Godwin C. Lang’At

Cardiobacterium valvarum is a known cause of infective endocarditis (IE). Autoimmune responses have been implicated in contributing to the inflammatory processes observed in IE. Molecular mimicry significantly influences the interaction between pathogens and host immune systems, frequently resulting in autoimmune responses. This study employs a bioinformatics approach to identify candidate proteins exhibiting molecular mimicry in C. valvarum that might elicit immune reactions and contribute to inflammation. A total of 18 proteins depicted potential for autoimmunity based on homology and antigenicity. Further, subtractive proteomics was then applied to identify potential drug targets in the pathogen, and purK gene product (5-(carboxyamino)­imidazole ribonucleotide synthase) was utilized for downstream analysis. Molecular docking was used to assess the inhibitory potential of natural products derived from Ocimum tenuiflorum, Leonurus cardiaca, and Panax ginseng, which have previously been associated with protective effects against endocarditis. Five compounds were prioritized based on their AutoDock Vina binding scores: (1) a complex triterpenoid from P. ginseng, (2) a flavonoid derivative from L. cardiaca, and (3) a steroid and flavonoid from O. tenuiflorum. Among these, LTS0201798 and LTS0158828 appear to be more suitable for oral administration, while using a nanocarrier or complexing with cyclodextrin could enhance the suitability of the other compounds as well. LTS0201798 and LTS0158828 also showed good binding affinity and stable complexation over 100 ns of molecular dynamics simulation. Hence, we propose that future research should focus on validating our findings through experimental assays to confirm the efficacy of these compounds in clinical settings.

COVID-19 has claimed around 7 million lives (from December 2019–November 2023) worldwide and continues to impact global health. SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19 disease, is characterized by a high rate of mutations, which contributes to its rapid spread, virulence, and vaccine escape. While several vaccines have been produced to minimize the severity of the coronavirus, and diverse treatment regimens have been approved by the US FDA under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), SARS-CoV-2 viral mutations continue to derail the efforts of scientists as the emerging variants evade the recommended therapies. Nonetheless, diverse computational models exist that offer an opportunity for the swift development of new drugs or the repurposing of old drugs. In this review, we focus on the use of various virtual screening techniques like homology modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, QSAR, pharmacophore modeling, etc., in repurposing SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics against major variants of SARS-CoV-2 (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron). The results have been promising from the computer-aided drug design (CADD) studies in suggesting potential compounds for the treatment of COVID-19 variants. Hence, in silico therapeutic studies represent a transformative approach that holds great promise in advancing our fight against the ever-evolving landscape of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.

Background: Vaccine inequity is a reality facing the Sub-Saharan Africa region as vaccine nationalism from high-income countries (HICs) leads to limited access to the lifesaving vaccines needed to end the pandemic. In Africa, a significant portion of the population has yet to be vaccinated against Covid-19; however, the barriers to accessing such vaccines, including capacity challenges, still persist despite the implementation of the COVAX facility meant to support the lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to boost vaccination. Methods: This study involved a systemic narrative review where literature search was conducted using the NCBI’s PMC and BMC databases based on defined keywords. Three authors were involved in the literature search and consensus was applied to settle disagreements and validate the findings. Results: In this systematic narrative review, we report that vaccine nationalism remains a challenge for LMICs as HICs still hoard vaccines and even bypass COVAX to procure doses directly from the manufacturers. Factors that promote vaccine hesitancy in Africa include misinformation regarding the Covid-19 vaccine, a lack of trust in politicians and the pharmaceutical industry, and concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy. The policies implemented to enhance vaccine coverage in Africa, such as mandates, community engagement, and partnerships, all seek to promote equity of vaccination and ending Covid-19. Conclusion: Covid-19 vaccine inequity persists and contributes to prolonged pandemic in LMICs. In response, African governments have taken certain measures to enhance vaccine uptake but more needs to be done to address resistance to vaccines.

Covid-19 is one of humanity’s biggest threat in the 21st century with WHO figures reporting 636 million cases and up to 6.6 million deaths globally. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the Covid-19 disease, is characterized by high mutation which contributes to its rapid spread. While several vaccines have been produced to minimize the severity of the coronavirus and diverse treatment regimens have been approved by the US FDA under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), SARS-CoV-2 viral mutations continue to derail the efforts of scientists as the emerging variants evade the recommended therapies. Nonetheless, diverse computational models exist that offer an opportunity to overcome the barriers involved in developing new drugs. In this review, the focus is on the use of various virtual screening techniques like molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, QSAR, pharmacophore modeling, and homology modeling in repurposing SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics. The results have been promising from the computer-aided drug design (CADD) studies in suggesting potential compounds for treatment of Covid-19 and helping in bringing the pandemic under control.

Vaccine inequity is a reality facing the Sub-Saharan Africa region as vaccine nationalism from the high income countries (HICs) leads to limited access to the life saving vaccines needed to end the pandemic. In Africa, a significant portion of the population has yet to be vaccinated against Covid-19; however, the barrier to access such vaccines, including capacity challenges, still persist despite the implementation of the COVAX facility meant to support the LMICs to boost vaccination. In this systematic review, we report that vaccine nationalism remains a challenge for LMICs as the HICs still hoard the vaccines and even bypass COVAX to procure doses directly from the manufacturers. Factors that promote vaccine hesitancy in Africa include misinformation regarding the Covid-19 vaccine, a lack of trust in politicians and the pharmaceutical industry, and concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy. The policies implemented to enhance vaccine coverage in Africa, such as mandates, community engagement, and partnerships, all seek to promote equity of vaccination and ending Covid-19.

Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the lives of populations across the world. Since the first reported case of the coronavirus in Wuhan, China, the world faced a situation of dealing with a novel virus. While the physical health effects of the coronavirus was the center of focus for much of the pandemic, Covid-19 was accompanied with significant social and psychological consequences on the world populations. In this review, we aim to assess how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the African continent at large, highlighting the socio-psychological consequences. Through citing some examples of a few countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, the review will detail the experiences of the populations within this region which remain plagued with economic and health vulnerabilities that were further exposed by the pandemic.