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Owusu M, Adu E, Kalu LE, Martey E, Acheampong G, Enimil A, Appiah JA, Badu-Peprah A, Sylverken J, Sylverken AA, Nguah SB, Westeel E, Pouzol S, Drosten C, Adu-Sarkodie Y. Aetiological agents of pneumonia among HIV and non-HIV infected children in Ghana: A case-control study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299222. [PMID: 38517865 PMCID: PMC10959341 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children, however, the microbial aetiology of pneumonia is not well elucidated in low- and middle-income countries. Our study was aimed at determining the microbial aetiologies of childhood pneumonia and associated risk factors in HIV and non-HIV infected children. We conducted a case-control study that enrolled children with pneumonia as cases and non-pneumonia as controls from July 2017 to May 2020. Induced sputum and blood samples were investigated for microbial organisms using standard microbiological techniques. DNA/RNA was extracted from sputum samples and tested for viral and bacterial agents. Four hundred and four (404) subjects consisting of 231 (57.2%) cases and 173 (42.8%) controls were enrolled. We identified a significant (p = 0.011) proportion of viruses in cases (125; 54.1%, 95%CI: 47.4-60.7) than controls (71; 33.6%, 95%CI: 33.6-48.8) and these were mostly contributed to by Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Staphylococcus aureus (16; 4.0%), Klebsiella spp. (15, 3.7%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (8, 2.0%) were the main bacterial agents identified in sputum or induced sputum samples. HIV infected children with viral-bacterial co-detection were found to have very severe pneumonia compared to those with only viral or bacterial infection. Indoor cooking (OR = 2.36; 95%CI:1.41-3.96) was found to be associated with pneumonia risk in patients. This study demonstrates the importance of various microbial pathogens, particularly RSV, in contributing to pneumonia in HIV and non-HIV paediatric populations. There is a need to accelerate clinical trials of RSV vaccines in African populations to support improvement of patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Eric Adu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Lotenna Elsie Kalu
- Department of Child Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Eugene Martey
- Department of Child Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Anthony Enimil
- Department of Child Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - John Adabie Appiah
- Department of Child Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Justice Sylverken
- Department of Child Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Blay Nguah
- Department of Child Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | | | - Yaw Adu-Sarkodie
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Yeboah R, Gorman R, Acheampong HK, Nyarko-Afriyie E, Aryeetey S, Tetteh HD, Owusu M, Yeboah ES, Adade T, Bonney J, Amoako YA, El-Duah P, Obiri-Danso K, Drosten C, Phillips RO, Sylverken AA. Clinical epidemiology, determinants, and outcomes of viral encephalitis in Ghana; a cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297277. [PMID: 38346087 PMCID: PMC10861038 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral encephalitis is a rare, yet severe neurological disorder. It poses a significant public health threat due to its high morbidity and mortality. Despite the disproportionate burden of the disease in impoverished African countries, the true extent of the problem remains elusive due to the scarcity of accurate diagnostic methods. The absence of timely and effective diagnostic tools, particularly Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction, has led to misguided treatment, and an underestimation of the disease burden in Ghana. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study to determine the viral aetiologies of encephalitis among patients presenting to a major referral hospital in Ghana from May 2019 and August 2022. The study aimed at providing a comprehensive information on the clinical epidemiology, and outcomes of viral encephalitis in Ghana. Clinical samples were collected from patients presenting with signs and symptoms of encephalitis and tested for viral agents using real-time polymerase chain reaction. We assessed the clinical epidemiology, risk factors and outcome of individuals using descriptive and logistic regression analysis. Seventy-seven (77) patients were enrolled unto the study. The participants frequently presented with fever (85.7%), seizures (80.5%), lethargy (64.9%) and headache (50.6%). Viruses were detected in 40.3% of the study participants in either cerebrospinal fluid, rectal or oral swab samples. The most frequently detected viruses were cytomegalovirus (48.4%), enteroviruses (38.7%) and HSV (29.0%). Twenty-one (27.3%) of the patients died while on hospital admission. Gender (OR = 5.70 (1.536-1.172), p = 0.01), and negative polymerase chain reaction test results were identified as significant factors associated with death. Antiviral treatment increased the chance of survival of viral encephalitis patients by 21.8%. Our results validate the crucial role of molecular tools as essential for the rapid diagnosis of viral encephalitis, enabling effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. This study contributes valuable epidemiological and clinical insight into viral encephalitis in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richmond Yeboah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richmond Gorman
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | - Sherihane Aryeetey
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Michael Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Titus Adade
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Joseph Bonney
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
- Emergency Medicine Directorate, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Yaw Ampem Amoako
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philip El-Duah
- Institute of Virology, Charite, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kwasi Obiri-Danso
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charite, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard Odame Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
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Doku ET, Sylverken AA, Belford JDE. Rhizosphere microbiome of plants used in phytoremediation of mine tailing dams. Int J Phytoremediation 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38214673 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2024.2301994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Rhizospheric microbial communities improve the effectiveness of hyperaccumulators in the phytoremediation of heavy metals. However, limited access to tailing dams and inadequate assessment of plants' phytoremediation potential limit the characterization of native accumulators, hindering the effectiveness of local remediation efforts. This study evaluates the heavy metal sequestration potentials of Pennisetum purpureum, Leucaena leucocephala, and Pteris vittata and their associated rhizospheric microbial communities at the Marlu and Pompora tailing dams in Ghana. The results indicate shoot hyperaccumulation of Cd (334.5 ± 6.3 mg/kg) and Fe (10,647.0 ± 12.6 mg/kg) in P. purpureum and L. leucocephala, respectively. Analysis of rhizospheric bacterial communities revealed the impact of heavy metal contamination on bacterial community composition, associating Fe and Cd hyperaccumulation with Bacillus, Arthrobacter, and Sphingomonas species. This study reports the hyperaccumulation potentials of L. leucocephala and P. purpureum enhanced by associated rhizosphere bacterial communities, suggesting their potential application as an environmentally friendly remediation process of heavy metals contaminated lands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Tetteh Doku
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani, Ghana
| | | | - J D Ebenezer Belford
- Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Adade E, Tawiah PO, Roos C, Chuma IS, Lubinza CC, Mfinanga SGM, Knauf S, Sylverken AA. Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of oral and rectal microbiota of non-human primate species in Ghana: A threat to human health. Vet Med Sci 2023; 10:e1271. [PMID: 37733757 PMCID: PMC10804077 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential for the transfer of zoonotic diseases, including bacteria between human and non-human primates (NHPs), is expected to rise. It is posited that NHPs that live in close contact with humans serve as sentinels and reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. OBJECTIVES The objective was to characterize the oral and rectal bacteria in Ghanaian NHPs and profile the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated bacteria. METHODS Oral and rectal swabs were obtained from 40 immobilized wild and captive NHPs from 7 locations in Ghana. Standard bacteriological procedures were used in the isolation, preliminary identification, automated characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) of bacteria using the Vitek 2 Compact system. RESULTS Gram-negative bacteria dominated isolates from the rectal swabs (n = 76, 85.4%), whereas Gram-positive bacteria were more common in the oral swabs (n = 41, 82%). Staphylococcus haemolyticus (n = 7, 14%) was the most occurring bacterial species isolated from the oral swabs, whereas Escherichia coli (n = 32, 36%) dominated bacteria isolates from rectal swabs. Enterobacter spp. had the highest (39%) average phenotypic resistance to antimicrobials that were used for AST, whereas a trend of high resistance was recorded against norfloxacin, Ampicillin and Tetracycline in Gram-negative bacteria. Similarly, among Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus spp. had the highest (25%) average phenotypic resistance to antimicrobials used for AST, and a trend of high resistance was recorded against penicillin G and oxacillin. CONCLUSIONS This study has established that apparently healthy NHPs that live in anthropized environments in Ghana harbour zoonotic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Adade
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Patrick Ofori Tawiah
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Christian Roos
- Gene Bank of Primates and Primate Genetics LaboratoryGerman Primate CenterLeibniz Institute for Primate ResearchGöttingenGermany
| | | | - Clara Clavery Lubinza
- National Institute for Medical ResearchMuhimbili Medical Research CentreDar es SalaamTanzania
| | | | - Sascha Knauf
- Institute of International Animal Health/One HealthFriedrich‐Loeffler‐InstitutFederal Institute for Animal HealthGreifswald – Insel RiemsGermany
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
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Sylverken AA. Strengthening existing surveillance platforms to monitor pandemic-prone pathogens. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e993-e994. [PMID: 37349044 PMCID: PMC10281641 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00237-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 0000, Ghana; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana.
