Desmond Akumtoh Nkimbeng

Research Assistant

University of Buea, Cameroon

Email: nkimdesmond@yahoo.fr

VALIDATE Role:

Network Affiliate

Research Keywords:

TB, Animal Models, Clinical Trials, Genomics, Susceptibility, Mycobacterium

Biography:

Our research endeavour is multidisciplinary, cutting across a host of Neglected Tropical Diseases of filarial, bacterial and parasitic origin such as; Onchocerciasis, Loiasis, Mansonellosis, Soil transmitted helminths and Podoconiosis. We also carry out research on malaria and associated vectors. Our area of specialism include; drug development using small animal models of filarial infections, implementation research and clinical trials.

Currently working on genetic determinants of human susceptibility to TB disease in pulmonary TB patients in Cameroon, within the context of the TBGN Project, sponsored by H3Africa and Science for Africa. The study has to do with conducting paired wise analysis and Genome Wide Association Studies of DNA sequences from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the human host to identify TB susceptibility markers in humans.

Related Websites:

LinkedIn

Key Publications:

• Mouse models of Loa loa
• Onchocerca ochengi male worms implanted in SCID mice and Gerbil: Relationship between microfilaridermia status of cows, nodular worm viability and fertility and worm survival in the rodents
• Predictors of advanced HIV disease in patients on antiretroviral therapy at the Buea Regional Hospital and co-infection rates of Mycobacterium spp. and Cryptococcus spp
• The preparatory phase for ground larviciding implementation for onchocerciasis control in the Meme River Basin in South West Cameroon: the COUNTDOWN Consortium alternative strategy implementation trial
• Why onchocerciasis transmission persists after 15 annual ivermectin mass drug administrations in South-West Cameroon
• Generation of Loa loa infective larvae by experimental infection of the vector, Chrysops silacea
• Factors Contributing to Persistence of Onchocerciasis Transmission and Skin Disease Following Fifteen Ivermectin Mass Drug Administrations: A Parasitological, Dermatological and Social-Science Mixed-Methods Analysis
• Discovery of short-course antiwolbachial quinazolines for elimination of filarial worm infections
• Implementation of test-and-treat with doxycycline and temephos ground larviciding as alternative strategies for accelerating onchocerciasis elimination in an area of loiasis co-endemicity: the COUNTDOWN consortium multi-disciplinary study protocol
• Short-course, oral flubendazole does not mediate significant efficacy against Onchocerca adult male worms or Brugia microfilariae in murine infection models