scholarly journals Genetic characterization of G12P[6] and G12P[8] rotavirus strains in six African countries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kebareng G. Rakau ◽  
Martin M. Nyaga ◽  
Maemu P. Gededzha ◽  
Jason M. Mwenda ◽  
M. Jeffrey Mphahlele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid Level ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccination ◽  
Human Rotavirus ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Long Term Impact

Abstract Background: G12 rotaviruses were first observed in sub-Saharan Africa in 2004 and since then have continued to emerge and spread across the continent and are reported as a significant human rotavirus genotype in several African countries, both prior to and after rotavirus vaccine introduction. This study investigated the genetic variability of 15 G12 rotavirus strains with either P[6] or P[8] identified between 2010 and 2014 from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia.Methods: The investigation was carried out by comparing VP7 and partial VP4 sequences of the African G12P[6] and G12P[8] strains with the available GenBank sequences and mapping the recognized neutralization epitopes of these strains.Results: The findings suggested that the VP7 and VP4 genes of the G12 strains circulating in African countries are homologous at the nucleotide and amino acid level, irrespective of country of origin and year of detection, although there was a unique clustering of the Ethiopian strains. The study strains shared a common ancestry with G12 strains circulating globally. Neutralization epitope mapping revealed that rotavirus VP4 P[8] genes associated with G12 had amino acids similar to those reported globally including the vaccines RotaTeq® P[8] and Rotarix®.Conclusions: It is unlikely that widespread vaccine use has driven the molecular evolution and sustainability of G12 strains in Africa. Furthermore, it is too early post vaccine introduction to indicate any effect of vaccine-induced pressure on maintaining the stability of these strains in circulation. Continuous monitoring of rotavirus genotypes is recommended to assess the long-term impact of rotavirus vaccination on the dynamic nature of rotavirus evolution on the continent.

scholarly journals Genetic characterization of G12P[6] and G12P[8] rotavirus strains collected in six African countries between 2010 and 2014 

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kebareng G. Rakau ◽  
Martin M. Nyaga ◽  
Maemu P. Gededzha ◽  
Jason M. Mwenda ◽  
M. Jeffrey Mphahlele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid Level ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccination ◽  
Human Rotavirus ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Long Term Impact

Abstract Background: G12 rotaviruses were first observed in sub-Saharan Africa in 2004 and since then have continued to emerge and spread across the continent and are reported as a significant human rotavirus genotype in several African countries, both prior to and after rotavirus vaccine introduction. This study investigated the genetic variability of 15 G12 rotavirus strains associated with either P[6] or P[8] identified between 2010 and 2014 from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia. Methods: The investigation was carried out by comparing partial VP7 and partial VP4 sequences of the African G12P[6] and G12P[8] strains with the available GenBank sequences and exploring the recognized neutralization epitopes of these strains. Results: The findings suggested that the VP7 and VP4 genes of the G12 strains circulating in African countries are closely related at the nucleotide and amino acid level, irrespective of country of origin and year of detection, although there was a unique clustering of the Ethiopian strains. Neutralization epitope screening revealed that rotavirus VP4 P[8] genes associated with G12 had amino acids similar to those reported globally including the vaccines RotaTeq and Rotarix. Conclusions: At present it appears to be unlikely that widespread vaccine use has driven the molecular evolution and sustainability of G12 strains in Africa. Continuous monitoring of rotavirus genotypes is recommended to assess the long-term impact of rotavirus vaccination on the dynamic nature of rotavirus evolution on the continent.

scholarly journals African agriculture in the context of COVID-19: Finding salvation in the devil

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 302-310
Author(s):  
Guy Blaise Nkamleu ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Food System ◽  
Free Trade Area ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Agriculture Sector ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact

