Alassane Sow

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The study focused on the NS5 protein of the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) to understand its role during infection. Researchers found that NS5 is present in both parts of the cell, including the nucleus, and that several specific changes to the protein hindered the virus from replicating. Overall, they identified 352 partners that interact with NS5, with 20 key partners involved in the virus's ability to multiply, highlighting the NS5 protein's crucial role in viral life cycles. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying tick-borne viruses and could inform treatments for affected patients.

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Researchers studied how infectious diseases spread, focusing on COVID-19 data from several European countries. They developed a new model, called SEIRW-VN, which showed that human connections and environmental factors significantly affect the spread of diseases. Specifically, they found that environmental transmission could cause up to 25% of infections and that combining interventions like vaccination and social measures is crucial for reducing the size of outbreaks and the overall impact on health. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and policymakers in planning more effective responses to epidemics.

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This study looked at using a type of breathing support called bubble CPAP (b-CPAP) for children under five with serious lung infections like pneumonia and bronchiolitis in Senegal. Researchers found that out of 27 studies, four trials with 2,181 children showed that using b-CPAP generally led to better health outcomes, such as lower death rates and shorter hospital stays, although one case found that it could cause problems if not supervised by a doctor. This matters because it could help save lives and improve care for young children in areas with limited medical resources. Who this helps: This helps young patients with pneumonia and bronchiolitis in low-resource settings.

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This study examined the presence of dengue virus antibodies in monkeys in the Kédougou region of Senegal to understand how the virus is maintained in animal populations. Researchers found that about 9% to 42% of the monkeys had been infected with dengue virus, indicating significant transmission among them, even though the virus wasn't detected in mosquitoes for several years. This is important because it shows that non-human animals play a key role in keeping the dengue virus in circulation, which can potentially lead to outbreaks in humans. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and researchers monitoring dengue virus risks.

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This study looked at 8 children in Dakar, Senegal, who were diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). The children, mostly females with an average age of 13.5 years when they first showed symptoms, often experienced issues like spinal cord inflammation and vision problems. The findings revealed that 6 out of the 8 children had certain antibodies linked to NMOSD, and despite treatment, there was considerable disability after about two years of observation. Who this helps: This helps patients with NMOSD and their doctors by highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and better treatment options.

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In August 2023, a chikungunya virus outbreak occurred in eastern Senegal, specifically in Kédougou and Tambacounda, where researchers tested 1,070 blood samples and found 315 confirmed cases, resulting in an infection rate of 29.4%. The study highlighted that common symptoms included headache, joint pain, and fatigue, particularly affecting males and younger populations. Understanding this outbreak is important because it helps in tracking the spread of the virus and improving responses to future epidemics. Who this helps: This benefits patients affected by chikungunya and health officials working to manage outbreaks.

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This study looked at the blood characteristics of women with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is a tough-to-treat type of cancer, compared to those with other types of breast cancer and healthy individuals. Researchers found that TNBC patients had higher levels of certain markers, like neutrophils and C-reactive protein (CRP), meaning their bodies were more inflamed compared to the other groups. Specifically, a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) above 1.12 was a strong indicator of TNBC, with 90% sensitivity, showing its potential for helping identify patients early. Who this helps: This helps doctors identify and treat women with triple-negative breast cancer more effectively.

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This study looked at the levels of a substance called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the blood of patients with severe pneumonia, including those with COVID-19, to see how it relates to inflammation, blood clotting, and overall health outcomes. Surprisingly, researchers found that the LPS levels in these patients were actually lower than those in healthy volunteers, with around 724 pmol/ml in pneumonia patients compared to 1009 pmol/ml in healthy individuals. This challenges previous beliefs that LPS from the gut contributes significantly to inflammation in severe pneumonia cases. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and doctors by providing clearer insights into the causes of inflammation in respiratory infections.

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This study looked at how effective doxycycline is when used with other antibiotics for treating periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) caused by certain bacteria. Researchers examined 386 patients, finding that 35% experienced treatment failure in the year after therapy, with no significant difference between those who received doxycycline and those who didn’t (33% vs. 36%). However, in certain groups, like patients without fever or those with specific infections, doxycycline showed a possible reduction in treatment failure rates by as much as 35%. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors treating patients with specific joint infections, as they can make more informed decisions about using doxycycline in their treatment plans.

