EDCTP Alumni Network

Fostering excellence and collaboration in the next generation of researchers

Call Career Development Fellowship (CDF)
Programme EDCTP2
Start Date 2019-01-01
End Date 2021-12-31
Project Code TMA2017CDF-1887
Status Active

Title

Clinical evaluation of Novel Plasma Biomarkers for Stage Diagnosis and Treatment efficacy monitoring Among Sleeping Sickness Patients in Uganda

Objectives

1. To identify plasma biomarkers associated with either early or late stage T. b. gambiense disease using proteomics methods and compare with those previously identified for T. b. rhodesiense. 2. To determine the potential of plasma biomarkers identified using proteomics methods in discriminating between early and late stage patients for both T. b. rhodesiense and T. b. gambiense sleeping sickness. 3. To initiate the setup of a biomarker research team and laboratory at Makerere University.

Host Organisation

Institution Country
Makerere University Uganda

Participants

Name Institution Country
Kato Charles Drago Makerere University Uganda
Enock Matovu Makerere University Uganda

Study Design

In this study, we propose to carry out a clinical validation of these novel plasma biomarkers as stage diagnostic markers. We shall conduct a retrospective study using archived samples from the trypanosomiasis biobank at Makerere University to assess disease staging potential. We shall select patient samples that were recruited at Lwala hospital (north Eastern Uganda) to represent Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense cases and Omugo (West Nile) to represent T. b. gambiense cases. We shall use proteomics methods to find out if markers identified for T. b. rhodesiense also apply to T. b. gambiense. Clinical validation of identified markers will involve analysis as a single biomarker and as a panel of 2 or more analytes to determine the best predictor of late stage disease. Successful biomarkers identified from this study will form a basis for translation into field based dipstick assays for disease staging and inform policy regarding disease staging. This will greatly improve on patient management through the abolition of the mandatory requirement of an invasive lumber puncture that is painful and a discomfort to the patients. Furthermore, successful execution of this project will build capacity at Makerere University by offering critical skills to junior researchers to establish as research leaders. This work will also aid the creation or strengthening of existing networks and foster teams leading into joint grant writing to combat neglected tropical diseases.

Sites

Kampala, Uganda

Students Supervised

Type Name Title University Start Date End Date
PhD Angella Musewa Epidemiology and molecular characterization of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infections in swine and humans in Uganda Nairobi University 2019 2022
MSc Cissy Namuleme Levels of Oxidative stress and Frequency of Cytokine gene polymorphisms among Sickle cell disease patients in Mulago hospital, Uganda Makerere University 2020 2021
MSc Immaculate Assiimwe IDENTIFICATION AND CLINICAL VALIDATION OF NOVEL STAGE DIAGNOSTIC BIOMARKERS FOR Trypanosoma brucei gambiense Makerere University 2019 2021
MSc Kesiime Christine THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF INTERLEUKIN (IL10) AND IL6 IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LATE STAGE TRYPANOSOMA BRUCEI RHODESIAN HUMAN AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS Makerere University 2020 2021

Results & Outcomes

Ongoing

Current Organisation

Makerere University

Current Job Title

Lecturer

Awards

2020 Establishment of a Biomarker research facility to first track the development of COVID19 novel diagnostics and treatment alternatives in Uganda

Students Supervised

Type Name Title University Start Date End Date
PhD Musewa Angella Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infections in pigs and humans in three selected districts, Uganda University of Nairobi 2019 2022
MSc Julius Nsubuga Plasma cytokines profiles associated with responses in Plasmodium falciparum and T brucei rhodesiense trypanosome co-infections in Uganda Makerere University 2018 2020
MSc Cissy Namuleme Levels of Oxidative stress and Frequency of Cytokine gene polymorphisms among Sickle cell disease patients in Mulago hospital, Uganda Makerere University 2019 2022

Memberships

Role Committee/board Start Date End Date
Editor Special Journals Publisher 2020 2025

Education

Institution Degree Year
Makerere University, Uganda PhD 2016-01-14
Makerere University, Uganda MSc 2009-01-05
University of London, United Kingdom 2011-08-05

Areas Of Specialisation

Neglected Infectious Diseases (NID)

Grants

Grant Code:
PRESIDE10.9.202
Source of funding:
Government of Uganda
Amount:
450000
Role:
Principal Investigator
Start Date:
2020-01-01
End Date:
2022-01-01