The world is facing unprecedented challenges from COVID-19, which is disrupting lives and livelihoods. The pandemic could profoundly affect the African continent and wipe out hard-won development gains, as sub-Saharan Africa heads into its first recession in 25 years. Beyond the multispatial impact of the coronavirus in Africa, its effects on the agriculture and food system is of particular interest, as food security could be the most affected area and, at the same time, agriculture could be the sector that could help African economies recover quicker from the impact of COVID19. This paper supports the view that COVID-19, as devilish as it may be, offers an opportunity to revive interest in the agricultural sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed immense pressures on African countries to raise additional resources, and consequently Africa’s growing public debt is again coming back to the centre stage of the global debate. The conversation on African debt sustainability has begun to dominate the scene and will flood the debate in the near term. While the observed, growing calls for debt relief for African countries are legitimate, we support in this paper that one should not divert attention from the long-term solutions needed to strengthen Africa’s resilience. These long-term solutions lie where they always have: in agriculture. With COVID-19, shipping agricultural inputs and food products from other continents to Africa has become disrupted and is accelerating the trend towards shortening supply chains. This will leave a potential market for inputs and food produced on the continent. COVID-19, together with the launching of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), have aligned the stars in favour of a decisive transformation of the agriculture sector on the continent. Agriculturalists and development experts need to be aware of their responsibility at this time, as they need to advocate for the topic of agricultural development to return to the centre and the heart of the agenda of discussions on how to respond to the consequences of Covid-19 in Africa. In this sense, and unexpectedly, COVID-19 is an opportunity for the agricultural sector.

scholarly journals Genetic characterization of G12P[6] and G12P[8] rotavirus strains collected in six African countries between 2010 and 2014

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kebareng G. Rakau ◽  
Martin M. Nyaga ◽  
Maemu P. Gededzha ◽  
Jason M. Mwenda ◽  
M. Jeffrey Mphahlele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Evolutionary Rate ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Evolutionary Analysis ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Similar Time ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccination

Abstract Background: G12 rotaviruses were first observed in sub-Saharan Africa in 2004 and since then have continued to emerge and spread across the continent and are reported as a significant human rotavirus genotype in several African countries, both prior to and after rotavirus vaccine introduction. This study investigated the genetic variability of 15 G12 rotavirus strains associated with either P[6] or P[8] identified between 2010 and 2014 from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia.Methods: The investigation was carried out by comparing partial VP7 and partial VP4 sequences of the African G12P[6] and G12P[8] strains with the available GenBank sequences and exploring the recognized neutralization epitopes of these strains. Additionally, Bayesian evolutionary analysis was carried out using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) implemented in BEAST to estimate the time to the most recent ancestor and evolutionary rate for these G12 rotavirus strains.Results: The findings suggested that the VP7 and VP4 nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the G12 strains circulating in African countries are closely related, irrespective of country of origin and year of detection, with the exception of the Ethiopian strains that clustered distinctly. Neutralization epitope analysis revealed that rotavirus VP4 P[8] genes associated with G12 had amino acid sequences similar to those reported globally including the vaccine strains in RotaTeq and Rotarix. The estimated evolutionary rate of the G12 strains was 1.016 x10−3 substitutions/site/year and was comparable to what has been previously reported. Three sub-clusters formed within the current circulating lineage III shows the diversification of G12 from three independent ancestries within a similar time frame in the late 1990s.Conclusions: At present it appears to be unlikely that widespread vaccine use has driven the molecular evolution and sustainability of G12 strains in Africa. Continuous monitoring of rotavirus genotypes is recommended to assess the long-term impact of rotavirus vaccination on the dynamic nature of rotavirus evolution on the continent.

Schistosomiasis in infants and pre-school-aged children in sub-Saharan Africa: implication for control

Parasitology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 139 (7) ◽  
pp. 835-841 ◽  
Author(s):  
UWEM F. EKPO ◽  
AKINOLA S. OLUWOLE ◽  
ENIOLA M. ABE ◽  
HANNAH E. ETTA ◽  
FRANCISCA OLAMIJU ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Schistosomiasis Control ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Control Programmes ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Receive Treatment ◽  
Available Information ◽  
And Control

SUMMARYUntil recently, the epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa have focused primarily on infections in school-aged children and to a lesser extent on adults. Now there is growing evidence and reports of infection in infants and pre-school-aged children (⩽6 years old) in Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Uganda, with reported prevalence from 14% to 86%. In this review, we provide available information on the epidemiology, transmission and control of schistosomiasis in this age group, generally not considered or included in national schistosomiasis control programmes that are being implemented in several sub-Saharan African countries. Contrary to previous assumptions, we show that schistosomiasis infection starts from early childhood in many endemic communities and factors associated with exposure of infants and pre-school-aged children to infection are yet to be determined. The development of morbidity early in childhood may contribute to long-term clinical impact and severity of schistosomiasis before they receive treatment. Consistently, these issues are overlooked in most schistosomiasis control programmes. It is, therefore, necessary to review current policy of schistosomiasis control programmes in sub-Saharan Africa to consider the treatment of infant and pre-school-aged children and the health education to mothers.

