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Asante IA, Fox AT, Behene E, Awuku-Larbi Y, Kotey EN, Nyarko S, Obeng RA, Arjarquah A, Mawuli G, Magnusen V, Attram NP, Nimo-Paintsil S, Asiedu-Bekoe F, Laryea DO, Bangdome Ofori O, Owusu Nyarko E, Lartei Mingle D, Asiedu W, Letizia A, Sanders T, Ampofo WK. Epidemiology of influenza in Ghana, 2011 to 2019. PLOS Glob Public Health 2022; 2:e0001104. [PMID: 36962878 PMCID: PMC10021352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Influenza virus is an important contributor to acute respiratory illnesses and is estimated to cause up to 650,000 respiratory deaths each year. Ghana recorded influenza viruses as far back as 1918 when the Spanish influenza pandemic led to the death of >100,000 people in a population of 4 million at the time. An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) among poultry in Ghana in 2007, led to the establishment of virological surveillance for influenza-like illness (ILI) by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR). This surveillance system, supported by the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit-No. 3 (NAMRU-3) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), monitors circulating influenza strains and activity to better understand the epidemiology of influenza in Ghana. We present here the results of this surveillance system from 2011 to 2019. As part of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system of the GHS under the Ministry of Health (MOH), oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from patients who met a modified World Health Organization (WHO) case definition for ILI or severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) through a sentinel surveillance system in the country. Samples were transported to the National Influenza Centre (NIC) at the NMIMR and tested for influenza virus using protocols defined by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Selected isolates were sent to the WHO collaborating centre in the United Kingdom for further antigenic characterization. From 2011 to 2019, the NIC tested a total of 21,747 ILI samples and 3,429 SARI samples. Influenza positivity rates were highest in the 5-14 year old group for both ILI (20.8%) and SARI (23.8%). Compared to females, more males were seen at the health facilities for ILI and SARI symptoms with a statistically significant difference in influenza positive ILI (15% vs 13.2%, p <0.001). In terms of absolute numbers, more cases were seen at the health centres during the wet seasons (April to October) compared to the dry seasons (November to March) in Ghana. This study presents 9 years of surveillance data from outpatient and inpatient setting on influenza activity as well as the influenza A subtypes and B lineages that drive the activity. This presents useful information for influenza vaccine selection and administration. Ghana's unique influenza activity patterns also present a challenge in predicting when an outbreak could occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Asantewaa Asante
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anne T. Fox
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit-No. 3, Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eric Behene
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit-No. 3, Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw Awuku-Larbi
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Erasmus Nikoi Kotey
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Stephen Nyarko
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Richard Asomadu Obeng
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Augustina Arjarquah
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gifty Mawuli
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Vanessa Magnusen
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Edward Owusu Nyarko
- Public Health Division, 37 Military Hospital, Ghana Armed Forces, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - William Asiedu
- Public Health Division, 37 Military Hospital, Ghana Armed Forces, Accra, Ghana
| | - Andrew Letizia
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit-No. 3, Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Terrel Sanders
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit-No. 3, Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - William Kwabena Ampofo
- The Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Asante IA, Adusei-Poku M, Bonney HK, Bonney EY, Odoom JK, Obodai E, Aboagye J, Kotey EN, Nyarko S, Boatemaa L, Magnusen V, Lamptey H, Kyei GB, Ampofo WK. Molecular diagnosis for the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2: lessons learnt from the Ghana experience. Ghana Med J 2021; 54:77-85. [PMID: 33976445 PMCID: PMC8087367 DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v54i4s.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 is currently causing a worldwide pandemic. The first cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were recorded in Ghana on March 12, 2020. Since then, the country has been combatting countrywide community spread. This report describes how the Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) is supporting the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to diagnose infections with this virus in Ghana. Methods The National Influenza Centre (NIC) in the Virology Department of the NMIMR, adopted real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) assays for the diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 in January 2020. Samples from suspected cases and contact tracing across Ghana were received and processed for SARS-CoV-2. Samples were ‘pooled’ to enable simultaneous batch testing of samples without reduced sensitivity. Outcomes From February 3 to August 21, the NMIMR processed 283 946 (10%) samples. Highest number of cases were reported in June when the GHS embarked on targeted contact tracing which led to an increase in number of samples processed daily, peaking at over 7,000 samples daily. There were several issues to overcome including rapid consumption of reagents and consumables. Testing however continued successfully due to revised procedures, additional equipment and improved pipeline of laboratory supplies. Test results are now provided within 24 to 48 hours of sample submission enabling more effective response and containment. Conclusion Following the identification of the first cases of SARS-CoV-2infection by the NMIMR, the Institute has trained other centres and supported the ramping up of molecular testing capacity in Ghana. This provides a blueprint to enable Ghana to mitigate further epidemics and pandemics. Funding The laboratory work was supported with materials from the Ghana Health Service Ministry of Health, the US Naval Medical Research Unit #3, the World Health Organization, the Jack Ma Foundation and the University of Ghana Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. Other research projects hosted by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research contributed reagents and laboratory consumables. The funders had no role in the preparation of this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy A Asante
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Mildred Adusei-Poku
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Humphrey K Bonney
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Y Bonney
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - John K Odoom
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Evangeline Obodai
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - James Aboagye
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Erasmus N Kotey
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Stephen Nyarko
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Linda Boatemaa
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Vanessa Magnusen
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Helena Lamptey
- Department of Immunology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - George B Kyei
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - William K Ampofo
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
