116 results on '"William Ampofo"'
Search Results
2. Biobehavioral survey using time location sampling among female sex workers living in Ghana in 2020
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Samuel Dery, Chris Guure, Seth Afagbedzi, Augustine Ankomah, William Ampofo, Kyeremeh Atuahene, Comfort Asamoah-Adu, Ernest Kenu, Sharon Stucker Weir, Waimar Tun, Daniel Arhinful, and Kwasi Torpey
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female sex workers ,commercial sex workers ,roamer population ,seater population ,HIV ,STIs ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
BackgroundThe HIV epidemic in Ghana is characterized as a mix of a low-level generalized epidemic with significant contributions from transmission among female sex workers (FSW) and their clients. This study seeks to identify and describe key characteristics and sexual behaviors of FSW and estimate the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) among FSW in Ghana.MethodA total of 7,000 FSW were recruited for the study using Time Location Sampling (TLS) approach with 5,990 (85.6%) participants completing both biological and the behavioral aspects of the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to respondents to assess several factors, such as background characteristics, sexual risk behaviors, condom usage, HIV/AIDS knowledge, opinions, and attitudes. Trained staff conducted face-to-face interviews using mobile data collection software (REDCap) after provision of specimens for HIV and STI testing. Descriptive statistics such as medians, ranges, charts, and percentages are performed and presented. Also included, are bivariate analyses to establish relationships between FSW type and other relevant characteristics of the study.ResultsAmong the 7,000 (100%) FSW sampled from all regions, 6,773 took part in the behavioral and 6,217 the biological. There were 783 (11.2%) respondents who took part only in the behavioral and 227 (3.2%) only in the biological. Most were young, with a median age of 26 years, majority had never been married or were widowed/divorced and a quarter had no education or had only primary education. Majority (74.8%) of FSW first sold sex at age 25 years or less with a median age of 20 years. Most (84.8%) of the FSW indicated that they entered sex work for money, either for self or family and had an average of eleven (11) sexual partners per week. More than half (55.2%) of the FSW were new entrants who had been in sex work for less than 5 years before the study. Consistent condom use with paying clients was generally unsatisfactory (71%), and was however, very low (24%) with their intimate partners or boyfriends. Only about half (54.6%) of FSW have been exposed to HIV prevention services in the last three months preceding the survey, and this varies across regions. Overall, comprehensive knowledge about HIV and AIDS was low. Only 35% of FSW had comprehensive knowledge. HIV prevalence was 4.6% and was higher among seaters (brothel-based) and older FSW who had been sex work for a longer period. The HIV prevalence from the previous bio-behavioral survey (BBS) in 2015 and 2011 were estimated to be 6.9 and 11.1%, respectively.ConclusionCompared to the results from the previous studies, the findings give an indication that Ghana is making significant progress in reducing the burden of HIV among FSW in the country. However, risky behaviors such as low consistent condom use, low coverage of HIV services across the regions, and low comprehensive knowledge could reverse the gains made so far. Immediate actions should be taken to expand coverage of HIV services to all locations. Efforts must be made to reach out to the new entrants while also addressing strongly held myths and misconceptions about HIV.
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- 2024
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3. Whole genome sequencing of outbreak strains from 2017 to 2018 reveals an endemic clade of dengue 1 virus in Cameroon
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Bright Agbodzi, Francine Berlange Sado Yousseu, Fredy Brice Nemg Simo, Selassie Kumordjie, Clara Yeboah, Mba-Tihssommah Mosore, Ronald E. Bentil, Heather G. Coatsworth, Naiki Attram, Shirley Nimo-Paintsil, Anne T. Fox, Joseph H. K. Bonney, William Ampofo, Rhoel R. Dinglasan, Terrel Sanders, Michael R. Wiley, Maurice Demanou, and Andrew G. Letizia
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Dengue virus 1 ,Cameroon ,phylogenetics ,whole genome sequencing ,vaccine ,monoclonal antibodies ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Dengue fever is expanding as a global public health threat including countries within Africa. For the past few decades, Cameroon has experienced sporadic cases of arboviral infections including dengue fever. Here, we conducted genomic analyses to investigate the origin and phylogenetic profile of Cameroon DENV-1 outbreak strains and predict the impact of emerging therapeutics on these strains. Bayesian and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic inference approaches were employed in virus evolutionary analyses. An in silico analysis was performed to assess the divergence in immunotherapeutic and vaccine targets in the new genomes. Six complete DENV-1 genomes were generated from 50 samples that met a clinical definition for DENV infection. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the strains from the current study belong to a sub-lineage of DENV-1 genotype V and form a monophyletic taxon with a 2012 strain from Gabon. The most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of the Cameroon and Gabon strains was estimated to have existed around 2008. Comparing our sequences to the vaccine strains, 19 and 15 amino acid (aa) substitutions were observed in the immuno-protective prM-E protein segments of the Dengvaxia® and TetraVax-DV-TV003 vaccines, respectively. Epitope mapping revealed mismatches in aa residues at positions E155 and E161 located in the epitope of the human anti-DENV-1 monoclonal antibody HMAb 1F4. The new DENV strains constitute a conserved genomic pool of viruses endemic to the Central African region that needs prospective monitoring to track local viral evolution. Further work is needed to ascertain the performance of emerging therapeutics in DENV strains from the African region.
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- 2023
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4. Call detail record aggregation methodology impacts infectious disease models informed by human mobility.
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Hamish Gibbs, Anwar Musah, Omar Seidu, William Ampofo, Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Jonathan Gray, Wole A Adewole, James Cheshire, Michael Marks, and Rosalind M Eggo
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Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
This paper demonstrates how two different methods used to calculate population-level mobility from Call Detail Records (CDR) produce varying predictions of the spread of epidemics informed by these data. Our findings are based on one CDR dataset describing inter-district movement in Ghana in 2021, produced using two different aggregation methodologies. One methodology, "all pairs," is designed to retain long distance network connections while the other, "sequential" methodology is designed to accurately reflect the volume of travel between locations. We show how the choice of methodology feeds through models of human mobility to the predictions of a metapopulation SEIR model of disease transmission. We also show that this impact varies depending on the location of pathogen introduction and the transmissibility of infections. For central locations or highly transmissible diseases, we do not observe significant differences between aggregation methodologies on the predicted spread of disease. For less transmissible diseases or those introduced into remote locations, we find that the choice of aggregation methodology influences the speed of spatial spread as well as the size of the peak number of infections in individual districts. Our findings can help researchers and users of epidemiological models to understand how methodological choices at the level of model inputs may influence the results of models of infectious disease transmission, as well as the circumstances in which these choices do not alter model predictions.
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- 2023
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5. Retrospective Genomic Characterization of a 2017 Dengue Virus Outbreak, Burkina Faso
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Andrew G. Letizia, Catherine B. Pratt, Michael R. Wiley, Anne T. Fox, Mba Mosore, Bright Agbodzi, Clara Yeboah, Selassie Kumordjie, Nicholas Di Paola, Kone Cisse Assana, David Coulidiaty, Casimir Ouedraogo, Joseph H. Kofi Bonney, William Ampofo, Zékiba Tarnagda, and Lassana Sangaré
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dengue virus ,viruses ,vector-borne infections ,mosquito-borne diseases ,outbreak ,Burkina Faso ,Medicine ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Knowledge of contemporary genetic composition of dengue virus (DENV) in Africa is lacking. By using next-generation sequencing of samples from the 2017 DENV outbreak in Burkina Faso, we isolated 29 DENV genomes (5 serotype 1, 16 serotype 2 [DENV-2], and 8 serotype 3). Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the endemic nature of DENV-2 in Burkina Faso. We noted discordant diagnostic results, probably related to genetic divergence between these genomes and the Trioplex PCR. Forward and reverse1 primers had a single mismatch when mapped to the DENV-2 genomes, probably explaining the insensitivity of the molecular test. Although we observed considerable homogeneity between the Dengvaxia and TetraVax-DV-TV003 vaccine strains as well as B cell epitopes compared with these genomes, we noted unique divergence. Continual surveillance of dengue virus in Africa is needed to clarify the ongoing novel evolutionary dynamics of circulating virus populations and support the development of effective diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive countermeasures.
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- 2022
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6. Chikungunya viruses containing the A226V mutation detected retrospectively in Cameroon form a new geographical subclade
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Bright Agbodzi, Francine Berlange Sado Yousseu, Fredy Brice Nemg Simo, Selassie Kumordjie, Clara Yeboah, Mba-Tihssommah Mosore, Ronald E. Bentil, Karla Prieto, Sophie M. Colston, Naiki Attram, Shirley Nimo-Paintsil, Anne T. Fox, Joseph H.K. Bonney, William Ampofo, Heather G. Coatsworth, Rhoel R. Dinglasan, David M. Wolfe, Michael R. Wiley, Maurice Demanou, and Andrew G. Letizia
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Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) ,Cameroon ,New Central African Clade (nCAC) ,E1-A226V ,Aedes albopictus ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Background: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging arbovirus associated with sporadic outbreaks in Cameroon since 2006. Viral whole genomes were generated to analyze the origins of evolutionary lineages, the potential of emergence/re-emergence, and to infer transmission dynamics of recent Cameroon CHIKV outbreak strains. Methods: Samples collected between 2016 and 2019 during CHIKV outbreaks in Cameroon were screened for CHIKV using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), followed by whole genome sequencing of positive samples. Results: Three coding-complete CHIKV genomes were obtained from samples, which belong to an emerging sub-lineage of the East/Central/South African genotype and formed a monophyletic taxon with previous Central African strains. This clade, which we have named the new Central African clade, appears to be evolving at 3.0 × 10−4 nucleotide substitutions per site per year (95% highest posterior density (HPD) interval of 1.94 × 10−4 to 4.1 × 10−4). Notably, mutations in the envelope proteins (E1-A226V, E2-L210Q, and E2-I211T), which are known to enhance CHIKV adaptability and infectious potential in Aedes albopictus, were present in all strains and mapped to established high-density Ae. albopictus populations. Conclusions: These new CHIKV strains constitute a conserved genomic pool of an emerging sub-lineage, reflecting a putative vector host adaptation to Ae. albopictus, which has practically displaced Aedes aegypti from select regions of Cameroon.
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- 2021
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7. Association between mobility, non-pharmaceutical interventions, and COVID-19 transmission in Ghana: A modelling study using mobile phone data
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Hamish Gibbs, Yang Liu, Sam Abbott, Isaac Baffoe-Nyarko, Dennis O. Laryea, Ernest Akyereko, Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Ivy Asantewaa Asante, Oriol Mitjà, William Ampofo, Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Michael Marks, and Rosalind M. Eggo
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Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Governments around the world have implemented non-pharmaceutical interventions to limit the transmission of COVID-19. Here we assess if increasing NPI stringency was associated with a reduction in COVID-19 cases in Ghana. While lockdowns and physical distancing have proven effective for reducing COVID-19 transmission, there is still limited understanding of how NPI measures are reflected in indicators of human mobility. Further, there is a lack of understanding about how findings from high-income settings correspond to low and middle-income contexts. In this study, we assess the relationship between indicators of human mobility, NPIs, and estimates of Rt, a real-time measure of the intensity of COVID-19 transmission. We construct a multilevel generalised linear mixed model, combining local disease surveillance data from subnational districts of Ghana with the timing of NPIs and indicators of human mobility from Google and Vodafone Ghana. We observe a relationship between reductions in human mobility and decreases in Rt during the early stages of the COVID-19 epidemic in Ghana. We find that the strength of this relationship varies through time, decreasing after the most stringent period of interventions in the early epidemic. Our findings demonstrate how the association of NPI and mobility indicators with COVID-19 transmission may vary through time. Further, we demonstrate the utility of combining local disease surveillance data with large scale human mobility data to augment existing surveillance capacity to monitor the impact of NPI policies.
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- 2022
8. Global burden of influenza-associated lower respiratory tract infections and hospitalizations among adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
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Kathryn E Lafond, Rachael M Porter, Melissa J Whaley, Zhou Suizan, Zhang Ran, Mohammad Abdul Aleem, Binay Thapa, Borann Sar, Viviana Sotomayor Proschle, Zhibin Peng, Luzhao Feng, Daouda Coulibaly, Edith Nkwembe, Alfredo Olmedo, William Ampofo, Siddhartha Saha, Mandeep Chadha, Amalya Mangiri, Vivi Setiawaty, Sami Sheikh Ali, Sandra S Chaves, Dinagul Otorbaeva, Onechanh Keosavanh, Majd Saleh, Antonia Ho, Burmaa Alexander, Hicham Oumzil, Kedar Prasad Baral, Q Sue Huang, Adedeji A Adebayo, Idris Al-Abaidani, Marta von Horoch, Cheryl Cohen, Stefano Tempia, Vida Mmbaga, Malinee Chittaganpitch, Mariana Casal, Duc Anh Dang, Paula Couto, Harish Nair, Joseph S Bresee, Sonja J Olsen, Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner, J Pekka Nuorti, Marc-Alain Widdowson, and Global Respiratory Hospitalizations–Influenza Proportion Positive (GRIPP) Working Group
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Medicine - Abstract
BackgroundInfluenza illness burden is substantial, particularly among young children, older adults, and those with underlying conditions. Initiatives are underway to develop better global estimates for influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths. Knowledge gaps remain regarding the role of influenza viruses in severe respiratory disease and hospitalizations among adults, particularly in lower-income settings.Methods and findingsWe aggregated published data from a systematic review and unpublished data from surveillance platforms to generate global meta-analytic estimates for the proportion of acute respiratory hospitalizations associated with influenza viruses among adults. We searched 9 online databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Global Health, LILACS, WHOLIS, and CNKI; 1 January 1996-31 December 2016) to identify observational studies of influenza-associated hospitalizations in adults, and assessed eligible papers for bias using a simplified Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational data. We applied meta-analytic proportions to global estimates of lower respiratory infections (LRIs) and hospitalizations from the Global Burden of Disease study in adults ≥20 years and by age groups (20-64 years and ≥65 years) to obtain the number of influenza-associated LRI episodes and hospitalizations for 2016. Data from 63 sources showed that influenza was associated with 14.1% (95% CI 12.1%-16.5%) of acute respiratory hospitalizations among all adults, with no significant differences by age group. The 63 data sources represent published observational studies (n = 28) and unpublished surveillance data (n = 35), from all World Health Organization regions (Africa, n = 8; Americas, n = 11; Eastern Mediterranean, n = 7; Europe, n = 8; Southeast Asia, n = 11; Western Pacific, n = 18). Data quality for published data sources was predominantly moderate or high (75%, n = 56/75). We estimate 32,126,000 (95% CI 20,484,000-46,129,000) influenza-associated LRI episodes and 5,678,000 (95% CI 3,205,000-9,432,000) LRI hospitalizations occur each year among adults. While adults ConclusionsIn this meta-analysis, we estimated that influenza viruses are associated with over 5 million hospitalizations worldwide per year. Inclusion of both published and unpublished findings allowed for increased power to generate stratified estimates, and improved representation from lower-income countries. Together, the available data demonstrate the importance of influenza viruses as a cause of severe disease and hospitalizations in younger and older adults worldwide.