scholarly journals The Long-Term Impact of Rotavirus Vaccines in Korea, 2008–2020; Emergence of G8P[8] Strain

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 406
Author(s):  
Kwang gon Kim ◽  
Hye-young Kee ◽  
Hye jung Park ◽  
Jae Keun Chung ◽  
Tae sun Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transitional Period ◽  
Genotype Distribution ◽  
Evolutionary Patterns ◽  
Chain Reactions ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccination ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccines ◽  
Substantial Decline ◽  
Long Term Impact

This study evaluated the long-term impact of rotavirus vaccination on prevalence, seasonality, and genotype distribution in Gwangju, Korea for 13 seasons. Rotavirus was identified using ELISA and then sequenced for G and P genotypes by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reactions for diarrhoeagenic patient specimens from local hospitals between January 2008 and August2020. Of 26,902 fecal samples, 2919 samples (10.9%) were ELISA positive. The prevalence declined from 16.3% in pre-vaccine era to 5.4% in post-vaccine era. In the pre-vaccine period, G1P[8] was the most common genotype, followed by G2P[4], G3P[8], and G9P[8], etc. In the transitional period, the proportion of G2P[4] became the dominant genotype and G1P[8] was still commonly identified. In contrast, the novel genotype G8P[8] was predominant in the post-vaccine period. Meanwhile, G2P[4] and G8P[8] were major genotypes in both Rotarix and RotaTeq groups. The substantial decline of G1P[8] prevalence, reemergence of G1P[8], G3P[8], and G2P[4] rotavirus strains, and surge of the rare G8P[8] after vaccine introduction were interesting points to note. The continuous surveillance on the genotypes of RV will be needed to understand rotavirus epidemiology and their evolutionary patterns, as caution is required when interpreting temporal changes in RV genotype dynamic.

scholarly journals Genetic characterization of G12P[6] and G12P[8] rotavirus strains collected in six African countries between 2010 and 2014

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kebareng G. Rakau ◽  
Martin M. Nyaga ◽  
Maemu P. Gededzha ◽  
Jason M. Mwenda ◽  
M. Jeffrey Mphahlele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Evolutionary Rate ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Evolutionary Analysis ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Similar Time ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccination

Abstract Background G12 rotaviruses were first observed in sub-Saharan Africa in 2004 and since then have continued to emerge and spread across the continent and are reported as a significant human rotavirus genotype in several African countries, both prior to and after rotavirus vaccine introduction. This study investigated the genetic variability of 15 G12 rotavirus strains associated with either P[6] or P[8] identified between 2010 and 2014 from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia. Methods The investigation was carried out by comparing partial VP7 and partial VP4 sequences of the African G12P[6] and G12P[8] strains with the available GenBank sequences and exploring the recognized neutralization epitopes of these strains. Additionally, Bayesian evolutionary analysis was carried out using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) implemented in BEAST to estimate the time to the most recent ancestor and evolutionary rate for these G12 rotavirus strains. Results The findings suggested that the VP7 and VP4 nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the G12 strains circulating in African countries are closely related, irrespective of country of origin and year of detection, with the exception of the Ethiopian strains that clustered distinctly. Neutralization epitope analysis revealed that rotavirus VP4 P[8] genes associated with G12 had amino acid sequences similar to those reported globally including the vaccine strains in RotaTeq and Rotarix. The estimated evolutionary rate of the G12 strains was 1.016 × 10− 3 substitutions/site/year and was comparable to what has been previously reported. Three sub-clusters formed within the current circulating lineage III shows the diversification of G12 from three independent ancestries within a similar time frame in the late 1990s. Conclusions At present it appears to be unlikely that widespread vaccine use has driven the molecular evolution and sustainability of G12 strains in Africa. Continuous monitoring of rotavirus genotypes is recommended to assess the long-term impact of rotavirus vaccination on the dynamic nature of rotavirus evolution on the continent.

scholarly journals Does Governance Matter In Infrastructure: Evidence From Sub-Saharan Africa

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
Olusegun Ayodele Akanbi
Keyword(s):  
Capital Expenditure ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Governance Indicators ◽  
Institutional Structures ◽  
Physical Infrastructure ◽  
Productive Potential ◽  
Sub Saharan