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Bonney JHK, Hayashi T, Dadzie S, Agbosu E, Pratt D, Nyarko S, Asiedu-Bekoe F, Ido E, Sarkodie B, Ohta N, Yamaoka S. Molecular detection of dengue virus in patients suspected of Ebola virus disease in Ghana. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208907. [PMID: 30566466 PMCID: PMC6300295 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue fever is known to be one of the most common arthropod-borne viral infectious diseases of public health importance. The disease is now endemic in more than 100 countries in Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific with an estimated two fifths of the world's population being at risk. The notable endemic viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) found in West Africa, including yellow fever, Lassa fever, Rift Valley fever, dengue fever and until recently Ebola have been responsible for most outbreaks with fatal consequences. These VHFs usually produce unclear acute febrile illness, especially in the acute phase of infection. In this study we detected the presence of 2 different serotypes (DENV-2 and DENV-3) of Dengue virus in 4 sera of 150 patients clinically suspected of Ebola virus disease during the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa with the use of serological and molecular test assays. Sequence data was successfully generated for DENV-3 and phylogenetic analysis of the envelope gene showed that the DENV-3 sequences had close homology with DENV-3 sequences from Senegal and India. This study documents molecular evidence of an indigenous Dengue fever viral infection in Ghana and therefore necessitates the need to have an efficient surveillance system to rapidly detect and control the dissemination of the different serotypes in the population which has the potential to cause outbreaks of dengue hemorrhagic fevers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Takaya Hayashi
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Samuel Dadzie
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Esinam Agbosu
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Deborah Pratt
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Stephen Nyarko
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Eiji Ido
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Badu Sarkodie
- Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nobuo Ohta
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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Fosu PO, Donkor A, Ziwu C, Dubey B, Kingsford-Adaboh R, Asante I, Nyarko S, Tawiah R, Nazzah N. Surveillance of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables from Accra Metropolis markets, Ghana, 2010-2012: a case study in Sub-Saharan Africa. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2017; 24:17187-17205. [PMID: 28589271 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9287-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring of pesticide residues in food commodities of plant origin is part of the regular controls on food to safeguard consumer's health. This study reports for the first time in Ghana a 3-year (2010-2012) monitoring of pesticide contamination of fruits and vegetables and their health implications. A total of 3483 samples were purchased in notable markets within Accra Metropolis and analysed for pesticide residues, employing the modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe analytical procedure. The results indicated that almost all the fruits and vegetables studied had residues above maximum residue limits (MRLs). The commodities with the greatest concentrations exceeding the European Union (EU) MRLs were long green beans (60.6%) and lettuce (57.1%) with watermelon (10%) and green pepper (8.6%) having the least. The relative occurrence of the pesticides was fenvalerate 11.3%, fenitrothion 5.6%, lambda-cyhalothrin 3.6%, dimethoate 3.2%, permethrin 2.7% and deltamethrin 2.2%. These results will serve as a baseline on which annual or other long-term studies could be compared with, thus emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring programmes to regulate trends of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables to safeguard the consumers' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Osei Fosu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Pesticide Residue Laboratory, Ghana Standards Authority, Accra, Ghana
| | - Augustine Donkor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Cephas Ziwu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Brajesh Dubey
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Management, Indian Institute Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Isaac Asante
- Department of Botany, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Stephen Nyarko
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Rose Tawiah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Noble Nazzah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Donkor A, Osei-Fosu P, Nyarko S, Kingsford-Adaboh R, Dubey B, Asante I. Validation of QuEChERS method for the determination of 36 pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables from Ghana, using gas chromatography with electron capture and pulsed flame photometric detectors. J Environ Sci Health B 2015; 50:560-70. [PMID: 26065516 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2015.1028833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, "Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe" 'QuEChERS' method was modified for the determination of 36 pesticides fortified at (0.01-1.0) mg kg(-1) in three vegetables and a fruit (lettuce, carrot, tomatoes and pineapples respectively) from Ghana. The method involved extraction with acetonitrile, phase separation with primary secondary amine and magnesium sulfate; the final injection solution was reconstituted in ethyl acetate. Organochlorine and synthetic pyrethroids residues were detected with electron capture detector whereas organophosphorus, pulsed flame photometric detector was used. The recoveries at different concentration levels (0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg kg(-1)) were in the range of 83% and 93% with relative standard deviation ranging from 2% to 10% (n = 5) and the coefficient of determination (R(2)) was greater than 0.99 for all the 36 pesticides. The method was successfully tested on 120 real samples from Accra markets and this proved to be useful for monitoring purposes particularly in laboratories that have no gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustine Donkor
- a Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana , Legon , Accra , Ghana
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Osei-Fosu P, Donkor AK, Nyarko S, Nazzah NK, Asante IK, Kingsford-Adabo R, Arkorful NA. Monitoring of pesticide residues of five notable vegetables at Agbogbloshie market in Accra, Ghana. Environ Monit Assess 2014; 186:7157-7163. [PMID: 25007773 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3917-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The study monitored the concentrations of pesticide residues in vegetables arriving at Agbogbloshie, a central market in the Accra Metropolis from different parts of Ghana and beyond. A total of 810 samples of 5 different vegetables from Central, Volta, Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern Regions, and neighboring country (Togo) were collected from January 2009 through to December 2011. In all, 18 % of the samples had no detectable residues, 62 % were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs), and 20 % also exceeded the EU (MRLs) adopted values. Overall, lettuce contained the highest number of residues above their MRLs besides cucumber and cabbage. The pesticide residues were mainly organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids. The results demonstrate the need for continuous monitoring of pesticide residues in vegetables arriving at the various major markets in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Osei-Fosu
- Pesticide Residue Laboratory, Ghana Standards Authority, P.O. Box MB 245, Accra, Ghana
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