Browsing by Author "Nakwagala, Fred"

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    Biobanking: Strengthening Uganda’s Rapid Response to COVID-19 and Other Epidemics
    (Biopreservation and Biobanking, 2021) Kamulegeya, Rogers; Kateete, David Patrick; Bagaya, Bernard S.; Nasinghe, Emmanuel; Muttamba, Winters; Nsubuga, Gideon; Kigozi, Edgar; Ashaba Katabazi, Fred; Nakwagala, Fred; Kalungi, Sam; Byamugisha, Josaphat; Worodria, William; Magala, Rose; Kirenga, Bruce; Joloba, Moses L.
    SARS-CoV-2 is a fatal disease of global public health concern. Measures to reduce its spread critically depend on timely and accurate diagnosis of virus-infected individuals. Biobanks can have a pivotal role in elucidating disease etiology, translation, and advancing public health. In this article, we show how a biobank has been a critical resource in the rapid response to coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) in Uganda. Materials and Methods: The Integrated Biorepository of H3Africa Uganda established a COVID-19 biobank. Standard Operating Procedures for sample and data collection, sample processing, and storage were developed. An e-questionnaire data tool was used to collect sociodemographic factors. Samples were collected at 7-day intervals from patients, analyzed for key parameters, processed, annotated, characterized, and stored at appropriate temperatures. Results: Stored samples have been used in validation of 17 diagnostic kits, the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARSCoV- 2 assay, as well as a sample pooling technique for mass screening and polymerase chain reaction assay validation. Kits that passed validation were deployed for mass screening boosting early detection, isolation, and treatment of COVID-19 cases. Also, 10 applications from researchers and biotech companies have been received and approved and 4 grants have been awarded Conclusion: The CoV-Bank has proven to be an invaluable resource in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda, as samples have been resources in the validation and development of COVID-19 diagnostic tools, which are important in tracing and isolation of infected cases to confront, delay, and stop the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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    Efficacy of convalescent plasma for treatment of COVID-19 in Uganda
    (BMJ Open Resp Res, 2021) Kirenga, Bruce; Byakika-Kibwika, Pauline; Muttamba, Winters; Kayongo, Alex; Namakula, Olive Loryndah,; Mugenyi, Levicatus; Kiwanuka, Noah; Lusiba, John; Atukunda, Angella; Mugume, Raymond; Ssali, Francis; Ddungu, Henry; Katagira, Winceslaus; Sekibira, Rogers; Kityo, Cissy; Kyeyune, Dorothy; Acana, Susan; Aanyu-Tukamuhebwa, Hellen; Kabweru, Wilberforce; Nakwagala, Fred; Sentalo Bagaya, Bernard; Kimuli, Ivan; Nantanda, Rebecca; Buregyeya, Esther; Byarugaba, Baterana; Olaro, Charles; Mwebesa, Henry; Lutaakome Joloba, Moses; Siddharthan, Trishul; Bazeyo, William
    Convalescent plasma (CCP) has been studied as a potential therapy for COVID-19, but data on its efficacy in Africa are limited. Objective In this trial we set out to determine the efficacy of CCP for treatment of COVID-19 in Uganda. Measurements Patients with a positive SARS-CoV- 2 reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR test irrespective of disease severity were hospitalized and randomized to receive either COVID-19 CCP plus standard of care (SOC) or SOC alone. The primary outcome was time to viral clearance, defined as having two consecutive RT-PCR- negative tests by day 28. Secondary outcomes included time to symptom resolution, clinical status on the modified WHO Ordinal Clinical Scale (≥1-point increase), progression to severe/ critical condition (defined as oxygen saturation <93% or needing oxygen), mortality and safety.
