Browsing by Author "Kateete, David"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Bioinformatics mentorship in a resource limited setting
    (Briefings in Bioinformatics, 2021) Jjingo, Daudi; Mboowa, Gerald; Sserwadda, Ivan; Kakaire, Robert; Kiberu, Davis; Amujal, Marion; Galiwango, Ronald; Kateete, David; Joloba, Moses; Whalen, Christopher C.
    The two recent simultaneous developments of high-throughput sequencing and increased computational power have brought bioinformatics to the forefront as an important tool for effective and efficient biomedical research. Consequently, there have been multiple approaches to developing bioinformatics skills. In resource rich environments, it has been possible to develop and implement formal fully accredited graduate degree training programs in bioinformatics. In resource limited settings with a paucity of expert bioinformaticians, infrastructure and financial resources, the task has been approached by delivering short courses on bioinformatics—lasting only a few days to a couple of weeks. Alternatively, courses are offered online, usually over a period of a few months. These approaches are limited by both the lack of sustained in-person trainer–trainee interactions, which is a key part of quality mentorships and short durations which constrain the amount of learning that can be achieved.
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    The Collaborative African Genomics Network (CAfGEN): Applying Genomic technologies to probe host factors important to the progression of HIV and HIV-tuberculosis infection in sub-Saharan Africa [version 1; referees: awaiting peer review]
    (AAS open research, 2018) Mboowa, Gerald; Mwesigwa, Savannah; Katagirya, Eric; Retshabile, Gaone; Mlotshwa, Busisiwe C.; Williams, Lesedi; Kekitiinwa, Adeodata; Kateete, David; Wampande, Eddie; Wayengera, Misaki; Nsangi Kintu, Betty; Kisitu, Grace P.; Kyobe, Samuel; Brown, Chester W.; Hanchard, Neil A.; Mardon, Graeme; Joloba, Moses; Anabwani, Gabriel; Pettitt, Ed; Tsimako-Johnstone, Masego; Kasvosve, Ishmael; Maplanka, Koketso; Mpoloka, Sununguko W.; Hlatshwayo, Makhosazana; Matshaba, Mogomotsi
    The Human Heredity and Health in Africa consortium (H3Africa) was conceived to facilitate the application of genomics technologies to improve health across Africa. Here, we describe how the Collaborative African Genomics Network (CAfGEN) of the H3Africa consortium is using genomics to probe host genetic factors important to the progression of HIV and HIV-tuberculosis (TB) coinfection in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: CAfGEN is an H3Africa collaborative centre comprising expertise from the University of Botswana; Makerere University; Baylor College of v
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    Disproportionate Distribution of HBV Genotypes A and D and the Recombinant Genotype D/E in the High and Low HBV Endemic Regions of Uganda: A Wake-Up Call for Regional Specific HBV Management
    (International journal of hepatology, 2022) Mukasa Kafeero, Hussein; Ndagire, Dorothy; Ocama, Ponsiano; Drago Kato, Charles; Wampande, Eddie; Kajumbula, Henry; Kateete, David; Walusansa, Abdul; Kudamba, Ali; Edgar, Kigozi; Ashaba Katabazi, Fred; Namaganda, Maria Magdalene; Ssenku, Jamilu E.; Sendagire, Hakim
    Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the leading cause of liver-related diseases. In Uganda, there is a regional disparity in the HBV burden. Our study was aimed at establishing the circulating genotypes in a low and a high endemic region to give plausible explanations for the differences in regional burden and guide the future management of the disease. Methods. A total of 200 HBsAg-seropositive subjects were recruited into the study by convenience sampling. The HBsAg Rapid Test Strip (Healgen Scientific Limited Liability Company, Houston, TX77047- USA) was used to screen for HBsAg while the Roche machine (Roche, Basel Switzerland/Abbot Technologies (USA)) was used to determine the viral load. The Chemistry Analyzer B120 (Mindray, China) was used for chemistry analysis. For HBV genotyping, total DNA was extracted from whole blood using the QIAamp® DNA extraction kit. Nested PCR amplification was performed using Platinum Taq DNA Polymerase (Invitrogen Corporation, USA) to amplify the 400 bp HBV polymerase gene. Purification of nested PCR products was performed using Purelink PCR product purification kit (Life Technologies, USA). Automated DNA sequencing was performed using BigDye Terminator v3.1 Cycle Sequencing Kit on 3130 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems, USA). The NCBI HBV genotyping tool (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/genotyping/formpage.cgi) was used for determination of genotype for each HBV sequence. Pearson’s chi-square, multinomial logistic regression, and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for the analysis. All the analyses were done using SPSS version 26.0 and MedCalc software version 19.1.3 at 95% CI. A p < 0:05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Majority of our study subjects were female (64.5%), youth (51.0%), and married (62.0%). Overall, genotype A was the most prevalent (46%). Genotype D and the recombinant genotype D/E were proportionately more distributed in the high endemic (38.2%) and low endemic (36.5%) regions, respectively. Genotype D was significantly more prevalent in the high endemic region and among the elderly (p < 0:05). Genotype D was significantly associated with elevated viral load and direct bilirubin (p < 0:05). The recombinant genotype D/E was significantly associated with elevated viral load (p < 0:05). Similarly, genotype A was significantly associated with elevated AST and GGT, lowered viral load, and normal direct bilirubin levels (p < 0:05). Conclusion. There is disproportionate distribution of genotypes A and D and the recombinant genotype D/E in the low and high endemic regions of Uganda. This probably could explain the differences in endemicity of HBV in our country signifying the need for regional specific HBV management and control strategies.
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    Workshop-based learning and networking: a scalable model for research capacity strengthening in low- and middle-income countries
    (Global Health Action, 2022) Perier, Celine; Nasinghe, Emmanuel; Charles, Isabelle; Ssetaba, Leoson Junior; Ahyong, Vida; Bangs, Derek; Beatty, P. Robert; Czudnochowski, Nadine; Diallo, Amy; Birungi, Joanah; Kalantar, Katrina; Kateete, David; Mwesigwa, Savannah; Joloba, Moses L.; Schaletzky, Julia
    Science education and research have the potential to drive profound change in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through encouraging innovation, attracting industry, and creating job opportunities. However, in LMICs, research capacity is often limited, and acquisition of funding and access to state-of-the-art technologies is challenging. The Alliance for Global Health and Science (the Alliance) was founded as a partnership between the University of California, Berkeley (USA) and Makerere University (Uganda), with the goal of strengthening Makerere University’s capacity for bioscience research. The flagship program of the Alliance partnership is the MU/UCB Biosciences Training Program, an in-country, hands-on workshop model that trains a large number of students from Makerere University in infectious disease and molecular biology research. This approach nucleates training of larger and more diverse groups of students, development of mentoring and bi-directional research partnerships, and support of the local economy. Here, we describe the project, its conception, implementation, challenges, and outcomes of bioscience research workshops. We aim to provide a blueprint for workshop implementation, and create a valuable resource for bioscience research capacity strengthening in LMICs.