Publications by authors named "Prince Akil-Bandali"
Recent reports raise concerns on the changing epidemiology of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). High-quality genomes were generated for 337 patients from 14/26 provinces to document whether the increase in number of cases is due to zoonotic spillover events or viral evolution, with enrichment of APOBEC3 mutations linked to human adaptation. Our study highlights two patterns of transmission contributing to the source of human cases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The emergence of Clade Ib monkeypox virus (MPXV), known for sustained human-to-human transmission, has raised public health concerns as it spreads beyond endemic regions, first identified in South Kivu province.
- Recent cases of Clade Ib in North Kivu province highlight the need for public health efforts to address non-sexual transmission, especially involving children under 15, and to adapt community messaging accordingly.
Article Synopsis
- Between January and August 2024, nearly all provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported cases of mpox.
- Genome sequencing from 11 cases in Kinshasa revealed the presence of two subclades, Ia and Ib, co-circulating in the Limete health zone.
- Phylogenetic analyses indicated that these subclades have multiple introductions in Kinshasa, highlighting the increasing complexity of mpox outbreaks in the DRC.
Article Synopsis
- The text discusses the historical context of monkeypox outbreaks originating from different clades in Africa, particularly focusing on a recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo caused by clade I MPXV.
- Surveillance data collected from September 2023 to January 2024 identified 241 suspected cases, with genomic analysis revealing a new lineage distinct from prior strains in the area.
- The median age of confirmed cases was 22 years, with a significant portion being female and sex workers, hinting at potential sexual transmission; ongoing mutations suggest recent human-to-human spread.