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This study looked into the spread of Chickenpox in Senegal during preparations for the Mpox public health emergency. Researchers tested 103 patients showing symptoms similar to Mpox, and found that 30.1% had herpesviruses, primarily Chickenpox, but no cases of Mpox were identified. This matters because the symptoms can easily be confused, leading to misdiagnosis, especially in children under 15, who made up half of the herpesvirus cases. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly children, by improving diagnosis and treatment.

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This study looked at HIV infection rates in Guinea using data from health surveys conducted in 2012 and 2018. Researchers found that the overall HIV prevalence decreased slightly from 1.9% in 2012 to 1.5% in 2018, but certain areas were much more affected, with some places showing rates as high as 3.9%. Key risk factors for higher HIV rates included being aged 25-49 and belonging to specific ethnic groups, which helps direct attention and resources to the regions and demographics most in need. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and organizations working to control HIV in Guinea.

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This study looked at the first complete dengue virus genome from Sierra Leone, specifically a strain of DENV-2 found in a sick adult. The researchers discovered that this virus is genetically related to a similar strain found in the USA in 2024, rather than being a recent import from Asia. Understanding this genetic relationship is important because it highlights the need for better disease tracking and diagnostics in areas affected by dengue. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and researchers working to control dengue outbreaks.

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This study looked at how well laboratories in 14 sub-Saharan African countries can detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is when bacteria do not respond to medicines. Out of nearly 54,000 labs, only about 675 were responsible for bacterial testing, and only 78% of those could conduct important tests to check for AMR. Access to these testing services was limited, with some areas having less than 50% coverage, highlighting a need for improvements to help diagnose and treat infections effectively. Who this helps: This benefits patients who need effective treatment for bacterial infections.

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This study looked at how dengue and Zika viruses change the way cells’ energy centers, called mitochondria, interact with another part of the cell, the endoplasmic reticulum. The researchers found that these viruses disrupt the normal communication between these two organelles, making it easier for the viruses to replicate and affecting cell death processes. Specifically, they noted changes in the cell's energy production and reduced levels of key metabolites that help generate energy. Who this helps: This research benefits patients infected with dengue and Zika viruses by improving our understanding of how these viruses operate, paving the way for better treatments.

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Researchers studied an outbreak of a virus called Coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) that caused hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in children in Cape Verde in July 2023. They found that 18 out of 22 tested samples from sick children showed CVA6, with some also having other viruses like EVA71. This is important because it's the first time this outbreak was reported in Cape Verde, indicating a need for better monitoring of such diseases in Africa. Who this helps: This helps children in Africa by highlighting the importance of disease tracking and prevention.

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This study examined how mechanical ventilation is used in a children's intensive care unit in Senegal by looking at 102 patients. They found that 51% needed intubation due to breathing problems, and about 43% of the patients died, highlighting a significant need for improvements in care and training. Building better facilities and training staff could greatly reduce the number of sick children who do not survive treatment. Who this helps: This assists pediatric patients and healthcare providers in Senegal's hospitals.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of tucatinib, a treatment for patients with a type of advanced breast cancer called HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, who had already been treated with two or more other HER2-targeted therapies. Among the 89 patients who received tucatinib, the average time they continued treatment was about 5.9 months, and they lived for about 24.9 months on average after starting tucatinib. This is important because it shows that tucatinib can still be beneficial for patients who have already undergone multiple treatments and may have limited options left. Who this helps: This helps patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

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In 2023, researchers investigated the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus after the first symptomatic human case was reported in southeastern Senegal. They found that 0.77% of humans and 14.18% of animals tested showed signs of exposure to the virus, with the highest rates found in cattle (58.3%) and goats (33.33%). Understanding how this virus spreads in animals and ticks is important for preventing future outbreaks and protecting public health. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers in areas affected by CCHF.

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This study examined the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in 14 African countries between 2016 and 2019, analyzing data from over 819,000 cases. The researchers found that 22.9% of the tested samples showed antibiotic resistance, with significant variations in AMR levels depending on the country and patient specifics. This is important because it reveals the urgent need for better testing and healthcare infrastructure to combat the growing threat of resistant infections in Africa. Who this helps: This information benefits healthcare providers and policymakers working to improve patient care and control antibiotic resistance in African countries.