Publications

Authors:
Date:
2013-01-01
Journal:
International Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Content:
Authors:
Kato, C.D.
Matovu, E.
Mugasa, C.M.
Nanteza, A.
Alibu, V.P.
Date:
2016-01-01
Journal:
Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology
Content:
Authors:
Ssekatawa, K.
Byarugaba, D.K.
Kato, C.D.
Ejobi, F.
Tweyongyere, R.
Lubwama, M.
Kirabira, J.B.
Wampande, E.M.
Date:
2020-01-01
Journal:
Journal of Nanoparticle Research
Content:
Authors:
Keneth Iceland Kasozi , author
Anne LAUDISOIT , author
Lawrence, Obado Osuwat , author
Gaber Batiha , author
Naif E. Al Omairi , author
Eric Aigbogun , author
Herbert Izo Ninsiima , author
ibe usman , author
Lisa DeTora , author
Ewan Thomas MacLeod , author
Halima Nalugo , author
Francis P. Crawley , author
Barbara Bierer , author
Daniel Chans Mwandah , author
Charles Drago Kato , author
Kenedy Kiyimba , author
Emmanuel Tiyo Ayikobua , author
Lillian Linda , author
Kevin Matama , author
Shui Ching Nelly Mak , author
David Onanyang , author
Theophilus Pius , author
David Paul Nalumenya , author
Robinson Ssebuufu , author
Nina Olivia Rugambwa , author
Grace Henry Musoke , author
Kevin Bardosh , author
Juma John Ochieng , author
Juma John Ochieng , author
Fred Ssempijja , author
Gabriel Tumwine , author
Khalid J. Alzahrani , author
Susan Christina Welburn , author
Date:
2021-03-01
Journal:
Vaccines
Content:
Authors:
Date:
2016-01-01
Journal:
Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology
Content:
Authors:
Date:
2017-07-07
Journal:
Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International
Content:
Authors:
Sente, C.
Erume, J.
Naigaga, I.
Mulindwa, J.
Ochwo, S.
Magambo, P.K.
Namara, B.G.
Kato, C.D.
Sebyatika, G.
Muwonge, K.
Ocaido, M.
Date:
2016-01-01
Journal:
Infectious Diseases of Poverty
Content:
Authors:
Matovu, H.
Li, Z.-M.
Henkelmann, B.
Bernhöft, S.
De Angelis, M.
Schramm, K.-W.
Sillanpää, M.
Kato, C.D.
Ssebugere, P.
Date:
2021-01-01
Journal:
Science of the Total Environment
Content:
Authors:
Odoki, M.
Aliero, A.A.
Tibyangye, J.
Maniga, J.N.
Eilu, E.
Ntulume, I.
Wampande, E.
Kato, C.D.
Agwu, E.
Bazira, J.
Date:
2020-01-01
Journal:
Pan African Medical Journal
Content:
Authors:
Irene Andia Biraro , author
Emmanuella Driciru , author
Rehema Namaganda , author
Fiona Luboga , author
Charles Kato Drago , author
Anne Wajja , author
Brenda Okech , author
Mary Gorrethy N. Mboowa , author
Raymond Muganyizi , author
Moses Kizza , author
Stephen Cose , author
Victoria Diana Bukirwa , author
Damalie Nakanjako , author
Alison M. Elliott , author
Date:
2021-03-16
Journal:
AAS Open Research
Content:
Authors:
Date:
2019-02-17
Journal:
International Journal of Microbiology
Content:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the major causes of morbidity and comorbidities in patients with underlying conditions, and it accounts for the majority of the reasons for hospital visit globally. Sound knowledge of factors associated with UTI may allow timely intervention that can easily bring the disease under control. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of UTI by isolating and characterizing the different bacterial etiological agents and to evaluate the factors associated with UTI. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 267, clean catch midstream urine (MSU) samples were collected aseptically and analyzed using standard microbiology methods. Data for the factors associated with UTI were obtained by use of questionnaires and standard laboratory tests for selected underlying conditions. The study revealed 86/267 (32.2%) UTI prevalence among patients attending hospitals in Bushenyi District, Uganda. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent bacterial uropathogen with 36/86 (41.9%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus 27/86 (31.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 10/86 (11.6%), Klebsiella oxytoca 6/86 (7.0%), Proteus mirabilis 3/86 (3.5%), Enterococcus faecalis 3/86 (3.5%), and Proteus vulgaris 1/86 (1.2%). This study has demonstrated that age ≤19 years, female gender, married individuals, genitourinary tract abnormalities, diabetes, hospitalization, indwelling catheter <6 days, and indwelling catheter >6 days had statistically significant relationships (p<0.05) with UTI. Screening for UTI in hospitalized patients, female gender, married individuals, genitourinary tract abnormalities, indwelling catheter, and diabetics should be adopted.
Authors:
Kato, C.D.
Nanteza, A.
Mugasa, C.
Edyelu, A.
Matovu, E.
Alibu, V.P.
Date:
2015-01-01
Journal:
PLoS ONE
Content:
Authors:
Sente, C.
Erume, J.
Naigaga, I.
Magambo, P.K.
Ochwo, S.
Mulindwa, J.
Namara, B.G.
Kato, C.D.
Sebyatika, G.
Muwonge, K.
Ocaido, M.
Date:
2016-01-01
Journal:
Parasites and Vectors
Content:
Authors:
Matovu, E.
Katiti, D.
Kitibwa, A.
Kazibwe, A.
Kato, C.D.
Biéler, S.
Ndung'u, J.M.
Date:
2020-01-01
Journal:
Experimental Parasitology
Content:
Authors:
Ssekatawa, K.
Byarugaba, D.K.
Nakavuma, J.L.
Kato, C.D.
Ejobi, F.
Tweyongyere, R.
Eddie, W.M.
Date:
2021-01-01
Journal:
Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control
Content:
Authors:
Kakande, T.
Batunge, Y.
Eilu, E.
Shabohurira, A.
Abimana, J.
Akinola, S.A.
Muhwezi, R.
Sunusi Adam, A.
Kemuma Onkoba, S.
Almustapha Aliero, A.
Atuheire, C.
Kato, C.D.
Ntulume, I.
Date:
2019-01-01
Journal:
Dermatology Research and Practice
Content:
Authors:
Date:
2014-01-01
Journal:
International Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Content:
Authors:
Birungi, D.
Tumwine, G.
Kato, C.D.
Ssekamatte, T.
Ocaido, M.
Majalija, S.
Date:
2021-01-01
Journal:
BMC Infectious Diseases
Content:
Authors:
Gahongayire, S.
Almustapha Aliero, A.
Drago Kato, C.
Namatovu, A.
Date:
2020-01-01
Journal:
Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology
Content:
Authors:
Date:
2017-07-17
Journal:
The Scientific World Journal
Content:
Authors:
Kato, C.D.
Alibu, V.P.
Nanteza, A.
Mugasa, C.M.
Matovu, E.
Date:
2015-01-01
Journal:
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Content:
Authors:
Date:
2011-01-01
Journal:
Int. J. Morphol
Content:
Authors:
Kato, C.D.
Alibu, V.P.
Nanteza, A.
Mugasa, C.M.
Matovu, E.
Date:
2016-01-01
Journal:
Parasites and Vectors
Content:
Authors:
Date:
2018-02-23
Journal:
African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines
Content:
Authors:
Okella, H.
Georrge, J.J.
Ochwo, S.
Ndekezi, C.
Koffi, K.T.
Aber, J.
Ajayi, C.O.
Fofana, F.G.
Ikiriza, H.
Mtewa, A.G.
Nkamwesiga, J.
Bassogog, C.B.B.
Kato, C.D.
Ogwang, P.E.
Date:
2020-01-01
Journal:
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Content:
Authors:
Irene Andia Biraro , author
Emmanuella Driciru , author
Rehema Namaganda , author
Fiona Luboga , author
Charles Kato Drago , author
Anne Wajja , author
Brenda Okech , author
Mary Gorrethy N. Mboowa , author
Raymond Muganyizi , author
Moses Kizza , author
Stephen Cose , author
Victoria Diana Bukirwa , author
Damalie Nakanjako , author
Alison M. Elliott , author
Date:
2020-08-10
Journal:
Content:
Authors:
Namulema, J.
Nansunga, M.
Kato, C.D.
Kalange, M.
Olaleye, S.B.
Date:
2018-01-01
Journal:
Thyroid Research
Content:
Authors:
Charles D. Kato , author
Dorothy Twesigye , author
Vincent P. Alibu , author
Ann Nanteza , author
Julius Nsubuga , author
Claire M. Mugasa , author
Enock Matovu , author
Date:
2022-12-01
Journal:
BMC Research Notes
Content:
Authors:
Abimana, J.B.
Kato, C.D.
Bazira, J.
Date:
2019-01-01
Journal:
Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology
Content:

Projects

Fellow:
Charles Drago Kato
Collaborators:
Name Country Institution
Kato Charles Drago Uganda Makerere University
Enock Matovu Uganda Makerere University
Objectives:
1. To identify plasma biomarkers associated with either early or late stage T. b. gambiense disease using proteomics methods and compare with those previously identified for T. b. rhodesiense. 2. To determine the potential of plasma biomarkers identified using proteomics methods in discriminating between early and late stage patients for both T. b. rhodesiense and T. b. gambiense sleeping sickness. 3. To initiate the setup of a biomarker research team and laboratory at Makerere University.
Sites:
Kampala, Uganda
Study Design:
In this study, we propose to carry out a clinical validation of these novel plasma biomarkers as stage diagnostic markers. We shall conduct a retrospective study using archived samples from the trypanosomiasis biobank at Makerere University to assess disease staging potential. We shall selectpatient samples that were recruited at Lwala hospital (north Eastern Uganda) to represent Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense cases and Omugo (West Nile) to represent T. b. gambiense cases. We shall use proteomics methods to find out if markers identified for T. b. rhodesiense also apply to T. b. gambiense. Clinical validation of identified markers will involve analysis as a single biomarker and as a panel of 2 or more analytes to determine the best predictor of late stage disease. Successful biomarkers identified from this study will form a basis for translation into field based dipstick assays for disease staging and inform policy regarding disease staging. This will greatly improve on patient management through the abolition of the mandatory requirement of an invasive lumber puncture that is painful and a discomfort to the patients. Furthermore, successful execution of this project will build capacity at Makerere University by offering critical skills to junior researchers to establish as research leaders. This work will also aid the creation or strengthening of existing networks and foster teams leading into joint grant writing to combat neglected tropical diseases.
Subjects:
Archived human samples
Outcomes:
Stage specific markers identified one MSc student trained laboratory capacity improved
Start Date:
2018-07-01
End Date:
2021-12-31

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