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Armoh SY, Aryeetey S, Kamasah JS, Boahen KG, Owusu M, Adjei-Boateng A, Agbenyega O, Kwarteng A, Hingley-Wilson S, Obiri-Danso K, Ansong D, Sylverken AA. Solid waste motor tricycle operators in Kumasi, Ghana, harbour respiratory pathogens; a public health threat. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284985. [PMID: 37093881 PMCID: PMC10124853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of motor tricycles in transporting municipal solid waste (MSW) within urban and peri-urban towns in Ghana is on the increase. This activity often leads to the introduction of pathogen-containing bioaerosols into the environment, as well as to the tricycle operators. We sought to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of respiratory pathogens among solid waste tricycle operators. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 155 solid waste transporters who use motor tricycles using semi-structured interviews. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from participants and screened for respiratory pathogens using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). RESULTS Pathogens detected in participants were SARS-CoV-2 (n = 10, 6.5%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 10, 6.5%), constituting an overall prevalence of 12.9% and co-infection rate of 1.3%. The most common self-reported symptoms were cough (n = 67, 43.2%), sore throat (n = 44, 28.4%) and difficulty in breathing (n = 22, 14.2%). Adherence to the use of gloves (n = 117, 75.5%) and nose mask (n = 110, 71.0%) was high. There was a significant association between the detection of respiratory pathogens and the use of gloves, use of more than one PPE and exposure to other pollutants (p < 0.05). Individuals who were exposed to "other pollutants" significantly had lower odds of becoming infected with respiratory pathogens (Adj. OR (95% CI): 0.119(0.015,0.938). CONCLUSION Although prevalence of respiratory pathogens is generally low, strict adherence to PPE use could further reduce its rates to even lower levels. Governmental health institutions and informal solid waste transporters should address challenges related to exposure to pollutants, use of gloves, and multiple PPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Yaw Armoh
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sherihane Aryeetey
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Japhet Senyo Kamasah
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kennedy Gyau Boahen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Adjei-Boateng
- Research and Development Unit, Waste Management Department, Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Olivia Agbenyega
- Department of Agroforestry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Alexander Kwarteng
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Suzanne Hingley-Wilson
- Department of Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Kwasi Obiri-Danso
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Daniel Ansong
- Department of Child Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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7
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Owusu W, van Vliet AHM, Riddell NE, Stewart G, Akwani WC, Aryeetey S, Arthur RA, Sylverken AA, Hingley-Wilson SM. A multiplex PCR assay for the differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex reveals high rates of mixed-lineage tuberculosis infections among patients in Ghana. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1125079. [PMID: 37077529 PMCID: PMC10108843 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1125079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In low-resource settings with high tuberculosis (TB) burdens, lack of rapid diagnostic methods for detection and differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) is a major challenge affecting TB management. This study utilized comparative genomic analyses of MTBC lineages; M. tuberculosis, M. africanum Lineages 5/6 and M. bovis to identify lineage-specific genes. Primers were designed for the development of a Multiplex PCR assay which was successful in differentiating the MTBC lineages. There was no cross-reaction with other respiratory pathogens tested. Validation of the assay using clinical samples was performed with sputum DNA extracts from 341 clinically confirmed active TB patients. It was observed that 24.9% of cases were caused by M. tuberculosis, while M. africanum L5 & L6 reported 9.0% and 14.4%, respectively. M. bovis infection was the least frequently detected lineage with 1.8%. Also, 27.0% and 17.0% of the cases were PCR negative and unspeciated, respectively. However, mixed-lineage TB infections were recorded at a surprising 5.9%. This multiplex PCR assay will allow speciation of MTBC lineages in low-resource regions, providing rapid differentiation of TB infections to select appropriate medication at the earliest possible time point. It will also be useful in epidemiological surveillance studies providing reliable information on the prevalence of TB lineages as well as identifying difficult to treat cases of mixed-lineage tuberculosis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wellington Owusu
- Department of Microbial Sciences, School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Arnoud H. M. van Vliet
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie E. Riddell
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Stewart
- Department of Microbial Sciences, School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Winifred C. Akwani
- Department of Microbial Sciences, School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Sherihane Aryeetey
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Rejoice Agyeiwaa Arthur
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Suzanne M. Hingley-Wilson
- Department of Microbial Sciences, School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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8
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Fischer C, Maponga TG, Yadouleton A, Abílio N, Aboce E, Adewumi P, Afonso P, Akorli J, Andriamandimby SF, Anga L, Ashong Y, Beloufa MA, Bensalem A, Birtles R, Boumba ALM, Bwanga F, Chaponda M, Chibukira P, Chico RM, Chileshe J, Chongwe G, Cissé A, D'Alessandro U, de Lamballerie XN, de Morais JFM, Derrar F, Dia N, Diarra Y, Doumbia L, Drosten C, Dussart P, Echodu R, Eggers Y, Eloualid A, Faye O, Feldt T, Frühauf A, Halatoko A, Ilouga PV, Ismael N, Jambou R, Jarju S, Kamprad A, Katowa B, Kayiwa J, King'wara L, Koita O, Lacoste V, Lagare A, Landt O, Lekana-Douki SE, Lekana-Douki JB, Iipumbu E, Loemba H, Lutwama J, Mamadou S, Maman I, Manyisa B, Martinez PA, Matoba J, Mhuulu L, Moreira-Soto A, Mwangi J, N'dilimabaka N, Nassuna CA, Ndiath MO, Nepolo E, Njouom R, Nourlil J, Nyanjom SG, Odari EO, Okeng A, Ouoba JB, Owusu M, Donkor IO, Phadu KK, Phillips RO, Preiser W, Ruhanya V, Salah F, Salifou S, Sall AA, Sylverken AA, Tagnouokam-Ngoupo PA, Tarnagda Z, Tchikaya FO, Tufa TB, Drexler JF. Retraction. Science 2022; 378:1284-1285. [PMID: 36537892 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg2821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Fischer
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tongai Gibson Maponga
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anges Yadouleton
- Laboratoire dés fievres hemorragiques virales de Cotonou, Akpakpa, Benin
| | - Nuro Abílio
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Praise Adewumi
- Laboratoire dés fievres hemorragiques virales de Cotonou, Akpakpa, Benin
| | - Pedro Afonso
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (INIS), Luanda, Angola
| | - Jewelna Akorli
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Latifa Anga
- Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Yvonne Ashong
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Aicha Bensalem
- Institut Pasteur of Algeria, National Influenza Centre, Sidi-Fredj, Algeria
| | - Richard Birtles
- Gulu University Multifunctional Research Laboratories, Gulu, Uganda.,School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Anicet Luc Magloire Boumba
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien Ngouabi University, Pointe-Noire, Congo.,Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory HDL, Pointe-Noire, Congo
| | - Freddie Bwanga
- MBN Clinical Laboratories, Kampala, Uganda.,Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mike Chaponda
- Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola Teaching Hospital, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Paradzai Chibukira
- National Virology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Justin Chileshe
- Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola Teaching Hospital, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Gershom Chongwe
- Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola Teaching Hospital, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Assana Cissé
- Laboratoire National de Référence-Grippes, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | | | | | - Fawzi Derrar
- Institut Pasteur of Algeria, National Influenza Centre, Sidi-Fredj, Algeria
| | - Ndongo Dia
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Youssouf Diarra
- Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Lassina Doumbia
- Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Christian Drosten
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), associated Partner Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Richard Echodu
- Gulu University Multifunctional Research Laboratories, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Yannik Eggers
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella, Ethiopia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Torsten Feldt
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella, Ethiopia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna Frühauf
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Ronan Jambou
- Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire (CERMES), Niamey, Niger
| | - Sheikh Jarju
- Medical Research Council Unit at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Antje Kamprad
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ben Katowa
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia.,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - John Kayiwa
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Leonard King'wara
- National Public Health Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ousmane Koita
- Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Adamou Lagare
- Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire (CERMES), Niamey, Niger
| | | | | | | | - Etuhole Iipumbu
- School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Hugues Loemba
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory HDL, Pointe-Noire, Congo.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Santou Mamadou
- Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire (CERMES), Niamey, Niger
| | | | - Brendon Manyisa
- National Virology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Zimbabwe
| | - Pedro A Martinez
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (INIS), Luanda, Angola
| | - Japhet Matoba
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia.,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lusia Mhuulu
- School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Andres Moreira-Soto
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Judy Mwangi
- Gulu University Multifunctional Research Laboratories, Gulu, Uganda.,School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Nadine N'dilimabaka
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | | | - Mamadou Ousmane Ndiath
- Medical Research Council Unit at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Emmanuel Nepolo
- School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | | | | | - Steven Ger Nyanjom
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eddy Okoth Odari
