Dr Sophie Uyoga
Contact information
Research groups
Sophie Uyoga
Research scientist
Sophie trained as a biochemist in Kenya then specialized in Immunology and later obtained a PhD from the University of Heidelberg. Sophie has great interest in understanding how human genetics influences susceptibility to severe malaria. Her work focuses on red blood cell genetic polymorphisms namely hemoglobin S, alpha thalassemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and blood group antigens and also explores the effect of co-inheritance on protection afforded against severe malaria and other infectious diseases.
A Mid-Career research fellowship awarded by the Initiative to Develop African Research Leaders (IDeAL) has enabled Sophie to pursue another area of interest. She will be investigating the mechanisms behind the development and treatment of severe anemia with focus on the quality of donor blood on recovery from severe anemia and survival post-transfusion. She envisions that the study findings will inform future strategies to ensure efficient provision of services by blood transfusion services and policy makers in Africa.
Recent publications
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Revealing the extent of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya based on serological and PCR-test data
Ojal J. et al, (2022), Wellcome Open Research, 6, 127 - 127
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Substantial misdiagnosis of severe malaria in African children.
White NJ. et al, (2022), Lancet, 400
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Sickle cell anaemia and severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a secondary analysis of the Transfusion and Treatment of African Children Trial (TRACT)
Uyoga S. et al, (2022), The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 6, 606 - 613
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Epidemiological impact and cost-effectiveness analysis of COVID-19 vaccination in Kenya.
Orangi S. et al, (2022), BMJ global health, 7
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BIRC6 modifies risk of invasive bacterial infection in Kenyan children.
Gilchrist JJ. et al, (2022), eLife, 11