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- 2021
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9. Diagnosis of tuberculosis among COVID-19 suspected cases in Ghana.
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Theophilus Afum, Prince Asare, Adwoa Asante-Poku, Isaac Darko-Otchere, Portia Abena Morgan, Edmund Bedeley, Diana Asema Asandem, Abdul Basit Musah, Ishaque Mintah Siam, Phillip Tetteh, Yaw Adusi-Poku, Rita Frimpong-Manso, Joseph Humphrey Kofi Bonney, William Ampofo, and Dorothy Yeboah-Manu
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 pandemics are both diseases of public health threat globally. Both diseases are caused by pathogens that infect mainly the respiratory system, and are involved in airborne transmission; they also share some clinical signs and symptoms. We, therefore, took advantage of collected sputum samples at the early stage of COVID-19 outbreak in Ghana to conduct differential diagnoses of long-standing endemic respiratory illness, particularly tuberculosis.MethodologySputum samples collected through the enhanced national surveys from suspected COVID-19 patients and contact tracing cases were analyzed for TB. The sputum samples were processed using Cepheid's GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay in pools of 4 samples to determine the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Positive pools were then decoupled and analyzed individually. Details of positive TB samples were forwarded to the NTP for appropriate case management.ResultsSeven-hundred and seventy-four sputum samples were analyzed for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in both suspected COVID-19 cases (679/774, 87.7%) and their contacts (95/774, 12.3%). A total of 111 (14.3%) were diagnosed with SARS CoV-2 infection and six (0.8%) out of the 774 individuals tested positive for pulmonary tuberculosis: five (83.3%) males and one female (16.7%). Drug susceptibility analysis identified 1 (16.7%) rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis case. Out of the six TB positive cases, 2 (33.3%) tested positive for COVID-19 indicating a coinfection. Stratifying by demography, three out of the six (50%) were from the Ayawaso West District. All positive cases received appropriate treatment at the respective sub-district according to the national guidelines.ConclusionOur findings highlight the need for differential diagnosis among COVID-19 suspected cases and regular active TB surveillance in TB endemic settings.
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- 2021
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10. Viral Zoonoses of National Importance in Ghana: Advancements and Opportunities for Enhancing Capacities for Early Detection and Response
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Richard D. Suu-Ire, Evangeline Obodai, J. H. Kofi Bonney, Samuel O. Bel-Nono, William Ampofo, and Terra R. Kelly
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Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine ,RC955-962 - Abstract
Zoonotic diseases have devastating impacts on human and animal health, livelihoods, and economies. Addressing the complex web of interrelated factors leading to zoonotic disease emergence and spread requires a transdisciplinary, cross-sectoral approach, One Health. The One Health approach, which considers the linkages between the health of people, animals, and their shared environment, presents opportunities to reduce these impacts through a more holistic coordinated strategy to understanding and mitigating disease risks. Understanding the linkages between animal, human, and environmental health risks and outcomes is critical for developing early detection systems and risk reduction strategies to address known and novel zoonotic disease threats. Nearly 70 countries across the world, including Ghana, have signed on to the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), which is facilitating multisectoral approaches to strengthen country capacities in the prevention and early detection of and respond to infectious disease threats. Currently, Ghana has not yet formalized a national One Health policy. The lack of a clearly defined multisectoral platform and limited collaboration among key Ghanaian Ministries, Departments, and Agencies has impacted the country’s ability to effectively mitigate and respond to emerging and reemerging zoonoses. Many of these emerging zoonoses are caused by viruses, which, because of their diversity and evolutionary properties, are perceived to pose the greatest threat to global health security. Here, we review viral zoonoses of national importance and priority in Ghana, highlight recent advancements in One Health capacities, and discuss opportunities for implementing One Health approaches to mitigate zoonotic disease threats.
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- 2021
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11. New Lineage of Lassa Virus, Togo, 2016
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Shannon L.M. Whitmer, Thomas Strecker, Daniel Cadar, Hans-Peter Dienes, Kelly Faber, Ketan Patel, Shelley M. Brown, William G. Davis, John D. Klena, Pierre E. Rollin, Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit, Elisabeth Fichet-Calvet, Bernd Noack, Petra Emmerich, Toni Rieger, Svenja Wolff, Sarah Katharina Fehling, Markus Eickmann, Jan Philipp Mengel, Tilman Schultze, Torsten Hain, William Ampofo, Kofi Bonney, Juliana Naa Dedei Aryeequaye, Bruce Ribner, Jay B. Varkey, Aneesh K. Mehta, G. Marshall Lyon, Gerrit Kann, Philipp De Leuw, Gundolf Schuettfort, Christoph Stephan, Ulrike Wieland, Jochen W.U. Fries, Matthias Kochanek, Colleen S. Kraft, Timo Wolf, Stuart T. Nichol, Stephan Becker, Ute Ströher, and Stephan Günther
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Lassa fever ,Lassa virus ,arenaviruses Old World ,viral hemorrhagic fever ,Togo ,viruses ,Medicine ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
We describe a strain of Lassa virus representing a putative new lineage that was isolated from a cluster of human infections with an epidemiologic link to Togo. This finding extends the known range of Lassa virus to Togo.
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- 2018
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12. Molecular strain typing of the yaws pathogen, Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue.
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Samantha S Katz, Kai-Hua Chi, Eli Nachamkin, Damien Danavall, Fasihah Taleo, Jacob L Kool, Kennedy Kwasi Addo, William Ampofo, Shirley V Simpson, Tun Ye, Kingsley B Asiedu, Ronald C Ballard, Cheng Y Chen, and Allan Pillay
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Yaws is a neglected tropical disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue. The disease primarily affects children under 15 years of age living in low socioeconomic conditions in tropical areas. As a result of a renewed focus on the disease owing to a recent eradication effort initiated by the World Health Organization, we have evaluated a typing method, adapted from and based on the enhanced Centers for Disease Control and Prevention typing method for T. pallidum subsp. pallidum, for possible use in epidemiological studies. Thirty DNA samples from yaws cases in Vanuatu and Ghana, 11 DNA samples extracted from laboratory strains, and 3 published genomic sequences were fully typed by PCR/RFLP analysis of the tpr E, G, and J genes and by determining the number of 60-bp repeats within the arp gene. Subtyping was performed by sequencing a homonucleotide "G" tandem repeat immediately upstream of the rpsA gene and an 84-bp region of tp0548. A total of 22 complete strain types were identified; two strain types in clinical samples from Vanuatu (5q11/ak and 5q12/ak), nine strain types in clinical samples from Ghana (3q12/ah, 4r12/ah, 4q10/j, 4q11/ah, 4q12/ah, 4q12/v, 4q13/ah, 6q10/aj, and 9q10/ai), and twelve strain types in laboratory strains and published genomes (2q11/ae, 3r12/ad, 4q11/ad, 4q12/ad, 4q12/ag, 4q12/v, 5r12/ad, 6r12/x, 6q11/af, 10q9/r, 10q12/r, and 12r12/w). The tpr RFLP patterns and arp repeat sizes were subsequently verified by sequencing analysis of the respective PCR amplicons. This study demonstrates that the typing method for subsp. pallidum can be applied to subsp. pertenue strains and should prove useful for molecular epidemiological studies on yaws.
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- 2018
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13. Current and Novel Approaches in Influenza Management
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Erasmus Kotey, Deimante Lukosaityte, Osbourne Quaye, William Ampofo, Gordon Awandare, and Munir Iqbal
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Influenza virus ,vaccines ,passive immunization ,immunotherapeutics ,Medicine - Abstract
Influenza is a disease that poses a significant health burden worldwide. Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza virus infections. However, conventional vaccines are only effective for a short period of time due to the propensity of influenza viruses to undergo antigenic drift and antigenic shift. The efficacy of these vaccines is uncertain from year-to-year due to potential mismatch between the circulating viruses and vaccine strains, and mutations arising due to egg adaptation. Subsequently, the inability to store these vaccines long-term and vaccine shortages are challenges that need to be overcome. Conventional vaccines also have variable efficacies for certain populations, including the young, old, and immunocompromised. This warrants for diverse efficacious vaccine developmental approaches, involving both active and passive immunization. As opposed to active immunization platforms (requiring the use of whole or portions of pathogens as vaccines), the rapidly developing passive immunization involves administration of either pathogen-specific or broadly acting antibodies against a kind or class of pathogens as a treatment to corresponding acute infection. Several antibodies with broadly acting capacities have been discovered that may serve as means to suppress influenza viral infection and allow the process of natural immunity to engage opsonized pathogens whilst boosting immune system by antibody-dependent mechanisms that bridge the innate and adaptive arms. By that; passive immunotherapeutics approach assumes a robust tool that could aid control of influenza viruses. In this review, we comment on some improvements in influenza management and promising vaccine development platforms with an emphasis on the protective capacity of passive immunotherapeutics especially when coupled with the use of antivirals in the management of influenza infection.
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- 2019
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14. Two Novel Arenaviruses Detected in Pygmy Mice, Ghana
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Karl C. Kronmann, Shirley Nimo-Paintsil, Fady Guirguis, Lisha C. Kronmann, Kofi Bonney, Kwasi Obiri-Danso, William Ampofo, and Elisabeth Fichet-Calvet
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arenaviruses ,viruses ,Lassa virus ,Ghana ,Murinae ,mice ,Medicine ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Two arenaviruses were detected in pygmy mice (Mus spp.) by screening 764 small mammals in Ghana. The Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis), the known Lassa virus reservoir, was the dominant indoor rodent species in 4 of 10 sites, and accounted for 27% of all captured rodents. No rodent captured indoors tested positive for an arenavirus.
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- 2013
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15. Global Role and Burden of Influenza in Pediatric Respiratory Hospitalizations, 1982-2012: A Systematic Analysis.
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Kathryn E Lafond, Harish Nair, Mohammad Hafiz Rasooly, Fátima Valente, Robert Booy, Mahmudur Rahman, Paul Kitsutani, Hongjie Yu, Guiselle Guzman, Daouda Coulibaly, Julio Armero, Daddi Jima, Stephen R C Howie, William Ampofo, Ricardo Mena, Mandeep Chadha, Ondri Dwi Sampurno, Gideon O Emukule, Zuridin Nurmatov, Andrew Corwin, Jean Michel Heraud, Daniel E Noyola, Radu Cojocaru, Pagbajabyn Nymadawa, Amal Barakat, Adebayo Adedeji, Marta von Horoch, Remigio Olveda, Thierry Nyatanyi, Marietjie Venter, Vida Mmbaga, Malinee Chittaganpitch, Tran Hien Nguyen, Andros Theo, Melissa Whaley, Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner, Joseph Bresee, Harry Campbell, Marc-Alain Widdowson, and Global Respiratory Hospitalizations—Influenza Proportion Positive (GRIPP) Working Group
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Medicine - Abstract
BACKGROUND:The global burden of pediatric severe respiratory illness is substantial, and influenza viruses contribute to this burden. Systematic surveillance and testing for influenza among hospitalized children has expanded globally over the past decade. However, only a fraction of the data has been used to estimate influenza burden. In this analysis, we use surveillance data to provide an estimate of influenza-associated hospitalizations among children worldwide. METHODS AND FINDINGS:We aggregated data from a systematic review (n = 108) and surveillance platforms (n = 37) to calculate a pooled estimate of the proportion of samples collected from children hospitalized with respiratory illnesses and positive for influenza by age group (
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- 2016
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16. Recalibration of the limiting antigen avidity EIA to determine mean duration of recent infection in divergent HIV-1 subtypes.
