Abstract:
Background and Aim: The global transition toward Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized (3PM) medicine represents a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, yet its application to respiratory infections in low-resource settings remains critically unexplored. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disproportionately affects children and immunocompromised adults in Sub-Saharan Africa, where limited diagnostic capabilities and fragmented health systems constrain effective management. This combined analysis addresses two fundamental questions: (1) What multi-omics biomarkers can enable 3PM approaches for RSV management? and (2) What digital health infrastructure is required; and currently available, to translate these innovations at a tertiary referral hospital in The Gambia?
Methods: Two complementary studies were conducted to bridge the gap between technological innovation and implementation readiness. First, a comprehensive narrative review synthesized evidence across genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, metagenomics, and proteoformics to identify biomarkers and mechanistic pathways relevant to RSV pathogenesis within the 3PM framework. Second, a cross-sectional quality improvement survey (DHRQ-EFSTH-350) assessed digital health readiness among 350 staff across nine departments at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), serving over 2.5 million people. A composite Digital Health Maturity Score (0-10) was calculated across infrastructure, interoperability, and 3PM functionality domains, with 64 staff participating in focus groups to triangulate findings.
Results: The multi-omics review identified robust biomarkers enabling 3PM applications: IFI44L and ORMDL3 for genetic susceptibility prediction, peroxiredoxin isoforms for early detection of oxidative stress, and distinct metabolomic signatures including tryptophan/kynurenine and arachidonic acid pathways for therapeutic targeting. These biomarkers offer potential for risk stratification, early diagnosis, and personalized intervention strategies. However, the digital health assessment revealed profound implementation gaps: only 27.4% of staff had functional computers, 74.0% lacked reliable internet connectivity, 80.9% experienced power outages, and 89.7% relied exclusively on paper-based records. No automated early warning scores, digital preventive reminders, or personalized care planning systems were operational. The overall Digital Health Maturity Score was 1.6/10 (Level 1: Initial/Ad-hoc), indicating foundational infrastructure deficits. Despite these challenges, 91.4% agreed digital tools would improve clinical speed, 92.6% expressed confidence in learning new systems, and 74.6% volunteered as local “digital champions,” demonstrating strong staff readiness.
Biography :
Dr. Ousman Bajinka is a highly accomplished microbiologist and educator with a Ph.D. from Central South University, China, where his research focused on the lung-brain axis in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. He currently serves as a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the University of The Gambia, where he teaches medical microbiology, secures research grants, and mentors students. With extensive international experience,
Dr. Bajinka has held postdoctoral positions at Shandong Cancer Hospital in China and a fellowship at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Italy, investigating SARS-CoV-2 and predictive, preventive, personalized medicine (3PM). His research expertise spans infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, the microbiome, and antimicrobial resistance. He is deeply committed to science advocacy, serving as the Country Ambassador for the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and Country Representative for the Africa Bioethics Network.
