Research Project: Viral Ecology of Henipaviruses in Endemic Settings and Intervention Strategies to Prevent their Spread to Domestic Animals

Location: Zoonotic and Emerging Disease Research

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)

Assessing mpox knowledge and sexual behaviours within high-risk populations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lemaille, C., Halbrook, M., Merritt, S., Anta, Y., Lunyanga, L., Mukadi, P.K., Vakaniaki, E.H., Kalonji, T., Kenye, M., Hensley, L.E., Linsuke, S., Bogoch, I.I., Cevik, M., Gonsalves, G.S., Hunter, M., Liesenborghs, L., Shaw, S.Y., Hoff, N.A., Rimoin, A.W., Mbala-Kingebeni, P., Kindrachuk, J., Kacita, C. 2026. Assessing mpox knowledge and sexual behaviours within high-risk populations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. British Medical Journal. 11. Article e019865. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2025-019865.

Implementation of a One Health surveillance system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kinzie, P.R., Lombe, B., Merritt, S., Halbrook, M., Hasivirwe Vakaniaki, E., Mukadi, P., Madidi L'K'Ye, A., Mona, J., Melofchik, C.J., Hensley, L.E., Witte, D., Muyembe-Tamfum, J., Hoff, N.A., Twabela, A., Rimoin, A.W., Mbala-Kingebeni, P., Kanonge, D., Mfwangkang, M. 2026. Implementation of a One Health surveillance system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. EcoHealth. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-026-01802-9.

Detection of Marburg virus antibodies 25 years after outbreak in Watsa, Democratic Republic of the Congo - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Merritt, S., Kompany, J., Mukadi, P.K., Halbrook, M., Musene, K., Martin, S.A., Beya, M., Tambu, M., Wong, T.S., Hensley, L.E., Kaba, D.K., Lehrer, A.T., Kindrachuk, J., Hoff, N.A., Mbala-Kingebeni, P., Rimoin, A.W., Muyembe-Tamfum, J. 2026. Detection of Marburg virus antibodies 25 years after outbreak in Watsa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Journal of Infectious Diseases. Article jiag155. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiag155.

Introduction of standardized semi-quantitative body condition scoring system for cattle and pigs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hensley, L.E., Merritt, S., Lombe, B., Kinzie, P., Witte, D.A., Hasivirwe Vakaniaki,, E., Adams, S., Madidi L'K'Ye, A., Mukadi, P., Mfwangkang, M., Mona, J., Kanonge, D., Melofchik, C.J., Muyembe-Tamfum, J., Hoff, N.A., Mbala-Kingebeni, P., Twabela, A., Rimoin, A.W., Halbrook, M. 2026. Introduction of standardized semi-quantitative body condition scoring system for cattle and pigs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Veterinary and Animal Science. 32. Article 100601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vas.2026.100601.

Monoclonal IgM antibodies mediate potent complement neutralization by targeting cell-derived epitopes on enveloped viruses - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kainulainen, M.H., Harmon, J.R., Bergeron, E., Davies, K.A., Davis, M., Clines, C., Montgomery, J.M., Spiropoulou, C.F. 2026. Monoclonal IgM antibodies mediate potent complement neutralization by targeting cell-derived epitopes on enveloped viruses. mBio. 17(3). https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.01709-25.

Inactivation of Ebola, Nipah, and Lassa viruses in tissue using neutral buffered formalin, MagMAXTM lysis/binding solution, or TriPure isolation reagent - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Davies, K.A., Welch, S.R., Harcourt, B.H., Spiropoulou, C.F., Spengler, J.R. 2025. Inactivation of Ebola, Nipah, and Lassa viruses in tissue using neutral buffered formalin, MagMAXTM lysis/binding solution, or TriPure isolation reagent. Scientific Reports. 16. Article 3712. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-33750-9.

Natural history of nipah virus in hamsters: Strain, route, and sex-associated variability characterized using large datasets to inform pre-clinical study design - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Davies, K.A., Welch, S.R., Coleman-Mccray, J.D., Sorvillo, T.E., Aida-Ficken, V., Spiropoulou, C.F., Spengler, J.R. 2025. Natural history of nipah virus in hamsters: Strain, route, and sex-associated variability characterized using large datasets to inform pre-clinical study design. Journal of Infectious Diseases. Article jiaf549. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiaf549.