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Michael Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Irene Owusu Donkor
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Karabo Kristen Phadu
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard Odame Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Wolfgang Preiser
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service Tygerberg Business Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vurayai Ruhanya
- National Virology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | | | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana.,Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Zekiba Tarnagda
- Laboratoire National de Référence-Grippes, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Tafese Beyene Tufa
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella, Ethiopia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Felix Drexler
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), associated Partner Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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9
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Adade E, Roos C, Chuma IS, Sylverken AA, Knauf S. No evidence for yaws infection in a small-scale cross-sectional serosurvey in Ghanaian monkeys. Vet Med Sci 2022; 9:507-512. [PMID: 36480449 PMCID: PMC9856988 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treponema pallidum (TP) is a spirochaete bacterium with subspecies that in humans cause syphilis (subsp. pallidum), bejel (subsp. endemicum) and yaws (subsp. pertenue; TPE). The latter is target for eradication which requires detailed information on yaws epidemiology. It has been shown that African nonhuman primates (NHPs) are infected with TPE strains that are closely related to the human infecting yaws bacterium. While human yaws infection is known to be endemic in Ghana, there is a paucity of information regarding TPE infection of Ghana's native NHPs. OBJECTIVES The objective was to perform a small-scale cross-sectional serological screening for antibodies against TPE in Ghanaian monkeys. Due to the reports of TPE-infected NHPs from neighbouring Côte d'Ivore, we hypothesised that monkeys in Ghana are infected with TPE and, therefore, are seropositive for antibodies against-Treponema. METHODS We sampled blood from 37 NHPs representing four species: Erythrocebus patas (16/37) 43.2%, Papio anubis (15/37) 40.5%, Chlorocebus sabaeus (3/37) 8.1% and Cercopithecus mona (3/37) 8.1%. Samples were tested using the NHP validated treponemal test ESPLINE TP. RESULTS All 37 animals were seronegative for yaws infection. CONCLUSIONS We cannot exclude yaws infection in NHPs in Ghana at this point. Our study, in combination with the absence of reports of clinically infected NHPs in a yaws endemic country is, however, supportive for the current thinking that interspecies infection with TPE is extremely rare. This is an important finding for the current ongoing yaws eradication campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Adade
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Christian Roos
- Deutsches Primatenzentrum GmbHLeibniz Institute for Primate ResearchGöttingenGermany
| | | | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Sascha Knauf
- Deutsches Primatenzentrum GmbHLeibniz Institute for Primate ResearchGöttingenGermany,Institute of International Animal Health/One HealthFriedrich‐Loeffler‐InstitutGreifswald ‐ Insel RiemsGermany
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10
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Fischer C, Maponga TG, Yadouleton A, Abílio N, Aboce E, Adewumi P, Afonso P, Akorli J, Andriamandimby SF, Anga L, Ashong Y, Beloufa MA, Bensalem A, Birtles R, Boumba ALM, Bwanga F, Chaponda M, Chibukira P, Chico RM, Chileshe J, Chongwe G, Cissé A, D'Alessandro U, de Lamballerie XN, de Morais JFM, Derrar F, Dia N, Diarra Y, Doumbia L, Drosten C, Dussart P, Echodu R, Eggers Y, Eloualid A, Faye O, Feldt T, Frühauf A, Halatoko A, Ilouga PV, Ismael N, Jambou R, Jarju S, Kamprad A, Katowa B, Kayiwa J, King'wara L, Koita O, Lacoste V, Lagare A, Landt O, Lekana-Douki SE, Lekana-Douki JB, Iipumbu E, Loemba H, Lutwama J, Mamadou S, Maman I, Manyisa B, Martinez PA, Matoba J, Mhuulu L, Moreira-Soto A, Mwangi J, N Dilimabaka N, Nassuna CA, Ndiath MO, Nepolo E, Njouom R, Nourlil J, Nyanjom SG, Odari EO, Okeng A, Ouoba JB, Owusu M, Owusu Donkor I, Phadu KK, Phillips RO, Preiser W, Ruhanya V, Salah F, Salifou S, Sall AA, Sylverken AA, Tagnouokam-Ngoupo PA, Tarnagda Z, Tchikaya FO, Tufa TB, Drexler JF. RETRACTED: Gradual emergence followed by exponential spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in Africa. Science 2022; 378:eadd8737. [PMID: 36454863 DOI: 10.1126/science.add8737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The geographic and evolutionary origins of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (BA.1), which was first detected mid-November 2021 in Southern Africa, remain unknown. We tested 13,097 COVID-19 patients sampled between mid-2021 to early 2022 from 22 African countries for BA.1 by real-time RT-PCR. By November-December 2021, BA.1 had replaced the Delta variant in all African sub-regions following a South-North gradient, with a peak Rt of 4.1. Polymerase chain reaction and near-full genome sequencing data revealed genetically diverse Omicron ancestors already existed across Africa by August 2021. Mutations, altering viral tropism, replication and immune escape, gradually accumulated in the spike gene. Omicron ancestors were therefore present in several African countries months before Omicron dominated transmission. These data also indicate that travel bans are ineffective in the face of undetected and widespread infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Fischer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tongai Gibson Maponga
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anges Yadouleton
- Laboratoire dés fievres hemorragiques virales de Cotonou, Akpakpa, Benin
| | - Nuro Abílio
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Praise Adewumi
- Laboratoire dés fievres hemorragiques virales de Cotonou, Akpakpa, Benin
| | - Pedro Afonso
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (INIS), Luanda, Angola
| | - Jewelna Akorli
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Latifa Anga
- Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Yvonne Ashong
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Aicha Bensalem
- Institut Pasteur of Algeria, National Influenza Centre, Sidi-Fredj, Algeria
| | - Richard Birtles
- Gulu University Multifunctional Research Laboratories, Gulu, Uganda.,School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Anicet Luc Magloire Boumba
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien Ngouabi University, Pointe-Noire, Congo.,Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory HDL, Pointe-Noire, Congo
| | - Freddie Bwanga
- MBN Clinical Laboratories, Kampala, Uganda.,Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mike Chaponda
- Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola Teaching Hospital, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Paradzai Chibukira
- National Virology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Justin Chileshe
- Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola Teaching Hospital, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Gershom Chongwe
- Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola Teaching Hospital, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Assana Cissé
- Laboratoire National de Référence-Grippes, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | | | | | - Fawzi Derrar
- Institut Pasteur of Algeria, National Influenza Centre, Sidi-Fredj, Algeria
| | - Ndongo Dia
- Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Youssouf Diarra
- Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Lassina Doumbia
- Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Christian Drosten
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), associated Partner Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Richard Echodu
- Gulu University Multifunctional Research Laboratories, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Yannik Eggers
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella, Ethiopia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Torsten Feldt
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella, Ethiopia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna Frühauf
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Ronan Jambou
- Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire (CERMES), Niamey, Niger
| | - Sheikh Jarju
- Medical Research Council Unit at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Antje Kamprad
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ben Katowa
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia.,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - John Kayiwa
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Leonard King'wara
- National Public Health Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ousmane Koita
- Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Adamou Lagare
- Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire (CERMES), Niamey, Niger
| | | | | | | | - Etuhole Iipumbu
- School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Hugues Loemba
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory HDL, Pointe-Noire, Congo.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Santou Mamadou
- Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire (CERMES), Niamey, Niger
| | | | - Brendon Manyisa
- National Virology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Zimbabwe
| | - Pedro A Martinez
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (INIS), Luanda, Angola
| | - Japhet Matoba
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia.,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lusia Mhuulu
- School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Andres Moreira-Soto
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Judy Mwangi
- Gulu University Multifunctional Research Laboratories, Gulu, Uganda.,School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Nadine N Dilimabaka
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | | | - Mamadou Ousmane Ndiath
- Medical Research Council Unit at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Emmanuel Nepolo
- School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | | | | | - Steven Ger Nyanjom
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eddy Okoth Odari
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Michael Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Irene Owusu Donkor
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Karabo Kristen Phadu
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard Odame Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Wolfgang Preiser
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service Tygerberg Business Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vurayai Ruhanya
- National Virology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | | | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana.,Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Zekiba Tarnagda
- Laboratoire National de Référence-Grippes, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Tafese Beyene Tufa
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella, Ethiopia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Felix Drexler
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), associated Partner Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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11
