zhang, Wei Wu, Shaodong Dai, Hong-Wei Wang, Zhongzhou Chen
Summary: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne virus that causes severe diseases in both humans and livestock. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) encoded by the L segment of RVFV is essential for viral replication and transcription, and has multiple drug targets. In this study, the structure of RVFV L protein was determined, revealing its distinct priming loop and its role in RNA synthesis initiation.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Kendra N. Johnson, Birte Kalveram, Jennifer K. Smith, Lihong Zhang, Terry Juelich, Colm Atkins, Tetsuro Ikegami, Alexander N. Freiberg
Summary: The antiviral drug Tilorone has been found to effectively inhibit Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infection in vitro and in vivo, suggesting its potential use as a therapeutic option for treating RVFV infection.
Article
Microbiology
Mathilde Laureti, Rui-Xue Lee, Amelia Bennett, Lucas Aladar Wilson, Victoria Elena Sy, Alain Kohl, Isabelle Dietrich
Summary: RVFV infection triggers the activation of RNA interference pathways in mosquitoes, which limits viral replication. The study found that RVFV infection may alter mosquito immune responses, potentially affecting viral replication and transmission. Further research in this area could provide valuable information for disease prevention strategies.
Article
Immunology
William C. Wilson, Bonto Faburay, Jessie D. Trujillo, Izabela Ragan, Sun-Young Sunwoo, Igor Morozov, Vinay Shivanna, Aaron Balogh, Kinga Urbaniak, D. Scott McVey, Dashzeveg Bold, Natasha N. Gaudreault, Erin E. Schirtzinger, Wenjun Ma, Juergen A. Richt
Summary: RVFV is a mosquito-borne virus that causes diseases in animals and humans in Africa, with no licensed vaccine available for humans. However, a vaccine based on Gn and Gc glycoproteins has shown promising results in protecting cattle from the virus in experimental studies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Corey R. Nelson, Tyler Mrozowich, Sean M. Park, Simmone D'souza, Amy Henrickson, Justin R. J. Vigar, Hans-Joachim Wieden, Raymond J. Owens, Borries Demeler, Trushar R. Patel
Summary: This study demonstrates that DDX17 can directly interact with and unwind RVFV non-coding RNA regions IGR and NCR, providing important insights into the mechanism by which DDX17 restricts RVFV replication.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Niranjana Nair, Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus, Guus F. Rimmelzwaan, Chittappen Kandiyil Prajeeth
Summary: Rift Valley Fever Virus is a mosquito-borne phlebovirus that causes febrile or haemorrhagic illness in ruminants and humans. The virus can prevent the induction of the antiviral interferon response through its NSs proteins. Mutations in the NSs gene may lead to the induction of innate proinflammatory immune responses and attenuation of the virus. Virus-specific antibodies and T cells are induced upon infection, which may provide protection against subsequent infections. These findings will help in the development of vaccines using existing platforms. Vaccines candidates have shown promise in safety and efficacy trials in susceptible animal species, which may contribute to controlling RVFV infections and preventing disease progression in humans and ruminants.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
John Juma, Vagner Fonseca, Samson L. Konongoi, Peter van Heusden, Kristina Roesel, Rosemary Sang, Bernard Bett, Alan Christoffels, Tulio de Oliveira, Samuel O. Oyola
Summary: Genetic evolution of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) in Africa has been influenced by environmental changes, with 15 lineages circulating in sub-Saharan Africa. International trade and mosquito transmission are responsible for outbreaks, and genomic surveillance is crucial for intervention strategies.
