Featured Publications
Application of multiplex amplicon deep-sequencing (MAD-seq) to screen for putative drug resistance markers in the Necator americanus isotype-1 β-tubulin gene
George S, Suwondo P, Akorli J, Otchere J, Harrison LM, Bilguvar K, Knight JR, Humphries D, Wilson MD, Caccone A, Cappello M. Application of multiplex amplicon deep-sequencing (MAD-seq) to screen for putative drug resistance markers in the Necator americanus isotype-1 β-tubulin gene. Scientific Reports 2022, 12: 11459. PMID: 35794459, PMCID: PMC9259660, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15718-1.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSingle nucleotide polymorphismsPeriodic mass drug administrationHigh-risk groupCross-sectional studyDrug resistance markersMass drug administrationResistance-associated mutationsHookworm Necator americanusPost-treatment samplesIsotype-1 β-tubulin geneHookworm infectionPersistent infectionResistance markersDrug AdministrationNecator americanusInfection statusVeterinary nematodesInfectionMarkersNucleotide polymorphismsSensitive toolBenzimidazole drugsNucleotide allelesThe Laro Kwo Project: A train the trainer model combined with mobile health technology for community health workers in Northern Uganda
Ebbs D, Benson O, Jasicki S, McCollum S, Cappello M. The Laro Kwo Project: A train the trainer model combined with mobile health technology for community health workers in Northern Uganda. PLOS Global Public Health 2023, 3: e0001290. PMID: 37195969, PMCID: PMC10191267, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001290.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCommunity health workersCHW training programHealth workersThree-year prospective observational studyTrainer modelProspective observational studyUse of mHealthMobile health technologyNew cohortTraining programClinical outcomesMiddle-income countriesOriginal cohortObservational studyMHealth modalitiesHealth resourcesCohortNorthern UgandaLMICsIncome countriesHealth technologiesMobile healthFurther investigationMHealthHigher scoresComparison of percutaneous vs oral infection of hamsters with the hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum: Parasite development, pathology and primary immune response
Bungiro RD, Harrison LM, Dondji B, Cappello M. Comparison of percutaneous vs oral infection of hamsters with the hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum: Parasite development, pathology and primary immune response. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2022, 16: e0010098. PMID: 34986139, PMCID: PMC8765627, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010098.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCellular immune responsesGolden Syrian hamstersImmune responsePercutaneous infectionOral infectionSyrian hamstersAncylostoma ceylanicumPrimary immune responseRoute of infectionModerate growth delayFaecal egg outputPercutaneous groupImmunological manifestationsAntibody titersHookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicumInfected hamstersWorm recoveryLarval antigensBlood hemoglobinDisease pathogenesisHost responseGrowth delayHuman infectionsInfectionA. ceylanicumSocial determinants and causes of child mortality in Pakistan: Analysis of national demographic health surveys from 1990 to 2013
Afshan K, Narjis G, Qureshi IZ, Cappello M. Social determinants and causes of child mortality in Pakistan: Analysis of national demographic health surveys from 1990 to 2013. Journal Of Paediatrics And Child Health 2019, 56: 457-472. PMID: 31774227, DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14670.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsChild mortalitySocial determinantsChild healthNational Demographic Health SurveyAverage birth sizeFirst birth orderCause of deathChild survival strategyDemographic Health Survey dataPrevious birth intervalCost-effective interventionLowest wealth quintileDemographic Health SurveyHealth Survey dataIntrapartum asphyxiaMaternal disordersMiddle-income countriesBirth sizeHealth SurveyMaternal educationChild survivalWealth quintileBivariate analysisGreater riskMortality
