Research
Malaria Research and Genomic Surveillance
Harnessing state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques, our malaria research is at the forefront of understanding disease transmission dynamics and pathogenesis. We employ nucleic acid amplification tests, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics tools to characterize Plasmodium genetic diversity, detect low-density infections, and track drug resistance markers. These molecular insights are complemented by sero-epidemiological studies that assess antibody responses, providing a deeper understanding of malaria exposure patterns and immunity within populations over time.
This integrated approach enhances malaria diagnostics, refines surveillance strategies, and informs targeted intervention efforts. By mapping transmission hotspots and evaluating the impact of control measures, our work supports evidence-based public health policies. Our continuous advancements in assay sensitivity and specificity are critical for malaria elimination efforts, particularly in endemic regions where precise detection and monitoring are essential.
References:
- Kagaya, Wataru, Ikki Takehara, Kyoko Kurihara, Michael Maina, Chim W Chan, Gordon Okomo, James Kongere, Jesse Gitaka, and Akira Kaneko. “Potential Application of the Haematology Analyser XN-31 Prototype for Field Malaria Surveillance in Kenya.” Malaria Journal 21, no. 1 (September 2022): 252. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-022-04259-7.
- Kagaya, Wataru, Chim W Chan, James Kongere, Bernard N Kanoi, Mtakai Ngara, Protus Omondi, Ashley Osborne, et al. “Evaluation of the Protective Efficacy of Olyset®Plus Ceiling Net on Reducing Malaria Prevalence in Children in Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya: Study Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial.” Trials 24, no. 1 (2023): 354. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-023-07372-3.
- Waweru, Harrison, Bernard N. Kanoi, Josiah O. Kuja, Mary Maranga, James Kongere, Michael Maina, Johnson Kinyua, and Jesse Gitaka. “Limited Genetic Variations of the Rh5-CyRPA-Ripr Invasion Complex in Plasmodium Falciparum Parasite Population in Selected Malaria-Endemic Regions, Kenya.” Frontiers in Tropical Diseases 4, no. March (2023): 1–9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fitd.2023.1102265.
- Osborne, Ashley, Jody E Phelan, Akira Kaneko, Wataru Kagaya, Chim Chan, Mtakai Ngara, James Kongere, et al. “Drug Resistance Profiling of Asymptomatic and Low-Density Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria Infections on Ngodhe Island, Kenya, Using Custom Dual-Indexing next-Generation Sequencing.” Scientific Reports 13, no. 1 (2023): 11416. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38481-3.
- Osborne, Ashley, Jody E Phelan, Leen N Vanheer, Alphaxard Manjurano, Jesse Gitaka, Christopher J Drakeley, Akira Kaneko, Kiyoshi Kita, Susana Campino, and Taane G Clark. “High Throughput Human Genotyping for Variants Associated with Malarial Disease Outcomes Using Custom Targeted Amplicon Sequencing.” Scientific Reports 13, no. 1 (2023): 12062. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-39233-z.
Maternal & Newborn Health: Placental Malaria
Placental malaria remains a significant challenge in maternal and newborn health, with far-reaching consequences for both mother and child. Our research in this area focuses on understanding the unique pathophysiology of placental infection. Through detailed histopathological analyses and biomarker discovery, we aim to unravel the molecular mechanisms that underlie the disruption of placental function during malaria infection. By identifying specific biomarkers indicative of early placental compromise, our work seeks to develop diagnostic tools that enable timely therapeutic intervention. This approach not only has the potential to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes but also to inform public health policies in malaria-endemic regions. Our clinical studies and field evaluations are conducted in close collaboration with local health providers, ensuring that our research translates effectively into improved care on the ground. Ultimately, our goal is to empower communities with the tools needed to detect and manage placental malaria before irreversible damage occurs.
References:
- Mbalitsi, M, M Singoei, S Chenge, H M Ngure, P O Angienda, M M Obimbo, B N Kanoi, J Gitaka, and F M Kobia. “A Biobank Resource for Placental Malaria and Placental Health Research [Version 1; Peer Review: 1 Approved with Reservations].” Open Research Europe 4, no. 273 (2024). https://doi.org/10.12688/openreseurope.18617.1.
- Chenge, Samuel, Melvin Mbalitsi, Harrison Ngure, Moses Obimbo, Mercy Singoei, Mourine Kangogo, Bernard N Kanoi, Jesse Gitaka, and Francis M Kobia. “Placental Malaria Is Associated with a TLR–Endothelin-3–oxidative Damage Response in Human Placenta Tissues.” BioRxiv, January 1, 2024, 2024.04.17.589949. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.17.589949.
- Kanoi, Bernard N, Harrison Waweru, Francis M Kobia, Joseph Mukala, Peter Kirira, Dominic Mogere, Radiosa Gallini, et al. “Differential Expression of Plasma Proteins in Pregnant Women Exposed to Plasmodium Falciparum; Malaria.” MedRxiv, January 1, 2024, 2024.05.01.24306614. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.05.01.24306614.
- Kobia, Francis M, Kaushik Maiti, Moses M Obimbo, Roger Smith, and Jesse Gitaka. “Potential Pharmacologic Interventions Targeting TLR Signaling in Placental Malaria.” Trends in Parasitology 38, no. 7 (July 1, 2022): 513–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2022.04.002.
- Singoei, Mercy, Moses Madadi Obimbo, Paul Ochieng Odula, Jesse Gitaka, and Ibsen Henric Ongidi. “Changes in the Structure of Chorioamniotic Membrane in Patients with Malaria in Pregnancy.” Placenta 114 (2021): 42–49. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.054.