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Yen T Duong, Reshma Kassanjee, Alex Welte, Meade Morgan, Anindya De, Trudy Dobbs, Erin Rottinghaus, John Nkengasong, Marcel E Curlin, Chonticha Kittinunvorakoon, Boonyos Raengsakulrach, Michael Martin, Kachit Choopanya, Suphak Vanichseni, Yan Jiang, Maofeng Qiu, Haiying Yu, Yan Hao, Neha Shah, Linh-Vi Le, Andrea A Kim, Tuan Anh Nguyen, William Ampofo, and Bharat S Parekh
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
BackgroundMean duration of recent infection (MDRI) and misclassification of long-term HIV-1 infections, as proportion false recent (PFR), are critical parameters for laboratory-based assays for estimating HIV-1 incidence. Recent review of the data by us and others indicated that MDRI of LAg-Avidity EIA estimated previously required recalibration. We present here results of recalibration efforts using >250 seroconversion panels and multiple statistical methods to ensure accuracy and consensus.MethodsA total of 2737 longitudinal specimens collected from 259 seroconverting individuals infected with diverse HIV-1 subtypes were tested with the LAg-Avidity EIA as previously described. Data were analyzed for determination of MDRI at ODn cutoffs of 1.0 to 2.0 using 7 statistical approaches and sub-analyzed by HIV-1 subtypes. In addition, 3740 specimens from individuals with infection >1 year, including 488 from patients with AIDS, were tested for PFR at varying cutoffs.ResultsUsing different statistical methods, MDRI values ranged from 88-94 days at cutoff ODn = 1.0 to 177-183 days at ODn = 2.0. The MDRI values were similar by different methods suggesting coherence of different approaches. Testing for misclassification among long-term infections indicated that overall PFRs were 0.6% to 2.5% at increasing cutoffs of 1.0 to 2.0, respectively. Balancing the need for a longer MDRI and smaller PFR (ConclusionsBased on the new data and revised analysis, we recommend an ODn cutoff = 1.5 to classify recent and long-term infections, corresponding to an MDRI of 130 days (118-142). Determination of revised parameters for estimation of HIV-1 incidence should facilitate application of the LAg-Avidity EIA for worldwide use.
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- 2015
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17. Aetiology and factors associated with bacterial diarrhoeal diseases amongst urban refugee children in Eastleigh, Kenya: A case control study
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Waqo G. Boru, Gideon Kikuvi, Jared Omollo, Ahmed Abade, Samuel Amwayi, William Ampofo, Elizabeth T. Luman, and Joseph Oundo
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Kenya, diarrhea, Bacterial etiology, refugees ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 ,Medicine (General) ,R5-920 - Abstract
Introduction: Kenya is home to over 400 000 refugees from neighbouring countries. There is scanty information about diarrhoea amongst urban refugees in Kenya. Objectives: We investigated the enteric bacteria causing diarrhoea amongst urban refugee children and described the associated factors. Method: During the period of August–December 2010, urban refugee children between the ages of two and five who attended Eastleigh County Council Health Centre were enrolled into the study. Diarrhoeal cases were compared with age-matched children with no diarrhoea (controls). Stool specimens were collected and enteric bacteria isolated. A questionnaire was administered to identify risk factors. Results: A total of 41 cases and 41 controls were enrolled in the study. The age and country of origin were similar for cases and controls. The bacterial isolation rates amongst the cases were: non-pathogenic Escherichia coli 71%, Shigella dysenteriae 2.4%, Shigella flexneri 2.4%, Salmonella paratyphi 5%. For the controls, non-pathogenic E. coli 90% and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC)2.4% were amongst the organisms isolated. All isolates were resistant to amoxicillin; resistance to other antibiotics varied by isolate type. Factors associated independently with diarrhoea included children not washing their hands with soap (aOR 5.9, p < 0.05), neighbour(s) having diarrhoea (aOR 39.8, p < 0.05), children not exclusively breastfed for their first 6 months (aOR 7.6, p < 0.05) and children eating food cooked the previous day (aOR 23.8, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Shigella species, Salmonella species and ETEC were found to be responsible for diarrhoea amongst the urban refugee children. Measures to control and guide the use of antibiotics are critical for the prevention of antibiotic resistance. Efforts to improve personal and domestic hygiene, including educational campaigns to promote appropriate handwashing, should be encouraged.
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- 2013
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18. Chikungunya viruses containing the A226V mutation detected retrospectively in Cameroon form a new geographical subclade
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Clara Yeboah, Heather Coatsworth, Joseph H.K. Bonney, Fredy Brice N. Simo, Mba Tihssommah Mosore, Selassie Kumordjie, Anne Fox, Bright Agbodzi, Rhoel R. Dinglasan, Sophie M. Colston, William Ampofo, Michael R. Wiley, Karla Prieto, Ronald Essah Bentil, Andrew G. Letizia, Shirley C. Nimo-Paintsil, David M. Wolfe, Maurice Demanou, Naiki Attram, and Francine Berlange Sado Yousseu
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Microbiology (medical) ,E1-A226V ,Aedes albopictus ,Mosquito Vectors ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 ,Biology ,medicine.disease_cause ,Arbovirus ,Disease Outbreaks ,Aedes ,Genotype ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,Chikungunya ,Cameroon ,Clade ,Phylogeny ,Retrospective Studies ,Outbreak ,virus diseases ,Subclade ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Virology ,Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) ,Infectious Diseases ,Mutation ,Chikungunya Fever ,Host adaptation ,Chikungunya virus ,New Central African Clade (nCAC) - Abstract
Background Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging arbovirus associated with sporadic outbreaks in Cameroon since 2006. Viral whole genomes were generated to analyze the origins of evolutionary lineages, the potential of emergence/re-emergence, and to infer transmission dynamics of recent Cameroon CHIKV outbreak strains. Methods Samples collected between 2016 and 2019 during CHIKV outbreaks in Cameroon were screened for CHIKV using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), followed by whole genome sequencing of positive samples. Results Three coding-complete CHIKV genomes were obtained from samples, which belong to an emerging sub-lineage of the East/Central/South African genotype and formed a monophyletic taxon with previous Central African strains. This clade, which we have named the new Central African clade, appears to be evolving at 3.0 × 10−4 nucleotide substitutions per site per year (95% highest posterior density (HPD) interval of 1.94 × 10−4 to 4.1 × 10−4). Notably, mutations in the envelope proteins (E1-A226V, E2-L210Q, and E2-I211T), which are known to enhance CHIKV adaptability and infectious potential in Aedes albopictus, were present in all strains and mapped to established high-density Ae. albopictus populations. Conclusions These new CHIKV strains constitute a conserved genomic pool of an emerging sub-lineage, reflecting a putative vector host adaptation to Ae. albopictus, which has practically displaced Aedes aegypti from select regions of Cameroon.
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- 2021
19. A Research and Development (R&D) roadmap for influenza vaccines: Looking toward the future
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William Ampofo, Michael T. Osterholm, Rebecca Jane Cox, Florian Krammer, Josephine P. Golding, Gagandeep Kang, Benjamin J. Cowling, Martin Friede, Ann Moen, Julia T. Ostrowsky, Cheryl Cohen, Joseph S. Bresee, Marilda M. Siqueira, Angela J. Mehr, Charlotte L. Weller, Kristine A. Moore, Bruce G. Gellin, Jerry P. Weir, Wendy S. Barclay, Alison Kraigsley, Ian D. Gust, Jacqueline M. Katz, Larisa Rudenko, Bruce L. Innis, Diane J. Post, Punnee Pitisuttithum, Peter Hart, and Marco Cavaleri
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2019-20 coronavirus outbreak ,Process management ,General Veterinary ,General Immunology and Microbiology ,Influenza vaccine ,Human influenza ,Research ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,virus diseases ,Priority areas ,Key issues ,Seasonal influenza ,Infectious Diseases ,Orthomyxoviridae Infections ,Influenza Vaccines ,Political science ,Influenza, Human ,Pandemic ,Animals ,Humans ,Molecular Medicine ,Universal Influenza Vaccines ,Pandemics - Abstract
Improved influenza vaccines are urgently needed to reduce the burden of seasonal influenza and to ensure a rapid and effective public-health response to future influenza pandemics. The Influenza Vaccines Research and Development (R&D) Roadmap (IVR) was created, through an extensive international stakeholder engagement process, to promote influenza vaccine R&D. The roadmap covers a 10-year timeframe and is organized into six sections: virology; immunology; vaccinology for seasonal influenza vaccines; vaccinology for universal influenza vaccines; animal and human influenza virus infection models; and policy, finance, and regulation. Each section identifies barriers, gaps, strategic goals, milestones, and additional R&D priorities germane to that area. The roadmap includes 113 specific R&D milestones, 37 of which have been designated high priority by the IVR expert taskforce. This report summarizes the major issues and priority areas of research outlined in the IVR. By identifying the key issues and steps to address them, the roadmap not only encourages research aimed at new solutions, but also provides guidance on the use of innovative tools to drive breakthroughs in influenza vaccine R&D. publishedVersion
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- 2021
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20. Incidence of Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza among HIV-Infected versus HIV-Uninfected Individuals in Two Districts of Ghana, 2014 to 2016
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Neha Balachandran, Edem Badji, Jazmin Duque, Kennedy Brightson, Elijah Paa Edu-Quansah, Ekua Essumanma Houphouet, Talla Nzussouo Ndahwouh, Christabel Addo, Meredith McMorrow, William Ampofo, Michael Ntiri, and Kwadwo A. Koram
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Adult ,Employment ,Male ,Person years ,Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) ,HIV Infections ,Rate ratio ,medicine.disease_cause ,Ghana ,Cohort Studies ,Virology ,Hiv infected ,Influenza, Human ,Humans ,Medicine ,Prospective Studies ,Prospective cohort study ,Respiratory illness ,business.industry ,Incidence ,Incidence (epidemiology) ,Significant difference ,virus diseases ,Articles ,Infectious Diseases ,Educational Status ,Female ,Parasitology ,business ,Demography - Abstract
Influenza is known to cause severe respiratory illness in HIV-infected adults, but there are few data describing the relationship between HIV infection and influenza in West African countries such as Ghana. We conducted a prospective cohort study in the Shai-Osudoku and Ningo Prampram districts of Ghana from 2014 to 2016. Beginning May 2014, 266 HIV-infected and 510 HIV-uninfected participants age 18 to 73 years were enrolled and monitored for 12 months. We observed 4 and 11 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected persons, respectively. The overall rate of laboratory-confirmed influenza among HIV-infected participants was 15.0 per 1,000 person years (PY) (95% CI, 0.3–29.80 per 1,000 PY), whereas that among HIV-uninfected participants was 21.6 per 1,000 PY (95% CI, 8.8–34.3 per 1,000 PY) (incidence density ratio, 0.70; P = 0.56). Our study found no significant difference in the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated illness among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected individuals in Ghana.
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- 2021
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21. Molecular diagnosis for the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2: lessons learnt from the Ghana experience
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Humphrey K. Bonney, Linda Boatemaa, Erasmus N. Kotey, Vanessa Magnusen, William Ampofo, John Kofi Odoom, Stephen Nyarko, Mildred Adusei-Poku, Evelyn Y. Bonney, Helena Lamptey, Ivy A. Asante, George B. Kyei, James Aboagye, and Evangeline Obodai
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0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,National Health Programs ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,030106 microbiology ,Ghana ,World health ,Special Article ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,molecular diagnosis ,Pandemic ,Epidemiology ,medicine ,Humans ,Infection control ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Infection Control ,SARS-CoV-2 ,business.industry ,COVID-19 ,medicine.disease ,Test (assessment) ,COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing ,Population Surveillance ,Medical emergency ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus ,Contact Tracing ,business ,“pooling” ,Contact tracing - Abstract
Summary Background A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 is currently causing a worldwide pandemic. The first cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were recorded in Ghana on March 12, 2020. Since then, the country has been combatting countrywide community spread. This report describes how the Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) is supporting the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to diagnose infections with this virus in Ghana. Methods The National Influenza Centre (NIC) in the Virology Department of the NMIMR, adopted real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) assays for the diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 in January 2020. Samples from suspected cases and contact tracing across Ghana were received and processed for SARS-CoV-2. Samples were ‘pooled’ to enable simultaneous batch testing of samples without reduced sensitivity. Outcomes From February 3 to August 21, the NMIMR processed 283 946 (10%) samples. Highest number of cases were reported in June when the GHS embarked on targeted contact tracing which led to an increase in number of samples processed daily, peaking at over 7,000 samples daily. There were several issues to overcome including rapid consumption of reagents and consumables. Testing however continued successfully due to revised procedures, additional equipment and improved pipeline of laboratory supplies. Test results are now provided within 24 to 48 hours of sample submission enabling more effective response and containment. Conclusion Following the identification of the first cases of SARS-CoV-2infection by the NMIMR, the Institute has trained other centres and supported the ramping up of molecular testing capacity in Ghana. This provides a blueprint to enable Ghana to mitigate further epidemics and pandemics. Funding The laboratory work was supported with materials from the Ghana Health Service Ministry of Health, the US Naval Medical Research Unit #3, the World Health Organization, the Jack Ma Foundation and the University of Ghana Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. Other research projects hosted by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research contributed reagents and laboratory consumables. The funders had no role in the preparation of this manuscript.