2024
Prehospital use of point-of-care tests by community health workers: a scoping review
Ebbs D, Taricia M, Funaro M, O’Daniel M, Cappello M. Prehospital use of point-of-care tests by community health workers: a scoping review. Frontiers In Public Health 2024, 12: 1360322. PMID: 38721545, PMCID: PMC11076783, DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1360322.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCommunity health workersHealth workersPoint-of-care testingPrehospital settingLocal community health workersFull-text reviewMedical Subject HeadingsPRISMA extensionPrehospital useImplementation strategiesResource settingsEarly risk stratificationMedical librariansStudy criteriaSubject headingsPoint-of-carePrehospitalRisk stratificationWorkersCommunitySetsReviewPRISMAHIVMalaria
2023
The effect of single dose albendazole (400 mg) treatment on the human gut microbiome of hookworm-infected Ghanaian individuals
Appiah-Twum F, Akorli J, Okyere L, Sagoe K, Osabutey D, Cappello M, Wilson M. The effect of single dose albendazole (400 mg) treatment on the human gut microbiome of hookworm-infected Ghanaian individuals. Scientific Reports 2023, 13: 11302. PMID: 37438457, PMCID: PMC10338455, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38376-3.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHookworm infectionAlbendazole treatmentMicrobiota compositionStool samplesGut microbiomeGut microbiome dysbiosisInfection cure rateKintampo North MunicipalityPre-treatment statePotential microbial biomarkersAdjunct treatmentAnthelminthic therapySingle doseCure rateMicrobiome dysbiosisTreatment outcomesGut homeostasisPharmacological responseProbiotic supplementationGut microbiotaUninfected individualsCommensal bacteriaInfected individualsTherapy outcomeHuman gut microbiome
2022
Plasmodium infection is associated with cross-reactive antibodies to carbohydrate epitopes on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein
Lapidus S, Liu F, Casanovas-Massana A, Dai Y, Huck J, Lucas C, Klein J, Filler R, Strine M, Sy M, Deme A, Badiane A, Dieye B, Ndiaye I, Diedhiou Y, Mbaye A, Diagne C, Vigan-Womas I, Mbengue A, Sadio B, Diagne M, Moore A, Mangou K, Diallo F, Sene S, Pouye M, Faye R, Diouf B, Nery N, Costa F, Reis M, Muenker M, Hodson D, Mbarga Y, Katz B, Andrews J, Campbell M, Srivathsan A, Kamath K, Baum-Jones E, Faye O, Sall A, Vélez J, Cappello M, Wilson M, Ben-Mamoun C, Tedder R, McClure M, Cherepanov P, Somé F, Dabiré R, Moukoko C, Ouédraogo J, Boum Y, Shon J, Ndiaye D, Wisnewski A, Parikh S, Iwasaki A, Wilen C, Ko A, Ring A, Bei A. Plasmodium infection is associated with cross-reactive antibodies to carbohydrate epitopes on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Scientific Reports 2022, 12: 22175. PMID: 36550362, PMCID: PMC9778468, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26709-7.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCross-reactive antibodiesSARS-CoV-2Positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody resultsPositive SARS-CoV-2 antibodiesSARS-CoV-2 reactivitySARS-CoV-2 antibodiesAcute malaria infectionSpike proteinAntibody test resultsPre-pandemic samplesMalaria-endemic countriesPopulation-level immunityMalaria-endemic regionsSpike S1 subunitNon-endemic countriesSARS-CoV-2 spike proteinSARS-CoV-2 proteinsPopulation-level exposureCOVID-19 transmissionMalaria exposureFalse-positive resultsMalaria infectionDisease burdenPlasmodium infectionAntibody results1232: MEASURING PREHOSPITAL C-REACTIVE PROTEIN LEVELS IN UGANDA: EVALUATING A NEW TRIAGE MODALITY
Ebbs D, Canarie M, Cappello M. 1232: MEASURING PREHOSPITAL C-REACTIVE PROTEIN LEVELS IN UGANDA: EVALUATING A NEW TRIAGE MODALITY. Critical Care Medicine 2022, 51: 615-615. DOI: 10.1097/01.ccm.0000910664.97442.64.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchPlasmodium falciparum coinfection is associated with improved IgE and IgG3 response against hookworm antigens
