Background
As AREF-RDF fellow (African Research Excellence Fund – Research Development Fellow) and with a Ph.D. in public health virology at the Centre Pasteur of Cameroon and postdoctoral training in molecular virology at the University of the Free State, I have honed my expertise in utilizing advanced sequencing techniques to detect and characterize pathogens. I have investigated various aspects of viral infections including their impact on human health. My research experience has encompassed working on many emerging vector-borne viral diseases (dengue, Zika, chikungunya). I have actively been designing and conducting experiments to detect, characterize and test medicinal plants against arboviruses using in house developed serological assays. I am very familiar with standard molecular biology laboratory techniques (cell culture, PCR, RT-qPCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy).
Research:
- Areas of interest:
Arbovirus, epidemiology, genomic, molecular virology
- Research – an overview of your research areas(s)
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Arbovirus metagenomics My actual research focusses on the identification of the potential viral pathogens responsible for Acute Febrile Illnesses (AFI), with a specific emphasis on understanding the viral diversity. Through my previous research experience in molecular virology and infectious diseases, I have mastered molecular techniques and data analysis relevant to my research niche. My research niche lies in integrating metagenomics data with epidemiological and clinical information to enhance disease surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for AFI in Africa. Arbovirus Epidemiology and Pathogenesis My research focuses on the epidemiology, molecular characterization, and pathogenesis of arboviruses, including Dengue, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever, and Zika viruses. His work has contributed to understanding the clinical manifestations and co-infection dynamics of these viruses, particularly in malaria-endemic regions. Through field and laboratory surveillance, he has identified virus prevalence, genetic diversity, and outbreak patterns in Cameroon, addressing critical gaps in arbovirus control. Antiviral Drug Discovery I have investigated plant-based compounds with antiviral properties, focusing on traditional Cameroonian pharmacopeia. His work has identified and characterized bioactive compounds with inhibitory effects on Chikungunya virus replication and entry mechanisms. These findings have implications for the development of affordable and accessible antiviral therapies for resource-limited settings. Diagnostic Innovations Aiming to improve virus detection and monitoring, I have contributed to the development of in-house diagnostic tools, including ELISA kits for Chikungunya virus.
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- Other Relevent Expertise, PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
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Other Relevant Expertise I have expertise in biorisk management for high-containment facilities. Professional Memberships Cameroon Junior Scientist Association (CamJuSA) – President, leading initiatives to support early-career researchers. |
African Research Excellence Fund (AREF) – Career Development Fellow.
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Publications
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1. Simo FBN, Teagho UCS, Atako SM, Lontsi BT, Owona BVA, Demanou M, et al. Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus exposure among febrile patients, cattle herders, and cattle herds in Cameroon. Acta Tropica. 2024;:107432. 2. Simo FBN, Akoue RN, Demanou M. Clinical description of dengue and chikungunya virus infections amongst acute febrile patients in a malaria endemic area of Mfou, the Centre region of Cameroon. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease. 2024;109:116204. 3. Makoah NA, Litabe MM, Simo FBN, Maboho KK, Burt FJ. Purification and characterization of soluble recombinant Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus glycoprotein Gc expressed in mammalian 293F cells. BMC Biotechnol. 2024;24:59. 4. Simo FBN, Burt FJ, Makoah NA. Chikungunya Virus Diagnosis: A Review of Current Antigen Detection Methods. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2023;8:365. 5. Noche CD, Ndjeng Ewondo E, Nemg Simo F, Fotsing Kwetche PR, Assob CN. Clinical and biological diagnosis of malaria and dengue fever among febrile patients in hospitals of Bangangte, Cameroon. Int J Bio Chem Sci. 2023;17:475–83.
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