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- 2020
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22. Genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 reveals local viral evolution in Ghana
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Linda Boatemaa, Evangeline Obodai, Gordon A. Awandare, Ivy A. Asante, George B. Kyei, Isaac Darko Otchere, Miriam Eshun, Joyce M. Ngoi, Collins M. Morang’a, Joseph H.K. Bonney, Abraham K. Anang, Nicaise Tuikue Ndam, Dominic S. Y. Amuzu, Augustina K. Arjarquah, Lucas Amenga-Etego, Erasmus N. Kotey, Frederick Tei-Maya, William Ampofo, John Kofi Odoom, Evelyn Y. Bonney, Peter K. Quashie, Bright Adu, Vanessa Magnusen, Yaw Bediako, Selassie Kumordjie, and Joe Kimanthi Mutungi
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0301 basic medicine ,novel coronavirus ,Sequence assembly ,Genomics ,Genome, Viral ,Biology ,Ghana ,Genome ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology ,Evolution, Molecular ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Phylogenetics ,evolution ,genomics ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Clade ,Phylogeny ,Original Research ,Genetics ,Phylogenetic tree ,SARS-CoV-2 ,COVID-19 ,Amplicon ,3. Good health ,030104 developmental biology ,Viral evolution - Abstract
The confirmed case fatality rate for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Ghana has dropped from a peak of 2% in March to be consistently below 1% since May 2020. Globally, case fatality rates have been linked to the strains/clades of circulating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) within a specific country. Here we present 46 whole genomes of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in Ghana, from two separate sequencing batches: 15 isolates from the early epidemic (March 12–April 1 2020) and 31 from later time-points ( 25–27 May 2020). Sequencing was carried out on an Illumina MiSeq system following an amplicon-based enrichment for SARS-CoV-2 cDNA. After genome assembly and quality control processes, phylogenetic analysis showed that the first batch of 15 genomes clustered into five clades: 19A, 19B, 20A, 20B, and 20C, whereas the second batch of 31 genomes clustered to only three clades 19B, 20A, and 20B. The imported cases (6/46) mapped to circulating viruses in their countries of origin, namely, India, Hungary, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. All genomes mapped to the original Wuhan strain with high similarity (99.5–99.8%). All imported strains mapped to the European superclade A, whereas 5/9 locally infected individuals harbored the B4 clade, from the East Asian superclade B. Ghana appears to have 19B and 20B as the two largest circulating clades based on our sequence analyses. In line with global reports, the D614G linked viruses seem to be predominating. Comparison of Ghanaian SARS-CoV-2 genomes with global genomes indicates that Ghanaian strains have not diverged significantly from circulating strains commonly imported into Africa. The low level of diversity in our genomes may indicate lower levels of transmission, even for D614G viruses, which is consistent with the relatively low levels of infection reported in Ghana.
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- 2020
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23. Management of TB/HIV co-infection: the state of the evidence
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William Ampofo, Lily Ogyiri, Margaret Lartey, Audrey Forson, Peter Puplampu, Joseph Akamah, Kwasi Torpey, and Adwoa Agyei-Nkansah
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Tuberculosis ,Anti-HIV Agents ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Antitubercular Agents ,Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) ,HIV Infections ,Drug resistance ,medicine.disease_cause ,Ghana ,Special Article ,Environmental health ,Active tb ,medicine ,Humans ,National level ,media_common ,AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections ,Coinfection ,business.industry ,HIV ,virus diseases ,medicine.disease ,Treatment Outcome ,Increased risk ,Worry ,MDR TB ,business ,management ,Co infection - Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV are strongly linked. There is a 19 times increased risk of developing active TB in people living with HIV than in HIV-negative people with Sub-Saharan Africa being the hardest hit region. According to the WHO, 1.3 million people died from TB, and an additional 300,000 TB-related deaths among people living with HIV. Although some progress has been made in reducing TB-related deaths among people living with HIV due to the evolution of diagnostics, treatment and antiretroviral HIV treatment, multi drug resistant TB is becoming a source of worry. Though significant progress has been made at the national level, understanding the state of the evidence and the challenges will better inform the national response of the opportunities for improved patient outcomes.Keywords: Tuberculosis, management, HIV, MDR TB, GhanaFunding: None
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- 2020
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24. Molecular detection of viral pathogens from suspected viral hemorrhagic fever patients in Ghana
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Deborah Pratt, Ivy A. Asante, Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Erasmus Kotey, William Ampofo, Stephen Nyarko, Christopher Zaab-Yen Abana, Badu Sarkodie, Evelyn Y. Bonney, Theodore W Asigbee, Joseph Hk Bonney, Gifty Mawuli, and Keren Attiku
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0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Ebola virus ,business.industry ,030231 tropical medicine ,Yellow fever ,Outbreak ,medicine.disease ,medicine.disease_cause ,Viral hemorrhagic fever ,Dengue fever ,03 medical and health sciences ,Hemorrhagic Fevers ,030104 developmental biology ,0302 clinical medicine ,Emergency medicine ,medicine ,General Materials Science ,Chikungunya ,business ,Lassa fever - Abstract
Background: Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are infectious illnesses that can cause serious morbidity and mortality to infected persons. During the 2014 Ebola virus disease outbreak in some West African countries, Ghana revamped its surveillance system across the country to prepare, effectively respond and pre-empt any public health concerns Objective: We report on suspected VHF clinical specimens submitted to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) from health facilities across the country for diagnosis within the period under review. This was partly to provide rapid response and to alert the health system to prevent outbreaks and its spread. Methods: From January 2017 to December 2018 clinical specimens of blood from 149 cases of suspected VHFs were collected at health facilities across the country and sent to NMIMR. Patient specimens were tested for viral pathogens including Lassa fever, Yellow fever, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Zika, Ebola and Marburg by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. A case was however tested for influenza as the patient exhibited respiratory distress symptoms as well. Demographic and clinical information collected on a structured case-based forms were analyzed for each patient. Results: Out of the 149 clinical specimens tested, three (3) were found to be positive, with two (2) being Dengue and one (1) seasonal Influenza A H1N1. Analysis of the case-based forms revealed shortcomings with regards to standard case definitions used to enroll suspected cases. Conclusion: Our results buttress the need for a routine surveillance activity for VHFs to minimize spread and possibly forestall outbreaks. Moreover, febrile illnesses can be caused by a host of pathogens hence there is a need for enhanced diagnosis to help in patient management.
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- 2020
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25. Assessment of Effectiveness of Problem Based Learning Pedagogical Approach in Radiography Education in a Tertiary Institution in Ghana
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James William Ampofo, Ishmael Nii Ofori, Philip Narteh Gorleku, Savanna Nyarko, Albert Dayor Piersson, Emmanuel Kobina Mesi Edzie, and Jacob Setorglo
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Medical education ,020205 medical informatics ,business.industry ,Radiography ,education ,Medical school ,Tertiary institution ,030206 dentistry ,02 engineering and technology ,Education ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Health promotion ,Diagnostic medical sonography ,Problem-based learning ,0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering ,Psychology ,business ,Competence (human resources) ,Accreditation - Abstract
A newly accredited department to train Radiographers in the college of health sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana was motivated by the great success story of graduating Doctors from the medical school of the same college that uses Problem-Based Learning (PBL) as the main pedagogy. Therefore, the new Radiography department decided to use PBL as the main mode of pedagogy for the training of the radiographers. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the PBL mode of pedagogy from students’ perspective so that lessons can be learnt thereof. A questionnaire was used to gather responses from 272 students (190 males, 82 females) reading diagnostic imaging technology (Radiography) and diagnostic medical sonography programmes. The results showed 100% response rate from the respondents. On whether students prefer PBL to traditional lectures, 32.5% agreed, 63.2% strongly agreed with only 2.2% and 1.5% who disagreed and strongly disagreed respectively and 0.7% neither agreed nor disagreed. Also, 52.2% and 36.4% of the respondents agreed that PBL develops competence and confidence in self-directed learning, 37.5% and 55.5% respondents further strongly agreed to the same set of statements. However only 4.4% and 2.6% respectively disagreed with the same set of statements with 2.2% and 3.3% respectively neither agreed nor disagreed. Majority (59.1%) of the students identified inadequate resources to carry out the PBL activities as their main challenge with PBL. Therefore, from the students’ perspective, PBL mode of pedagogy is appropriate for radiography education, it is high-quality and has significantly impacted on students clinical understanding, retention of information, presentation, health promotion and skills development.
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- 2020
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26. SARS-CoV-2 detection among international air travellers to Ghana during mandatory quarantine
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John Kofi Odoom, James Aboagye, Lawrence Lartey, Joseph Bonney, George B. Kyei, William Ampofo, Mildred A. Adusei-Poku, Ivy A. Asante, Ernest K. Asiedu, Bright Adu, Evangeline Obodai, and Evelyn Y. Bonney
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2019-20 coronavirus outbreak ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,business.industry ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,Outcome measures ,COVID-19 ,Ghana ,law.invention ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,law ,Environmental health ,Quarantine ,Pandemic ,Medicine ,Humans ,Early phase ,business ,Retrospective Studies - Abstract
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 detection among international travellers to Ghana during mandatory quarantine. Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study. Setting: Air travellers to Ghana on 21st and 22nd March 2020. Participants: On 21st and 22nd March 2020, a total of 1,030 returning international travellers were mandatorily quarantined in 15 different hotels in Accra and tested for SARS-CoV-2. All of these persons were included in the study. Main outcome measure: Positivity for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction. Results: The initial testing at the beginning of quarantine found 79 (7.7%) individuals to be positive for SARS-CoV- 2. In the exit screening after 12 to 13 days of quarantine, it was discovered that 26 of those who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 in the initial screening subsequently tested positive. Conclusions: Ghana likely averted an early community spread of COVID-19 through the proactive approach to quarantine international travellers during the early phase of the pandemic. © 2021 Clinical Archives of Communication Disorders. All rights reserved.
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- 2022
27. Data management during COVID-19 outbreak response in Ghana: a reference laboratory perspective on key issues and measures
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Evelyn Y. Bonney, Kwadwo A. Koram, George B. Kyei, Ivy A. Asante, Evangeline Obodai, Helena Lamptey, John Kofi Odoom, Ernest Kenu, William Ampofo, James Aboagye, Mildred A. Adusei-Poku, Joseph Bonney, and Bright Adu
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,business.industry ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,Data management ,Perspective (graphical) ,COVID-19 ,Turnaround time ,Ghana ,Test (assessment) ,Disease Outbreaks ,Pandemic ,Global health ,Medicine ,Humans ,Operations management ,business ,Laboratories ,Pandemics ,Data Management - Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is an important subject for global health. Ghana experienced lowmoderate transmission of the disease when the first case was detected in March 12, 2020 until the middle of July when the number of cases begun to drop. By August 24, 2020, the country's total number of confirmed cases stood at 43,622, with 263 deaths. By the same time, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) of the University of Ghana, the primary testing centre for COVID-19, had tested 285,501 with 28,878 confirmed cases. Due to database gaps, there were initial challenges with timely reporting and feedback to stakeholders during the peak surveillance period. The gaps resulted from mismatches between samples and their accompanying case investigation forms, samples without case investigation forms and vice versa, huge data entry requirements, and delayed test results. However, a revamp in data management procedures, and systems helped to improve the turnaround time for reporting results to all interested parties and partners. Additionally, inconsistencies such as multiple entries and discrepant patient-sample information were resolved by introducing a barcoding electronic capture system. Here, we describe the main challenges with COVID-19 data management and analysis in the laboratory and recommend measures for improvement. © 2021 Clinical Archives of Communication Disorders. All rights reserved.
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- 2022
28. Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Ghana: Leveraging an Integrated National Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 Platform
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Ivy Asante, Sharon Nienyun Hsu, Linda Boatemaa, Loretta Kwash, Mildred Aduesi-Poku, John Kofi Odom, Yaw Awuku-Larbi, Benjami H. Foulkes, Joseph Oliver-Commey, Ernest Asiedu, Matthew Parker, Oriol Mitja, Rosalind M. Eggo, Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Dennis Odai Laryea, Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Michael Marks, Thushan I. de Silva, and William Ampofo
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History ,Polymers and Plastics ,Business and International Management ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering - Published
- 2022
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29. Tracking genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Ghana after one year of surveillance
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Israel Osei-Wusu, Samuel Armoo, Paul Owusu-Oduro, Sylvester Dassah, Samuel Akoriyea, Frederick Kumi-Ansah, Ivy Asante, Lucas Amenga-Etego, Nicaise Ndam, Victor Asoala, William Ampofo, Isaac Ogbe, Vincent Appiah, Bright Yemi, Collins Morang'a, Deborah Mettle, Dominic Amuzu, Emmanuel Allegye-Cudjoe, Michael Owusu, Dam Mibut, Emmanuella Amoako, Nicholas Amoako, Samirah Saiid, Kesego Tapela, Dennis Adu-Gyasi, Lawrence Ofori-Boadu, Philip Soglo, Oliver Boakye, Violette M'cormack, Enock Amoako, Augustina Sylverken, Precious Opurum, Abdul-Karim Abass, Peter Quashie, Reuben Ayivor-Djanie, Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Jones Gyamfi, Joseph Oliver-Commey, Theophilus Odoom, Richard Phillips, Jerry Quaye, John Gyapong, Francis Dzabeng, Gordon Awandare, Frederick Tei-Maya, Kwabena Duedu, Vanessa Magnussen, Evelyn Quansah, Patrick Ababio, Joyce Ngoi, Kwaku Poku Asante, Edward Fenteng, Benjamin Nuertey, Rosina Carr, Yaw Bediako, and Mike Y. Osei-Atweneboana
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Genetic diversity ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,Tracking (education) ,Biology ,Virology - Abstract
This study sequenced 1077 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from patient isolates (106 from arriving travellers and 971 from communities) to track the molecular evolution and spatio-temporal dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 variants in Ghana. The data show that initial local transmission was dominated by B.1.1 lineages, but the second wave in Ghana was overwhelmingly driven by the Alpha variant, which was detected in community cases from January 2021, with Eta also contributing to reported cases. Subsequently, an unheralded variant under monitoring, B.1.1.318, dominated transmission from April to June 2021 before being displaced by Delta (B.1.1.617) and Delta Plus (AY.*) variants, which were introduced into community transmission in May 2021 and have remained dominant to date. Mutational analysis indicated that variants that took hold in Ghana harboured transmission enhancing and immune escape spike substitutions. The apparent rapid viral evolution observed demonstrate the potential for emergence of novel variants with greater mutational fitness.
