Gladys Atim
About
Biography
Gladys is a PhD student (EMD) affiliated with the Aksoy lab. Her research interests focus on the dynamics and ecology of rodent-borne viruses. With a background in molecular biology and biomedical science, her long-term goal is to advance global health through public health research on emerging infectious diseases. Her prior research and surveillance experience spans both human and non-human viruses, with a particular focus on Influenza (SARI & ILI) and vector-borne Acute Febrile Illnesses.
Research
Overview
Rodent-borne viruses.
Publications
2025
Molecular detection and characterization of Rickettsia felis, R. asembonensis, and Yersinia pestis from peri-domestic fleas in Uganda
Eneku W, Erima B, Maranda A, Gillian N, Atim G, Tugume T, Aquino Q, Kibuuka H, Mworozi E, Douglas C, William J, von Fricken Emery M, Tweyongyere R, Wabwire-Mangen F, Karuhize D. Molecular detection and characterization of Rickettsia felis, R. asembonensis, and Yersinia pestis from peri-domestic fleas in Uganda. Infection Ecology & Epidemiology 2025, 15: 2473159. PMID: 40041476, PMCID: PMC11878166, DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2025.2473159.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchZoonotic agentsFlea speciesFlea-borne pathogensR. asembonensisR. senegalensisDomestic animalsRickettsia felisPeridomestic environmentsPublic health riskRainy seasonFleasDry seasonHost speciesMolecular detectionPredominant speciesYear-roundSppSeasonCollection timeHuman dwellingsSpeciesYersinia pestisRodent speciesGoatsSub-Saharan Africa
2024
Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in ticks collected from animals and the environment in Uganda
Eneku W, Erima B, Byaruhanga A, Cleary N, Atim G, Tugume T, Ukuli Q, Kibuuka H, Mworozi E, Tweyongyere R, Douglas C, Koehler J, von Fricken M, Wabwire‐Mangen F, Byarugaba D. Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in ticks collected from animals and the environment in Uganda. Zoonoses And Public Health 2024, 71: 869-875. PMID: 38982627, DOI: 10.1111/zph.13168.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsC. burnetiiPresence of C. burnetiiTransmitting C. burnetiiDetection of Coxiella burnetiiHaemaphysalis ellipticaRhipicephalus decoloratusTick poolsRhipicephalus appendiculatusAmblyomma variegatumHighest infection rateVeterinary practiceTicksAnimal illnessCoxiella burnetiiRhipicephalusQ feverMolecular detectionAnimal hostsAnimal contactReal-time PCRPathogen detectionInfection rateAnimalsDecoloratusAmblyomma
2023
Wide distribution of Mediterranean and African spotted fever agents and the first identification of Israeli spotted fever agent in ticks in Uganda
Eneku W, Erima B, Byaruhanga A, Atim G, Tugume T, Ukuli Q, Kibuuka H, Mworozi E, Douglas C, Koehler J, Cleary N, von Fricken M, Tweyongyere R, Wabwire-Mangen F, Byarugaba D. Wide distribution of Mediterranean and African spotted fever agents and the first identification of Israeli spotted fever agent in ticks in Uganda. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2023, 17: e0011273. PMID: 37498943, PMCID: PMC10409254, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011273.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTick poolsRickettsia sppTick speciesGeographical regions of UgandaPrevalence of RickettsiaOmpA geneRegion of UgandaGltA primersR. africaeRickettsia speciesTime of collectionTicksDiverse geographic regionsRickettsiaLife stagesR. conoriiHuman illnessCausative agentGltAReal-time PCRMediterranean regionPrimersSpeciesWide distributionIsraelensisMolecular characterisation of human adenoviruses associated with respiratory infections in Uganda