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Abdullahi A, Oladele D, Owusu M, Kemp SA, Ayorinde J, Salako A, Fink D, Ige F, Ferreira IATM, Meng B, Sylverken AA, Onwuamah C, Boadu KO, Osuolale K, Frimpong JO, Abubakar R, Okuruawe A, Abdullahi HW, Liboro G, Agyemang LD, Ayisi-Boateng NK, Odubela O, Ohihoin G, Ezechi O, Kamasah JS, Ameyaw E, Arthur J, Kyei DB, Owusu DO, Usman O, Mogaji S, Dada A, Agyei G, Ebrahimi S, Gutierrez LC, Aliyu SH, Doffinger R, Audu R, Adegbola R, Mlcochova P, Phillips RO, Solako BL, Gupta RK. SARS-COV-2 antibody responses to AZD1222 vaccination in West Africa. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6131. [PMID: 36253377 PMCID: PMC9574797 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33792-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-world data on vaccine-elicited neutralising antibody responses for two-dose AZD1222 in African populations are limited. We assessed baseline SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and levels of protective neutralizing antibodies prior to vaccination rollout using binding antibodies analysis coupled with pseudotyped virus neutralisation assays in two cohorts from West Africa: Nigerian healthcare workers (n = 140) and a Ghanaian community cohort (n = 527) pre and post vaccination. We found 44 and 28% of pre-vaccination participants showed IgG anti-N positivity, increasing to 59 and 39% respectively with anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG-specific antibodies. Previous IgG anti-N positivity significantly increased post two-dose neutralizing antibody titres in both populations. Serological evidence of breakthrough infection was observed in 8/49 (16%). Neutralising antibodies were observed to wane in both populations, especially in anti-N negative participants with an observed waning rate of 20% highlighting the need for a combination of additional markers to characterise previous infection. We conclude that AZD1222 is immunogenic in two independent West African cohorts with high background seroprevalence and incidence of breakthrough infection in 2021. Waning titres post second dose indicates the need for booster dosing after AZD1222 in the African setting despite hybrid immunity from previous infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Abdullahi
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Cambridge, UK.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Institute of Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - David Oladele
- Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Michael Owusu
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Steven A Kemp
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Cambridge, UK.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James Ayorinde
- Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Abideen Salako
- Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Douglas Fink
- Faculty of Infection and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Department of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fehintola Ige
- Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Isabella A T M Ferreira
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Cambridge, UK.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bo Meng
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Cambridge, UK.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Chika Onwuamah
- Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Kazeem Osuolale
- Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Rufai Abubakar
- Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Azuka Okuruawe
- Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Gideon Liboro
- Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Gregory Ohihoin
- Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oliver Ezechi
- Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Emmanuel Ameyaw
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Derrick Boakye Kyei
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Olagoke Usman
- Federal Medical Centre, Ebutte Metta, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Sunday Mogaji
- Federal Medical Centre, Ebutte Metta, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - George Agyei
- Kwadaso Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Soraya Ebrahimi
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lourdes Ceron Gutierrez
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sani H Aliyu
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rainer Doffinger
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rosemary Audu
- Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Richard Adegbola
- Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Petra Mlcochova
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Cambridge, UK. .,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Richard Odame Phillips
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. .,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | | | - Ravindra K Gupta
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Cambridge, UK. .,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.
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12
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El-Duah P, Sylverken AA, Owusu M, Amoako YA, Yeboah R, Gorman R, Nyarko-Afriyie E, Schneider J, Jones TC, Bonney J, Adade T, Yeboah ES, Binger T, Corman VM, Drosten C, Phillips RO. Genetic characterization of varicella-zoster and HIV-1 viruses from the cerebrospinal fluid of a co-infected encephalitic patient, Ghana. Virol J 2022; 19:122. [PMID: 35883083 PMCID: PMC9327158 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01854-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Encephalitis is a serious disease of the brain characterized by prodromal and specific neurological symptoms. HIV infections offer opportunistic viruses, such as Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the chance to cause encephalitis in patients. There is a lack of information on the genetic diversity of VZV in Ghana and other parts of Africa which requires sequencing and characterization studies to address. The active evolution of HIV-1 in West Africa also requires continuous surveillance for the emergence of new genetic forms. CASE PRESENTATION VZV was detected in the CSF sample of an 11-year-old patient presenting with symptoms of encephalitis by real-time PCR diagnostics. To identify possible unknown aetiological pathogens, next-generation sequencing was performed, and revealed an HIV-1 co-infection. Alignments of concatenated HIV-1 genome fragments in the gag, pol, vif, env and nef regions and a near-complete VZV genome were analyzed by Bayesian inference, and phylogenetic trees were generated. The VZV sequence belongs to clade 5 and the HIV-1 sequence is a member of the CRF02_AG predominant circulating recombinant form in Ghana. CONCLUSIONS Diagnostic tests for CSF HIV would be useful where possible in patients presenting with encephalitis due to VZV and other opportunistic viruses in Kumasi to shed light on the role of HIV in encephalitis cases in Ghana. This report reaffirms the role of the CRF02_AG circulating recombinant form in HIV infections in Ghana and also gives a preliminary genetic characterization of VZV in Kumasi, Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip El-Duah
- Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research Into Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research Into Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Department of Medical Diagnostics, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Yaw Ampem Amoako
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research Into Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richmond Yeboah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research Into Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richmond Gorman
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research Into Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Emmanuella Nyarko-Afriyie
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research Into Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Julia Schneider
- Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Terry C Jones
- Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Zoology, Centre for Pathogen Evolution, University of Cambridge, Downing St, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Joseph Bonney
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Titus Adade
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Eric Smart Yeboah
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Tabea Binger
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research Into Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Victor Max Corman
- Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Richard Odame Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research Into Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. .,Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
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13
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Acheampong PR, Mohammed A, Twumasi-Ankrah S, Sylverken AA, Owusu M, Acquah-Gyan E, Adjei TK, Otupiri E, Owusu-Dabo E. 'This disease is not meant for the hospital, it is Asram': Implications of a traditionally-defined illness on healthcare seeking for children under-5 in rural Ashanti, Ghana. PLOS Glob Public Health 2022; 2:e0000978. [PMID: 36962827 PMCID: PMC10021330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Every child has the right to survive, grow and develop. However, in spite of the considerable global gains that have been made in child survival, Sub-Saharan Africa still has the highest child mortality rates and accounts for the greatest burden of mortality globally. The majority of these children die without ever reaching a health facility. The practice of appropriate healthcare-seeking behaviour has a great potential to reduce the occurrence of severe and life-threatening childhood illnesses. Several factors, however, influence healthcare-seeking behaviour, including perceptions of the cause of illness and socio-cultural perspectives. This study seeks to understand local concepts of a traditionally-defined illness complex, Asram, and its influence on healthcare seeking behavior of mothers/caregivers. This qualitative study was conducted from October 2019 to February 2020. Four Focus Group Discussions were conducted with mothers/caregivers of children under-5 and 22 Key Informant Interviews with mothers/caregivers of children who had Asram, health workers at district, facility, and community levels, and Asram healers. Participants were selected from two rural communities, Akutuase and Wioso of the Asante Akim North district in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Data analysis was carried out iteratively throughout data collection, using a thematic analysis approach. The study shows that Asram is a childhood illness complex that is perceived to have been acquired spiritually and/or inherited. Nine types of Asram were described. This childhood illness was said to be treatable by Asram healers who had sub-specialties in treatment approaches that were determined by the Asram type reported. Mothers/caregivers trusted Asram healers and preferred to call on them first. This was found to be the main reason for delays in seeking healthcare for children under-5 who showed symptoms of Asram. Asram is a childhood illness complex that is believed to be better managed outside the health facility setting. This study complements existing knowledge and creates opportunities for further research and the introduction of more effective interventions in the effort to improve child survival in rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Princess Ruhama Acheampong
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Aliyu Mohammed
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sampson Twumasi-Ankrah
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael Owusu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Acquah-Gyan
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Timothy Kwabena Adjei
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Easmon Otupiri
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ellis Owusu-Dabo
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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14