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- 2021
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30. Association between mobility, non-pharmaceutical interventions, and COVID-19 transmission in Ghana: a modelling study using mobile phone data
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Ivy A. Asante, Kuma-Aboagye P, Akyereko E, Hamish Gibbs, William Ampofo, Asiedu-Bekoe F, Yang Liu, Laryea Do, Rosalind M Eggo, Sam Abbott, Baffoe-Nyarko I, Oriol Mitjà, and Michael Marks
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Disease surveillance ,Transmission (mechanics) ,Public economics ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,Distancing ,law ,Scale (social sciences) ,Psychological intervention ,Business ,Disease transmission ,Personal protective equipment ,Article ,law.invention - Abstract
BackgroundGovernments around the world have implemented non-pharmaceutical interventions to limit the transmission of COVID-19. While lockdowns and physical distancing have proven effective for reducing COVID-19 transmission, there is still limited understanding of how NPI measures are reflected in indicators of human mobility. Further, there is a lack of understanding about how findings from high-income settings correspond to low and middle-income contexts.MethodsIn this study, we assess the relationship between indicators of human mobility, NPIs, and estimates of Rt, a real-time measure of the intensity of COVID-19 transmission. We construct a multilevel generalised linear mixed model, combining local disease surveillance data from subnational districts of Ghana with the timing of NPIs and indicators of human mobility from Google and Vodafone Ghana.FindingsWe observe a relationship between reductions in human mobility and decreases in Rt during the early stages of the COVID-19 epidemic in Ghana. We find that the strength of this relationship varies through time, decreasing after the most stringent period of interventions in the early epidemic.InterpretationOur findings demonstrate how the association of NPI and mobility indicators with COVID-19 transmission may vary through time. Further, we demonstrate the utility of combining local disease surveillance data with large scale human mobility data to augment existing surveillance capacity and monitor the impact of NPI policies.Research in ContextEvidence before this studyWe searched PubMed and preprint archives for articles published in English that contained information about the COVID-19 pandemic published up to Nov 1, 2021, using the search terms “coronavirus”, “CoV”, “COVID-19”, “mobility”, “movement”, and “flow”. The data thus far suggests that NPI measures including physical distancing, reduction of travel, and use of personal protective equipment have been demonstrated to reduce COVID-19 transmission. Much of the existing research focuses on comparisons of NPI stringency with COVID-19 transmission among different high-income countries, or on high-income countries, leaving critical questions about the applicability of these findings to low- and middle-income settings.Added value of this studyWe used a detailed COVID-19 surveillance dataset from Ghana, and unique high resolution spatial data on human mobility from Vodafone Ghana as well as Google smartphone GPS location data. We show how human mobility and NPI stringency were associated with changes in the effective reproduction number (Rt). We further demonstrate how this association was strongest in the early COVID-19 outbreak in Ghana, decreasing after the relaxation of national restrictions.Implications of all the available evidenceThe change in association between human mobility, NPI stringency, and Rt may reflect a “decoupling” of NPI stringency and human mobility from disease transmission in Ghana as the COVID-19 epidemic progressed. This finding provides public health decision makers with important insights for the understanding of the utility of mobility data for predicting the spread of COVID-19.
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- 2021
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31. A year of genomic surveillance reveals how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic unfolded in Africa
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Aida Elargoubi, John M. Morobe, Jiro Yasuda, Madisa Mine, Faustinos T. Takawira, Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum, Amal Souissi, Hela Karray, Dominique Goedhals, Michael Owusu, Mitoha O. Ayekaba, Pascale Ondoa, Bryan Fulbert Nkengfack Tegomoh, Daniel G. Amoako, Mathabo Mareka, Sameh Trabelsi, Dorcas Maruapula, Magalutcheemee Ramuth, Danny S. Park, Bamidele Soji Oderinde, Maitshwarelo I. Matsheka, Robert A. Kingsley, Philippe Dussart, Matthew Cotten, Hesham A. Elgahzaly, Oyewale Tomori, Arash Iranzadeh, Nicksy Gumede, Marta Giovanetti, Folarin Onikepe, Omoruyi E. Chukwuma, Nnaemeka Ndodo, Mba Nwando, Oladiji Femi, Sylvie L. Budiaki, Gemma L. Kay, Johnson C. Okolie, Saber Masmoudi, Okokhere Peter, Hlanai Gumbo, Sara H.A. Agwa, Mooko Sekhele, Imed Gaaloul, Sheila M. Mandanda, Enatha Mukantwari, Ngonda Saasa, Sanaâ Lemriss, Hellen Nansumba, Akano Kazeem, Upasana Ramphal, Carolyn Williamson, Belinda Louise Herring, Vagner Fonseca, Edidah M. Ong'era, Joana Q. Mends, Ahmed E Ogwell Ouma, Anika Vinze, Ahmad Sayed, Richard Phillips, Adewunmi M. Olubusuyi, Bourema Kouriba, Vivianne Gorova, John O. Gyapong, Tulio de Oliveira, Arnold W. Lambisia, Najla Kharrat, Wolfgang Preiser, Ojide Chiedozie Kingsley, Yenew K. Tebeje, Sherihane Aryeetey, Yaw Bediako, David A. Rasmussen, Wael H. Roshdy, Norosoa Harline Razanajatovo, Siham Elhamoumi, Sylvie van der Werf, Moussa Moïse Diagne, Claudia Daubenberger, Oshomah Cyril, Andrew J. Page, Uwanibe Jessica, Matoke-Muhia Damaris, Daniel J. Bridges, Sumir Panji, Mahjoub Aouni, Adnene Hammami, Simani Gaseitsiwe, Daniel Lule Bugembe, Gugu Maphalala, Kim Hae-Young, Mohamed K. Khalifa, Safietou Sankhe, Fabian H. Leendertz, Richard Njouom, Ousmane Faye, Kwabena O. Duedu, Jeffrey G. Shaffer, Tobias Schindler, Bankole Bolajoko, Cathrine Scheepers, Francisca M. Muyembe, Ajogbasile F. Victoria, Mirabeau T. Youtchou, Ayoade Femi, Amel Chtourou, Kefentse A. Tumedi, Adrienne A. Amuri, Joyce M. Ngoi, Etile Anoh, Richmond Gorman, Mohamed Abouelhoda, Ali Ahmed Yahaya, Paulo Arnaldo, Alexander J. Trotter, Lahcen Belyamani, Isaac Ssewanyana, Susan Nabadda, Arshad Ismail, Julia C. Andeko, James Emmanuel San, Susan Engelbrecht, Sikhulile Moyo, Jinal N. Bhiman, Jean-Michel Heraud, Julius J. Lutwama, Samar Metha, Amadou Diallo, Soa-Fy Andriamandimby, Rosina A. A. Carr, Edgar Simulundu, Steve A. Mundeke, Nelson B. Silochi, Shymaa S. Ahmed, Nadia Touil, Ihekweazu Chikwe, Deogratius Ssemwanga, Ilhem Boutiba-Ben Boubaker, Houriiyah Tegally, Okogbenin Sylvanus, Abdoul K. Sangare, Mulenga Mwenda, Fausta Shakiwa Mosha, Amadou A. Sall, Derek Tshiabuila, D. James Nokes, Yvan Butera, Maximillian Mpina, Adedotun-Sulaiman Kemi, Onwe E. Ogah, Jean B. Lekana-Douk, Stephen F. Schaffner, Vincent Enouf, Chantal Akoua-Koffi, Diarra Bassirou, Edwin Shumba, Deelan Doolabh, Saba Gargouri, Kayode T. Adeyemi, Wonderful T. Choga, Nicola Mulder, Inbal Gazy, Mushal Allam, Saâd El Kabbaj, Christian T. Happi, Frank Tanser, Sobajo Tope, Michael R. Wiley, Katherine J. Siddle, Charles N. Agoti, John Kayiwa, George Githinji, Diego F. Cuadros, Abdoul-Salam Ouédraogo, Fowotade Adeola, Sonia Lekana-Douki, Edith N. Ngabana, William Ampofo, U George, Elmostafa El Fahime, Jean-Claude C Makangara, Nalia Ismael, Ebenezer Foster-Nyarko, Samar K. Kassim, Nedio Mabunda, Hafaliana Christian Ranaivoson, Tapfumanei Mashe, Sylvie Behillil, Etienne Simon-Loriere, Donwilliams O. Omuoyo, Darren P. Martin, Azeddine Ibrahimi, Paul E. Oluniyi, Richard J Lessells, My V. T. Phan, Feriel Bouzid, Salako B. Lawal, Gert U. van Zyl, Fares Wasfi, Christophe Peyrefitte, Joyce Namulondo, Ugochukwu J. Anyaneji, Mariétou Faye Paye, Augustina Sylverken, Sébastien Calvignac-Spencer, Malebogo Kebabonye, Sophie J Prosolek, Mahmoud el Hefnawi, Adeyemi O. O. Oluwapelumi, Fakayode O. Enoch, Eddy Kinganda Lusamaki, Gaetan Thilliez, Beatrice Dhaala, Gabriel K. Mbunsu, Lavanya Singh, Nnennaya A. Ajayi, Justin O'Grady, Olawoye Idowu, Ngoy Nsenga, Baba Marycelin, Ndongo Dia, Abdul Karim Sesay, Ikponmwosa Odia, Chika K. Onwuamah, Pardis C. Sabeti, Collins M. Morang’a, Hajar Lemriss, Dominic S. Y. Amuzu, Jones Gyamfi, Sofonias K. Tessema, Iyaloo Konstantinus, Pontiano Kaleebu, Patrick Semanda, Fawzi Derrar, Alpha Kabinet Keita, Joweria Nakaseegu, Ibtihel Smeti, Jocelyn Kiconco, Audu Rosemary, K Said, Bronwyn Kleinhans, Fatma Abdelmoula, Sureshnee Pillay, Abechi Priscilla, Manel Turki, Fred A. Dratibi, Berthe-Marie Njanpop-Lafourcade, Zaydah R. de Laurent, David Baker, Nadine Rujeni, Oguzie Judith, Peter K. Quashie, Phillip Armand Bester, Emmanuel Lokilo, Catherine Pratt, Nabil Abid, Mamadou Diop, Placide Mbala, Eduan Wilkinson, Johnathan A. Edwards, Ahmed Rebai, Haruka Abe, Ana Victoria Gutierrez, Thanh Le-Viet, Essia Belarbi, Steven Rudder, Jouali Farah, Maha Mastouri, Nei-yuan Hsiao, Happi Anise, Cara E. Brook, Lamia Fki-Berrajah, Gordon A. Awandare, Ugwu Chinedu, Abdel-Rahman N. Zekri, Sami Kammoun, Leonardo de Oliveira Martins, Martin M. Nyaga, Lynn Tyers, Jingjing Li, Ikhlas Ben Ayed, Mouna Ouadghiri, Amadou Koné, Reuben Ayivor-Djanie, Innocent Mudau, Thabo Mohale, Olumade Testimony, Eromon Philomena, Yeshnee Naidoo, Patrice Combe, Seydou Doumbia, Anne von Gottberg, Akpede George, Nosamiefan Iguosadolo, Mohamed G. Seadawy, Bronwyn McInnis, Faida Ajili, Grit Schubert, Tarik Aanniz, Maureen W. Mburu, Soumeya Ouangraoua, John N. Nkengasong, Jennifer Giandhari, University of KwaZulu-Natal [Durban, Afrique du Sud] (UKZN), Stellenbosch University, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Flavivírus [Rio de Janeiro], Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Oswaldo Cruz Institute [Rio de Janeiro] (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz / Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Réseau International des Instituts Pasteur (RIIP)-Réseau International des Instituts Pasteur (RIIP)-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz / Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Réseau International des Instituts Pasteur (RIIP)-Réseau International des Instituts Pasteur (RIIP), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais = Federal University of Minas Gerais [Belo Horizonte, Brazil] (UFMG), University of Cincinnati (UC), University of Cape Town, North Carolina State University [Raleigh] (NC State), University of North Carolina System (UNC), Recherches Translationnelles sur le VIH et les maladies infectieuses endémiques et émergentes (TransVIHMI), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-Université de Yaoundé I-Université Cheikh Anta Diop [Dakar, Sénégal] (UCAD)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)-Université de Montpellier (UM), Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Réseau International des Instituts Pasteur (RIIP), University of Chicago, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Génomique évolutive des virus à ARN - Evolutionary genomics of RNA viruses, Institut Pasteur [Paris] (IP), Centre Hospitalier de Mayotte, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Génétique Moléculaire des Virus à ARN - Molecular Genetics of RNA Viruses (GMV-ARN (UMR_3569 / U-Pasteur_2)), Institut Pasteur [Paris] (IP)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université Paris Cité (UPCité), Centre National de Référence des virus des infections respiratoires (dont la grippe) - National Reference Center Virus Influenzae [Paris] (CNR - laboratoire coordonnateur), Institut Pasteur [Paris] (IP)-Université Paris Cité (UPCité), Université de Sfax - University of Sfax, National Institute for Communicable Diseases [Johannesburg] (NICD), University of the Witwatersrand [Johannesburg] (WITS), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro Sanou [Bobo-Dioulasso] (CHUSS), Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research [Durban, South Africa] (CAPRISA), University of Washington [Seattle], The University of Ghana (WACCBIP) team was funded by a Wellcome/African Academy of Sciences Developing Excellence in Leadership Training and Science (DELTAS) grant (DEL-15-007 and 107755/Z/15/Z: Awandare), National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) (17.63.91) grants using UK aid from the UK government for a global health research group for genomic surveillance of malaria in West Africa (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK) and the global research unit for Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA partnership, University of Edinburgh), and a World Bank African Centres of Excellent grant (WACCBIP-NCDs: Awandare). Project ADAGE PRFCOV19-GP2 (2020-2022) includes 40 researchers from the Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, the University of Sfax, the University of Monastir, the University Hospital Hédi Chaker of Sfax, the Military Hospital of Tunis, and Dacima Consulting. Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tunisia. The Uganda contributions were funded by the UK Medical Research Council (MRC/UKRI) and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) under the MRC/DFID concordat agreement (grant agreement number NC_PC_19060) and by the Wellcome, DFID–Wellcome Epidemic Preparedness–Coronavirus (grant agreement number 220977/Z/20/Z) awarded to M.C. Work from Quadram Institute Bioscience was funded by The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Institute Strategic Programme Microbes in the Food Chain BB/R012504/1 and its constituent projects BBS/E/F/000PR10348, BBS/E/F/000PR10349, BBS/E/F/000PR10351, and BBS/E/F/000PR10352 and by the Quadram Institute Bioscience BBSRC–funded Core Capability Grant (project number BB/CCG1860/1). The Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI) at the Africa CDC is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (INV018978 and INV018278), Illumina Inc, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Sequences generated in Zambia through PATH were funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The findings and conclusions contained within are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect positions or policies of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Funding for sequencing in Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and part of the sequencing in the DRC was granted by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Sequencing efforts from Morocco have been supported by Academie Hassan II of Science and Technology, Morocco. Funding for surveillance, sampling, and testing in Madagasar was provided by the WHO, the CDC (grant U5/IP000812-05), the US Agency for International Development (USAID, cooperation agreement 72068719CA00001), and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response in the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS, grant number IDSEP190051-01-0200). Funding for sequencing was provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (GCE/ID OPP1211841), Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, and the Innovative Genomics Institute at UC Berkeley. The Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute was supported by the following funding: H3ABioNet through funding from the National Institutes of Health Common Fund (U41HG006941)—H3ABioNet is an initiative of the Human Health and Heredity in Africa Consortium (H3Africa) program of the African Academy of Science (AAS), DHHS–NIH–National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) (5K24AI131928-04 and 5K24AI131924-04), Sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence (SANTHE), a DELTAS Africa Initiative (grant DEL-15-0060—the DELTAS Africa Initiative is an independent funding scheme of the AAS’s Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa (AESA) and supported by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development Planning and Coordinating Agency (NEPAD Agency) with funding from the Wellcome Trust [grant 107752/Z/15/Z] and the UK government, and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the Department of Technology and Innovation as part of the Network for Genomic Surveillance in South Africa (NGS-SA) and the Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Strategic Equipment Fund. D.P.M. is funded by the Wellcome Trust (Wellcome Trust grant 222574/Z/21/Z). Sequencing activities at the NICD were supported by a conditional grant from the South African National Department of Health as part of the emergency COVID-19 response, a cooperative agreement between the National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (grant number 5 U01IP001048-05-00), the African Society of Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) and Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through a sub-award from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant number INV-018978, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Wellcome (Grant no 221003/Z/20/Z), the South African Medical Research Council (Reference number SHIPNCD 76756), the UK Department of Health and Social Care, managed by the Fleming Fund and performed under the auspices of the SEQAFRICA project. Furthermore, pandemic surveillance in South Africa and Senegal was supported in part through NIH grant U01 AI151698 for the United World Antiviral Research Network (UWARN). Support for pandemic surveillance from the Tulio de Oliveira group to other African countries is funded by the Rockefeller Foundation. Sequencing efforts in the DRC were funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation under grant INV-018030 awarded to C.B.P. and further supported by funding from the Africa CDC through the ASLM (African Society of Laboratory Medicine) for Accelerating SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance in Africa. Sequencing efforts in Rwanda were commissioned by the NIHR Global Health Research program (16/136/33) using UK aid from the UK government (funding to E.M. and N.R. through TIBA partnership) and additional funds from the government of Rwanda through RBC/National Reference Laboratory in collaboration with the Belgian Development Agency (ENABEL) for additional genomic sequencing at GIGA Research Institute–Liege/Belgium. The sequencing effort in Equatorial Guinea was supported by a public-private partnership, the Bioko Island Malaria Elimination Project, composed of the government of Equatorial Guinea Ministries of Mines and Hydrocarbons, and Health and Social Welfare, Marathon EG Production Limited, Noble Energy, Atlantic Methanol Production Company, and EG LNG. Sample collection and typing in Mali were supported by Fondation Merieux–France, and sequence efforts have been supported by the Enable and Enhance Initiative of the German Federal Government’s Security Cooperation against Biological Threats in the G5 Sahel Region. The Nigeria work was made possible by support from Flu Lab and a cohort of generous donors through TED’s Audacious Project, including the ELMA Foundation, MacKenzie Scott, the Skoll Foundation, and Open Philanthropy. Further Nigeria funding came from grants from the NIAID (www.niaid.nih.gov), NIH-H3Africa (https://h3africa.org) (U01HG007480 and U54HG007480), and the World Bank grant (worldbank.org) (ACE IMPACT project) to C.H. Analysis for the Gabon strains was supported by the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) (grant number JP20jm0110013) and a grant from AMED (grant number JP20wm0225003). Sequencing at KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme site in Kenya was supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (project references 17/63/82 and 16/136/33), using UK aid from the UK Government to support global health research, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Wellcome Trust (grant# 102975, 220985)., and We acknowledge the authors from the originating laboratories and the submitting laboratories, who generated and shared, via GISAID, the genetic sequence data on which this research is based (table S4). We also acknowledge the contribution of K. Maria from the NGS-SA platform for their contribution toward the sequencing effort in Cape Town, South Africa. Similarly, we thank A. M. Elsaame, S. M. Elsayed, and R. M. Darwish from the Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams Research Institute (MASRI) for their efforts toward sequencing in Egypt. We thank S. Bane, M. Sanogo, D. Diallo, A. Combo Georges Togo, and A. Coulibaly from the University Clinical Research Centre (UCRC) at the University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako for the contribution they have made toward sequencing efforts in Mali. We acknowledge the contribution of M. Moeti and A. Salam Gueye from the WHO for their contribution toward combating SARS-CoV-2 on the African continent. We further wish to extend acknowledgment to S. Lutucuta and J. Morais from the Angolan Ministry of Health for their continued hard work with regards to SARS-CoV-2 sampling, sequencing, and pandemic response in Angola. From Malawi we wish to acknowledge the work of B. Chilima, B. Mvula, and M. Chitenje from the Malawian Ministry of Health for their work on the COVID-19 response within the country.
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2019-20 coronavirus outbreak ,[SDV.MHEP.ME]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Emerging diseases ,Multidisciplinary ,Early introduction ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,Transmission (medicine) ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,COVID-19 ,Genetic Variation ,[SDV.BBM.BM]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Biochemistry, Molecular Biology/Molecular biology ,Genomics ,Left behind ,Geography ,[SDV.MHEP.MI]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology/Infectious diseases ,Development economics ,Pandemic ,Africa ,Epidemiological Monitoring ,[SDV.MP.VIR]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Microbiology and Parasitology/Virology ,Humans ,[SDV.SPEE]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Santé publique et épidémiologie ,QH426 ,RA ,Pandemics - Abstract
The progression of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Africa has so far been heterogeneous and the full impact is not yet well understood. Here, we describe the genomic epidemiology using a dataset of 8746 genomes from 33 African countries and two overseas territories. We show that the epidemics in most countries were initiated by importations, predominantly from Europe, which diminished following the early introduction of international travel restrictions. As the pandemic progressed, ongoing transmission in many countries and increasing mobility led to the emergence and spread within the continent of many variants of concern and interest, such as B.1.351, B.1.525, A.23.1 and C.1.1. Although distorted by low sampling numbers and blind-spots, the findings highlight that Africa must not be left behind in the global pandemic response, otherwise it could become a breeding ground for new variants.
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- 2021
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32. Overview of preparedness and response to COVID-19 in Ghana
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Sally-Anne Ohene, Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Richard Phillips, Anthony Nsiah-Asare, Yaw Ampem Amoako, Dennis Odai Laryea, Da Costa Aboagye, Badu Sarkodie, Anarfi Asamoah-Baah, Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Ali Samba, Emmanuel Ankrah Odame, and William Ampofo
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Economic growth ,COVID-19 Vaccines ,SARS-CoV-2 ,business.industry ,Public health ,pandemic ,Psychological intervention ,Outbreak ,COVID-19 ,Response ,Disease ,Ghana ,preparedness ,Preparedness ,Pandemic ,medicine ,Humans ,Closure (psychology) ,business ,Pandemics ,Contact tracing - Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Ghana is part of an ongoing pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first two cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Ghana on 12th March 2020. COVID-19 was consequently declared a Public Health Emergency of National Concern, triggering several response actions, including enhanced surveillance, case detection, case management and contact tracing, closure of borders, suspension of international flights, ban on social gatherings and closure of schools. Preparedness and response plans were activated for implementation at the national, regional, district and community levels. Ghana's Strategic approaches were to limit and stop the importation of cases;detect and contain cases early;expand infrastructure, logistics and capacity to provide quality healthcare for the sick;minimise disruption to social and economic life and increase the domestic capacity of all sectors to deal with existing and future shocks. The health sector strategic frame focused on testing, treatment, and tracking. As of 31st December 2020, a total of 535,168 cases, including 335 deaths (CFR: 0.61%), have been confirmed with 53,928 recoveries and 905 active cases. All the regions have reported cases, with Greater Accra reporting the highest number. The response actions in Ghana have seen highlevel political commitment, appropriate and timely decisions, and a careful balance of public health interventions with economic and socio-cultural dynamics. Efforts are ongoing to intensify non-pharmaceutical interventions, sustain the gains made so far and introduce COVID-19 vaccines to reduce the public health burden of the disease in Ghana. © 2021 Ghana Medical Association. All Rights Reserved.
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- 2021
33. Gut microbiota signature of pathogen-dependent dysbiosis in viral gastroenteritis
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Doris Arhin, David Opare, William Ampofo, Kiyosu Taniguchi, Theophillus Afum, Gloria Ivy Mensah, Koichi Ishikawa, Samuel Yaw Aboagye, Abraham Kwabena Anang, Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Hiroshi Kiyono, Taketoshi Mizutani, Adwoa Asante-Poku, Kwadwo A. Koram, Evelyn Y. Bonney, Aya Ishizaka, Christopher Zaab-Yen Abana, Dennis Kushitor, Hiroki Hori, Motoi Adachi, Prince Kofi Parbie, Tetsuro Matano, and Diana Asema Asandem
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Adult ,Diarrhea ,Male ,Rotavirus ,0301 basic medicine ,Adolescent ,Epidemiology ,Science ,030106 microbiology ,Gut flora ,medicine.disease_cause ,Ghana ,Article ,Microbiology ,Feces ,03 medical and health sciences ,fluids and secretions ,medicine ,Humans ,Microbiome ,Child ,Staphylococcaceae ,Phylogeny ,Multidisciplinary ,Bacteria ,biology ,Campylobacter ,Biodiversity ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Gastroenteritis ,Gastrointestinal Microbiome ,030104 developmental biology ,Case-Control Studies ,Child, Preschool ,Norovirus ,Dysbiosis ,Infectious diseases ,Medicine ,Female ,medicine.symptom - Abstract
Acute gastroenteritis associated with diarrhea is considered a serious disease in Africa and South Asia. In this study, we examined the trends in the causative pathogens of diarrhea and the corresponding gut microbiota in Ghana using microbiome analysis performed on diarrheic stools via 16S rRNA sequencing. In total, 80 patients with diarrhea and 34 healthy adults as controls, from 2017 to 2018, were enrolled in the study. Among the patients with diarrhea, 39 were norovirus-positive and 18 were rotavirus-positive. The analysis of species richness (Chao1) was lower in patients with diarrhea than that in controls. Beta-diversity analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups. Several diarrhea-related pathogens (e.g., Escherichia-Shigella, Klebsiella and Campylobacter) were detected in patients with diarrhea. Furthermore, co-infection with these pathogens and enteroviruses (e.g., norovirus and rotavirus) was observed in several cases. Levels of both Erysipelotrichaceae and Staphylococcaceae family markedly differed between norovirus-positive and -negative diarrheic stools, and the 10 predicted metabolic pathways, including the carbohydrate metabolism pathway, showed significant differences between rotavirus-positive patients with diarrhea and controls. This comparative study of diarrheal pathogens in Ghana revealed specific trends in the gut microbiota signature associated with diarrhea and that pathogen-dependent dysbiosis occurred in viral gastroenteritis.