This study empirically examines the pattern of physical infrastructure that would unlock the productive potential of sub-Saharan Africa. The estimations were carried out in a panel of 21 selected sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2000 to 2010 using the two-stage least squares (TSLS) estimation techniques. The infrastructure variable was constructed on the basis of three physical infrastructure stocks (roads, telecommunication and electricity) using the principal component analysis (PCA), and governance was measured using the worldwide governance indicators. The results conform to the findings of existing literature; namely, that real output, government capital expenditure, external balance and inflation are significant determinants of physical infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa. The distinctive feature of the study is the significant role played by governance in explaining physical infrastructure. The results from the panel estimations reveal that investment in governance/institutional structures is a necessary first step in providing quality infrastructure stock and, hence, pro-poor, long-term economic growth for the region. Therefore, in modelling physical infrastructure, it is imperative to incorporate the important role played by governance.

scholarly journals Evidence for the impact of malaria on agricultural household income in sub-Saharan Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek W. Willis ◽  
Nick Hamon
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Research Framework ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Agricultural Household ◽  
Agricultural Households ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
The Impact

Background: Progress in suppressing malaria over the next two decades may have a significant impact on poverty among agricultural households in sub-Saharan Africa. A recent study found that if malaria were eradicated by 2040, poverty rates among such households would fall by 4 to 26 percentage points more from 2018 to 2040 than if the burden of malaria remained at its current level. The relatively wide range of these estimates is due to a lack of evidence regarding the long-term impact of suppressing malaria on the incomes of agricultural households. The objective of this study is to describe a research framework that would generate the necessary evidence for developing more precise estimates. Methods: First, we developed a conceptual framework for understanding the potential long-term impact of suppressing malaria on the incomes of agricultural households. Next, we established a research framework for examining each component of the conceptual framework. Results: Our proposed research framework enables a comprehensive examination of how malaria affects the decisions, productivity, harvest value and expenditures due to morbidity and mortality within an agricultural household. This contrasts with the 27 existing relevant studies that we have identified, of which 23 focused only on household productivity and expenditures, two focused on decisions, and two focused on harvest values. Conclusion: By implementing the research framework presented in this study, we will increase our knowledge of how suppressing malaria over the next two decades would affect the incomes of agricultural households in sub-Saharan Africa. Evidence generated from the framework will inform funding allocation decisions for malaria elimination initiatives.

scholarly journals Genetic characterization of G12P[6] and G12P[8] rotavirus strains collected in six African countries between 2010 and 2014

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kebareng G. Rakau ◽  
Martin M. Nyaga ◽  
Maemu P. Gededzha ◽  
Jason M. Mwenda ◽  
M. Jeffrey Mphahlele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Evolutionary Rate ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Evolutionary Analysis ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Similar Time ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccination

Abstract Background: G12 rotaviruses were first observed in sub-Saharan Africa in 2004 and since then have continued to emerge and spread across the continent and are reported as a significant human rotavirus genotype in several African countries, both prior to and after rotavirus vaccine introduction. This study investigated the genetic variability of 15 G12 rotavirus strains associated with either P[6] or P[8] identified between 2010 and 2014 from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia. Methods: The investigation was carried out by comparing partial VP7 and partial VP4 sequences of the African G12P[6] and G12P[8] strains with the available GenBank sequences and exploring the recognized neutralization epitopes of these strains. Additionally, Bayesian evolutionary analysis was carried out using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) implemented in BEAST to estimate the time to the most recent ancestor and evolutionary rate for these G12 rotavirus strains.Results: The findings suggested that the VP7 and VP4 nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the G12 strains circulating in African countries are closely related , irrespective of country of origin and year of detection, with the exception of the Ethiopian strains that clustered distinctly. Neutralization epitope analysis revealed that rotavirus VP4 P[8] genes associated with G12 had amino acid sequences similar to those reported globally including the vaccine strains in RotaTeq and Rotarix. The estimated evolutionary rate of the G12 strains was 1.016 x10−3 substitutions/site/year and was comparable to what has been previously reported. Three sub-clusters formed within the current circulating lineage III shows the diversification of G12 from three independent ancestries within a similar time frame in the late 1990s.Conclusions: At present it appears to be unlikely that widespread vaccine use has driven the molecular evolution and sustainability of G12 strains in Africa. Continuous monitoring of rotavirus genotypes is recommended to assess the long-term impact of rotavirus vaccination on the dynamic nature of rotavirus evolution on the continent.

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