Point-of-Care Diagnostics Development
At Gitaka Lab, we are dedicated to the development of rapid, reliable diagnostic tests that can be used directly at the point-of-care—even in settings with limited resources. Our approach begins with the discovery of novel biomarkers, which serve as the foundation for our assay design. By integrating advanced microfluidic platforms with immunochromatographic techniques, we create diagnostic tools that are both sensitive and specific. For example, our work on malaria diagnostics has led to the development of assays capable of detecting infection with over 95% accuracy, even in low parasitemia cases. The iterative process of design, validation, and field evaluation ensures that each test not only meets high analytical standards but is also practical for real-world use. Our research emphasizes portability, ease-of-use, and affordability, aiming to bring high-quality diagnostics directly to communities where they are most needed. This integrated approach has the potential to significantly reduce diagnostic delays and improve clinical outcomes, ultimately contributing to better disease management and control.
References:
- Bongkot Ngamsom et al., “An Integrated Lab-on-a-Chip Device for RNA Extraction, Amplification and CRISPR-Cas12a-Assisted Detection for COVID-19 Screening in Resource-Limited Settings,” MedRxiv, January 1, 2022, 2022.01.06.22268835, https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.01.06.22268835.
- Rodriguez-Mateos, Pablo, Bongkot Ngamsom, Cheryl Walter, Charlotte E Dyer, Jesse Gitaka, Alexander Iles, and Nicole Pamme. “A Lab-on-a-Chip Platform for Integrated Extraction and Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Resource-Limited Settings.” Analytica Chimica Acta 1177 (2021): 338758. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2021.338758.
- Ngamsom, Bongkot, Ernest Apondi Wandera, Alexander Iles, Racheal Kimani, Francis Muregi, Jesse Gitaka, and Nicole Pamme. “Rapid Detection of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) from Artificial Urine Samples Based on IFAST and ATP Bioluminescence Assay: From Development to Practical Challenges during Protocol Testing in Kenya.” Analyst 144, no. 23 (2019): 6889–97. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9AN01808E.
Clinical Trials & Implementation Science
Bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world impact is at the heart of our clinical trials and implementation science endeavors. Our clinical research programs rigorously evaluate the performance of our diagnostic tools in diverse healthcare settings. By conducting multi-center trials and real-world field evaluations, we assess not only the analytical validity of our assays but also their usability, cost-effectiveness, and impact on patient outcomes. Implementation science plays a critical role in this process, as we collaborate closely with local and international health systems to ensure that our innovations are seamlessly integrated into clinical practice. Through systematic evaluation and feedback, we continuously refine our technologies, adapting them to meet the specific needs of the communities we serve. This comprehensive approach accelerates the translation of scientific discoveries into practical solutions, ultimately enhancing disease management and reducing the global burden of infectious diseases.
Artificial Intelligence for Clinical Decision Support
Recognizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, we are actively integrating AI into clinical decision support systems. Our research in this area focuses on developing intelligent algorithms that can analyze complex diagnostic data in real time, thereby aiding clinicians in making more informed treatment decisions. By merging traditional diagnostic data with AI-driven insights, we enhance the speed and accuracy of clinical assessments. Our collaborations with platforms such as Aifya and NCDai underscore our commitment to leveraging advanced computational tools to address clinical challenges. These AI systems are designed to process large datasets, identify patterns, and predict disease outcomes, offering clinicians a powerful resource for patient management. As we refine these technologies, our goal is to create robust, user-friendly decision support tools that integrate seamlessly into everyday clinical practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes and optimizing resource utilization.
References:
Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the most pressing global health threats, and at Gitaka Lab, we are committed to addressing this challenge head-on. Our research in AMR focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that enable pathogens to evade standard treatments. By employing genomic sequencing and advanced bioinformatics analyses, we are able to identify resistance genes and monitor their evolution within microbial populations. This work is critical in developing rapid diagnostic assays that can detect resistant strains early, allowing for timely and appropriate therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, our studies extend to evaluating the impact of antimicrobial stewardship programs, aiming to inform policies that curb the spread of resistance. Through a combination of laboratory investigations, field studies, and collaborative partnerships with public health institutions, we are building a comprehensive framework to combat AMR. Our goal is not only to improve diagnostic capabilities but also to contribute to the global effort in managing and mitigating the risks associated with drug-resistant infections.
References:
- Kimani, Racheal, Patrick Wakaba, Moses Kamita, David Mbogo, Winnie Mutai, Charchil Ayodo, Essuman Suliman, Bernard N. Kanoi, and Jesse Gitaka. “Detection of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms of Concern Including Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia and Burkholderia Cepacia at a Referral Hospital in Kenya.” PLoS ONE 19, no. 4 April (April 1, 2024). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298873.
- Musundi, Sebastian, Samuel Ng’ang’a, Esther Wangui Wanjiru, Kate Sagoe, Ernest Wandera, Bernard Kanoi, and Jesse Gitaka. “Metatranscriptomic Analysis of Wastewater Sites Reveals a High Abundance of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes from Hospital Wastewater.” MedRxiv, 2024, 2022–24. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.02.03.24302270
- Gitaka, Jesse, Moses Kamita, Dominic Mureithi, Davies Ndegwa, Moses Masika, Geoffrey Omuse, Moses Ngari, et al. “Combating Antibiotic Resistance Using Guidelines and Enhanced Stewardship in Kenya: A Protocol for an Implementation Science Approach.” BMJ Open 10, no. 3 (March 1, 2020): e030823. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030823.