First imported cases of MPXFV Clad Ib in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mukadi-Bamuleka, D., Kinganda-Lusamaki, E., Mulopo-Mukanya, N., Amuri-Aziza, A., O'Toole, A., Modadra-Madakpa, B., Mutombo Ndongala, G., Hasivirwe Vakaniaki, E., Merritt, S., Kacita, C., Lubambo Maboko, G., Makangara-Cigolo, J., Ngimba, M., Lokilo, E., Pukuta-Simbu, E., Luakanda, G., Bodisa-Matamu, T., Paluku Kalimuli, Z., Akil-Bandali, P., Kavira, S., Jansen, D., Kavira Kamaliro, A., Muhindo-Milonde, E., Mufungizi, J., Birindwa Hamisi, Y., Kavunga, H., Tshiani, O., Nundu, S.S., Liesenborghs, L., Hoff, N.A., Nachega, J., Shongo, R., Ayouba, A., Pilarowski, G., Kakule Mangolopa, A., Kiuka Ebondo, A., Low, N., Shaw, S.Y., Wilkinson, S., Kifle Tessema, S., Subissi, L., Delaporte, E., Vercauteren, K., Wawina-Bokalanga, T., Rimoin, A.W., Peeters, M., Loman, N., Rambaut, A., Muyembe-Tamfum, J., Hensley, L.E., Kindrachuk, J., Mbala-Kingebeni, P., Ahuka-Mundeke, S. 2025. First imported cases of MPXFV Clad Ib in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Communications Medicine. 5. Article 496. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43856-025-01203-z.

Prophylactic protection from lethal henipavirus disease mediated by Nipah-derived defective interfering particles is influenced by challenge virus strain and viral species - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Welch, S.R., Spengler, J.R., Harmon, J.R., Coleman-Mccray, J.D., Genzer, S.C., Davies, K.A., Sorvillo, T.E., Montgomery, J.M., Nichol, S.T., Spiropoulou, C.F., Scholte, F.E., Rodriguez, S.E. 2025. Prophylactic protection from lethal henipavirus disease mediated by Nipah-derived defective interfering particles is influenced by challenge virus strain and viral species. EBioMedicine. 119. Article 105897. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105897.

A peer-educator driven approach for sampling populations at increase mpox risk in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Implications for surveillance and response - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Merritt, S., Halbrook, M., Anta, Y., Mukadi, P., Hasivirwe Vakaniaki, E., Mukadi, D., Lunyanga, L., Kacita, C., Kompany, J., Hensley, L.E., Makangara-Cigolo, J., Kenye, M., Kavira, S., Kalonji, T., Linsuke, S., Malembi, E., Mukadi-Bamuleka, D., Sabi, L., Lemaille, C., Marie, I., Low, N., Hoff, N.A., Shongo, R., Kindrachuk, J., Rimoin, A.W., Mbala-Kingbeni, P. 2025. A peer-educator driven approach for sampling populations at increase mpox risk in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Implications for surveillance and response. PLOS Global Public Health. 5(8). Article e0003857. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0003857.

Pathogenicity and transmissibility of bovine-derived HPAI H5N1 B3.13 virus in pigs - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kwon, T., Trujillo, J.D., Carossino, M., Machkovech, H.M., Cool, K., Lyoo, E., Singh, G., Kafle, S., Elango, S., Vediyappan, G., Wei, W., Minor, N., Matias-Ferreyra, F.S., Morozov, I., Gaudreault, N.N., Balasuriya, U.B., Hensley, L.E., Diel, D.G., Ma, W., Friedrich, T.C., Richt, J.A. 2025. Pathogenicity and transmissibility of bovine-derived HPAI H5N1 B3.13 virus in pigs. Emerging Microbes & Infections. 14. Article 2509742. https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2025.2509742.

Epidemiology and phylogenomic characterisation of two distinct mpox outbreaks in Kinshasa, DR Congo, involving a new subclade Ia lineage: a retrospective observational study - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hensley, L.E., Merritt, S., Kinganda-Lusamaki, E., Jansen, D., Halbrook, M., O'Toole, A., Pukuta-Simbu, E., Hasivirwe Vakaniaki, E., Ola-Mpumbe, R., Kwete-Mbokamba, P., Wawina-Bokalanga, T., Akil-Bandali, P., Kacita, C., Ponga-Museme, A., Mapenzi-Mapenzi, N., Amuri-Aziza, A., Tshiani-Mbaya, O., Paku-Tshambu, P., Dantas, P.H., De Block, T., Lokilo, E., Muswamba, C., Makangara-Cigolo, J., Luakanda, G., Kelvin, D.J., Pratt, C., Ayouba, A., Tessema, S., Mauro Rezende, A., Delaporte, E., Mwamba, D., Subissi, L., Liesenborghs, L., Hoff, N.A., Peeters, M., Low, N., Ahuka-Mundeke, S., Muyembe-Tamfum, J., Rimoin, A.W., Kindrachuk, J., Vercauteren, K., Rambaut, A., Mbala-Kingebeni, P. 2025. Epidemiology and phylogenomic characterisation of two distinct mpox outbreaks in Kinshasa, DR Congo, involving a new subclade Ia lineage: a retrospective observational study. Lancet. 406:63-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00294-6.

