genome sequences from pediatric diarrhea cases in coastal Kenya.

We report nine nearly complete genome sequences (both segments) recovered from stool samples of pediatric diarrhea patients admitted to Kilifi County Hospital, coastal Kenya. This will be an important resource for monitoring infections in humans.

Emergence and transmission dynamics of the FY.4 Omicron variant in Kenya.

The recombinant FY.4 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant was first reported in Kenya in March 2023 and was the dominant circulating variant between April and July 2023. The variant was characterized by two important mutations: Y451H in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein and P42L in open reading frame 3a.

New SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant with Spike Protein Mutation Y451H, Kilifi, Kenya, March-May 2023.

We report a newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant FY.4 that has mutations Y451H in spike and P42L in open reading frame 3a proteins. FY.

Genomic epidemiology of the rotavirus G2P[4] strains in coastal Kenya pre- and post-rotavirus vaccine introduction, 2012-8.

The introduction of rotavirus vaccines into the national immunization programme in many countries has led to a decline in childhood diarrhoea disease burden. Coincidentally, the incidence of some rotavirus group A (RVA) genotypes has increased, which may result from non-vaccine-type replacement. Here, we investigate the evolutionary genomics of rotavirus G2P[4] which has shown an increase in countries that introduced the monovalent Rotarix® vaccine.

Rotavirus group A genotype circulation patterns across Kenya before and after nationwide vaccine introduction, 2010-2018.

Background: Kenya introduced the monovalent G1P [8] Rotarix® vaccine into the infant immunization schedule in July 2014. We examined trends in rotavirus group A (RVA) genotype distribution pre- (January 2010-June 2014) and post- (July 2014-December 2018) RVA vaccine introduction.

Methods: Stool samples were collected from children aged < 13 years from four surveillance sites across Kenya: Kilifi County Hospital, Tabitha Clinic Nairobi, Lwak Mission Hospital, and Siaya County Referral Hospital (children aged < 5 years only).

Effectiveness of Monovalent Rotavirus Vaccine Against Hospitalization With Acute Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in Kenyan Children.

Background: Rotavirus remains a leading cause of pediatric diarrheal illness and death worldwide. Data on rotavirus vaccine effectiveness in sub-Saharan Africa are limited. Kenya introduced monovalent rotavirus vaccine (RV1) in July 2014.

Molecular characterization of rotavirus group A strains circulating prior to vaccine introduction in rural coastal Kenya, 2002-2013.

Kenya introduced the monovalent Rotarix® rotavirus group A (RVA) vaccine nationally in mid-2014.  Long-term surveillance data is important prior to wide-scale vaccine use to assess the impact on disease and to investigate the occurrence of heterotypic strains arising through immune selection. This report presents baseline data on RVA genotype circulation patterns and intra-genotype genetic diversity over a 7-year period in the pre-vaccine era in Kilifi, Kenya, from 2002 to 2004 and from 2010 to 2013.

Trachoma control in Southern Zambia--an international team project employing the SAFE strategy.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of trachoma and to measure the impact of the SAFE strategy (World Health Organization GET 2020 strategy) for treating trachoma in the Gwembe District of Southern Zambia.

Design: This is an observational study of the introduction of the SAFE strategy employing a collaborative approach and its impact on trachoma in the area.

Participants: Three thousand eight hundred ninety two persons in communities at 26 well sites in the Gwembe district of Southern Zambia were included in this study.