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Sylverken AA, Owusu M, Agbavor B, Kwarteng A, Ayisi-Boateng NK, Ofori P, El-Duah P, Yeboah R, Aryeetey S, Addo Asamoah J, Ekekpi RZ, Oppong M, Gorman R, Brempong KA, Nyarko-Afriyie E, Owusu Bonsu F, Larsen-Reindorf R, Rockson Adjei M, Boateng G, Asiedu-Bekoe F, Sarkodie B, Laryea DO, Tinkorang E, Kumah Aboagye P, Nsiah Asare A, Obiri-Danso K, Owusu-Dabo E, Adu-Sarkodie Y, Phillips RO. Using drones to transport suspected COVID-19 samples; experiences from the second largest testing centre in Ghana, West Africa. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277057. [PMID: 36318579 PMCID: PMC9624400 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11 2020, by the World Health Organisation prompted the need for a sustained and a rapid international response. In a swift response, the Government of Ghana, in partnership with Zipline company, launched the use of Unmanned Automated Vehicles (UAV) to transport suspected samples from selected districts to two foremost testing centres in the country. Here, we present the experiences of employing this technology and its impact on the transport time to the second largest testing centre, the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) in Kumasi, Ghana. METHODS Swab samples collected from suspected COVID-19 patients were transported to the Zipline office by health workers. Information on the samples were sent to laboratory personnel located at KCCR through a WhatsApp platform to get them ready to receive the suspected COVID-19 samples while Zipline repackaged samples and transported them via drone. Time of take-off was reported as well as time of drop-off. RESULTS A total of 2537 COVID-19 suspected samples were received via drone transport from 10 districts between April 2020 to June 2021 in 440 deliveries. Ejura-Sekyedumase District Health Directorate delivered the highest number of samples (765; 30%). The farthest district to use the drone was Pru East, located 270 km away from KCCR in Kumasi and 173 km to the Zipline office in Mampong. Here, significantly, it took on the average 39 minutes for drones to deliver samples compared to 117 minutes spent in transporting samples by road (p<0.001). CONCLUSION The use of drones for sample transport during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the travel time taken for samples to be transported by road to the testing site. This has enhanced innovative measures to fight the pandemic using technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- * E-mail:
| | - Michael Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Bernadette Agbavor
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Alex Kwarteng
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Nana Kwame Ayisi-Boateng
- University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Patrick Ofori
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philip El-Duah
- Institute of Virology, Charite, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Richmond Yeboah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sherihane Aryeetey
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jesse Addo Asamoah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Rita Ziem Ekekpi
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Morrah Oppong
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richmond Gorman
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kofi Adjei Brempong
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Emmanuella Nyarko-Afriyie
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | | | - Gifty Boateng
- National Public Health Reference Laboratory, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Badu Sarkodie
- Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Emmanuel Tinkorang
- Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Anthony Nsiah Asare
- Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, Office of the President, Jubilee House, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwasi Obiri-Danso
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ellis Owusu-Dabo
- Department of Global and International Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Yaw Adu-Sarkodie
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richard Odame Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
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15
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Ampah BA, Ayisi-Boateng NK, Sylverken AA, Senyo J, Gyau K, Mensah BNO, Acheampong G, Owusu M. COVID-19 and Burkholderia cepacia co-infection in pregnancy associated with fetal demise: a case report. Pan Afr Med J 2022; 42:173. [PMID: 36187044 PMCID: PMC9482247 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2022.42.173.33813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Abena Ampah
- University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Nana Kwame Ayisi-Boateng
- University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Japhet Senyo
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kennedy Gyau
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | - Michael Owusu
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Corresponding author: Michael Owusu, Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
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16
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Fagbamigbe AF, Tolba MF, Amankwaa EF, Mante PK, Sylverken AA, Zahouli JZB, Goonoo N, Mosi L, Oyebola K, Matoke-Muhia D, de Souza DK, Badu K, Dukhi N. Implications of WHO COVID-19 interim guideline 2020.5 on the comprehensive care for infected persons in Africa Before, during and after clinical management of cases. Sci Afr 2021; 15:e01083. [PMID: 34957351 PMCID: PMC8683379 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e01083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the biggest public health crises globally. Although Africa did not display the worst-case scenario compared to other continents, fears were still at its peak since Africa was already suffering from a heavy load of other life-threatening infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria. Other factors that were anticipated to complicate Africa's outcomes include the lack of resources for diagnosis and contact tracing along with the low capacity of specialized management facilities per capita. The current review aims at assessing and generating discussions on the realities, and pros and cons of the WHO COVID-19 interim guidance 2020.5 considering the known peculiarities of the African continent. A comprehensive evaluation was done for COVID-19-related data published across PubMed and Google Scholar (date of the last search: August 17, 2020) with emphasis on clinical management and psychosocial aspects. Predefined filters were then applied in data screening as detailed in the methods. Specifically, we interrogated the WHO 2020.5 guideline viz-a-viz health priority and health financing in Africa, COVID-19 case contact tracing and risk assessment, clinical management of COVID-19 cases as well as strategies for tackling stigmatization and psychosocial challenges encountered by COVID-19 survivors. The outcomes of this work provide links between these vital sub-themes which may impact the containment and management of COVID-19 cases in Africa in the long-term. The chief recommendation of the current study is the necessity of prudent filtration of the global findings along with regional modelling of the global care guidelines for acting properly in response to this health threat on the regional level without exposing our populations to further unnecessary adversities.
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Key Words
- AFCOR, Africa Task Force for Novel Coronavirus
- AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome
- ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Africa
- C02, carbon dioxide
- COVID-19
- Clinical management
- Contact tracing
- ECMO, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
- GGE, general government expenditure
- GGHE, general government health expenditure
- H2O, Hydrogen
- HIV, Human immunodeficiency virus
- MERS, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
- NHS, national health services
- O2, Oxygen
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder
- RECOVERY, Randomized Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy
- SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome
- Stigmatization
- US-CDC, United States Centre for Disease Control
- WHO guidelines
- WHO, World Health Organization
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Mai F Tolba
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and The Centre of Drug Discovery Research and Development, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.,School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, New Capital City, Egypt
| | - Ebenezer F Amankwaa
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Priscilla Kolibea Mante
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Pharmacology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ashanti, UPO/PMB, Kumasi, Ghana.,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Julien Z B Zahouli
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Centre d'Entomologie Médicale et Vétérinaire, Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Nowsheen Goonoo
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Biomaterials, Drug Delivery and Nanotechnology Unit, Centre for Biomedical Biomaterials Research, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius
| | - Lydia Mosi
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Ghana.,West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Kolapo Oyebola
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Damaris Matoke-Muhia
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dziedzom K de Souza
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kingsley Badu
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ashanti, UPO/PMB, Kumasi, Ghana.,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Natisha Dukhi
- The African Academy of Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya.,Human and Social Capabilities Division, Human Sciences Research Council, 116-118 Buitengracht Street, Merchant House, 3rd floor, Cape Town, Western Cape 8001, South Africa
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17
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Amoako YA, El-Duah P, Sylverken AA, Owusu M, Yeboah R, Gorman R, Adade T, Bonney J, Tasiame W, Nyarko-Jectey K, Binger T, Corman VM, Drosten C, Phillips RO. Rabies is still a fatal but neglected disease: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2021; 15:575. [PMID: 34847928 PMCID: PMC8632207 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-021-03164-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rabies, caused by a lyssavirus, is a viral zoonosis that affects people in many parts of the world, especially those in low income countries. Contact with domestic animals, especially dogs, is the main source of human infections. Humans may present with the disease only after a long period of exposure. Nearly half of rabies cases occur in children <15 years old. We report on a fatal case of rabies in a Ghanaian school child 5 years after the exposure incident, and the vital role of molecular tools in the confirmation of the diagnosis. Case presentation The patient, an 11-year-old junior high school Ghanaian student from the Obuasi Municipality in Ghana, presented with aggressive behavior, which rapidly progressed to confusion and loss of consciousness within a day of onset. Her parents reported that the patient had experienced a bite from a stray dog on her right leg 5 years prior to presentation, for which no antirabies prophylaxis was given. The patient died within minutes of arrival in hospital (within 24 hours of symptom onset). Real-time polymerase chain reaction testing of cerebrospinal fluid obtained after her death confirmed the diagnosis of rabies. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis showed the virus to belong to the Africa 2 lineage of rabies viruses, which is one of the predominant circulating lineages in Ghana. Conclusion The incubation period of rabies is highly variable so patients may only present with symptoms long after the exposure incident. Appropriate molecular testing tools, when available as part of rabies control programmes, are vital in confirming cases of rabies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y A Amoako
