Brian is a Ph.D. Fellow with a special interest in genomics, computational biology, and diagnostics in the study of infectious diseases.
He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Tropical and Infectious Diseases at the University of Nairobi's Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA).
His research focuses on the genomic and phenotypic factors that influence Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus zoonotic transmission.

He hold an MSc in Medical Microbiology from the University of Nairobi, as well as advanced training in bioinformatics, genomics, and diagnostics from various academic institutions around the world. He is also a member of a serology consultancy laboratory directed by Dr. rer. nat. Marcel Müller and housed at the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Institute of Virology.

2024

Mwale J, Magomere EO, Maina B, Otieno L, Onyambu FG, Kassim A, Muchiri L. Phenotypic and genetic extended spectrum beta lactamase profiles of bacterial isolates from ICU in tertiary level hospital in Kenya. F1000Res. 2024 Dec 10;12:469. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.133298.2.

Jaswant, G., Campbell, K., Czupryna, A. et al. Molecular characterisation of human rabies in Tanzania and Kenya: a case series report and phylogenetic investigation. Infect Dis Poverty 13, 79 (2024).

Macharia Z, Ogoti B, Otieno M, Gitonga P, Bosco-Lauth A, Maritim M, et al. (2024) Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among underserved pastoralist communities in Kajiado County, Kenya: 2020–2022. PLoS ONE 19(8): e0308318.

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Phenotypic and genetic extended spectrum beta lactamase profiles of bacterial isolates from ICU in tertiary level hospital in Kenya

Published: December 2024

Journal: F1000Research

Abstract

Background

Bacterial infections in the Intensive Care Units are a threat to the lives of critically ill patients. Their vulnerable immunity predisposes them to developing bacteria-associated sepsis, deteriorating their already fragile health. In the face of increasing antibiotics resistance, the problem of bacterial infection in ICU is worsening. Surveillance of bacterial infections in ICUs and drug resistance will help to understand the magnitude of the problem it poses and inform response strategies. We assessed bacterial infections in ICU setting by identifying prevalent Gram-negative bacterial species and characterized their antibiotic susceptibility patterns.

Methods

Cross-sectional samples collected from Kenyatta National Hospital ICU between January and June 2021 were cultured and phenotypic identification of culture-positive samples performed using VITEK 2. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns were determined based on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) results. Cephalosporin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria were assessed by PCR to detect the presence of ESBL genes including ( bla CTX-M, bla SHV, bla TEM, bla OXA)

Results and discussion

Out of the 168 Gram-negative isolates, Acinetobacter baumanii was the most abundant (35%). Other isolates that were present at frequencies more than 15% are Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia. coli. A. baumaniii is known to be a notorious bacterium in ICU due to its multidrug resistance nature. Indeed, A. baumanii isolates from Kenyatta National Hospital showed significantly high level of phenotypic resistance. Concordant with the high level of phenotypic resistance, we found high carriage of the ESBL genes among the isolates analysed in this study. Moreover, majority of isolates harboured all the four ESBL genes.

Conclusion A high rate of phenotypic and genetic resistance was detected among the tested isolates. Resistance to cephalosporins was primarily driven by acquisition of the ESBL genes. The high prevalence rate of ESBL genes in ICU bacterial isolates shown in this study has a important implication for ICU patient management and general antibiotics use.

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Molecular characterisation of human rabies in Tanzania and Kenya: a case series report and phylogenetic investigation

Published: October 2024

Journal: Infectious Diseases of Poverty

Abstract

Background

Rabies remains a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. However, human rabies deaths are rarely laboratory-confirmed or sequenced, especially in Africa. Five human rabies deaths from Tanzania and Kenya were investigated and the causative rabies viruses sequenced, with the aim of identifying implications for rabies control at individual, healthcare and societal levels.

Case presentation

The epidemiological context and care of these cases was contrasting. Four had a clear history of being bitten by dogs, while one had an unclear biting history. Two individuals sought medical attention within a day of being bitten, whereas three sought care only after developing rabies symptoms. Despite seeking medical care, none of the cases received complete post-exposure prophylaxis: one patient received only tetanus vaccination, one did not complete the post-exposure vaccination regimen, one followed an off-label vaccination schedule, and two did not receive any post-exposure vaccinations before the onset of symptoms. These cases highlight serious gaps in health-seeking behaviour, and in health systems providing appropriate care following risky exposures, including in the accessibility and effectiveness of post-exposure prophylaxis as it is administered in the region.

Conclusions

The viral genomic and epidemiological data confirms dog-mediated rabies as the cause of each of these deaths. The phylogenetic investigation highlights the transboundary circulation of rabies within domestic dog populations, revealing distinct rabies virus clades with evidence of regional spread. These findings underscore the importance of coordinated cross-border control efforts between the two countries. Urgent action is needed to improve awareness around the need for emergency post-exposure vaccines that should be accessible in local communities and administered appropriately, as well as investment in coordinated dog vaccination to control dog-mediated rabies, the underlying cause of these deaths.

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CEMA

Brian Maina

2024

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CEMA

Brian Maina

2024

Phenotypic and genetic extended spectrum beta lactamase profiles of bacterial isolates from ICU in tertiary level hospital in Kenya

Journal: F1000Research

Abstract

Molecular characterisation of human rabies in Tanzania and Kenya: a case series report and phylogenetic investigation

Journal: Infectious Diseases of Poverty

Abstract

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among underserved pastoralist communities in Kajiado County, Kenya

Journal: PLOS One

Abstract