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- 2021
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34. Trends of SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in selected regions across Ghana
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James Abugri, Lily Paemka, Precious C. Opurum, Aniefiouk John Udoakang, Emmanuella Amoako, Francisca Mutapi, Osbourne Quaye, Frederick Kumi-Ansah, Gordon A. Awandare, William Ampofo, George B. Kyei, Kesego Tapela, Waccbip Covid Team, Charlyne Kilba, Ivy A. Asante, Nana Afia Boateng, Peter K. Quashie, Joe Kimanthi Mutungi, Daniel Oduro-Mensah, Francis Dzabeng, Yaw Bediako, Michael F. Ofori, Patrick Ansah, Ralph Armah, and Nicaise Tuikue Ndam
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Rapid diagnostic test ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,Rapid antigen test ,business.industry ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,Case fatality rate ,Medicine ,Seroprevalence ,Antibody prevalence ,business ,Socioeconomic status ,Demography - Abstract
To estimate the level of community exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in Ghana, we conducted phased seroprevalence studies of 2729 participants in selected locations across Ghana. Phase I screening (August 2020) covered a total of 1305 individuals screened at major markets/lorry stations, major shopping malls, hospitals and research institutions involved in COVID-19 work. The screening was performed using a strip-in-cassette lateral flow type Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kit that simultaneously and separately detected IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. In Phase I, 252/1305 (19%) tested positive for IgM or IgG or both. Exposure rate was significantly higher among individuals tested at markets/lorry stations (26.9%) compared to those at Shopping Malls (9.4%). The 41–60-years age group had the highest exposure rate (27.2%). People with only a basic level or no formal education had a higher exposure rate (26.2%) than those with tertiary level education (13.1%); and higher in informally employed workers (24.0%) than those in the formal sector (15.0%). Phases II and III screening activities in October and December 2020, respectively, showed no evidence of increased seroprevalence, indicating either a reduced transmission rate or loss of antibody expression in a subset of the participants. The Upper East region has the lowest exposure rate, with only 4 of 200 participants (2%) seropositivity. Phase IV screening in February 2021 showed that exposure rates in the upper income earners (26.2%) had almost doubled since August 2020, reflective of Ghana’s second wave of symptomatic COVID-19 cases, which began in December 2020. The Phase IV results suggest that seroprevalence levels have become so high that the initial socioeconomic stratification of exposure has been lost. Overall, the data indicates a much higher COVID-19 seroprevalence in the Greater Accra Region than was officially acknowledged, likely implying a considerably lower case fatality rate than the current national figure of 0.84%. Additionally, the high exposure levels seen in the communities suggest that COVID-19 in Ghana still predominantly presents with none-to-mild symptoms. Our results lay the foundation for more extensive SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in Ghana and the West African sub-region, including deploying rapid antigen test kits in concert to determine the actual infection burden since antibody development lags infection.
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- 2021
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35. Fecal Microbiome Composition in Healthy Adults in Ghana
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Lucky Ronald Runtuwene, Sampson Badu Ofori, Koichi Ishikawa, Ai Kawana-Tachikawa, Evelyn Y. Bonney, Christopher Zaab-Yen Abana, Tetsuro Matano, Yasumasa Kimura, Sayuri Seki, Prince Kofi Parbie, Aya Ishizaka, William Ampofo, Hiroshi Kiyono, Taketoshi Mizutani, Seiya Imoto, Satoshi Uematsu, and Dennis Kushitor
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Microbiology (medical) ,Adult ,Male ,Firmicutes ,Zoology ,Ghana ,Feces ,RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ,Proteobacteria ,Prevotella ,Humans ,Microbiome ,biology ,Bacteroidetes ,Microbiota ,High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ,General Medicine ,Middle Aged ,biology.organism_classification ,Gastrointestinal Microbiome ,RNA, Bacterial ,Infectious Diseases ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Metagenomics ,Female ,Bacteroides ,Ruminococcaceae - Abstract
Recent studies have indicated an association between gut microbiome composition and various disorders, including infectious diseases. The composition of the microbiome differs among ethnicities and countries, possibly resulting in diversified interactions between host immunity and the gut microbiome. Characterization of baseline microbiome composition in healthy people is an essential step for better understanding of the biological interactions associated with individual populations. However, data on the gut/fecal microbiome have not been accumulated for individuals in West Africa. In the present study, we examined the fecal microbiome composition in healthy adults in Ghana. Toward this, 16S rRNA gene libraries were prepared using bacterial fractions derived from 55 Ghanaian adults, which were then subjected to next-generation sequencing. The fecal microbiome of the Ghanaian adults was dominated by Firmicutes (Faecalibacterium, Subdoligranulum, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-014), Proteobacteria (Escherichia-Shigella and Klebsiella), and Bacteroidetes (Prevotella 9 and Bacteroides), consistent with previous observations in African cohorts. Further, our analysis revealed differences in microbiome composition and a lower diversity of the fecal microbiome in the Ghanaian cohort compared with those reported in non-African countries. This is the first study to describe substantial fecal microbiome data obtained using high-throughput metagenomic tools on samples derived from a cohort in Ghana. The data may provide a valuable basis for determining the association between the fecal microbiome and progression of various diseases in West African populations.
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- 2020
36. Human Leukocyte Antigen-Associated HIV-1 CRF02_AG gag and vif Polymorphisms in Ghana
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Teiichiro Shiino, Taketoshi Mizutani, William Ampofo, Christopher Zaab-Yen Abana, Ewurabena Duker, Koichi Ishikawa, Ai Kawana-Tachikawa, Aya Ishizaka, Saori Matsuoka, Sampson Badu Ofori, Nicholas Israel Nii-Trebi, Mildred A. Adusei-Poku, Tetsuro Matano, and Evelyn Y. Bonney
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0301 basic medicine ,Microbiology (medical) ,viruses ,T cell ,030106 microbiology ,virus diseases ,General Medicine ,Human leukocyte antigen ,Biology ,Virology ,Epitope ,03 medical and health sciences ,CTL ,0302 clinical medicine ,Infectious Diseases ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Viral replication ,Phylogenetics ,medicine ,Cytotoxic T cell ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Gene - Abstract
In human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infections, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses targeting human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted viral epitopes exert strong suppressive pressure on viral replication and frequently select for mutations resulting in viral escape from CTL recognition. Numerous data on these HLA-associated mutations in HIV-1 subtypes B and C have been amassed with few reports described in other subtypes. In the present study, we investigated the HLA-associated mutations in HIV-1 subtype CRF02_AG prevailing in Ghana, Western Africa. We determined viral gag sequences in 246 out of 324 HIV-1-infected Ghanaians. Phylogeny analysis revealed that 200 (81.3%) individuals were infected with HIV-1 CRF02_AG. Full gag and vif sequences were obtained from 199 and 138, respectively, out of the 200 individuals infected with CRF02_AG and subjected to determination of HLA-associated mutations. The analysis found HLA-associated HIV-1 CRF02_AG non-synonymous polymorphisms at 19 sites; 13 in gag and six in vif, including those that were newly determined. Generation of this data is an important contribution to our understanding of HIV-1 CRF02_AG and host T cell interaction.
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- 2019
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37. Associated Signs and Symptoms of Confirmed Influenza Infections in Ghana
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Joseph H.K. Bonney, Emmanuel Dzotsi, Badu Sarkodie, Michael Adjabeng, Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Michael Ntiri, Evelyn K. Ansah, Sally-Ann Ohene, and William Ampofo
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03 medical and health sciences ,medicine.medical_specialty ,0302 clinical medicine ,business.industry ,Internal medicine ,030231 tropical medicine ,medicine ,Signs and symptoms ,030212 general & internal medicine ,General Medicine ,business - Published
- 2018
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38. First Nationwide Survey of the Prevalence of TB/HIV Co-Infection in Ghana
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Nii Akwei Addo, Frank Bonsu, Naomi Nartey, Richard A. Owusu, Kofi Bonney, Adukwei Hesse, Samuel Addo, Christian Bonsu, William Ampofo, Justice Kumi, Kennedy Kwasi Addo, and Gloria Ivy Mensah
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Tuberculosis ,biology ,business.industry ,Isoniazid ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Mycobacterium tuberculosis ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,030228 respiratory system ,Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Seroprevalence ,Sputum ,030212 general & internal medicine ,medicine.symptom ,business ,Mycobacterium africanum ,Rifampicin ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Background: To better understand the extent of the magnitude of tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection in Ghana, a baseline study was conducted to establish the national prevalence of the dual infection. The study aimed to determine the most prevalent HIV serotype (HIV-1 or HIV-2) in TB patients (new and old cases); genotype mycobacterial species causing TB/HIV co-infection and determine their drug susceptibility patterns. Methods: Sputum and dried blood samples were collected from 503 TB patients from 67 health facilities nationwide between December 2007 and November 2008. All samples were processed for mycobacterial and HIV testing using conventional and molecular methods. Results: A total of 517 paired sputum samples were received from 517 patients. A total 503 patients [335 (66.6%) males; 168 (33.4%) females] had at least one culture positive sample. Majority (93.0%) of the patients were new cases while 7.0% were old cases. All 503 TB isolates were Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Of 503 blood samples, 74 were positive for HIV (14.7%), comprising 71 (14.1%) and 3 (0.6%) for HIV-1 and HIV-1 & 2 respectively; none was positive for HIV-2 alone. The seroprevalence of HIV in newly diagnosed TB patients and those already on treatment, was 69/468 (14.7%) and 5/35 (14.3%) respectively (p > 0.05). Differentiation of isolates from TB/HIV co-infected patients showed that 70/74 (94.6%) were Mycobacterium tuberculosis while 4/74 (5.4%) were Mycobacterium africanum. Monoresistance to isoniazid and rifampicin were 4/74 (5.4%) and 1/74 (1.4%) respectively; resistance to both drugs (multi-drug resistant-MDR) was not observed. Sixty nine (93.2%) isolates were susceptible to both drugs. Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV infection in TB patients was 14.7%. TB/HIV was common among the sexually active age group (25 - 34 years). Majority of the TB isolates were M. tuberculosis which were susceptible to both isoniazid and rifampicin. HIV-1 was the common serotype infecting TB patients in Ghana.
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- 2018
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39. Immune Response in Mice Immunized with Chimeric H1 Antigens
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Osbourne Quaye, Jean-Remy Sadeyen, Erasmus N. Kotey, Rebecca Daines, Munir Iqbal, and William Ampofo
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cross-reactivity ,Influenza vaccine ,Immunology ,broad-reactive antibodies ,Biology ,medicine.disease_cause ,Cross-reactivity ,Article ,Virus ,Conserved sequence ,Immune system ,Antigen ,Drug Discovery ,Consensus sequence ,medicine ,universal influenza vaccine ,Pharmacology (medical) ,Pharmacology ,Virology ,therapeutic ,Infectious Diseases ,prophylactic ,biology.protein ,Medicine ,chimeric haemagglutinin ,seasonal influenza ,Antibody - Abstract
Identification of a universal influenza vaccine candidate has remained a global challenge for both humans and animals. This study describes an approach that uses consensus sequence building to generate chimeric HAs (cHAs): two resultant H1 HA-based chimeras comprising of conserved sequences (within several areas spanning the head and stalk regions) of H1 and H5 or H9 HAs. These cHAs expressed in Drosophila cells (S2) were used to immunize mice. All immunized mice were protected from an infectious H1 virus challenge. Seroconverted mice sera to the H1 cHAs inhibited both the challenge virus and an H5 virus isolate by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. These findings further emphasize that cHAs induce cross-reactive antibodies against conserved areas of both head and stalk regions of the seasonal influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus’ HA and holds potential for further development of a universal influenza vaccine.
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- 2021
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40. Dynamic HIV-1 genetic recombination and genotypic drug resistance among treatment-experienced adults in northern Ghana
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Patrick Owiredu Bampoh, Kazuhisa Yoshimura, Tetsuro Matano, Koichi Ishikawa, William Ampofo, Jacob Samson Barnor, Wataru Sugiura, James Brandful, Nicholas Israel Nii-Trebi, Shoji Yamaoka, and Shiro Ibe
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Adult ,Male ,0301 basic medicine ,Microbiology (medical) ,Efavirenz ,Genotype ,Anti-HIV Agents ,HIV Infections ,Drug resistance ,Biology ,Ghana ,Microbiology ,Virus ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,0302 clinical medicine ,Interquartile range ,Drug Resistance, Viral ,Prevalence ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Phylogeny ,Genetic diversity ,virus diseases ,General Medicine ,Viral Load ,Resistance mutation ,030112 virology ,Virology ,CD4 Lymphocyte Count ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,chemistry ,Mutation ,HIV-1 ,RNA, Viral ,Female ,Viral load - Abstract
Purpose. There have been hardly any reports on the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) drug-resistance profile from northern Ghana since antiretroviral therapy (ART) was introduced over a decade ago. This study investigated prevailing HIV-1 subtypes and examined the occurrence of drug resistance in ART-experienced patients in Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region of Ghana. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was carried out on HIV-infected adult patients receiving first-line ART. HIV viral load (VL) and CD4+ T-cell counts were measured. The pol gene sequences were analysed for genotypic resistance by an in-house HIV-1 drug-resistance test; the prevailing HIV-1 subtypes were analysed in detail. Results/Key findings. A total of 33 subjects were studied. Participants comprised 11 males (33.3 %) and 22 (66.7 %) females, with a median age of 34.5 years [interquartile range (IQR) 30.0–40.3]. The median duration on ART was 12 months (IQR 8.0–24). Of the 24 subjects successfully genotyped, 10 (41.7 %) viruses possessed at least one mutation conferring resistance to nucleoside or non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs/NNRTIs). Two-class drug resistance to NRTI and NNRTI was mostly detected (25 %, 6/24). The most frequent mutations were lamivudine-resistance M184V and efavirenz/nevirapine-resistance K103N. HIV-1 subtype CRF02_AG was predominant (79.2 %). Other HIV-1 subtypes detected were G (8.3 %), A3 (4.2 %) and importantly two (8.3 %) unique HIV-1 recombinant forms with CRF02_AG/A3 mosaic. Conclusion. HIV-1 shows high genetic diversity and on-going viral genetic recombination in the study region. Nearly 42 % of the patients studied harboured a drug-resistant virus. The study underscores the need for continued surveillance of HIV-1 subtype diversity; and of drug-resistance patterns to guide selection of second-line regimens in northern Ghana.
