Adriano Mendes
A5085132180- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- Viral Infections and Vectors
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology
- Mosquito-borne diseases and control
- COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies
- Bacteriophages and microbial interactions
- Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research
- COVID-19 epidemiological studies
- vaccines and immunoinformatics approaches
- Microbial infections and disease research
- Animal Virus Infections Studies
- Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences
- Virus-based gene therapy research
- Viral Infectious Diseases and Gene Expression in Insects
- Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies Research
- Respiratory viral infections research
- Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections
- Ocular Diseases and Behçet’s Syndrome
- Influenza Virus Research Studies
- Animal Disease Management and Epidemiology
- Smoking Behavior and Cessation
- T-cell and Retrovirus Studies
- Hepatitis C virus research
- Virology and Viral Diseases
University of Pretoria
2021-2024
Purdue University West Lafayette
2018
Rhodes University
2015-2017
Abstract The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in southern Africa has been characterized by three distinct waves. first was associated with a mix of lineages, while the second and third waves were driven Beta (B.1.351) Delta (B.1.617.2) variants, respectively 1–3 . In November 2021, genomic surveillance teams South Botswana detected new variant rapid resurgence infections Gauteng province, Africa. Within days genome being uploaded, it designated concern (Omicron, B.1.1.529) World Health Organization and,...
Abstract Three lineages (BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant concern predominantly drove South Africa’s fourth Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) wave. We have now identified two new lineages, BA.4 BA.5, responsible for a fifth wave infections. The spike proteins BA.5 are identical, similar to except addition 69–70 deletion (present in Alpha BA.1 lineage), L452R Delta variant), F486V wild-type amino acid at Q493. differ...
Abstract The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has multiple spike protein mutations 1,2 that contribute to viral escape from antibody neutralization 3–6 and reduce vaccine protection infection 7,8 . extent which other components of the adaptive response such as T cells may still target severe outcomes is unknown. Here we assessed ability react in participants who were vaccinated with Ad26.CoV2.S or BNT162b2, unvaccinated convalescent COVID-19 patients ( n = 70). Between 70% 80% CD4 +...
The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant escapes neutralizing antibodies elicited by vaccines or infection. However, whether triggers cross-reactive humoral responses to other variants of concern (VOCs) remains unknown. We used plasma from 20 unvaccinated and 7 vaccinated individuals infected BA.1 test binding, Fc effector function, neutralization against VOCs. In individuals, function binding targeted VOCs at comparable levels. BA.1-triggered was not extensively for (14- 31-fold titer reduction), we...
Abstract South Africa’s fourth COVID-19 wave was driven predominantly by three lineages (BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3) of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant concern. We have now identified two new lineages, BA.4 BA.5. The spike proteins BA.5 are identical, comparable to except for addition 69-70del, L452R, F486V wild type amino acid at Q493. 69-70 deletion in allows these be proxy marker S-gene target failure with TaqPath™ qPCR assay. rapidly replaced BA.2, reaching more than 50% sequenced cases Africa...
The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in southern Africa has been characterized by three distinct waves. first was associated with a mix of lineages, while the second and third waves were driven Beta (B.1.351) Delta (B.1.617.2) variants, respectively1–3. In November 2021, genomic surveillance teams South Botswana detected new variant rapid resurgence infections Gauteng province, Africa. Within days genome being uploaded, it designated concern (Omicron, B.1.1.529) World Health Organization and, within...
Background: An association between exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and lung cancer risk has been suggested. To evaluate this possible better, researchers need more precise estimates of risk, the relative contribution different sources ETS, effect ETS on histologic types cancer. address these issues, we have conducted a case-control study in 12 centers from seven European countries. Methods: A total 650 patients with 1542 control subjects up 74 years age were interviewed about...
Summary The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has multiple Spike (S) protein mutations that contribute to escape from the neutralizing antibody responses, and reducing vaccine protection infection. extent which other components of adaptive response such as T cells may still target severe outcomes is unknown. We assessed ability react with spike in participants who were vaccinated Ad26.CoV2.S or BNT162b2, unvaccinated convalescent COVID-19 patients (n = 70). found 70-80% CD4 CD8 cell was maintained...
Reverse-zoonotic infections of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from humans to wildlife species internationally raise concern over the emergence new variants in animals. A better understanding transmission dynamics and pathogenesis susceptible will mitigate risk occurring Africa. Here we report infection an exotic puma (July 2020) three African lions 2021) same private zoo Johannesburg, South One Health genomic surveillance identified a Delta variant...