Ukuli Q, Erima B, Mubiru A, Atim G, Tugume T, Kibuuka H, Mworozi E, Ducatez M, Wabwire-Mangen F, Byarugaba D. Molecular characterisation of human adenoviruses associated with respiratory infections in Uganda. BMC Infectious Diseases 2023, 23: 435. PMID: 37370005, PMCID: PMC10294467, DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08403-9.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPolymerase chain reactionSpecies of human adenovirusHuman adenovirusDiverse group of virusesMultiple genetic variantsInfluenza-like illnessAdenovirus-vectored vaccineGroup of virusesGenome sequenceGenetic diversityAdenovirus-positiveHAdV infectionGenomic characterizationSequenced isolatesSpecies HAdV-BGenetic variantsRespiratory infectionsChildren aged 5Hexon geneNasopharyngeal samplesGenotype B3Molecular characterisationTertiary hospitalUgandan populationCell lines
2022
Genetic Evolution of Avian Influenza A (H9N2) Viruses Isolated from Domestic Poultry in Uganda Reveals Evidence of Mammalian Host Adaptation, Increased Virulence and Reduced Sensitivity to Baloxavir
Atim G, Tugume T, Ukuli Q, Erima B, Mubiru A, Kibuuka H, Mworozi E, McKenzie P, Turner J, Walker D, Jeevan T, Webster R, Jones J, Webby R, Ducatez M, Wabwire-Mangen F, Byarugaba D. Genetic Evolution of Avian Influenza A (H9N2) Viruses Isolated from Domestic Poultry in Uganda Reveals Evidence of Mammalian Host Adaptation, Increased Virulence and Reduced Sensitivity to Baloxavir. Viruses 2022, 14: 2074. PMID: 36146881, PMCID: PMC9505320, DOI: 10.3390/v14092074.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMammalian host adaptationHost adaptationInfluenza A virusLive bird marketsEvolution of H9N2 virusesGenetic evolution of H9N2 virusesH9N2 virusesGenetic evolutionIllumina MiSeq platformSequencing data analysisA virusGenome sequenceBird marketsAvian influenza A virusesNucleotide substitutionsMiSeq platformPromote drug resistancePoor biosecurity practicesIncreased virulenceContemporary isolatesH9N2 isolatesAvian influenza ACloacal samplesAnti-influenza drugsBaloxavir acid
2021
Serological Surveillance of Influenza D Virus in Ruminants and Swine in West and East Africa, 2017–2020
Sanogo I, Kouakou C, Batawui K, Djegui F, Byarugaba D, Adjin R, Adjabli K, Wabwire-Mangen F, Erima B, Atim G, Ukuli Q, Tugume T, Dogno K, Go-Maro W, Couacy-Hymann E, Kayali G, McKenzie P, Webby R, Ducatez M. Serological Surveillance of Influenza D Virus in Ruminants and Swine in West and East Africa, 2017–2020. Viruses 2021, 13: 1749. PMID: 34578330, PMCID: PMC8473344, DOI: 10.3390/v13091749.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMolecular Characterization of Closely Related H6N2 Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Turkey, Egypt, and Uganda
Mercan Y, Atim G, Kayed A, Azbazdar M, Kandeil A, Ali M, Rubrum A, McKenzie P, Webby R, Erima B, Wabwire-Mangen F, Ukuli Q, Tugume T, Byarugaba D, Kayali G, Ducatez M, Koçer Z. Molecular Characterization of Closely Related H6N2 Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Turkey, Egypt, and Uganda. Viruses 2021, 13: 607. PMID: 33918166, PMCID: PMC8065897, DOI: 10.3390/v13040607.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsInfluenza virusMolecular characterizationMigratory birdsH6N2 avian influenza virusAssociated with increased replicationH6N2 influenza virusesAvian influenza virusMultiple reassortment eventsMediterranean/Black Sea flywaysTurkish isolatesH6N2 virusesGenetic analysisAdaptive markersReassortment eventsVirus evolutionMolecular markersWild birdsNatural hostBirdsIsolated virusZoonotic potentialMammalsVirusVirus transmission dynamicsMarkers
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