Article
Immunology
Qimin Huang, David Gurarie, Martial Ndeffo-Mbah, Emily Li, Charles H. King
Summary: The study used mathematical models to assess the impact of seasonality on Schistosoma transmission, finding that seasonal variation makes transmission less sustainable and that intraseasonal timing of interventions can improve long-term control outcomes. This research showed that modeling approaches that ignore seasonality can lead to overestimations of infection burden and underestimations of control outcomes in highly seasonal environments. Proper timing of control measures within the season can greatly enhance the effectiveness of Schistosoma transmission control.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
R. A. Gladstone, L. Siira, O. B. Brynildsrud, D. F. Vestrheim, P. Turner, S. C. Clarke, S. Srifuengfung, R. Ford, D. Lehmann, E. Egorova, E. Voropaeva, G. Haraldsson, K. G. Kristinsson, L. McGee, R. F. Breiman, S. D. Bentley, C. L. Sheppard, N. K. Fry, J. Corander, M. Toropainen, A. Steens
Summary: This study used genomics to investigate the international links between outbreaks of vaccine preventable serotype 4 sequence type 801 in shipyards in several countries. The findings suggest that the total diversity of ST801 within the outbreaks cannot be solely explained by recent transmission alone, indicating potential international transmission between shipyards.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Keli N. Gerken, A. Desiree LaBeaud, Henshaw Mandi, Maina L'Azou Jackson, J. Gabrielle Breugelmans, Charles H. King
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the epidemiology of RVFV in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian Ocean from 1999 to 2021, finding that RVFV transmission range and frequency are expanding, emphasizing the importance of coordinating human and animal surveillance and improving diagnostics and genotyping.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Ewa Tomczak, April N. McDougal, A. Clinton White
Summary: Cryptosporidium is a major cause of diarrheal disease worldwide, particularly in malnourished children and immunocompromised patients. The current treatment options are not consistently effective, and no controlled trials have been conducted. However, combination therapies may hold promise for improving treatment outcomes.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Madikay Senghore, Chrispin Chaguza, Ebrima Bojang, Peggy-Estelle Tientcheu, Rowan E. Bancroft, Stephanie W. Lo, Rebecca A. Gladstone, Lesley McGee, Archibald Worwui, Ebenezer Foster-Nyarko, Fatima Ceesay, Catherine Bi Okoi, Keith P. Klugman, Robert F. Breiman, Stephen D. Bentley, Richard Adegbola, Martin Antonio, William P. Hanage, Brenda A. Kwambana-Adams
Summary: The transmission dynamics of Streptococcus pneumoniae in sub-Saharan Africa are poorly understood. This study leveraged a longitudinal cohort from rural Africa to study strain sharing among infants. The results showed that strain sharing was more likely to occur over short geographical distances and during sustained carriage.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Josh M. Colston, Benjamin F. Zaitchik, Hamada S. Badr, Eleanor Burnett, Syed Asad Ali, Ajit Rayamajhi, Syed M. Satter, Daniel Eibach, Ralf Krumkamp, Jurgen May, Roma Chilengi, Leigh M. Howard, Samba O. Sow, M. Jahangir Hossain, Debasish Saha, M. Imran Nisar, Anita K. M. Zaidi, Suman Kanungo, Inacio Mandomando, Abu S. G. Faruque, Karen L. Kotloff, Myron M. Levine, Robert F. Breiman, Richard Omore, Nicola Page, James A. Platts-Mills, Ulla Ashorn, Yue-Mei Fan, Prakash Sunder Shrestha, Tahmeed Ahmed, Estomih Mduma, Pablo Penatero Yori, Zulfiqar Bhutta, Pascal Bessong, Maribel P. Olortegui, Aldo A. M. Lima, Gagandeep Kang, Jean Humphrey, Andrew J. Prendergast, Robert Ntozini, Kazuhisa Okada, Warawan Wongboot, James Gaensbauer, Mario T. Melgar, Tuula Pelkonen, Cesar Mavacala Freitas, Margaret N. Kosek
Summary: Diarrheal disease, a major health problem for children, is influenced by climate factors such as temperature, humidity, and soil moisture. This study analyzed data from multiple countries and found that different enteropathogens have different responses to climate variables. Temperature, soil moisture, and humidity are particularly influential parameters, and climate change may lead to shifts in the relative burden of diarrhea-causing agents.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Chrispin Chaguza, Chinelo Ebruke, Madikay Senghore, Stephanie W. Lo, Peggy-Estelle Tientcheu, Rebecca A. Gladstone, Gerry Tonkin-Hill, Jennifer E. Cornick, Marie Yang, Archibald Worwui, Lesley McGee, Robert F. Breiman, Keith P. Klugman, Aras Kadioglu, Dean B. Everett, Grant Mackenzie, Nicholas J. Croucher, Anna Roca, Brenda A. Kwambana-Adams, Martin Antonio, Stephen D. Bentley
Summary: The isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in invasive disease patients versus healthy individuals varies widely. Using a genome-wide association study, this research found no consensus evidence that certain genomic variation is overrepresented in isolates from invasive disease patients. Overall, genomic variation explained negligible phenotypic variability, suggesting minimal effect on disease status. Changes in lineage distribution highlight the importance of continued pathogen surveillance.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Nathan C. Lo, Fernando Schemelzer Moraes Bezerra, Daniel G. Colley, Fiona M. Fleming, Mamoun Homeida, Narcis Kabatereine, Fatma M. Kabole, Charles H. King, Margaret A. Mafe, Nicholas Midzi, Francisca Mutapi, Joseph R. Mwanga, Reda M. R. Ramzy, Fadjar Satrija, J. Russell Stothard, Mamadou Souncalo Traore, Joanne P. Webster, Juerg Utzinger, Xiao-Nong Zhou, Anthony Danso-Appiah, Paolo Eusebi, Eric S. Loker, Charles O. Obonyo, Reginald Quansah, Song Liang, Michel Vaillant, M. Hassan Murad, Paul Hagan, Amadou Garba