Sakyi SA, Wilson MD, Adu B, Opoku S, Brewoo A, Larbi A, Baafour EK, Tchum SK, Saahene RO, Aniagyei W, Sewor C, Courtin D, Cappello M, Gyan B, Amoani B. Plasmodium falciparum coinfection is associated with improved IgE and IgG3 response against hookworm antigens. Health Science Reports 2022, 5: e672. PMID: 35734341, PMCID: PMC9195015, DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.672.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchL3 stage larvaeAlbendazole treatmentHookworm infectionImmune responseNonendemic controlsPlasmodium falciparum coinfectionsIron deficiency anemiaHookworm treatmentVaccine effectivenessIgG3 responsesIgG responsesAntibody profileSingle doseDeficiency anemiaIgG3 antibodiesBlood samplesIgEProtein malnutritionControl groupVaccine developmentHigh levelsSerum samplesIgG3Stage larvaeInfection
2021
Effect of hookworm infection and anthelmintic treatment on naturally acquired antibody responses against the GMZ2 malaria vaccine candidate and constituent antigens
Amoani B, Gyan B, Sakyi SA, Abu EK, Nuvor SV, Barnes P, Sarkodie-Addo T, Ahenkorah B, Sewor C, Dwomoh D, Theisen M, Cappello M, Wilson MD, Adu B. Effect of hookworm infection and anthelmintic treatment on naturally acquired antibody responses against the GMZ2 malaria vaccine candidate and constituent antigens. BMC Infectious Diseases 2021, 21: 332. PMID: 33832450, PMCID: PMC8028774, DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06027-5.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultAgedAged, 80 and overAlbendazoleAnthelminticsAntibodies, ProtozoanAntigens, ProtozoanCase-Control StudiesChildChild, PreschoolCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHookworm InfectionsHumansImmunoglobulin GLongitudinal StudiesMalaria VaccinesMalaria, FalciparumMaleMiddle AgedParasitemiaProtozoan ProteinsYoung AdultConceptsMerozoite surface protein 3Antibody responseHookworm infectionMalaria vaccine candidateConstituent antigensP. falciparumGLURP-R0IgG3 levelsVaccine candidatesLongitudinal cross-sectional studyHigher IgG3 levelsUninfected endemic controlsP. falciparum infectionPlasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 3Levels of IgG1Kato-Katz methodCross-sectional studyHigher antibody responseMalaria vaccine efficacyKintampo North MunicipalityAnthelmintic treatmentHookworm treatmentMalaria parasitaemiaAlbendazole treatmentEndemic controls
2020
Dogs and pigs are transport hosts of Necator americanus: Molecular evidence for a zoonotic mechanism of human hookworm transmission in Ghana
Boyko RH, Harrison L, Humphries D, Galvani AP, Townsend JP, Otchere J, Wilson MD, Cappello M. Dogs and pigs are transport hosts of Necator americanus: Molecular evidence for a zoonotic mechanism of human hookworm transmission in Ghana. Zoonoses And Public Health 2020, 67: 474-483. PMID: 32529782, DOI: 10.1111/zph.12708.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPig fecal samplesProspective molecular studyNematode Toxocara canisPig ownershipPig samplesNematode larvaeAnimal faecesTransport hostsDog ownershipKintampo NorthFecal samplesToxocara canisProxy of exposureHuman infectionsPigsHookworm eggsSubsequent prospective studyHookworm transmissionDogsResource-limited countriesFaecesPCR analysisGhanaMolecular evidenceSignificant morbidity
2019
Cytokine profiles of Necator americanus and Plasmodium falciparum co-infected patients in rural Ghana
Amoani B, Adu B, Frempong MT, Sarkodie-Addo T, Nuvor S, Abu EK, Harrison LM, Cappello M, Gyan B, Wilson MD. Cytokine profiles of Necator americanus and Plasmodium falciparum co-infected patients in rural Ghana. Cytokine X 2019, 1: 100014. PMID: 33604551, PMCID: PMC7885886, DOI: 10.1016/j.cytox.2019.100014.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCo-infected individualsCytokine profileStool samplesCCL11 levelsMalaria parasitaemiaBlood parasitemia levelsCo-infected patientsIL-10 levelsIL-5 levelsTNF-α levelsCytokines interleukin-5Kato-Katz methodCross-sectional studyHuman immune responseTumor necrosis factorKintampo North MunicipalityPresence of hookwormEffect of hookwormRural GhanaEffector mediatorsHookworm intensityCytokine levelsAlbendazole treatmentSerum levelsCytokine responsesGenetic Markers of Benzimidazole Resistance among Human Hookworms (Necator americanus) in Kintampo North Municipality, Ghana.