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. .,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - P El-Duah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Institute of Virology, Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - A A Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - M Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - R Yeboah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - R Gorman
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - T Adade
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - J Bonney
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - W Tasiame
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Institute of Virology, Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - T Binger
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - V M Corman
- Institute of Virology, Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - C Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - R O Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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18
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Mosi L, Sylverken AA, Oyebola K, Badu K, Dukhi N, Goonoo N, Mante PK, Zahouli J, Amankwaa EF, Tolba MF, Fagbamigbe AF, de Souza DK, Matoke-Muhia D. Correlating WHO COVID-19 interim guideline 2020.5 and testing capacity, accuracy, and logistical challenges in Africa. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 39:89. [PMID: 34466191 PMCID: PMC8379409 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.39.89.27522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. As of 21st April 2021, the disease had affected more than 143 million people with more than 3 million deaths worldwide. Urgent effective strategies are required to control the scourge of the pandemic. Rapid sample collection and effective testing of appropriate specimens from patients meeting the suspect case definition for COVID-19 is a priority for clinical management and outbreak control. The WHO recommends that suspected cases be screened for SARS-CoV-2 virus with nucleic acid amplification tests such as real-time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR). Other COVID-19 screening techniques such as serological and antigen tests have been developed and are currently being used for testing at ports of entry and for general surveillance of population exposure in some countries. However, there are limited testing options, equipment, and trained personnel in many African countries. Previously, positive patients have been screened more than twice to determine viral clearance prior to discharge after treatment. In a new policy directive, the WHO now recommends direct discharge after treatment of all positive cases without repeated testing. In this review, we discuss COVID-19 testing capacity, various diagnostic methods, test accuracy, as well as logistical challenges in Africa with respect to the WHO early discharge policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Mosi
- African Academy of Sciences Affiliates, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.,West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- African Academy of Sciences Affiliates, Nairobi, Kenya.,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana.,Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kolapo Oyebola
- African Academy of Sciences Affiliates, Nairobi, Kenya.,Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley Badu
- African Academy of Sciences Affiliates, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Natisha Dukhi
- African Academy of Sciences Affiliates, Nairobi, Kenya.,Human and Social Capabilities Division, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nowsheen Goonoo
- African Academy of Sciences Affiliates, Nairobi, Kenya.,Biomaterials, Drug Delivery and Nanotechnology Unit, Center for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research (CBBR), University of Mauritius, MSIRI Building, 80837 Reduit, Mauritius
| | - Priscilla Kolibea Mante
- African Academy of Sciences Affiliates, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Pharmacology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Julien Zahouli
- African Academy of Sciences Affiliates, Nairobi, Kenya.,Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d´Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d´Ivoire
| | - Ebenezer Forkuo Amankwaa
- African Academy of Sciences Affiliates, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mai Fathy Tolba
- African Academy of Sciences Affiliates, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.,School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire hosted by Global Academic Foundation, New capital city, Egypt
| | - Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe
- African Academy of Sciences Affiliates, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Dziedzom Komi de Souza
- African Academy of Sciences Affiliates, Nairobi, Kenya.,Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Damaris Matoke-Muhia
- African Academy of Sciences Affiliates, Nairobi, Kenya.,Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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19
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Yeboah R, Sylverken AA, Owusu M, El-Duah P, Burimuah V, Frimpong Y, Lamptey J, Eckerle I, Meyer B, Antwi C, Agbenyaga O, Folitse R, Emikpe B, Oppong SK, Adu-Sarkodie Y, Drosten C. Sero-molecular epidemiology of hepatitis E virus in pigs and human contacts in Ghana. One Health Outlook 2021; 3:13. [PMID: 34154674 PMCID: PMC8218416 DOI: 10.1186/s42522-021-00043-w] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is among the leading causes of viral hepatitis in most developing countries. Zoonotic acquisition of HEV genotype 3 from swine has come into focus more recently. Available studies on HEV in Ghana and other countries in the region do not provide enough information towards understanding the epidemiology of HEV in human and animal populations. Towards this end, we conducted a comparative cross-sectional study to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with HEV exposure, both in swine and humans working on pig farms in typical local settings. The presence of viral RNA in human and swine samples was also evaluated, along with classification of viral sequences from HEV-positive samples. METHODS Structured questionnaires soliciting information on pigs reared, as well as socio-demographic information including age, sex and educational background of humans was collected. A total of 10 ml and 5 ml of whole blood was collected from pigs and human participants respectively. ELISA and real-time RT-PCR were performed on the sera for the qualitative detection of IgG antibodies to hepatitis E virus and viral RNA, respectively. RESULTS Five hundred and forty-four (544) human participants including 264 swine contacts and 280 swine non-contacts were enrolled in the study. Although the proportion of HEV IgG antibodies was higher in contact groups (114; 54.3%) than non-contact groups (96; 45.7%), a multivariate analysis did not show any significant difference. No HEV RNA was detected in human samples. Similarly, 720 pigs were sampled from 18 farms located in five regions in Ghana. Twenty-three (23) of the pigs (3.2, 95%CI = 2.0-4.8) were positive for HEV RNA by real-time RT-PCR testing. Sequences obtained from HEV-positive samples were found to share high sequence identities with each other and clustered with other genotype 3 viruses indicating the existence of circulating zoonotic genotype 3 viruses on farms. Although we did not find evidence of pig to human transmission of HEV genotype 3, the presence of this genotype in pigs shows the potential for possible zoonotic transmission in African farm settings and buttresses the importance of active surveillance for the infection among at risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richmond Yeboah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philip El-Duah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Institute of Virology, Charite, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vitus Burimuah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Yaw Frimpong
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jones Lamptey
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Benjamin Meyer
- Institute of Virology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christopher Antwi
- Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Olivia Agbenyaga
- Department of Agroforestry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Raphael Folitse
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Benjamin Emikpe
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Kingsley Oppong
- Department of Wildlife and Range Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Yaw Adu-Sarkodie
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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20
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Sylverken AA, Kwarteng A, Twumasi-Ankrah S, Owusu M, Arthur RA, Dumevi RM, Adu-Amoah L, Addofoh N, Okyere PB, Dzata F, Bonsu F, Adusi-Poku Y, Kranzer K, Siroka A, van Gemert W, Dean A, Owusu-Dabo E. The burden of drug resistance tuberculosis in Ghana; results of the First National Survey. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252819. [PMID: 34111159 PMCID: PMC8191906 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252819] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to Tuberculosis drugs has become a major threat to the control of tuberculosis (TB) globally. We conducted the first nation-wide drug resistance survey to investigate the level and pattern of resistance to first-line TB drugs among newly and previously treated sputum smear-positive TB cases. We also evaluated associations between potential risk factors and TB drug resistance. Using the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on conducting national TB surveys, we selected study participants from 33 health facilities from across the country, grouped into 29 clusters, and included them into the survey. Between April 2016 and June 2017, a total of 927 patients (859 new and 68 previously treated) were enrolled in the survey. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) isolates were successfully cultured from 598 (65.5%) patient samples and underwent DST, 550 from newly diagnosed and 48 from previously treated patients. The proportion of patients who showed resistance to any of the TB drugs tested was 25.2% (95% CI; 21.8–28.9). The most frequent resistance was to Streptomycin (STR) (12.3%), followed by Isoniazid (INH) (10.4%), with Rifampicin (RIF), showing the least resistance of 2.4%. Resistance to Isoniazid and Rifampicin (multi-drug resistance) was found in 19 (3.2%; 95% CI: 1.9–4.9) isolates. Prevalence of multidrug resistance was 7 (1.3%; 95% CI: 0.5–2.6) among newly diagnosed and 12 (25.0%; 95% CI: 13.6–39.6) among previously treated patients. At both univariate and multivariate analysis, MDR-TB was positively associated with previous history of TB treatment (OR = 5.09, 95% CI: 1.75–14.75, p = 0.003); (OR = 5.41, 95% CI: 1.69–17.30, p = 0.004). The higher levels of MDR-TB and overall resistance to any TB drug among previously treated patients raises concerns about adherence to treatment. This calls for strengthening existing TB programme measures to ensure a system for adequately testing and monitoring TB drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- * E-mail:
| | - Alexander Kwarteng
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sampson Twumasi-Ankrah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael Owusu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Rejoice Agyeiwaa Arthur