Effect of temperature and time on RNA detection by RT-qPCR in rodent tissue and blood samples stored in MagMAX™ lysis/binding solution concentrate: Considerations for RNA detection in specimens stored under suboptimal - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Davies, K.A., Welch, S.R., Sorvillo, T.E., Coleman-Mccray, J., Spiropoulou, C.F., Spengler, J.R. 2025. Effect of temperature and time on RNA detection by RT-qPCR in rodent tissue and blood samples stored in MagMAX™ lysis/binding solution concentrate: Considerations for RNA detection in specimens stored under suboptimal conditions. Journal of Virological Methods. 337. Article 115175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jviromet.2025.115175.

Comparison of EBOV GP IgG antibody reactivity: Results from two immunoassays in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Merritt, S., Halbrook, M., Kompany, J., Chandrasekaran, P., Smith, O.A., Hoff, N.A., Tambu, M., Martin, S.A., Wong, T., Jarra, A., Barrall, A.L., Musene, K., Beya, M., Orr, R., Myers, T., Macgill, T., Hensley, L.E., Muyembe-Tamfum, J., Kaba, D., Berry, I.M., Mbala-Kingbeni, P., Lehrer, A.T., Rimoin, A.W. 2025. Comparison of EBOV GP IgG antibody reactivity: Results from two immunoassays in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Journal of Virological Methods. 336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jviromet.2025.115154.

Pan-viral ORFs discovery using massively parallel ribosome profiling - (Pre-print Publication)
Weingarten-Gabba, S., Sabeti, P.C., Bauer, M.R., Stanton, A.C., Klaeger, S., Verzani, E.K., López, D., Hensley, L.E., Clauser, K.R., Carr, S.A., Abelin, J.G., Rice, C.M. 2025. Pan-viral ORFs discovery using massively parallel ribosome profiling. Science. 388(6752):1218-1224. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ado6670.

Establishment of a regional Mpox surveillance network in Central Africa: Shared experiences in an endemic region - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Vakaniaki, E.H., Merritt, S., Linsuke, S., Malembi, E., Muyembe, F., Lunyanga, L., Mayuma, A., Kwete, P., Kalonji, T., Madinga, J., Lebreton, M., Nakoune, E., Kalthan, E., Shang, S., Nwobegahay, J., Ehiakhamen, O., Dibongue, E., Kakou, J., Erima, B., Byarugaba, D., Kinzie, P., Mebwa, F., Baelongandi, F., Kayolo, A., Nabugobe, P., Mwambia, D., Malekani, J., Nguete, B., Kabamba, J., Kaba, D., Hensley, L.E., Kindrachuk, J., Liesenborghs, L., Shongo, R.L., Muyembe-Tamfum, J., Hoff, N.A., Rimoin, A.W., Mbala-Kingebeni, P. 2025. Establishment of a regional mpox surveillance network in Central Africa: Shared experiences in an endemic region. Acarology International Congress Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41256-025-00408-y.

Mpox in Central Africa: Complex epidemiology requires a constellation approach - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Halbrook, M., Makangara-Cigolo, J.C., Merritt, S., Hoff, N.A., Lisenborghs, L., Hensley, L.E., Vercauteren, K., Mbala-Kingebeni, P., Rimoin, A.W., Kindrachuk, J. 2024. Mpox in Central Africa: Complex epidemiology requires a constellation approach. npj Viruses. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44298-024-00081-x.

