Prof. Charles Agoti
Principal investigator
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Bio
I am a molecular epidemiologist interested in the epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics of respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses in low-income settings. I trained as a Biochemist (University of Nairobi), and later earned an MSc, then PhD, in Virus Molecular Epidemiology (Open University). In 2022, I was awarded a Wellcome Career Development Award to study rates, determinants and transmissibility of respiratory virus reinfections. Currently, I head the Pathogen Epidemiology and Omics (PEO) research group within the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme. The PEO team conducts field studies, wholesome/systems laboratory (diagnostics, genomic and immunologic) characterisation for a range of infectious agents and downstream bioinformatic, statistical and modelling studies to elucidate host-pathogen interactions, infectious agent dispersal and predict intervention impact. Previous research roles: 1)Co-lead COVID-19 diagnostics and genomic surveillance at KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, 2) A Mid-Career Research Fellow supported by the Initiative to Develop African Research Leaders (IDeAL) studying the genomics of viral diarrhoea in Kenya prior to and following the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine, 3) Postdoctoral Scientist/Lead Bioinformatician for the SPReD studies (Studying the Pathways of Respiratory Virus Diseases).
See moreCurrent Work
An investigation into the rates, determinants, and transmission of respiratory virus reinfections (ResViRe) funded through the Wellcome Career Development Award Discovery Scheme
Research Groups
Recent publications
Cholera in Kenya: A scoping review of current research, evidence gaps and future directions.
Wamae, K.
Magudha, J.
Kakungu, A.
Aricha, S.
Langat, D.
Kinyanjui, S.
Mokaya, J.
Thomson, N. R.
Agoti, C.
Githinji, G.
PLOS Glob Public Health, (2026). 6:e0006011
Assessing the Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Mutations on Antibody Binding: A Comparative Assessment of the Wuhan and JN.1 Variants' Full-Length Spikes in a Multiplex Luminex Assay.
Waweru, G.
Nyakundi, R.
Kutima, B.
Owuor, S.
Konyino, G.
Gitonga, J.
Lugano, D.
Maina, A.
Musyoki, J.
Ochola, L.
Omondi, M.
Kariuki, C. K.
Ogongo, P.
Mwachari, C.
Shee, F.
Agoti, C.
Sande, C.
Uyoga, S.
Kagucia, E.
Agweyu, A.
Bejon, P.
Scott, J. A. G.
Warimwe, G. M.
Ochola-Oyier, L. I.
Nyagwange, J.
Viruses, (2025). 17:
Molecular Analysis of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Group B Strains Isolated in Kenya Before and During the Emergence of Pandemic Influenza A/H1N1.
Wangui, J.
Gachara, G.
Mobegi, V.
Agoti, C.
Otieno, J.
Opanda, S.
Opot, B.
Ngeranwa, J. N.
Njeru, R.
Bulimo, W.
Influenza Other Respir Viruses, (2025). 19:e70082
Serum immunoglobulin G and mucosal immunoglobulin A antibodies from prepandemic samples collected in Kilifi, Kenya, neutralize SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.
Nyagwange, J.
Kutima, B.
Mwai, K.
Karanja, H. K.
Gitonga, J. N.
Mugo, D.
Sein, Y.
Wright, D.
Omuoyo, D. O.
Nyiro, J. U.
Tuju, J.
Nokes, D. J.
Agweyu, A.
Bejon, P.
Ochola-Oyier, L. I.
Scott, J. A. G.
Lambe, T.
Nduati, E.
Agoti, C.
Warimwe, G. M.
Int J Infect Dis, (2023). 127:11-16
Safety and immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine in adults in Kenya: a phase 1/2 single-blind, randomised controlled trial.
Hamaluba, M.
Sang, S.
Orindi, B.
Njau, I.
Karanja, H.
Kamau, N.
Gitonga, J. N.
Mugo, D.
Wright, D.
Nyagwange, J.
Kutima, B.
Omuoyo, D.
Mwatasa, M.
Ngetsa, C.
Agoti, C.
Cheruiyot, S.
Nyaguara, A.
Munene, M.
Mturi, N.
Oloo, E.
Ochola-Oyier, L.
Mumba, N.
Mauncho, C.
Namayi, R.
Davies, A.
Tsofa, B.
Nduati, E. W.
Aliyan, N.
Kasera, K.
Etyang, A.
Boyd, A.
Hill, A.
Gilbert, S.
Douglas, A.
Pollard, A.
Bejon, P.
Lambe, T.
Warimwe, G.
C. O. V. Vaccine Trial Group
Wellcome Open Res, (2023). 8:182