Health and Medicine Publications
Dr Peris Ambala
2018 PhD Scholar, Kenya
The intersection of land use and human behavior as risk factors for zoonotic pathogen exposure in Laikipia County, Kenya - Peris Ambala
Abstract
A majority of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are zoonotic, mainly caused through spillover events linked to human-animal interactions. We conducted a survey-based human behavioral study in Laikipia County, Kenya, which is characterized by a dynamic human-wildlife-livestock interface.This study aimed to 1) describe variation in reported high-risk behaviors by community type and 2) assess the relationship between specific behaviors and self-reported illnesses.
Vector Competence of Aedes aegypti from three distinct cities in Kenya for chikungunya virus - Peris Ambala
Abstract
In April, 2004, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) re-emerged in Kenya and eventually spread to the islands in the Indian Ocean basin, South-East Asia, and the Americas. The virus, which is often associated with high levels of viremia in humans, is mostly transmitted by the urban vector, Aedes aegypti. In this study, we investigated the ability of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes from three distinct cities in Kenya; Mombasa (outbreak prone), Kisumu, and Nairobi (no documented outbreak) to transmit CHIKV.
Elizabeth Mutua
2018 PhD Scholar, Kenya
Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Classification Techniques for Neonatal Postprandial Hypoglycemia Symptoms Screening - Elizabeth Mutua
Abstract
Neonatal postprandial hypoglycaemia occurs when blood sugar level (BSL) is too low to cause symptoms of impaired brain function among new-born babies. Machine learning algorithms such as Neural Networks, SVM, Naive Bayes, Decision Tree are widely used for detection and classification process of the disease. The Objective of this study is to design a model which shall compare the performance of three machine learning classification algorithms namely Decision Tree, SVM and Naive Bayes to detect diabetes at an early stage.
Dr Marilyn Ronoh
2018 PhD Scholar, Kenya
Modeling the Effect of Insecticide Resistance on Malaria Vector Control in Endemic Regions of Kenya - Marilyn Ronoh
Abstract
We present a model to investigate the effects of vector resistance to control strategies. The model captures the development of resistance as well as loss of resistance in mosquitoes and how these affect the progress in malaria control. Mathematical results reveal the existence of the disease free and endemic equilibria whose existence and stability depends on the control reproduction number.
Modeling the Spread of Schistosomiasis in Humans with Environmental Transmission - Marilyn Ronoh
Abstract
Although schistosomiasis containment campaigns have recorded substantial success in most developed countries, sub-Saharan Africa still suffers greatly under the burden of the disease. A basic mathematical model to assess the impact of concomitant immunity in humans and environmental transmission of schistosomiasis disease progression is formulated. Mathematical analysis is carried out to establish the existence of the equilibrium points providing necessary conditions for their local and global stability.
Evidence-based Modeling of Combination Control on Kenyan Youth, HIV/AIDS Dynamics - Marilyn Ronoh
Abstract
Using the 2012 Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey (KAIS) microdata we constructed our model, which we fitted to the UNAIDS-Kenya youth prevalence estimates to understand factors influencing Kenyan youth HIV/AIDS prevalence trends. While highly efficacious combination control approach significantly reduces HIV/AIDS prevalence rates among the youth, the disease remains endemic provided infected unaware sexual interactions persist.
Modeling the Effects of HIV/AIDS Stigma on HIV infections Dynamics in Kenya - Marilyn Ronoh
Abstract
Stigma toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) has impeded the response to the disease across the world. Levels of HIV/AIDS-related stigma are particularly high in sub-Saharan Africa, which contributed to a surge in cases in Kenya during the late twentieth century. We take a data-driven approach to create a time-dependent stigma function that captures both the level of internalized and enacted stigma in the population. We embed this within a compartmental model for HIV dynamics.
A Mathematical Model of Contact Tracing During the 2014 - 2016 West Africa Ebola Outbreak - Marilyn Ronoh
Abstract
The 2014–2016 West African outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) was the largest and most deadly to date. Contact tracing, following up those who may have been infected through contact with an infected individual to prevent secondary spread, plays a vital role in controlling such outbreaks. Our aim in this work was to mechanistically represent the contact tracing process to illustrate potential areas of improvement in managing contact tracing efforts. We also explored the role contact tracing played in eventually ending the outbreak.
Susan Gichuna
2018 PhD Scholar, Kenya
Access to Healthcare in a Time of COVID-19: Sex Workers in Crisis in Nairobi, Kenya - Susan Gichuna
Abstract
This paper uses empirical data collected from 117 female sex workers living in informal settlements in Nairobi and 15 healthcare providers to highlight specific effects of COVID-19 and related restrictions on healthcare access for the sex workers. We highlight the existing gender and health inequalities that have now been reinforced by the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study findings reveal that the various restrictions imposed by the government to help curb the spread of COVID-19 to a large extent made it difficult for the sex workers to access their healthcare needs.
Hellen Koka
2021 MLEx Fellow, Kenya
Coxiella Burnetti Detected in Tick Samples from Pastoral Communities in Kenya - Hellen Koka
Abstract
Ticks are important disease vectors in Kenya with documented evidence of carriage of zoonotic pathogens. Coxiella burnetii is an important tick-borne pathogen that is underreported in Kenya and yet this infection likely contributes to undiagnosed febrile disease in pastoral communities. Archived human blood (278) and tick pool samples (380) collected from five pastoral communities in Kenya were screened for C. burnetii by PCR using primers targeting the transposon-like IS1111 region. All the human blood samples were negative for C. burnetii DNA. However, C. burnetii was detected in 5.53% (21/380) of the tick pools tested.
Lorine Nyongesa
2021 MLEx Fellow, Kenya
Mursamacin: A Novel Class of Antibiotics from Soil Dwelling Roundworms of Central Kenya that Inhibit Methicilin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus - Lorine Nyogesa
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also called “superbugs”, can at worst retrogress modern medicine to an era where even sore throats resulted in death. A solution is the development of novel types of antibiotics from untapped natural sources. Yet, no new class of antibiotic has been developed in clinical medicine in the last 30 years. Here, bacteria from insect-killing Steinernema roundworms in the soils of Central Kenya were isolated and subjected to specific molecular identification. These were then assayed for production of antibiotic compounds with potential to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.