Orr AR, Quagraine JE, Suwondo P, George S, Harrison LM, Dornas FP, Evans B, Caccone A, Humphries D, Wilson MD, Cappello M. Genetic Markers of Benzimidazole Resistance among Human Hookworms (Necator americanus) in Kintampo North Municipality, Ghana. American Journal Of Tropical Medicine And Hygiene 2019, 100: 351-356. PMID: 30734697, PMCID: PMC6367626, DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0727.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMass drug administrationSoil-transmitted helminthsKintampo North MunicipalitySchool-aged childrenSingle nucleotide polymorphismsPolymerase chain reactionEffectiveness of MDAWild-type SNPsInfected study subjectsPeriodic mass drug administrationResistance-associated single nucleotide polymorphismsCross-sectional studyResistance-associated mutationsWorld Health OrganizationHookworm infectionDrug exposureHookworm eggsUnreported associationStudy subjectsDrug AdministrationPosttreatment samplesChemotherapeutic approachesGrowth delayHuman hookwormHealth OrganizationNecator Americanus and Plasmodium Falciparum Co-Infection and Albendazole Treatment Outcome among Individuals in Rural Ghana
Amoani B, Adu B, Frempong M, Barnes P, Cappello M, Gyan B, Wilson M. Necator Americanus and Plasmodium Falciparum Co-Infection and Albendazole Treatment Outcome among Individuals in Rural Ghana. The Journal Of Advances In Parasitology 2019, 6 DOI: 10.17582/journal.jap/2019/6.4.51.54.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2018
Albendazole Treatment Improves Work Capacity in Women Smallholder Farmers Infected with Hookworm: A Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial.
Salmon M, Salmon C, Masoda M, Salumu JM, Bozzi C, Nieburg P, Harrison LM, Humphries D, Abaca Uvon N, Wendel SK, Trout C, Cappello M. Albendazole Treatment Improves Work Capacity in Women Smallholder Farmers Infected with Hookworm: A Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial. American Journal Of Tropical Medicine And Hygiene 2018, 98: 1419-1426. PMID: 29611504, PMCID: PMC5953358, DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0403.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsWork capacityRandomized Effectiveness TrialSoil-transmitted helminthsHealth of womenStep testPlacebo groupAlbendazole treatmentPrimary outcomeHookworm infectionStep test resultsEffectiveness trialNonsignificant decreaseHeart rateControl trialTreatment groupsIntestinal parasitesPulse rateHookwormTrialsRisk benefitDrug distributionWomenTreatmentAlbendazoleMinutes
2016
Effectiveness of Albendazole for Hookworm Varies Widely by Community and Correlates with Nutritional Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study of School-Age Children in Ghana.