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This study examined how the Zika virus affects neural stem cells in zebrafish embryos, which can help us understand the virus's impact on fetal brain development. Researchers found a way to measure the number of these neural progenitor cells in infected zebrafish, using a technique called flow cytometry, to show how Zika can lead to serious neurological problems. This is important because it provides a new method to study Zika's effects on brain development without the ethical and practical challenges of using mammal models. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare providers working on Zika virus effects and treatments.

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This study looked at how to improve community-based HIV testing in Guinea, where about 36% of people living with HIV don't know their HIV status. Researchers found that home-based testing helped many people access care, but there were challenges like shortages of testing supplies, worries about privacy and stigma, and a lack of training for the people giving the tests. Improving these issues is important for better healthcare access and could help meet global HIV targets. Who this helps: This helps patients living with HIV and healthcare providers in Guinea.

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This study looked at how men who have sex with men (MSM) using PrEP (a medication for HIV prevention) engage in chemsex (sex under the influence of drugs) over time. Researchers found four patterns of chemsex participation: most men (75%) did not engage; 6% were infrequent users; 8% engaged occasionally; and 11% were frequent users. Factors influencing these patterns included age, mental health, and sexual behavior, highlighting that younger men use drugs less in these settings, while older men tend to engage more. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare providers and patients by informing targeted prevention strategies for MSM.

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This study looked at early pregnancies among teenage girls in Guinean schools and found that 13.11% of the 8,178 girls surveyed were or had been pregnant. Early pregnancy was more common in girls aged 20-24, those with partners, and girls who had casual sex, while those in private schools or aware of family planning were at lower risk. This matters because addressing these factors could help improve girls' education and health in Guinea. Who this helps: This helps teenage girls, educators, and health professionals.

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This study looked at men who have sex with men (MSM) to understand the differences between those who use drugs during sex (chemsex) and those who use drugs but don't engage in chemsex. Among the 2,493 participants, 62.8% did not use drugs, 22.5% used drugs but did not engage in chemsex, and 14.6% engaged in chemsex. The research found that chemsex participants were more likely to have risky sexual practices, experience depression, and report optimal use of HIV prevention medication (PrEP), while those who used drugs but did not engage in chemsex needed different health services tailored for their needs. Who this helps: This information benefits healthcare providers and mental health services for MSM, ensuring they can offer appropriate support for different groups.

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This study looked at how common sexual activity is among high school students in Guinea and what factors influence it. It found that 35.2% of adolescents engage in sexual intercourse, with a higher rate among boys (42.4%) compared to girls (32.7%). Key factors linked to increased sexual activity include being in high school, having a partner, knowing about family planning, and the age of the students. Who this helps: This research helps policymakers and educators develop better programs to support adolescents in making informed choices about their sexual health.

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This research paper discusses a rare condition called heterotopic pregnancy, where a woman has a pregnancy in the uterus and another in a fallopian tube. In this case, doctors successfully managed a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and were able to preserve a healthy pregnancy in the uterus. Quick diagnosis and action were crucial for a positive outcome, showing that timely medical care can save pregnancies even in low-resource settings. Who this helps: This helps women experiencing ectopic pregnancies and their doctors.

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This study focused on a new outbreak of a type of poliovirus derived from the vaccine, called cVDPV2, in Senegal from 2023 to 2024. The researchers found that this virus was first identified in sewage and then in the stool samples of children who developed paralysis, with all recent strains being closely related to each other and linked to a specific type of vaccine. This is important because it shows that the virus not only re-emerged in Senegal but also spread to neighboring countries like Guinea and Mauritania, highlighting the need for better vaccination coverage and monitoring in the region. Who this helps: This research helps public health officials and vaccination programs in Senegal and surrounding countries.

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This study explored how willing men who have sex with men (MSM) are to participate in a research trial for a new long-acting injectable HIV prevention medication called cabotegravir (CAB-LA). Out of 879 respondents, 43% expressed a willingness to join the study, with younger participants and those who knew about CAB-LA showing more interest. Understanding this willingness is crucial as it can help improve options for preventing HIV and ensure that people at higher risk have access to effective treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of HIV, particularly MSM.

