Kevin Robert Mugambi Kibe
Ferdig Lab
Mugambi studies Plasmodium falciparum fitness in recently isolated field samples carrying validated Kelch13 mutations, a key genetic marker of artemisinin resistance recognized by the WHO. The fundamental goal is to establish a quantitative fitness hierarchy among these parasite isolates and, through genetic crossing, identify loci that contribute to fitness variation. By understanding the fitness costs associated with distinct genotypes and examining how resistance and compensatory mutations influence parasite survival, my research aims to shed light on the evolutionary potential and regional spread of drug-resistant P. falciparum across Eastern Africa.
Biography
With a background in biochemistry and molecular biology, the researcher focuses on malaria drug resistance, a pressing issue in their malaria-endemic African region. Their goal is to uncover the genetic mechanisms of drug resistance through parasite genetic crosses and drug susceptibility assays to anticipate and address evolving resistance patterns. Their experience includes working on epidemiological surveillance projects, where they screened zoonotic haemoparasites and haemoviruses in ticks and wild primates.