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Rexford Mawunyo Dumevi
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Louis Adu-Amoah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Nicholas Addofoh
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Portia Boakye Okyere
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Francisca Dzata
- National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Frank Bonsu
- National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw Adusi-Poku
- National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Andrew Siroka
- Global Tuberculosis Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Wayne van Gemert
- Global Tuberculosis Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anna Dean
- Global Tuberculosis Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ellis Owusu-Dabo
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Global and International Health, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Ohene Larbi R, Ofori LA, Sylverken AA, Ayim-Akonor M, Obiri-Danso K. Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli from Broilers, Pigs, and Cattle in the Greater Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. Int J Microbiol 2021; 2021:5158185. [PMID: 34194507 PMCID: PMC8203396 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5158185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, resistance to antimicrobial drugs in food animals is on the rise. Escherichia coli of livestock, though commensal in nature, serves as reservoir for antimicrobial resistance genes with the potential of disseminating them. This study sought to examine the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli in broilers, pigs, and cattle in the Kumasi Metropolis and undertake molecular characterisation of the resistances. Faecal E. coli isolates (n = 48) were obtained from 10 broiler farms, (n = 43) from 15 pig farms, and (n = 42) from cattle from the Kumasi Abattoir using standard bacteriological techniques. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was employed in testing the sensitivities of 133 E. coli isolates to 15 antimicrobials. All 48 isolates from broilers presented no resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and ceftiofur. A 100% resistance to meropenem was observed in pig and cattle isolates. Multidrug resistance (MDR) across animal groups was 95.8% (n = 46), 95.3% (n = 41), and 64.3% (n = 27) for broilers, pigs, and cattle, respectively. Twenty-eight isolates presenting phenotypic resistance to aminopenicillins and cephalosporins were screened for the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes by PCR. One isolate from poultry and another from cattle tested positive for the blaCTX-M ESBL gene. There were no positives for the blaTEM and blaSHV ESBL genes. Commensal E. coli of food animal origin represents an important reservoir of antimicrobial resistance that transfers resistance to pathogenic and nonpathogenic microbes affecting humans and animals. There is an urgent need to institute routine surveillance for the establishment of the mechanisms and molecular orientation of resistance in these organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Ohene Larbi
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Animal Health Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Animal Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
| | - Linda Aurelia Ofori
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, PMB, UPO, Kumasi 00233, Ghana
| | - Matilda Ayim-Akonor
- Animal Health Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Animal Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwasi Obiri-Danso
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Deberu O, Nkrumah B, Sylverken AA, Sambian D, Acheampong G, Amuasi J, Stebleson A, Agboyie D, Yenbaree M, Mensah S, Dombadoh A, Owusu DO, Abdul-Karim A, Owusu M. Common bacteria in sputum or gastric lavage of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of lower respiratory tract infections. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 38:383. [PMID: 34381527 PMCID: PMC8325465 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.38.383.26333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are infections involving the trachea, primary bronchi and lungs. People with LRTIs typically experience coughs as the primary symptoms; however, shortness of breath, weakness, fever and fatigue may be coupled with the cough. It is common among the aged, children under five and the immune-suppressed. Persons with symptoms suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) may have tuberculosis, other respiratory tract infection or co-infection of tuberculosis and other respiratory pathogens. This study aimed to identify the presence of pathogens in sputum of suspected tuberculosis cases and their antimicrobial resistance patterns. Methods this was a retrospective study conducted from September 2018 to November 2019 at Tamale Public Health Laboratory. Sputum or gastric lavage samples were collected from persons with suspected clinical presentations of TB and/or LRTI. These samples were cultured using standard microbiological protocols and antimicrobial susceptibility test performed on the positive cultures by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Molecular identification of M. tuberculosis was performed on all the suspected TB cases using GeneXpert mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampin (MTB/RIF) assay. Results during the study period, there were 264 cases of which 49.2% were males and 50.8% were females. Positive cases for culture were 47.3%. Out of the 264 cases, 186 (70.5%) were suspected TB with 51.6% being positive for culture, 6.5% positive for M. tuberculosis (GeneXpert confirmed) and 3.8% co-infection of TB with other bacteria pathogens. Klebsiella spp. (35/125; 28%) and Pseudomonas spp. (19/125; 15.2%) were the most predominant pathogens isolated. There was no significant difference in detection of bacteria in males and females (p=0.89), however individuals with suspected TB were significantly infected with other bacterial species than the unsuspected individuals (p=0.03). Almost all the isolates showed high susceptibility towards carbapenem (meropenem) and high resistance towards the third generation cephalosporins (cefotaxime and ceftriaxone). Conclusion this study highlights the need to test individuals with classical symptoms of LRTIs for other bacterial infections other than TB only. Sputum culture is recommended for all suspected tuberculosis cases to provide accurate laboratory diagnosis to LRTIs and mitigate unnecessary use of antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Deberu
- Tamale Public Health Laboratory, Tamale, Ghana.,Centre for Health Systems Strengthening, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - David Sambian
- Centre for Health Systems Strengthening, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - John Amuasi
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael Owusu
- Centre for Health Systems Strengthening, Kumasi, Ghana.,Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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23
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Kwarteng A, Asiedu E, Sylverken AA, Larbi A, Sakyi SA, Asiedu SO. Molecular characterization of interactions between the D614G variant of SARS-CoV-2 S-protein and neutralizing antibodies: A computational approach. Infect Genet Evol 2021; 91:104815. [PMID: 33774178 PMCID: PMC7987576 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The D614G variant of SARS-CoV-2 S-protein emerged in early 2020 and quickly became the dominant circulating strain in Europe and its environs. The variant was characterized by the higher viral load, which is not associated with disease severity, higher incorporation into the virion, and high cell entry via ACE-2 and TMPRSS2. Previous strains of the coronavirus and the current SARS-CoV-2 have demonstrated the selection of mutations as a mechanism of escaping immune responses. In this study, we used molecular dynamics simulation and MM-PBSA binding energy analysis to provide insights into the behaviour of the D614G S-protein at the molecular level and describe the neutralization mechanism of this variant. Our results show that the D614G S-protein adopts distinct conformational dynamics which is skewed towards the open-state conformation more than the closed-state conformation of the wild-type S-protein. Residue-specific variation of amino acid flexibility and domain-specific RMSD suggest that the mutation causes an allosteric conformational change in the RBD. Evaluation of the interaction energies between the S-protein and neutralizing antibodies show that the mutation may enhance, reduce or not affect the neutralizing interactions depending on the neutralizing antibody, especially if it targets the RBD. The results of this study have shed insights into the behaviour of the D614G S-protein at the molecular level and provided a glimpse of the neutralization mechanism of this variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kwarteng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Ebenezer Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Amma Larbi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Asamoah Sakyi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Opoku Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
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Sylverken AA, El-Duah P, Owusu M, Schneider J, Yeboah R, Ayisi-Boateng NK, Gorman R, Adu E, Kwarteng A, Frimpong M, Binger T, Aryeetey S, Asamoah JA, Amoako YA, Amuasi JH, Beheim-Schwarzbach J, Owusu-Dabo E, Adu-Sarkodie Y, Obiri-Danso K, Corman VM, Drosten C, Phillips R. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in northern Ghana: insights from whole-genome sequencing. Arch Virol 2021; 166:1385-1393. [PMID: 33723631 PMCID: PMC7959303 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-04986-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Following the detection of the first imported case of COVID-19 in the northern sector of Ghana, we molecularly characterized and phylogenetically analysed sequences, including three complete genome sequences, of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 obtained from nine patients in Ghana. We performed high-throughput sequencing on nine samples that were found to have a high concentration of viral RNA. We also assessed the potential impact that long-distance transport of samples to testing centres may have on sequencing results. Here, two samples that were similar in terms of viral RNA concentration but were transported from sites that are over 400 km apart were analyzed. All sequences were compared to previous sequences from Ghana and representative sequences from regions where our patients had previously travelled. Three complete genome sequences and another nearly complete genome sequence with 95.6% coverage were obtained. Sequences with coverage in excess of 80% were found to belong to three lineages, namely A, B.1 and B.2. Our sequences clustered in two different clades, with the majority falling within a clade composed of sequences from sub-Saharan Africa. Less RNA fragmentation was seen in sample KATH23, which was collected 9 km from the testing site, than in sample TTH6, which was collected and transported over a distance of 400 km to the testing site. The clustering of several sequences from sub-Saharan Africa suggests regional circulation of the viruses in the subregion. Importantly, there may be a need to decentralize testing sites and build more capacity across Africa to boost the sequencing output of the subregion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, PMB, UPO, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philip El-Duah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, PMB, UPO, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
- Institute of Virology, Charite, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, PMB, UPO, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Julia Schneider