Abstract The Beta variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in South Africa late 2020 and rapidly became dominant variant, causing over 95% infections country during after second epidemic wave. Here we show rapid replacement by Delta a highly transmissible concern (VOC) that India subsequently spread around world. was imported to primarily from India, large monophyletic clusters all provinces, within three months introduction. This associated with...
Summary The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic in southern Africa has been characterised by three distinct waves. first was associated with a mix of SARS-CoV-2 lineages, whilst the second and third waves were driven Beta Delta variants respectively 1–3 . In November 2021, genomic surveillance teams South Botswana detected new variant rapid resurgence infections Gauteng Province, Africa. Within days genome being uploaded, it designated concern (Omicron)...
Severe acute respiratory tract infections (SARIs) has been well described in South Africa with seasonal patterns for influenza and syncytial virus (RSV), while others occur year-round (rhinovirus adenovirus). This prospective syndromic hospital-based surveillance study describes the prevalence impact of public interventions on seasonality other pathogens during coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. occurred from August 2018 to April 2022, 2595 patients who met SARS case definition 442...
Abstract Background In sub-Saharan Africa, acute respiratory infections (ARI), gastrointestinal (GI) and febrile disease of unknown cause (AFDUC) have a large burden, especially among children, while respective aetiologies often remain unresolved. The need for robust infectious surveillance to detect emerging pathogens along with common human has been highlighted by the ongoing novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. African Network Improved Diagnostics, Epidemiology Management Common...
The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant escapes neutralizing antibodies elicited by vaccines or infection. However, whether triggers cross-reactive humoral responses to other variants of concern (VOCs) remains unknown. We use plasma from 20 unvaccinated and seven vaccinated individuals infected BA.1 test binding, Fc effector function neutralization against VOCs. In individuals, binding target VOCs at comparable levels. BA.1-triggered is not extensively for (14 31-fold titer reduction) we observe...
Background Sindbis virus (SINV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that widely distributed worldwide. Little known about the febrile and neurological disease burden due to SINV in South Africa. Patients Methods Clinical samples of patients with acute unknown cause (AFDUC) were collected through African Network for Improved Diagnostics, Epidemiology Management Common Infectious Agents at three sentinel hospital surveillance sites In total, 639 screened using PCR-based macroarray can...
Mesoscale variability and associated eddy fluxes play crucial roles in ocean circulation dynamics the ecology of upper ocean. In doing so, these features are biologically important, providing a mechanism for mixing exchange nutrients biota within Transient mesoscale eddies Southern Ocean known to relocate zooplankton communities across Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) important foraging grounds marine top predators. this study we investigated role cyclonic anti-cyclonic formed at...
Viruses in the Orthobunyavirus genus, Peribunyaviridae family, are associated with encephalitis, birth defects and fatalities animals, some zoonotic. Molecular diagnostic investigations of animals neurological signs previously identified Shuni virus (SHUV) as most significant orthobunyavirus South Africa (SA). To determine if other orthobunyaviruses occur SA, we screened clinical specimens from signs, abortions, acute deaths across SA 2021 using a small (S) segment Simbu serogroup specific...
Bagaza virus (BAGV), a member of the Ntaya serogroup in Flavivirus genus Flaviviridae, was isolated from brain tissue Himalayan monal pheasant that died following neurological signs Pretoria, South Africa 2016. Next-generation sequencing carried out on this isolate resulting genome sequence 10980nt. The full isolate, designated ZRU96-16, shared 98% nucleotide identity with BAGV found Culex univitattus mosquitoes Namibia and 97% Spanish an infected partridge. In total, seven amino acid...
Abstract Background Reports on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread across Africa have varied, including among healthcare workers (HCWs). This study assessed the comparative SARS-CoV-2 burden and associated risk factors HCWs in three African countries. Methods A multicentre was conducted at regional facilities Côte d’Ivoire (CIV), Burkina Faso (BF) South (SA) from February to May 2021. provided blood samples for serology nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs...
The prevalence and distribution of African alphaviruses such as chikungunya have increased in recent years. Therefore, a better understanding the local vectors across continent is important. Here, entomological surveillance was performed from 2014 to 2018 at selected sites north-eastern parts South Africa where been identified during outbreaks humans animals past. Mosquitoes were collected using net, CDC-light, BG-traps. An alphavirus genus-specific nested RT-PCR used for screening, positive...
West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is endemic to South Africa. However, its contribution acute febrile and neurological disease in hospitalized patients Africa unknown. This study examined two patient cohorts for WNV using molecular testing IgM serology with confirmation of serological results by viral neutralization tests (VNT) address this knowledge gap. Univariate analysis was performed collected demographic clinical information identify risk factors. In the first cohort,...