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This study looked at how much and what types of antibiotics were used in 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa between 2016 and 2019. It found that the average antibiotic consumption was 8.42 defined daily doses per person, with some countries using as little as 2.8 and others as much as 115.5 doses. The results showed that while many countries met the target of using at least 60% of their antibiotics from recommended "Access" drugs, the range of available antibiotics was limited, highlighting that there needs to be more focus on improving access to necessary medications while ensuring responsible use. Who this helps: This helps patients by promoting better treatment options for bacterial infections.

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This study looked at patients who survived severe COVID-19-related lung damage (ARDS) to find out how many developed long-term lung scarring (fibrosis) after leaving the ICU. They found that 36.8% of the 440 patients studied showed signs of fibrosis six months post-discharge, with factors like older age and previous health issues helping predict who might develop it. Understanding these predictors is important because it can help doctors manage patient care and follow-up more effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from COVID-19 and their doctors.

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This study looked at a recent outbreak of the Rift Valley fever virus in northern Senegal, which infected 119 people and caused 15 deaths in September 2025. Researchers sequenced the virus's genetic material and found it belonged to a group that has been present in the region since at least 2020, with some genetic changes that might help the virus replicate more effectively. Understanding these changes is important because it can impact how the virus behaves and help in developing effective vaccines. Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials and vaccine developers in managing and preventing future outbreaks.

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This study looked at how much of the peste des petits ruminants (PPR) vaccine was wasted during distribution in Mali in 2023. They found that about a quarter, specifically 24.3% in the public sector and 25.4% in the private sector, of the vaccine doses were wasted, mainly because they weren't used quickly enough after being mixed (46% of waste). This is important because wasted vaccines mean fewer animals are protected from diseases, which affects farmers and the livestock industry. Who this helps: This helps farmers, veterinarians, and public health officials working to improve animal health in Mali.

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This study focused on understanding the evolution and classification of truffles, a type of fungus that forms underground. Researchers analyzed 41 new fungal genomes and discovered that truffles evolved from above-ground to underground forms only once. They also identified new species and confirmed that some truffles obtain nutrients by partnering with trees, which is important for understanding their role in ecosystems and the potential for cultivation. Who this helps: This benefits chefs, foragers, and researchers interested in gourmet fungi and their ecological roles.

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This study looked at how the heart's control system is linked to low blood pressure during dialysis in patients in Senegal. Researchers examined 52 patients and found that those who experienced a significant drop in blood pressure during dialysis had better heart rate variability before the procedure compared to those who did not, indicating they had less severe nerve damage related to heart control. These findings are important because they highlight that factors other than heart control might influence blood pressure drops during dialysis, which can lead to serious health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing dialysis by identifying potential factors affecting their treatment.

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This study looked at how effective the antibiotic tigecycline is against multidrug-resistant bacteria found in a hospital in Burkina Faso. Researchers tested 117 bacteria samples and found tigecycline to be highly effective: it worked on 95.5% of extended-spectrum-lactamase-producing bacteria, 72.5% of carbapenem-resistant strains, and 89% of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. These results show that tigecycline could be a crucial treatment option for severe infections in a place where other antibiotics are failing. Who this helps: Patients with multidrug-resistant infections in Burkina Faso.

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Researchers looked at blood samples collected during a large religious gathering in Touba, Senegal, to see if they could identify cases of tick-borne borreliosis (a type of infection) using malaria diagnostic tests. Out of 2,381 samples tested, they found 13 cases of tick-borne relapsing fever, which is 0.5%, including two individuals also infected with malaria. This is important because it shows that malaria tests can be used to detect other fevers, helping to improve diagnosis in crowded situations where other infections may be overlooked. Who this helps: This helps patients who may have tick-borne infections but are initially tested for malaria.