Summary: Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease infecting approximately 250 million people worldwide, has been controlled through preventive chemotherapy programs. However, the recent increase in scientific evidence and the global supply of praziquantel has resulted in the need to update public health guidance. In 2022, the WHO published new guidelines that expand preventive chemotherapy eligibility, lower the prevalence threshold for treatment, and increase the frequency of treatment.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rikki H. Sargent, Shaelyn Laurie, Leah Moncada, Leo F. Weakland, James V. Lavery, Daniel A. Salmon, Walter A. Orenstein, Robert F. Breiman
Summary: This study investigates public reactions to efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates in the United States. The findings suggest that reactions vary depending on demographic indicators and vaccination intention. The results emphasize the importance of understanding public reactions before implementing policy changes, programs, and mandates, as well as considering different responses across groups.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Eleonora Migliore, Vivian K. Amaitsa, Francis M. Mutuku, Indu J. Malhotra, Dunstan Mukoko, Anika Sharma, Prathik Kalva, Amrik S. Kang, Charles H. King, A. Desiree LaBeaud
Summary: This study conducted in Kenya reveals the prevalence of chronic malnutrition and highlights the links between adequate nutrient intake, socioeconomic conditions, and vaccine efficacy.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Carolyne Nasimiyu, Isaac Ngere, Jeanette Dawa, Patrick Amoth, Ouma Oluga, Carol Ngunu, Harriet Mirieri, John Gachohi, Moshe Dayan, Nzisa Liku, Ruth Njoroge, Raymond Odinoh, Samuel Owaka, Samoel A. Khamadi, Samson L. Konongoi, Sudi Galo, Linet Elamenya, Marianne Mureithi, Omu Anzala, Robert Breiman, Eric Osoro, M. Kariuki Njenga
Summary: Considering the inequity in global COVID-19 vaccine distribution, a study was conducted in Kenya to compare population immunity and vaccine uptake between rural and urban areas. The study found that herd immunity had been achieved in Kenya, with a higher seroprevalence rate among rural populations. More than 45% of eligible individuals had not received the vaccine, and vaccine refusal was reported in around 20% of participants, mainly due to concerns about safety and inadequate information. The study highlights the importance of sustained vaccine campaigns and the need for repeat boosters to combat waning immunity and emerging variants.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amilcar Magaco, Yara Alonso, Maria Maixenchs, Contardo Ambrosio, Antonio Sitoe, Pio Vitorino, Dianna Blau, Mischka Garel, Robert Breiman, Agbessi Amouzou, Quique Bassat, Inacio Mandomando, John Blevins, Khatia Munguambe
Summary: The Countrywide Mortality Surveillance for Action project aims to implement a child mortality surveillance program by strengthening vital registration event reporting and investigating causes of death based on verbal autopsies. Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling procedures were added in Quelimane to improve the accuracy of cause of death determination. A socioanthropological study was conducted to understand the potential facilitators and barriers to the acceptability of the implementation. Factors such as the desire to know the cause of death, involvement of community and religious leaders, and provision of transport for bodies back to the community were identified as facilitators, while poor community mobilization and disagreements with religious practices were identified as barriers.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Clifford Oduor, Irene Omwenga, Alice Ouma, Robert Mutinda, Samwel Kiplangat, Ondari D. Mogeni, Leonard Cosmas, Allan Audi, George S. Odongo, David Obor, Robert Breiman, Joel Montgomery, George Agogo, Patrick Munywoki, Godfrey Bigogo, Jennifer R. Verani
Summary: This study examined mortality patterns and trends in an urban informal settlement in Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya. The results showed that overall mortality rate and cause-specific mortality rates declined over time, representing significant public health successes among this population.
GLOBAL HEALTH ACTION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ryan E. Wiegand, Fiona M. Fleming, Sake J. de Vlas, Maurice R. Odiere, Safari Kinung'hi, Charles H. King, Darin Evans, Michael D. French, Susan P. Montgomery, Anne Straily, Juerg Utzinger, Penelope Vounatsou, W. Evan Secor
Summary: The article highlights the inadequacy of the current criteria for eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health problem and the need for a more accurate monitoring and evaluation framework. The authors propose using overall prevalence of infection, species-dependent and age-dependent morbidity markers, and a standardized protocol for monitoring and evaluation.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Ophthalmology
Tolulope Fashina, Sanjana Kuthyar, Dianna Blau, Mischka Garel, Richard Oliech, Janet Agaya, Jean-Claude Mwanza, Amos Huachun, Prethy Rao, Hans E. Grossniklaus, Kephas Otieno, Victor Akelo, Robert Breiman, Jessica Shantha, Steven Yeh
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)