Publications by authors named "Protus Omondi"
Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) targeting the Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) are widely used to diagnose P. falciparum infection. However, reports of P.
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- This study investigates mixed-species malaria infections in children in the Lake Victoria region of Kenya over multiple years, revealing a high prevalence of both single and co-infections.
- Results show that while Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) was the dominant species, significant rates of co-infections with P. malariae (Pm) and P. ovale (Po) were found, affecting clinical outcomes.
- The findings suggest that mixed infections may alter the manifestation of malaria, leading to decreased fever but increased risks of splenomegaly and anemia, highlighting the need for better diagnostic approaches.
Article Synopsis
- The CYP3A4 enzyme is crucial for metabolizing about 30% of drugs, including key antimalarials, and variations in this enzyme can lead to differences in drug metabolism among individuals.
- Researchers studied CYP3A4 polymorphisms in populations from malaria-affected regions in Lake Victoria, Kenya, and Vanuatu, analyzing archived blood samples to find genetic variations.
- They identified multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in both regions, with a higher level of genetic variance in Vanuatu, contributing to better understanding and potential improvements in personalized medicine for antimalarial treatments.
Article Synopsis
- Malaria remains a significant health threat in the Lake Victoria Basin of western Kenya, where traditional prevention methods like insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) are less effective due to insecticide resistance.
- New approaches, such as ceiling nets made with PBO-LLIN, show promise in enhancing malaria control by addressing behavioral and resistance issues.
- A study is being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Olyset®Plus ceiling nets in reducing malaria prevalence in children on Mfangano Island, potentially influencing broader malaria elimination strategies in Kenya.
Background: The efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) against asexual parasites population has been documented. However, the effect of these anti-malarials on sexual parasites is still less clear. Gametocyte clearance following treatment is essential for malaria control and elimination efforts; therefore, the study sought to determine trends in gametocyte clearance after AL or DP treatment in children from a malaria-endemic site in Kenya.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFResistance to the mainstay antimalarial drugs is a major concern in the control of malaria. Delayed Plasmodium falciparum parasite clearance has been associated with Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the kelch propeller region (K13). However, SNPs in the Pf-adaptor protein complex 2 mu subunit (Pfap2-mu), Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 are possible markers associated with multi-drug resistance.
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