Epidemiology & Demography

Bio

Sophie is the Ag. Deputy Director at the Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Coast (CGMR(C). Trained as a biochemist in Kenya then specialized in immunology and later obtained a PhD from the University of Heidelberg. Sophie has great interest in understanding how human genetics influences susceptibility to infections. She joined the Programme in 2004. She obtained her BSc Science degree from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya in 2004 and MSc in Immunology from the University of Manchester, UK in 2009. In 2008, Sophie received a PhD fellowship from the EU Marie-Curie-Action InterMal Training Programme. In 2012 she completed her PhD at the University of Heidelberg, Germany on mechanisms of removal of red blood cells during the development of severe malaria anaemia and protection afforded by red blood cell polymorphisms. Sophie is also a part-time lecturer at the School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Pwani University College, Kilifi, Kenya

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Current Work

Her work focuses on red blood cell genetic polymorphisms, particularly hemoglobin S, alpha-thalassemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and blood group antigens. Her work also explores the effect of co-inheritance of these genes on the protection they each afford individually against severe malaria and other infectious diseases. Her second area of research is on the development and treatment of severe anemia with focus on the impact of donor blood quality on recovery and survival post-transfusion. She is also investigating the prevalence, incidence and risk factors for alloimmunization among children living with Sickle cell disease (SCD) in Kilifi on the coast of Kenya. Alloimmunization is caused by the induction of antibodies to minor or variant antigens, typically within the Rh or Kell systems, on donor red blood cells, and is an important cause of intravascular haemolysis following subsequent transfusions. The on-going research will inform the development of better transfusion strategies for the management of SCD patients. Survival of children with SCD has improved over the years due to better management and the availability of affordable management therapies as shown by the success of the hydroxyurea trial. In addition to the medical challenges of having to deal with access to healthcare, the disease is also associated with stigmatization of the affected families by members of community. Sophie has interest in community engagement activities with patients and families affected by SCD. A seed grant for community and public engagement from the Africa Academy of Science (AAS) enabled Sophie and the team to highlight the challenges and successes that the affected families living with SCA experience. This resulted in a 32-page comic book that was developed in English and Swahili and has four stories that have drawn lessons and messages from the experiences of the patients and their parents. It not only provides facts about the disease but also gives hope for the patients as two of the stories are based on real life experiences of older patients.

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Recent publications

Relation between the Dantu blood group variant and bacteraemia in Kenyan children: a population-based case control study.
Kariuki, S. N., Gilchrist, J. J., Uyoga, S., Macharia, A., Makale, J., Rayner, J. C., Williams, T. N.
J Infect Dis, (2024). :Online ahead of print

Factors affecting haemoglobin dynamics in African children with acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria treated with single low-dose primaquine or placebo.
Onyamboko, M. A., Olupot-Olupot, P., Were, W., Namayanja, C., Onyas, P., Titin, H., Baseke, J., Muhindo, R., Kayembe, D. K., Ndjowo, P. O., Basara, B. B., Okalebo, C. B., Williams, T. N., Uyoga, S., Taya, C., Bamisaiye, A., Fanello, C., Maitland, K., Day, N. P. J., Taylor, W. R. J., Mukaka, M.
BMC Med, (2023). 21:397

Pharmacokinetics of single low dose primaquine in Ugandan and Congolese children with falciparum malaria.
Mukaka, M., Onyamboko, M. A., Olupot-Olupot, P., Peerawaranun, P., Suwannasin, K., Pagornrat, W., Kouhathong, J., Madmanee, W., Were, W., Namayanja, C., Onyas, P., Titin, H., Baseke, J., Muhindo, R., Kayembe, D. K., Ndjowo, P. O., Basara, B. B., Bongo, G. S., Okalebo, C. B., Abongo, G., Uyoga, S., Williams, T. N., Taya, C., Dhorda, M., Dondorp, A. M., Waithira, N., Imwong, M., Maitland, K., Fanello, C., Day, N. P. J., Tarning, J., White, N. J., Taylor, W. R. J.
EBioMedicine, (2023). 96:104805

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and implications for population immunity: Evidence from two Health and Demographic Surveillance System sites in Kenya, February-December 2022.
Kagucia, E. W., Ziraba, A. K., Nyagwange, J., Kutima, B., Kimani, M., Akech, D., Ng'oda, M., Sigilai, A., Mugo, D., Karanja, H., Gitonga, J., Karani, A., Toroitich, M., Karia, B., Otiende, M., Njeri, A., Aman, R., Amoth, P., Mwangangi, M., Kasera, K., Ng'ang'a, W., Voller, S., Ochola-Oyier, L. I., Bottomley, C., Nyaguara, A., Munywoki, P. K., Bigogo, G., Maitha, E., Uyoga, S., Gallagher, K. E., Etyang, A. O., Barasa, E., Mwangangi, J., Bejon, P., Adetifa, I. M. O., Warimwe, G. M., Scott, J. A. G., Agweyu, A.
Influenza Other Respir Viruses, (2023). 17:e13173

Non-O ABO blood group genotypes differ in their associations with Plasmodium falciparum rosetting and severe malaria.
Opi, D. H., Ndila, C. M., Uyoga, S., Macharia, A. W., Fennell, C., Ochola, L. B., Nyutu, G., Siddondo, B. R., Ojal, J., Shebe, M., Awuondo, K. O., Mturi, N., Peshu, N., Tsofa, B., Band, G., Maitland, K., Kwiatkowski, D. P., Rockett, K. A., Williams, T. N., Rowe, J. A.
PLoS Genet, (2023). 19:e1010910