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    Feasibility of collecting and processing of COVID-19 convalescent plasma for treatment of COVID-19 in Uganda
    (PLoS ONE, 2021) Muttamba, Winters; Lusiba, John; Namakula, Loryndah Olive; Byakika-Kibwika, Pauline; Ssali, Francis; Ddungu, Henry; Mugenyi, Levicatus; Kiwanuka, Noah; Sekibira, Rogers; Kityo, Cissy; Keyune, Dorothy; Acana, Susan; Musinguzi, Ambrose; Masasi, Ayub; Byamugisha, Joseph; Mpanju, David; Musoki, Walter Jack; Tukamuhebwa, Hellen Aanyu; Nakwagala, Fred; Sentalo Bagaya, Bernard; Kayongo, Alex; Kimuli, Ivan; Nantanda, Rebecca; Katagira, Winceslaus; Buregyeya, Esther; Byanyima, Rosemary; Byarugaba, Baterana; Siddharthan, Trishul; Mwebesa, Henry; Charles, Olaro; Lutaakome Joloba, Moses; Bazeyo, William; Kirenga, Bruce
    Evidence that supports the use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) for treatment of COVID-19 is increasingly emerging. However, very few African countries have undertaken the collection and processing of CCP. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of collecting and processing of CCP, in preparation for a randomized clinical trial of CCP for treatment of COVID-19 in Uganda. Methods In a cross-sectional study, persons with documented evidence of recovery from COVID-19 in Uganda were contacted and screened for blood donation via telephone calls. Those found eligible were asked to come to the blood donation centre for further screening and consent. Whole blood collection was undertaken from which plasma was processed. Plasma was tested for transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) and anti-SARS CoV-2 antibody titers. SARS-CoV-2 testing was also done on nasopharyngeal swabs from the donors.
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    Mentorship needs at academic institutions in resource-limited settings: a survey at Makerere university college of health sciences
    (BMC Medical Education, 2011) Nakanjako, Damalie; Byakika-Kibwika, Pauline; Kintu, Kenneth; Aizire, Jim; Nakwagala, Fred; Luzige, Simon; Namisi, Charles; Mayanja-Kizza, Harriet; Kamya, Moses R.
    Mentoring is a core component of medical education and career success. There is increasing global emphasis on mentorship of young scientists in order to train and develop the next leaders in global health. However, mentoring efforts are challenged by the high clinical, research and administrative demands. We evaluated the status and nature of mentoring practices at Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MAKCHS). Methods: Pre-tested, self-administered questionnaires were sent by email to all Fogarty alumni at the MAKCHS (mentors) and each of them was requested to complete and email back the questionnaire. In addition to training level and number of mentors, the questionnaires had open-ended questions covering themes such as; status of mentorship, challenges faced by mentors and strategies to improve and sustain mentorship within MAKCHS. Similarly, open-ended questionnaires were sent and received by email from all graduate students (mentees) registered with the Uganda Society for Health Scientists (USHS). Qualitative data from mentors and mentees was analyzed manually according to the pre-determined themes.
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    Safety and efficacy of hydroxychloroquine for treatment of non‑severe COVID‑19 among adults in Uganda: a randomized open label phase II clinical trial
    (BMC Infectious Diseases, 2021) Byakika‑Kibwika, Pauline; Sekaggya‑Wiltshire, Christine; Semakula, Jerome Roy; Nakibuuka, Jane; Musaazi, Joseph; Kayima, James; Sendagire, Cornelius; Meya, David; Kirenga, Bruce; Nanzigu, Sarah; Kwizera, Arthur; Nakwagala, Fred; Kisuule, Ivan; Wayengera, Misaki; Mwebesa, Henry G.; Kamya, Moses R.; Bazeyo, William
    Several repurposed drugs such as hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have been investigated for treatment of COVID-19, but none was confirmed to be efficacious. While in vitro studies have demonstrated antiviral properties of HCQ, data from clinical trials were conflicting regarding its benefit for COVID-19 treatment. Drugs that limit viral replication may be beneficial in the earlier course of the disease thus slowing progression to severe and critical illness. Design: We conducted a randomized open label Phase II clinical trial from October–December 2020. Methods: Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 using RT-PCR were included in the study if they were 18 years and above and had a diagnosis of COVID-19 made in the last 3 days. Patients were randomized in blocks, to receive either HCQ 400 mg twice a day for the first day followed by 200 mg twice daily for the next 4 days plus standard of care (SOC) treatment or SOC treatment alone. SARS COV-2 viral load (CT values) from RT-PCR testing of samples collected using nasal/orapharyngeal swabs was performed at baseline, day 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. The primary outcome was median time from randomization to SARS COV-2 viral clearance by day 6.