Abstract An understanding of the immunogenetic basis of naturally acquired immunity to Plasmodium falciparum infection would aid in the designing of a rationally based malaria vaccine. Variants within the Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) mediate immunity through engagement of immunoglobulin G and other immune mediators, such as gamma interferon (IFN-γ), resulting in erythrophagocytosis and production of inflammatory cytokines in severe malarial anemia (SMA). The Toll-like receptors (TLRs) trigge...
Abstract We report the complete draft genome sequences of two Staphylococcus warneri clinical isolates, strains SMA0023-04 (UGA3) and SMA0670-05 (UGA28), each of which contains one chromosome and at least one plasmid. Isolate SMA0023-04 (UGA3) contains tetracycline efflux major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter (tetK), macrolide resistance (msrC and mphC), and beta-lactamase (blaZ) genes on its plasmids.
Abstract Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) microscopy smear remains the most widely used laboratory diagnostic technique for Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) in low-and-middle income countries. Although it is highly specific, the sensitivity varies between 20–80% in immune-competent people, with only 50% case detection among HIV/TB co-infected patients, hence the need to determine the diagnostic accuracy of Th1 and Th2 cytokine response in AFB microscopy smear negative PTB-HIV co-infected patients. A to...
Abstract Background Severe malarial anemia (SMA) is a leading cause of malaria-related morbidity and mortality in children. The genetic factors that influence development of SMA and inefficient erythropoiesis, a central pathogenic feature of SMA, are only partially understood. Methods We performed a pilot Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) on children with Plasmodium falciparum. The GWAS was performed using the Illumina® Infinium® HD Super Assay in conjunction with Illumina’s® Human O...
Abstract Background: Improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in pediatric severe malarial anemia(SMA) pathogenesis is a crucial step in the design of novel therapeutics. Identification of host genetic susceptibility factors in immune regulatory genes offers an important tool for deciphering malaria pathogenesis. The IL-23/IL-17immune pathway is important for both immunity and erythropoiesis via its effects through IL-23 receptors (IL-23R). However, the impact of IL-23R va...
Abstract In holoendemic Plasmodium falciparum transmission areas such as western Kenya, severe malarial anemia [SMA,hemoglobin (Hb) < 6.0 g/dL, with any density parasitemia] is the most common clinical manifestation of severe malariaresulting in high rates of pediatric morbidity and mortality in these regions. Previous studies associated interleukin (IL)-13with pathogenesis of different infectious diseases, including P. falciparum malaria. However, the functional roles ofpolymorphic variants...
Abstract Background: As Kenya continues to experience rapid development and urbanization, growing evidence shows an increas- ing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and overweight and obese citizens. Objectives: This study sought to explore the extent to which Kenyan overweight and obese participants reported receiving advice from physicians or health care providers to lose weight and to identify demographic characteristics associated with receipt of weight loss advice. Methods: D...
Abstract Introduction: high HIV-1 infection rates and genetic diversity especially in African population pose significant challenges in HIV-1 clinical management and drug design and development. HIV-1 is a major health challenge in Kenya and causes mortality and morbidity in the country as well as straining the healthcare system and the economy. This study sought to identify HIV-1 genetic subtypes circulating in Teso, Western Kenya which borders the Republic of Uganda. Methods: a cross-secti...
Abstract Background: The marked genome plasticity of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli promotes emergence of pathotypes displaying unique phenotypic and genotypic resistance. This study examined phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistant diarrheagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes among children in Nairobi City, Kenya. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, diarrheagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes were isolated from stool samples and their phenotypic and genotypic resistance against eight antim...
Abstract Background After the first case of COVID-19 being announced in China in December 2019, various diagnostic technologies have been developed at unprecedented pace with the aim of providing a basis for accurate clinical intervention. However, some assays including CRISPR-based diagnostics and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) have been less explored. As new COVID-19 technologies emerge, there is need for them to be assessed, validated and improved upon. Moreover, there is p...
Abstract Worldwide, transmission of emerging and reemerging malaria infections poses a significant threat to human health in the Sub-Saharan Africa, one that can quickly overwhelm public health resources. While the disease burden of malaria in the Sub-Saharan Africa appears to be on a gradual decline, it is characterized by spatial and temporal variability occasioning a sorry state for the Global South Countries. New evidence on long-term complications of malaria heightens our awareness of i...
Abstract Since the emergence of Covid-19 pandemic in late 2019, the metaphorical framing of this respiratory disease also known as the Corona Virus, has been manifested variedly in different social contexts and discourses. The pandemic offered an opportunity to explore the cultural framing of abstract concepts through conceptual mappings. Hence, the purpose of this article was to examine the extent to which vital relations accounted for the metaphors of Covid-19 pandemic in Lukabaras, a Bant...
Abstract Background Hemoglobinopathies are inheritable disorders of hemoglobin and are the most common genetic defects in humans. This is a neglected public health problem whose undiagnosis remain a major threat to its prevention and control in sub-Saharan Africa countries; thus its exact magnitude on morbidity and mortality remains poorly documented. These hemoglobin disorders have been associated with Plasmodium falciparum; therefore, the current study sought to determine its distribution ...
Abstract Background Western Kenya, being a malaria-endemic region, has a high prevalence of hemoglobinopathies mostly sickle cell and thalassemia. The hemoglobin fractions or variants, HbA, HbA2, and HbF, serve as biomarkers for the detection of hemoglobinopathies and are commonly used in laboratory screening and diagnosis of these diseases. Diagnosis of diseases entails accurate and precise representation of a patient’s condition. This is the main aim of International Organization for Sta...
Abstract Poor health service delivery has been linked to the devolution of health services, with some health workers walking off the job due to inadequate pay and unsafe working conditions. This research aimed at establishing the influence of participative leadership style on public health service delivery by county governments in the Western Kenya region. Taking a positivist approach, the study was anchored on participative leadership theory. Descriptive survey and causal-comparative resear...