Current Organisation

University of Nairobi

Current Job Title

Tutorial Fellow

Biography

Publications

Project Title

Emerging and Re-emerging Arboviral Infections in Nairobi, Kenya

EDCTP Project Call

Career Development Fellowship (CDF)

Host Organisation

Project Objectives

The aim of this study is to determine prevalence and genetic diversity of arboviral infections among patients with acute febrile illness (AFI) in Nairobi, Kenya.

Study Design

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on patients with acute febrile illness in three health facilities in Kibera informal settlement, Nairobi city, Kenya. Sociodemographic and clinical data as well as blood and urine samples will be collected from 384 patients with fever for up to 5 days and no localizing signs. Samples will be analysed using ELISA for antibodies against flaviviruses, alphaviruses and bunyaviruses. Positive samples will further be analysed using plaque reduction neutralization assays to differentiate the specific viruses. Group-specific PCR will be done to detect any viruses from the three groups (flaviviruses, alphaviruses and bunyaviruses); sanger sequencing will be performed on PCR-positive samples to determine the specific virus. In addition, the samples will be analysed using next-generation sequencing to detect any other viruses in the samples. Bioinformatics and phylogenetic analysis will be used to assess the genomic diversity of any arboviruses sequenced. Sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data will be entered into SPSS for analysis. Associations will be tested using chi-square (for categorical variables) and t-test (for continuous variables). Expected outcome: This study will determine the proportion of acute febrile illness that is due to arboviruses. Any novel or emerging viruses will also be identified and characterised. This information will help in surveillance efforts as well selection and development of appropriate diagnostic assays and vaccine targets for common arboviral infections in the study area and beyond.

Project Summary

Background: Emerging and reemerging infections (ERIs) are a major threat to global health today. ERIs occur unpredictably, often causing serious morbidity, mortality as well as economic losses. The world needs to be prepared to handle an outbreak anytime and this requires surveillance so as to detect outbreaks and control them before promptly. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine prevalence and genetic diversity of arboviral infections among patients with acute febrile illness (AFI) in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on patients with acute febrile illness in three health facilities in Kibera informal settlement, Nairobi city, Kenya. Sociodemographic and clinical data as well as blood and urine samples will be collected from 384 patients with fever for up to 5 days and no localizing signs. Samples will be analysed using ELISA for antibodies against flaviviruses, alphaviruses and bunyaviruses. Positive samples will further be analysed using plaque reduction neutralization assays to differentiate the specific viruses. Group-specific PCR will be done to detect any viruses from the three groups (flaviviruses, alphaviruses and bunyaviruses); sanger sequencing will be performed on PCR-positive samples to determine the specific virus. In addition, the samples will be analysed using next-generation sequencing to detect any other viruses in the samples. Bioinformatics and phylogenetic analysis will be used to assess the genomic diversity of any arboviruses sequenced. Sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data will be entered into SPSS for analysis. Associations will be tested using chi-square (for categorical variables) and t-test (for continuous variables). Expected outcome: This study will determine the proportion of acute febrile illness that is due to arboviruses. Any novel or emerging viruses will also be identified and characterised. This information will help in surveillance efforts as well selection and development of appropriate diagnostic assays and vaccine targets for common arboviral infections in the study area and beyond.