- Institute of Virology, Charite, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Richmond Yeboah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, PMB, UPO, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Richmond Gorman
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, PMB, UPO, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Eric Adu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, PMB, UPO, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Alexander Kwarteng
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, PMB, UPO, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael Frimpong
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, PMB, UPO, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Tabea Binger
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, PMB, UPO, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sherihane Aryeetey
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, PMB, UPO, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jesse Addo Asamoah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, PMB, UPO, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Yaw Ampem Amoako
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - John Humphrey Amuasi
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, PMB, UPO, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Global and International Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Ellis Owusu-Dabo
- Department of Global and International Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Yaw Adu-Sarkodie
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kwasi Obiri-Danso
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Victor Max Corman
- Institute of Virology, Charite, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charite, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, PMB, UPO, 00233 Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Owusu M, Sylverken AA, El-Duah P, Acheampong G, Mutocheluh M, Adu-Sarkodie Y. Sero-epidemiology of human coronaviruses in three rural communities in Ghana. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 38:244. [PMID: 34104292 PMCID: PMC8164429 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.38.244.26110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) are responsible for significant proportions of illnesses and deaths annually. Most of ARIs are of viral etiology, with human coronaviruses (HCoVs) playing a key role. This study was conducted prior to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) to provide evidence about the sero-epidemiology of HCoVs in rural areas of Ghana. METHODS this was a cross-sectional study conducted as part of a large epidemiological study investigating the occurrence of respiratory viruses in 3 rural areas of Ghana; Buoyem, Kwamang and Forikrom. Serum samples were collected and tested for the presence of IgG-antibodies to three HCoVs; HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-NL63 using immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS of 201 subjects enrolled into the study, 97 (48.3%) were positive for all three viruses. The most prevalent virus was HCoV-229E (23%; 95% CI: 17.2 - 29.3), followed by HCoV-OC43 (17%; 95% CI: 12.4 - 23.4), then HCoV-NL63 (8%, 95% CI: 4.6 - 12.6). Subjects in Kwamang had the highest sero-prevalence for HCoV-NL63 (68.8%). human coronaviruses-229E (41.3%) and HCoV-OC43 (45.7%) were much higher in Forikrom compared to the other study areas. There was however no statistical difference between place of origin and HCoVs positivity. Although blood group O+ and B+ were most common among the recruited subjects, there was no significant association (p = 0.163) between blood group and HCoV infection. CONCLUSION this study reports a 48.3% sero-prevalence of HCoVs (OC43, NL63 and 229E) among rural communities in Ghana. The findings provide useful baseline data that could inform further sero-epidemiological studies on SARS-CoV-2 in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Owusu
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Centre for Health Systems Strengthening, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Angelina Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philip El-Duah
- Institute of Virology, Charite, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Mohammed Mutocheluh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Yaw Adu-Sarkodie
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Badu K, Thorn JP, Goonoo N, Dukhi N, Fagbamigbe AF, Kulohoma BW, Oyebola K, Abdelsalam SI, Doorsamy W, Awe O, Sylverken AA, Egeru A, Gitaka J. Africa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic: A review of the nature of the virus, impacts and implications for preparedness. AAS Open Res 2020. [DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13060.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc in different countries across the world, claiming thousands of lives, increasing morbidity and disrupting lifestyles. The global scientific community is in urgent need of relevant evidence, to understand the challenges and knowledge gaps, as well as the opportunities to contain the spread of the virus. Considering the unique socio-economic, demographic, political, ecological and climatic contexts in Africa, the responses which may prove to be successful in other regions may not be appropriate on the continent. This paper aims to provide insight for scientists, policy makers and international agencies to contain the virus and to mitigate its impact at all levels. Methods: The Affiliates of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), came together to synthesize the current evidence, identify the challenges and opportunities to enhance the understanding of the disease. We assess the potential impact of this pandemic and the unique challenges of the disease on African nations. We examine the state of Africa’s preparedness and make recommendations for steps needed to win the war against this pandemic and combat potential resurgence. Results: We identified gaps and opportunities among cross-cutting issues which is recommended to be addressed or harnessed in this pandemic. Factors such as the nature of the virus and the opportunities for drug targeting, point of care diagnostics, health surveillance systems, food security, mental health, xenophobia and gender-based violence, shelter for the homeless, water and sanitation, telecommunications challenges, domestic regional coordination and financing. Conclusion: Based on our synthesis of the current evidence, while there are plans for preparedness in several African countries, there are significant limitations. Multi-sectoral efforts from the science, education, medical, technological, communication, business and industry sectors as well as local communities is required in order to win this fight.
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Sylverken AA, Owusu-Dabo E, Kwarteng A, Twumasi-Ankrah S, Owusu M, Adu-Amoah L, Dumevi RM, Arthur RA, Addofoh N, Dzata F, Bonsu F. Use of social media in a national Tuberculosis Drug Resistance Survey: lessons from the first anti-tuberculosis drug resistance survey in Ghana. AAS Open Res 2019. [DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.12920.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The widespread use of social media applications on mobile phones indicate that smart phones have become more than just a simple medium for voice calling. Several studies have shown the potential benefit of these social media applications in discussing many health conditions. We report on tracking sample transport by public and private transport providers using WhatsApp during the first nationwide drug resistance tuberculosis (TB) survey in Ghana. Methods: The survey was conducted between February 2016 and June 2017, and involved 33 TB diagnostic sites selected on the basis of a two-stage cluster randomized sampling design on both anticipated yield and probability proportional to size method. We engaged the services of privately and publicly owned vehicles’ union to transport samples to the Bacteriology department at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine laboratories for further laboratory processing. We created a mobile social group platform (‘National TBDRS’) on WhatsApp consisting of two representatives from each site as well as other stakeholders. The purpose was to notify a laboratory team in Kumasi, on the following details of the sample: date and time of dispatch, driver’s name, car number, estimated time of arrival, and bus terminal name. Results: A total 3077 WhatsApp messages were received during the survey period. Of these, 2879 (93.57%) messages were related to the survey. We observed a positive correlation between the total number of messages received and the total number of well-packaged sputum samples sent (r=0.89, p=0.02). There were no major transport delays (11:44±03:50) and all samples arrived within a 3-day window from the survey sites. Conclusions: Using WhatsApp as a platform of communication can aid in improving tracking of samples, enhance accountability of for example drivers handling the samples over at a road crossing and communication across health facilities.
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Sylverken AA, Owusu-Dabo E, Kwarteng A, Twumasi-Ankrah S, Owusu M, Adu-Amoah L, Dumevi RM, Arthur RA, Addofoh N, Dzata F, Bonsu F. Use of social media in a national Tuberculosis Drug Resistance Survey: lessons from the first anti-tuberculosis drug resistance survey in Ghana. AAS Open Res 2019. [DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.12920.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The widespread use of social media applications on mobile phones indicate that smart phones have become more than just a simple medium for voice calling. Several studies have shown the potential benefit of these social media applications in discussing many health conditions. We report on tracking sample transport by public and private transport providers using WhatsApp during the first nationwide drug resistance tuberculosis (TB) survey in Ghana. Methods: The survey was conducted between February 2016 and June 2017, and involved 33 TB diagnostic sites selected on the basis of a two-stage cluster randomized sampling design on both anticipated yield and probability proportional to size method. We engaged the services of privately and publicly owned vehicles’ union to transport samples to the central laboratories in Kumasi for further laboratory processing. We created a mobile social group platform (‘National TBDRS’) on WhatsApp consisting of two representatives from each site as well as other stakeholders. The purpose was to notify a laboratory team in Kumasi, on the following details of the sample: date and time of dispatch, driver’s name, car number, estimated time of arrival, and bus terminal name. Results: A total 3077 WhatsApp messages were received during the survey period. Of these, 2879 (93.57%) messages were related to the survey. We observed a positive correlation between the total number of messages received and the total number of well-packaged sputum samples sent (r=0.89, p=0.02). There were no major transport delays (11:44±03:50) and all samples arrived within a 3-day window from the survey sites. Conclusions: Using WhatsApp as a platform of communication can significantly aid in improving tracking of samples, enhance accountability of for example drivers handling the samples over at a road crossing and communication across health facilities.
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Sylverken AA, Owusu-Dabo E, Yar DD, Salifu SP, Awua-Boateng NY, Amuasi JH, Okyere PB, Agyarko-Poku T. P12.12 Bacteria aetiology of sexually transmitted infections at sexually transmitted infection clinic in kumasi, ghana; use of multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction. Br J Vener Dis 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2015-052270.492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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