Epidemiology & Demography

Biography

I am a molecular epidemiologist interested in the epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics of respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses in low-income settings. I trained as a Biochemist (University of Nairobi), and later earned an MSc, then PhD, in Virus Molecular Epidemiology (Open University). In 2022, I was awarded a Wellcome Career Development Award to study rates, determinants and transmissibility of respiratory virus reinfections. Currently, I head the Pathogen Epidemiology and Omics (PEO) research group within the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme. The PEO team  conducts field studies, wholesome/systems laboratory (diagnostics, genomic and immunologic) characterisation for a range of infectious agents and downstream bioinformatic, statistical and modelling studies to elucidate host-pathogen interactions, infectious agent dispersal and predict intervention impact. Previous research roles: 1)Co-lead COVID-19 diagnostics  and genomic surveillance at KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, 2) A Mid-Career Research Fellow supported by the Initiative to Develop African Research Leaders (IDeAL) studying the genomics of viral diarrhoea in Kenya prior to and following the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine, 3) Postdoctoral Scientist/Lead Bioinformatician for the SPReD studies (Studying the Pathways of Respiratory Virus Diseases).

Current Work

An investigation into the rates, determinants, and transmission of respiratory virus reinfections (ResViRe) funded through the Wellcome Career Development Award Discovery Scheme

Collaborations

No map location specified.

Project Research

ResViRe Water sequencing Adenovirus sequencing and antigenic characterisation

Videos

Publications

Safety and immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine in adults in Kenya: a phase 1/2 single-blind, randomised controlled trial.
Hamaluba, M., Sang, S., Orindi, B., Njau, I., Karanja, H., Kamau, N., Gitonga, J. N., Mugo, D., Wright, D., Nyagwange, J., Kutima, B., Omuoyo, D., Mwatasa, M., Ngetsa, C., Agoti, C., Cheruiyot, S., Nyaguara, A., Munene, M., Mturi, N., Oloo, E., Ochola-Oyier, L., Mumba, N., Mauncho, C., Namayi, R., Davies, A., Tsofa, B., Nduati, E. W., Aliyan, N., Kasera, K., Etyang, A., Boyd, A., Hill, A., Gilbert, S., Douglas, A., Pollard, A., Bejon, P., Lambe, T., Warimwe, G.
Wellcome Open Res, (2023). 8:182

Age-dependent acquisition of IgG antibodies to Shigella serotypes-a retrospective analysis of seroprevalence in Kenyan children with implications for infant vaccination.
Kapulu, M. C., Muthumbi, E., Otieno, E., Rossi, O., Ferruzzi, P., Necchi, F., Acquaviva, A., Martin, L. B., Orindi, B., Mwai, K., Kibet, H., Mwanzu, A., Bigogo, G. M., Verani, J. R., Mbae, C., Nyundo, C., Agoti, C. N., Nakakana, U. N., Conti, V., Bejon, P., Kariuki, S., Scott, J. A. G., Micoli, F., Podda, A.
Front Immunol, (2024). 15:1340425

Temporal changes in the positivity rate of common enteric viruses among paediatric admissions in coastal Kenya, during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2019-2022.
Lambisia, A. W., Murunga, N., Mutunga, M., Cheruiyot, R., Maina, G., Makori, T. O., Nokes, D. J., Agoti, C. N.
Gut Pathog, (2024). 16:2

Genetic and potential antigenic evolution of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses circulating in Kenya during 2009-2018 influenza seasons.
Owuor, D. C., de Laurent, Z. R., Nyawanda, B. O., Emukule, G. O., Kondor, R., Barnes, J. R., Nokes, D. J., Agoti, C. N., Chaves, S. S.
Sci Rep, (2023). 13:22342

Symptom prevalence and secondary attack rate of SARS-CoV-2 in rural Kenyan households: A prospective cohort study.
Gallagher, K. E., Nyiro, J., Agoti, C. N., Maitha, E., Nyagwange, J., Karani, A., Bottomley, C., Murunga, N., Githinji, G., Mutunga, M., Ochola-Oyier, L. I., Kombe, I., Nyaguara, A., Kagucia, E. W., Warimwe, G., Agweyu, A., Tsofa, B., Bejon, P., Scott, J. A. G., Nokes, D. J.
Influenza Other Respir Viruses, (2023). 17:e13185