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This study looked at how well genetic material from rapid malaria tests performed during the Grand Magal of Touba, a large religious event in Senegal, can be used to confirm malaria diagnoses. Researchers tested 2,381 rapid tests and found that 8.9% were positive according to the tests, while 8.1% were confirmed positive through a more accurate genetic method called PCR. The results showed that the tests were quite accurate, with the Bioline test being 97.3% specific, meaning it correctly identified people without malaria most of the time. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers in areas with high malaria risk, especially during large gatherings.

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This study looked at a recent outbreak of severe respiratory infections in hospitalized infants at a nursery in Dakar in April 2024. Researchers found that nearly half of the suspected cases (7 out of 15) were caused by a specific type of human adenovirus, which was linked to severe illness. The findings highlight the danger of new virus strains appearing and the importance of monitoring infections in hospitals to prevent similar outbreaks in the future. Who this helps: This helps infants in nurseries and the healthcare providers caring for them.

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This study explored the experiences of women and girls who survived sexual violence in rural Guinea. Researchers found that in one district, Mamou, 61% of reported gender-based violence cases were due to sexual violence, while in another district, Télémélé, only 8% were. The study highlighted issues like underreporting, barriers to accessing healthcare, and a preference among survivors to resolve issues with perpetrators through family mediation due to fear of stigma and retaliation. Who this helps: This research benefits survivors of sexual violence, healthcare providers, and community leaders in Guinea.

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This study focused on how the Zika virus uses a protein called IGF2BP2 to help copy itself inside infected cells. The researchers found that when they reduced IGF2BP2 levels, it significantly decreased the virus's ability to replicate, highlighting that IGF2BP2 is essential for the virus's lifecycle. This matters because understanding how Zika virus manipulates host proteins could lead to new treatments for the disease. Who this helps: This helps patients infected with the Zika virus and researchers looking for effective therapies.

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This study looked at why optometry students in Nigeria choose not to work in rural areas after they graduate. Out of 400 students surveyed, 81.3% said they did not want to start their practice in rural regions mainly due to poor living conditions. However, over half (52.8%) were open to the idea of working in rural areas later on, motivated by a desire to help their communities and improve their skills. Who this helps: This research benefits policymakers and educational institutions aiming to improve healthcare access in rural Nigeria.

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This study used zebrafish to investigate how the Zika virus affects brain development in unborn babies. The researchers found that when zebrafish were infected with Zika, they showed similar brain problems as seen in mammals, including a smaller head size and fewer neural stem cells. They also discovered that a specific viral protein, NS4A, plays a major role in causing these brain issues, which could help in developing new treatments. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working on preventing and treating Zika virus-related birth defects.

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This study looked at patients who finished leprosy treatment in Guinea between 2012 and 2021 and focused on medical-surgical complications after their treatment. It found that the number of patients with complications dropped significantly from 54 in 2012 to just 1 in 2021. This is important because a high number of these patients, especially farmers, had serious issues like plantar ulcers and physical disabilities, suggesting that improved care and public awareness are needed to enhance their quality of life. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from leprosy and healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at a surgical method called left iliac fossa sigmoidectomy with mechanical anastomosis to treat a condition known as sigmoid volvulus, which involves twisting of the colon. Researchers followed 53 patients over five years and found that this surgery is effective, with no deaths and only minor complications, such as one case of anastomotic leakage among those who did not have a bowel preparation before surgery. The average hospital stay was about five days, and no patients experienced a return of their symptoms. Who this helps: Patients with sigmoid volvulus can benefit from this safer and more efficient surgical approach.

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This study looked at the disease peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in Mali, which affects small livestock and threatens farmers' incomes, particularly for women. Researchers found that the southern regions of Mali are at greater risk for PPR, especially during the rainy and hot dry seasons, and highlighted key factors like the length of railroads and availability of water that contribute to spreading the disease. This information is crucial for planning effective vaccination strategies and using resources wisely to combat PPR. Who this helps: This benefits livestock farmers, especially women in rural areas.

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Researchers identified two new edible truffle species growing wild in eastern North America by using trained dogs to sniff them out, then confirmed the discoveries through genetic testing and chemical analysis of their aromas. These truffles have culinary value and distinctive smells caused by compounds like dimethyl sulfide, making them potentially valuable for harvesting and selling. The findings show that truffle-hunting dogs are an effective tool for discovering unknown fungi in North America, where many undescribed edible species likely still exist.