Cris Kacita
A5097138084- Poxvirus research and outbreaks
- Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research
- Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
- Rabies epidemiology and control
- Virology and Viral Diseases
- Zoonotic diseases and public health
- Plant Virus Research Studies
- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
- HIV Research and Treatment
- Yersinia bacterium, plague, ectoparasites research
Ministry of Public Health
2024-2025
Outbreaks of monkeypox (mpox) have historically resulted from zoonotic spillover clade I virus (MPXV) in Central Africa and II MPXV West Africa. In 2022, subclade IIb caused a global epidemic linked to transmission through sexual contact. Here we describe the epidemiological genomic features an mpox outbreak mining region eastern Democratic Republic Congo, by MPXV. Surveillance data collected between September 2023 January 2024 identified 241 suspected cases. Genomic analysis demonstrates...
ABSTRACT Background Monkeypox virus (MPXV) attracted global attention in 2022 during a widespread outbreak linked primarily to sexual contact. Clade I MPXV is prevalent Central Africa and characterized by severe disease high mortality, while II confined West associated with milder illness. A IIb emerged Nigeria 2017, protracted human-to-human transmission forerunner of the B.1 lineage 2022. In October 2023, large mpox Kamituga mining region Democratic Republic Congo (DRC), which we conducted...
Abstract In September 2023, an ongoing mpox outbreak emerged in South Kivu (DRC) which spread to other regions and countries. We describe the epidemiological genomic evolution of between 2023 June 2024. Samples were collected from hospitalized patients, along with data on residence possible exposures. Employee numbers locations recorded for bars sex workers. Where possible, exposures linked sequencing cluster analysis. total, 670 cases admitted Kamituga hospital 17 health areas. Of cases,...
Between January and August 2024, mpox cases have been reported in nearly all provinces of the Democratic Republic Congo (DRC). Monkeypox virus genome sequences were obtained from 11 cases’ samples, collected July–August 2024 several health zones Kinshasa. Characterisation showed subclades Ia Ib co-circulating Limete zone, while phylogenetic analyses suggested multiple introductions two This illustrates growing complexity Clade I outbreaks DRC.
Background In September 2023, an mpox outbreak was reported in the eastern part, South Kivu Province, of Democratic Republic Congo. This is still ongoing and expanding to other regions countries. Here, we describe epidemiological genomic evolution from 2023 June 2024. Methods Consenting patients with mpox-like symptoms admitted Kamituga Kamanyola hospitals were recruited study. Samples throat, lesions, breast milk placenta collected for PCR testing sequencing. For hospital, data on place...
ABSTRACT The ongoing national mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted more >30,000 suspected cases country from January 2023 to August 2024. While these historic case totals have been driven by primarily zoonosis, emergence Clade Ib monkeypox virus (MPXV), which is connected sustained human-to-human transmission, associated with increasing public health impacts eastern DRC. First identified South Kivu province, MPXV multiple non-endemic East African countries for...
Several concurrent mpox outbreaks are ongoing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We report a case severe clade Ia an adult woman with indeterminate HIV status who died 16 days after symptom onset. She self-identified as sex worker and had spent time capital city, Kinshasa.
Historically, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has faced greatest public health burden from mpox, including more than 70,000 probable cases 01 January 2024 to 02 February 2025. However, there been a relative paucity investigation focused on mpox community engagement in DRC, assessments disease knowledge and risk perception. Given ongoing Clade I emergency international concern, linkage between sustained human-to-human transmission dense sexual networks, we sought investigate behaviours...
In July, 2022, WHO declared mpox—a viral zoonotic illness—a public health emergency of international concern, due to the rising number cases and its spread many countries outside Africa.1WHOWHO Director-General's statement at press conference following IHR Emergency Committee regarding multi-country outbreak monkeypox—23 July...
Abstract Mpox cases have been reported in nearly all provinces of the Democratic Republic Congo as August 2024. Monkeypox virus positive samples from Kinshasa, collected between July and mid-August 2024, were sequenced using a probe-based enrichment or optimized tiling sequencing protocol. With multiple introductions both Clade Ia (7/12) Ib (5/12), marking its Limete health zone specifically, an area with co-circulation I, unique observation illustrating growing complexity I mpox outbreaks DRC.
The epidemiological risk factors associated with mpox acquisition and severity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are changing. We assessed perceived risk, behavioral, clinical sexual histories among key populations at through contact. Here, we describe a sampling strategy to enroll participants considered be increased for infection - men who have sex (MSM) workers (SW) three urban centers DRC. Through combined approach time-location peer educators respondent-driven sampling, mixed...
ABSTRACT Background Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and historically has been reported in rural, forested regions with limited household primarily zoonotic transmission. With emergence subclade Ib increasing human-to-human transmission MPXV we sought characterize both epidemiologic genomic characteristics confirmed mpox cases Kinshasa, DRC, following introduction August 2023. Methods This retrospective observational study leveraged demographic...
Abstract Background Clade Ib, a new strain of the I monkeypox virus, emerged in Eastern Democratic Republic Congo, sparking an international outbreak. Comprehensive studies are needed to assess its transmission dynamics and clinical presentation. Methods We conducted prospective observational cohort study at Kamituga General Hospital South Kivu, DRC, between May 2 October 9, 2024. Sociodemographic, exposure data were collected from mpox suspected cases. Cases confirmed by Xpert® Mpox PCR...