Publications by authors named "J Nankabirwa"
Background: Malaria is a significant public health challenge in Uganda, with Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) responsible for most of malaria infections. The high genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI) associated with P.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Understanding COVID-19's impact on children is vital for public health policy, yet age-specific data is scarce, especially in Uganda. This study examines SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and risk factors among Ugandan children at two timepoints, along with COVID-19-related knowledge and practices in households, including adult vaccination status.
Methods: Baseline surveys were conducted in 12 communities from April to May 2021 (post-Alpha wave) and follow-up surveys in 32 communities from November 2021 to March 2022 (Omicron wave).
Optimizing the Use of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Tests for the Timely Detection of and Response to COVID-19 in Schools and Markets in Uganda.
Am J Trop Med Hyg
November 2024
The early detection and management of infections is crucial to control epidemics. We evaluated the feasibility and utility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) for the timely detection of and response to coronavirus disease 2019 in high-risk border communities in Uganda. Between May and September 2022, monthly cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 11 schools and two markets in two border districts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- P. falciparum is a major health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to 99% of malaria infections, with symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to severe based on various factors like host immunity and genetic diversity.
- A study conducted on 225 malaria patients in Uganda utilized seven microsatellite markers to analyze the genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI) in P. falciparum infections among asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals.
- Results showed high genetic diversity in both groups, with no significant difference in MOI, indicating a prevalence of polyclonal infections, and notable linkage disequilibrium between different infection types, while genetic differentiation among parasite populations was low.
Natural killer cell antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity to is impacted by cellular phenotypes, erythrocyte polymorphisms, parasite diversity and intensity of transmission.
Clin Transl Immunology
November 2024
Article Synopsis
- Natural killer (NK) cells play a key role in fighting malaria through a mechanism called antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), but how different factors influence NK cell activation is not fully understood.
- A study compared NK cells from people exposed to malaria in Uganda with those who had never been exposed, finding that malaria-exposed individuals had stronger ADCC but weaker inflammatory responses, as evidenced by changes in NK cell surface markers.
- The effectiveness of NK cell degranulation varied based on the type of erythrocytes and plasma used, with the best responses seen using certain sickle cell erythrocytes and plasma from high-transmission areas, while responses to clinical parasite strains were less effective compared to standard laboratory strains.