Publications by authors named "James Robert Ochieng"
Wesselsbron virus (WSLV) is a neglected mosquito-borne virus within the yellow fever subgroup in the genus of the family. Despite being primarily a veterinary pathogen able to cause stillbirths, congenital malformations, and mortality in ruminants, WSLV also infects humans, causing a usually self-limiting febrile illness, or may lead to neurological complications in rare cases. WSLV causes sporadic outbreaks in Southern Africa, but findings in mosquitoes from other African countries suggest a wider distribution.
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- Most knowledge about alphavirus diversity comes from studying those that infect humans and livestock during outbreaks, mainly focusing on mosquitoes that are attracted to humans.
- Research on alphavirus strains in wildlife settings, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, has been limited compared to those studied in outbreak scenarios.
- In a new study conducted in southwestern Uganda, researchers found two alphaviruses, Sindbis virus (SINV) and Middelburg virus (MIDV), indicating their widespread presence in local mosquitoes and suggesting ongoing transmission in the region.
Nowadays, despite the instauration of several control strategies, animal trypanosomiasis continues to be reported all over Uganda. Few canine African trypanosomiasis (CAT) studies have been carried out, yet dogs are known reservoirs that share identical home ranges with livestock and serve as parasite link between livestock and humans. This study evaluates the prevalence of CAT in dogs in the Bwindi-Mgahinga and Queen Elizabeth conservation areas.
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