Andrew Rotich

Identification of novel drug targets is a key component of modern drug discovery. While antimalarial targets are often identified through the mechanism of action studies on phenotypically derived inhibitors, this method tends to be time- and resource-consuming. The discoverable target space is also constrained by existing compound libraries and phenotypic assay conditions. Leveraging recent advances […]

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Beyond timely diagnosis and treatment of malaria, WHO recommends that, starting the second trimester, all pregnant women living in areas of moderate-to-high malaria transmission receive at least three doses of intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) as part of their antenatal care (ANC). While vector control tools try to maximize avoiding a mosquito bite, […]

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Sexually transmitted symbionts can substantially affect the performance and evolution of their hosts. From a pest control perspective, the sexually transmitted microorganisms of insects can be considered powerful biological control agents or probiotics. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is currently being developed as a new tool to control Drosophila suzukii, a major crop pest. With considerable […]

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Mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) are a major global health threat, causing significant morbidity and mortality. MBVs belong to several distinct viral families, each with unique characteristics. The primary families include Flaviviridae (e.g., Dengue, Zika, West Nile, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis), transmitted predominantly by Aedes and Culex mosquitoes; Togaviridae, which consists of the genus Alphavirus (e.g., Chikungunya, Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis viruses), also transmitted by Aedes and Culex; Bunyaviridae (recently reorganized), […]

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Species redistribution and invasion are becoming increasingly common due to climate change and anthropogenic impacts. Understanding the resultant shifts in host–parasite associations is important for anticipating disruptions to host communities, disease cycles, and conservation efforts. In this paper, we bring together the enemy release and vacated niche hypotheses to relate parasite acquisition and retention, two […]

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