Delayed low-dose oral administration of 4'-fluorouridine inhibits pathogenic arenaviruses in animal models of lethal disease - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Davies, K.A., Spengler, J.R., Westover, J.B., Bailey, K.W., Welch, S.R., Aida-Ficken, V., Bluemling, G.R., Boardman, K.M., Wasson, S.R., Mao, S., Kuiper, D.L., Hager, M.W., Saindane, M.T., Andrews, M.K., Krueger, R.E., Sticher, Z.M., Jung, K., Chatterjee, P., Shrivastava-Ranjan, P., Lo, M.K., Coleman-Mccray, J.D., Sorvillo, T.E., Genzer, S.C., Scholte, F.E., Kelly, J.A., Jenks, M., Mcmullan, L.K., Albarino, C.G., Montgomery, J.M., Painter, G.R., Natchus, M.G., Kolykhalov, A.A., Gowen, B.B., Spiropoulou, C.F., Flint, M. 2024. Delayed low-dose oral administration of 4'-fluorouridine inhibits pathogenic arenaviruses in animal models of lethal disease. Science Translational Medicine. 16(774). Article eado7034. https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.ado7034.

Clade I mpox virus genomic diversity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2018-2024: Predominance of zoonotic transmission - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hensley, L.E., Kinganda-Lusamaki, E., Amuri-Aziza, A., Fernandez-Nunez, N., Makangara-Cigolo, J., Pratt, C., Hasivirwe Vakaniaki, E., Hoff, N.A., Lukanda-Ndelemo, G., Akil-Bandali, P., Sabiti Nundu, S., Mulopo-Mukanya, N., Ngimba, M., Modadra-Madakpa, B., Diavita, R., Paku-Tshambu, P., Pukuta-Simbu, E., Merritt, S., O'Toole, A., Low, N., Nkuba-Ndaye, A., Kavunga-Membo, H., Shongo Lushima, R., Liesenborghs, L., Wawina-Bokalanga, T., Vercauteren, K., Mukadi-Bamuleka, D., Subissi, L., Muyembe-Tamfum, J., Kindrachuk, J., Ayouba, A., Rambaut, A., Delaporte, E., Tessema, S., D'Ortenzio, E., Rimoin, A.W., Mbala-Kingebeni, P., Peeters, M., Ahuka-Mundeke, S. 2025. Clade I mpox virus genomic diversity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2018-2024: Predominance of zoonotic transmission. Cell. 188(1). Article 4-14.e6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2024.10.017.

Optimization of Bangladesh and Malaysian genotype recombinant reporter nipah viruses for in vitro antiviral screening and in vivo disease modeling - (Review Article)
Lo, M.K., Jain, S., Davis, K.A., Sorvillo, T.E., Welch, S.R., Coleman-Mccray, J.D., Chatterjee, P., Hotard, A.L., O'Neal, T., Flint, M., Ai, H., Albarino, C.G., Spengler, J.R., Montgomery, J.M., Spiropoulou, C.F. 2024. Optimization of Bangladesh and Malaysian genotype recombinant reporter nipah viruses for in vitro antiviral screening and in vivo disease modeling. Antiviral Research. 231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.106013.

Presumed transmission of 2 distinct monkeypox virus variants from Central African Republic to Democratic Republic of the Congo - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Vakaniaki, E.H., Kinganda-Lusamaki, E., Merritt, S., Kasongo, F., Malembi, E., Lunyanga, L., Linsuke, S., Halbrook, M., Kalthan, E., Pukuta, E., Aziza, A.A., Cigolo, J.M., Lumembe, R., Kabamba, G., Anta, Y., Bolunza, P., Kanda, I., Ngazobo, R., Kalonji, T., Nsio, J., Matoka, P., Mwamba, D., Ngandu, C., Shaw, S.Y., Shongo, R., Madinga, J., Boum, Y., Liesenborghs, L., Delaporte, E., Ayouba, A., Low, N., Mundeke, S.A., Hensley, L.E., Tamfum, J.M., Nakoune, E., Peeters, M., Hoff, N.A., Kindrachuk, J., Rimoin, A.W., Mbala-Kingebeni, P. 2024. Presumed transmission of 2 distinct monkeypox virus variants from Central African Republic to Democratic Republic of the Congo. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 30(10):2128-2134. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3010.241118.

Sustained human outbreak of a new MPXV clade I lineage in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hensley, L.E., Hasivirwe Vakaniaki, E., Kacita, C., Kinganda-Lusamaki, E., O'Toole, A., Wawina-Bokalanga, T., Mukadi-Bamuleka, D., Amuri-Aziza, A., Malyamungu-Bubala, N., Mweshi-Kumbana, F., Mutimbwa-Mambo, L., Belesi-Siangoli, F., Mujula, Y., Parker, E., Muswamba-Kayembe, P., Nundu, S.S., Lushima, R.S., Makangara-Cigolo, J., Mulopo-Mukanya, N., Pukuta-Simbu, E., Akil-Bandali, P., Kavunga, H., Abdramane, O., Brosius, I., Bangwen, E., Vercauteren, K., Sam-Agudu, N.A., Mills, E.J., Tshiani-Mbaya, O., Hoff, N.A., Rimoin, A.W., Kindrachuk, J., Baxter, C., De Oliveira, T., Ayouba, A., Peeters, M., Delaporte, E., Shuka-Mundeke, S., Mohr, E.L., Sullivan, N.J., Muyembe-Tamfum, J., Nachega, J.B., Rambaut, A., Liesenborghs, L., Mbala-Kingebeni, P. 2024. Sustained human outbreak of a new MPXV clade I lineage in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nature Medicine. 30:2791-2795. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03130-3.