Humphries D, Nguyen S, Kumar S, Quagraine JE, Otchere J, Harrison LM, Wilson M, Cappello M. Effectiveness of Albendazole for Hookworm Varies Widely by Community and Correlates with Nutritional Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study of School-Age Children in Ghana. American Journal Of Tropical Medicine And Hygiene 2016, 96: 347-354. PMID: 27895280, PMCID: PMC5303035, DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0682.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsEgg reduction rateCross-sectional studyMass drug administrationSchool-aged childrenEffectiveness of albendazoleCure rateDrug AdministrationMid-upper arm circumferenceSoil-transmitted helminth infectionsHost factorsNutritional factorsSingle-dose albendazoleOverall cure rateBlood hemoglobin levelsKintampo North MunicipalitySignificant community-level variationIndividual host factorsWorld Health OrganizationCommon STHHemoglobin levelsArm circumferenceHookworm infectionHelminth infectionsDeworming programsHookworm prevalenceHamsters vaccinated with Ace-mep-7 DNA vaccine produced protective immunity against Ancylostoma ceylanicum infection
Wiśniewski M, Jaros S, Bąska P, Cappello M, Długosz E, Wędrychowicz H. Hamsters vaccinated with Ace-mep-7 DNA vaccine produced protective immunity against Ancylostoma ceylanicum infection. Experimental Parasitology 2016, 163: 1-7. PMID: 26795262, DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.01.006.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsA. ceylanicum infectionAncylostoma ceylanicum infectionHookworm speciesWorm burden reductionsSyrian golden hamstersProtective immunityDNA vaccineGut mucosaGastrointestinal tractIntestinal nematodesGolden hamstersBurden reductionAdult wormsHemoglobin digestionEgg countsImmunizationVaccineInfectionHamstersMetalloproteasesMucosaHookwormBloodTractImmunity
2014
Transcriptional profiling of the spleen in progressive visceral leishmaniasis reveals mixed expression of type 1 and type 2 cytokine-responsive genes
Espitia CM, Saldarriaga OA, Travi BL, Osorio EY, Hernandez A, Band M, Patel MJ, Medina AA, Cappello M, Pekosz A, Melby PC. Transcriptional profiling of the spleen in progressive visceral leishmaniasis reveals mixed expression of type 1 and type 2 cytokine-responsive genes. BMC Immunology 2014, 15: 38. PMID: 25424735, PMCID: PMC4253007, DOI: 10.1186/s12865-014-0038-z.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsCluster AnalysisCricetinaeCytokinesDisease ProgressionDNA, ComplementaryExpressed Sequence TagsGene Expression ProfilingGene Expression RegulationGene OntologyHumansInterferon-gammaLeishmania donovaniLeishmaniasis, VisceralMesocricetusMolecular Sequence AnnotationOligonucleotide Array Sequence AnalysisPrincipal Component AnalysisRNA, MessengerSignal TransductionSpleenUp-RegulationConceptsSyrian golden hamstersVisceral leishmaniasisHamster modelGolden hamstersProgressive visceral leishmaniasisIL-4/ILIFN-γ responsesAlternative macrophage activationProgression of diseaseStudy of immunopathogenesisHamster infection modelPolarization of macrophagesImmune cell traffickingImmune response genesImmune-related genesSpleen responseImmunopathological featuresMassive splenomegalyInfected groupMacrophage activationIntracellular protozoanCell traffickingType 1Infection modelLeishmaniasisMolecular cloning and characterization of a nematode polyprotein antigen/allergen from the human and animal hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum
Fairfax KC, Harrison LM, Cappello M. Molecular cloning and characterization of a nematode polyprotein antigen/allergen from the human and animal hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Molecular And Biochemical Parasitology 2014, 198: 37-44. PMID: 25481749, PMCID: PMC4354846, DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.11.005.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAmino acid sequenceFatty acids de novoShares sequence identityExcretory/secretory proteinsPseudocoelomic spaceMolecular cloningCis-parinaric acidPartial cDNASequence identityAcid sequenceFatty acidsSimilar proteinsSecretory proteinsHookworm biologyRecombinant subunitsSoluble adult worm extractProteinAntigens/allergensSubunitsApplication of a Poisson distribution quality control measure to the analysis of two human hookworm drug treatment studies in Ghana
Kotze AC, Dobson RJ, Humphries D, Wilson M, Cappello M. Application of a Poisson distribution quality control measure to the analysis of two human hookworm drug treatment studies in Ghana. International Journal For Parasitology Drugs And Drug Resistance 2014, 4: 64-70. PMID: 24596670, PMCID: PMC3940077, DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.01.001.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchDrug treatmentFaecal egg count reduction testDrug efficacyPre-treatment samplesDrug treatment studiesOverall drug efficacyStudy subjectsSignificant prevalenceEgg excretionPoisson distribution analysisTreatment studiesEfficacySignificant increaseEgg count reduction testSubjectsTreatmentControl measuresSuch subjectsReduction testStoolCasesPoisson distribution methodExcretionPrevalenceQuality control measures