Experimental inoculation of pigs with monkeypox virus results in productive infection and transmission to sentinels - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mantlo, E., Trujillo, J.D., Gaudreault, N.N., Morozov, I., Lewis, C.E., Matias-Ferreyra, F., Mcdowell, C., Bold, D., Kwon, T., Cool, K., Balaraman, V., Madden, D., Artiaga, B., Souza-Neto, J., Doty, J.B., Carossino, M., Balasuriya, U., Wilson, W.C., Osterrieder, N., Hensley, L.E., Richt, J.A. 2024. Experimental inoculation of pigs with monkeypox virus results in productive infection and transmission to sentinels. Emerging Microbes & Infections. 13. Article 2352434. https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2024.2352434.

Co-circulating monkeypox and swinepox viruses, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2022 - (Research Notes)
Kalonji, T., Malembi, E., Matela, J.P., Likafi, T., Kinganda-Lusamaki, E., Vakaniaki, E., Hoff, N.A., Aziza, A., Muyembe, F., Kabamba, J., Cooreman, T., Nguete, B., Witte, D., Ayouba, A., Fernandez, N., Roge, S., Peeters, M., Merritt, S., Ahuka-Mundeke, S., Delaporte, E., Pukuta, E., Marien, J., Bangwen, E., Lakin, S., Lewis, C., Doty, J.B., Liesenborghs, L., Hensley, L.E., Mccollum, A., Rimoin, A.W., Muyembe-Tamfum, J., Shongo, R., Kaba, D., Mbala-Kingebeni, P. 2024. Co-circulating monkeypox and swinepox viruses, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2022. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 30(4). https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3004.231413.

Laboratory needs for research response - (Book / Chapter)
Hensley, L.E., Klena, J.D., Deboer, J.T., Montgomery, J.M., Mbala, P., Moses, M.E., Knapek, K.J., Olinger, G.G. 2024. Laboratory needs for research response. In: Sorenson, R.A., editor. Principles and Practice of Emergency Research Response. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-48408-7_11.

Characterization of humoral responses to nipah virus infection in the Syrian hamster model of disease - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Scholte, F.E., Spiropoulou, C.F., Rodriguez, S.E., Davies, K.A., Genzer, S.C., Coleman-Mccray, J.D., Harmon, J.R., Sorvillo, T.E., Lo, M.K., Welch, S.R., Karasslan, E., Bergeron, E., Montgomery, J.M., Spengler, J.R. 2024. Characterization of humoral responses to nipah virus infection in the Syrian hamster model of disease. Journal of Infectious Diseases. 230(2):438-443. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiad557.

Optimal reference genes for RNA tissue analysis in small animal models of hemorrhagic fever viruses - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Davies, K.A., Welch, S.R., Sorvillo, T.E., Coleman-Mccray, J.D., Martin, M., Brignone, J.M., Montgomery, J.M., Spiropoulou, C.F., Spengler, J.R. 2023. Optimal reference genes for RNA tissue analysis in small animal models of hemorrhagic fever viruses. Scientific Reports. 13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-45740-w.

Single-dose mucosal replicon-particle vaccine protects against lethal nipah virus infection up to 3 days after vaccination - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Davies, K.A., Spengler, J.R., Genzer, S.C., Coleman-Mccray, J.D., Harmon, J.R., Sorvillo, T.E., Scholte, F.E., Rodriguez, S.E., O'Neal, T., Ritter, J.M., Ficarra, G., Kainulainen, M.H., Karaaslan, E., Welch, S.R., Bergeron, E., Goldsmith, C.S., Lo, M.K., Nichol, S.T., Montgomery, J.M., Spiropoulou, C. 2023. Single-dose mucosal replicon-particle vaccine protects against lethal nipah virus infection up to 3 days after vaccination. Science Advances. 9(31). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adh4057.