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- 2017
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41. Prevalence of enteric infections among hospitalized patients in two referral hospitals in Ghana
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N. Talla Nzussouo, Kwadwo A. Koram, Erica Dueger, George Armah, R. Akuffo, Kenneth Sagoe, A. H. Jones, K. C. Kronmann, William Ampofo, Prince Agbenohevi, C. Duplessis, M. Clemens, and N. Puplampu
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Male ,Rotavirus ,Salmonella ,Antibiotics ,lcsh:Medicine ,Hospitalized ,medicine.disease_cause ,Ghana ,Enteric ,Feces ,fluids and secretions ,0302 clinical medicine ,Prevalence ,Shigella ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Child ,lcsh:QH301-705.5 ,Aged, 80 and over ,Surveillance ,General Medicine ,Middle Aged ,Hospitals ,Diarrhea ,Child, Preschool ,Female ,Sample collection ,medicine.symptom ,Pathogens ,Research Article ,Adult ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Adolescent ,medicine.drug_class ,030231 tropical medicine ,Infections ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology ,Microbiology ,Young Adult ,03 medical and health sciences ,Antibiotic resistance ,Internal medicine ,parasitic diseases ,medicine ,Humans ,Giardia lamblia ,lcsh:Science (General) ,Aged ,business.industry ,lcsh:R ,lcsh:Biology (General) ,business ,lcsh:Q1-390 - Abstract
Background Diarrhea is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Africa and Ghana in particular, it is estimated to contribute directly to 19 and 25% of pediatric mortality among children under 5 years, respectively. Methods Surveillance for hospitalized acute diarrheal illness was initiated in November 2010 through October 2012 in a referral hospital in southern Ghana, and a teaching hospital in northern Ghana. Consenting hospitalized patients who met a standardized case definition for acute diarrheal illness provided demographic and epidemiologic data. Stool samples were collected and tested by culture for bacteria and by enzyme immunoassays for a panel of viruses and parasites. Results A total of 429 patients were enrolled; 216 (50.3%) were under 5 years, and 221 (51.5%) were females. Stool samples were received from 153 patients. Culture isolates included Shigella sp., Salmonella spp., Plesiomonas sp. and Vibrio cholerae. Of 147 samples tested for viruses, 41 (27.9%) were positive for rotaviruses, 11 (7.5%) for astroviruses, 10 (6.8%) for noroviruses, and 8 (5.4%) for adenoviruses. Of 116 samples tested for parasitic infections; 4 (3.4%) were positive for Cryptosporidium sp. and 3 (2.6%) for Giardia lamblia. Of the enrolled patients, 78.8% had taken antibiotics prior to sample collection. Conclusions Diarrheal pathogens were identified across all ages, however, predominantly (81%) in the children under 5 years of age. This study also detected high antibiotic use which has the potential of increasing antibiotic resistance. The most common enteric pathogen detected (49.4%) was rotavirus. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-017-2621-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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- 2017
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42. High resistance to reverse transcriptase inhibitors among persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype circulating recombinant form 02_AG in Ghana and on antiretroviral therapy
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Gordon A. Awandare, Evelyn Y. Bonney, Osbourne Quaye, Selase Deletsu, William Ampofo, and Edward K Maina
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Adult ,Male ,Anti-HIV Agents ,medicine.medical_treatment ,antiretroviral therapy ,Observational Study ,nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor ,HIV Infections ,Drug resistance ,Peripheral blood mononuclear cell ,Ghana ,Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor ,Evolution, Molecular ,human immunodeficiency virus type 1 ,resistance ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,HIV Protease ,Drug Resistance, Viral ,medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Gene ,non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor ,Protease ,Reverse-transcriptase inhibitor ,business.industry ,virus diseases ,General Medicine ,Middle Aged ,Viral Load ,Virology ,Reverse transcriptase ,HIV Reverse Transcriptase ,3. Good health ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Mutation ,ComputingMethodologies_DOCUMENTANDTEXTPROCESSING ,HIV-1 ,Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors ,Female ,business ,Viral load ,medicine.drug ,Research Article - Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text, This study sought to determine the dominant circulating human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype and associated drug resistance mutations in Ghana. This cross-sectional study was conducted with archived samples collected from patients who received care at 2 hospitals in Ghana from 2014 to 2016. Blood samples were earlier processed into plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells and stored at −80 °C. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted from the archived plasma. Two HIV-1 genes; protease and reverse transcriptase, were amplified, sequenced using gene-specific primers and analyzed for subtype and drug resistance mutations using the Stanford HIV Database. Of 16 patient samples successfully sequenced, we identified the predominance of HIV-1 subtype CRF02_AG (11/16, 68%). Subtypes G (2/16, 13%), dual CRF02_AG/G (2/16, 13%), and CRF01_AE (1/16, 6%) were also observed. Major nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance mutations, M184I/V, D67N, T215F, and K70R/E were found. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance mutations, K103N, Y181C, V90I, F227L, and V106A were also prevalent. Additionally, and at a lower level, protease inhibitor (PI)-resistance mutations, M46I, I54 V, V82A, L90 M, and I471 V, were also present in the sequences from antiretroviral therapy (ART)-experienced individuals. Two NRTI-associated drug resistance mutations (DRMs) (D67N and T69N) were present in sequences from 1 ART-naive individual. HIV-1 subtype CRF02_AG was most frequently detected in this study thus confirming earlier reports of dominance of this subtype in the West-African sub-region and Ghana in particular. The detection of these drug resistance mutations in individuals on first-line regimen composed of NRTI and NNRTI is an indication of prolonged drug exposure without viral load monitoring. Routine viral load monitoring is necessary for early detection of virologic failure and drug resistance testing will inform appropriate choice of regimens for such patients.
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- 2020
43. Perception of Ghanaian Primigravidas Undergoing Their First Antenatal Ultrasonography in Cape Coast
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Albert Dayor Piersson, Richard Ato Edzie, Emmanuel Kobina Mesi Edzie, Klenam Dzefi-Tettey, James William Ampofo, Philip Narteh Gorleku, Henry Kusodzi, and Abdul Raman Asemah
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Article Subject ,media_common.quotation_subject ,MEDLINE ,R895-920 ,Antenatal ultrasonography ,03 medical and health sciences ,Medical physics. Medical radiology. Nuclear medicine ,0302 clinical medicine ,Fetal sex ,Perception ,medicine ,Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Prospective cohort study ,media_common ,Pregnancy ,030219 obstetrics & reproductive medicine ,Radiological and Ultrasound Technology ,business.industry ,Public health ,Medical practice ,medicine.disease ,Family medicine ,business ,Research Article - Abstract
Ultrasound scans have become an essential requirement of pregnancy care in countries with developed health services and increasingly being used in medical practice in Ghana as well. The aim of this study was to find out the perception of primigravidas experiencing antenatal ultrasonography for the first time in Cape Coast. This was a descriptive, prospective study which employed the use of a questionnaire to obtain data from 384 consented respondents, who were primigravidas experiencing antenatal ultrasonography for the first time in three selected public health facilities in Cape Coast Metropolis over a six-month period. Sociodemographic data, reasons for undergoing antenatal ultrasound, their expectations, knowledge in fetal abnormalities, and suggestions to help improve their future experiences were collected. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Out of a total number of 384 respondents, 87.8% of them knew about what ultrasound is used for. 87.5% scanned because a doctor or midwife requested for the scan whilst 53.9% scanned to check for fetal abnormalities. 98.4% indicated that ultrasound scanning has positive effects on pregnancy outcome. An expensive service was stated as a negative reason that would influence the decision to undergo the examination next time; nonetheless, 90.4% would recommend it to other women and suggested showing the fetus on monitor while scanning and providing accurate findings would make their future experiences better. The perception of the primigravidas was largely positive. Checking for fetal abnormalities was a major reason for the scans, although their knowledge in specific fetal abnormalities was low. They expected to know the fetal sex, but that was not a major reason for scanning. Showing them the monitor was the most frequent suggestion to make future experience better.
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- 2020
44. Influenza Management Prospects of Passive Immunotherapy
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William Ampofo, Munir Iqbal, Osbourne Quaye, Deimante Lukosaityte, Gordon A. Awandare, and Erasmus N. Kotey
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business.industry ,Passive Immunotherapy ,Immunology ,Medicine ,business ,animal_sciences_zoology ,3. Good health - Abstract
Influenza is a disease that poses a significant health burden worldwide. Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza virus infections. However, conventional vaccines are only effective for a short period of time due to the propensity of influenza viruses to undergo antigenic drift and antigenic shift. The efficacy of these vaccines is uncertain from year-to-year due to potential mismatching between the circulating viruses and vaccine strains, mutations arising due to egg adaptation, and potential contamination of the vaccine virus stock. Subsequently, the inability to store these vaccines long-term and vaccine shortages are challenges that need to be overcome. Conventional vaccines are also less effective for certain populations, including the young, old, and immunocompromised. This warrants for diverse efficacious vaccine developmental approaches, involving both active and passive immunization. As opposed to active immunization platforms (requiring the use of whole or portions of pathogens as vaccines), the rapidly developing passive immunization involves administration of either pathogen-specific or broadly acting antibodies against a kind or class of pathogens as a prophylactic treatment to corresponding acute infection. Several antibodies with broadly acting capacities have been discovered that may serve as means to suppress influenza viral infection and allow the process of natural immunity to engage opsonized pathogens whilst boosting immune system by antibody-dependent mechanisms that bridge the innate and adaptive arms. By that, passive immunotherapeutics approach assumes a robust tool that could aid control of influenza viruses. In this review, we comment on some improvements in influenza management and promising vaccine development platforms, with emphasis on the capacity of passive immunotherapeutics especially when coupled with the use of antivirals in the management of influenza infection.
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- 2019
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45. Trends of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody prevalence in selected regions across Ghana
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James Abugri, Precious C. Opurum, Lily Paemka, Daniel Oduro-Mensah, Kesego Tapela, Patrick Ansah, Yaw Bediako, Aniefiok John Udoakang, Ralph Armah, Nana Afia Boateng, Francisca Mutapi, Nicaise Tuikue Ndam, Frederick Kumi-Ansah, Waccbip Covid Team, Peter K. Quashie, Osbourne Quaye, Gordon A. Awandare, Emmanuela Amoako, Michael F. Ofori, George B. Kyei, Joe Kimanthi Mutungi, Ivy A. Asante, Charlyne Kilba, Francis Dzabeng, and William Ampofo
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0301 basic medicine ,Rapid diagnostic test ,business.industry ,viruses ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,virus diseases ,Medicine (miscellaneous) ,biochemical phenomena, metabolism, and nutrition ,medicine.disease_cause ,Asymptomatic ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology ,Serology ,03 medical and health sciences ,030104 developmental biology ,0302 clinical medicine ,Case fatality rate ,Medicine ,Seroprevalence ,030212 general & internal medicine ,medicine.symptom ,business ,Socioeconomic status ,Coronavirus ,Demography - Abstract
Background: We set out to estimate the community-level exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Ghana. Methods: Phased seroprevalence studies of 2729 participants at selected locations across Ghana were conducted. Phase I (August 2020) sampled 1305 individuals at major markets/lorry stations, shopping malls, hospitals and research institutions involved in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) work. The study utilized a lateral flow rapid diagnostic test (RDT) which detected IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Results: During Phase I, 252/1305 (19%) tested positive for IgM or IgG or both. Exposure was significantly higher at markets/lorry stations (26.9%) compared to malls (9.4%), with 41–60-year group demonstrating highest seropositivity (27.2%). Exposure was higher in participants with no formal education (26.2%) than those with tertiary education (13.1%); and higher in informally employed workers (24.0%) than those in the formal sector (15.0%). Results from phases II and III, in October and December 2020 respectively, implied either reduced transmissions or loss of antibody expression in some participants. The Upper East region showed the lowest seropositivity (2%). Phase IV, in February 2021, showed doubled seropositivity in the upper income bracket (26.2%) since August 2020, reflective of Ghana’s second wave of symptomatic COVID-19 cases. This suggested that high transmission rates had overcome the initial socioeconomic stratification of exposure risk. Reflective of second wave hospitalisation trends, the 21-40 age group demonstrated modal seropositivity (24.9) in Phase IV whilst 40-60 years and 60+ previously demonstrated highest prevalence. Conclusions: Overall, the data indicates higher COVID-19 seroprevalence than officially acknowledged, likely implying a considerably lower-case fatality rate than the current national figure of 0.84%. The data also suggests that COVID-19 is predominantly asymptomatic COVID-19 in Ghana. The observed trends mimic clinical trends of infection and imply that the methodology used was appropriate.
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- 2021
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46. Rodent-borne infections in rural Ghanaian farming communities
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Joseph H.K. Bonney, Shirley C. Nimo-Paintsil, Emad Mohareb, Karl Kronmann, Elisabeth Fichet-Calvet, William Ampofo, Benny Borremans, Andrew G. Letizia, Randal J. Schoepp, and Kwasi Obiri-Danso
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Adult ,Male ,Rural Population ,Orthohantavirus ,Hemorrhagic Fevers, Viral ,Adolescent ,Hantavirus Infections ,Science ,Rodentia ,Biology ,Disease Vectors ,medicine.disease_cause ,Antibodies, Viral ,Ghana ,Viral hemorrhagic fever ,Underserved Population ,Young Adult ,Lassa Fever ,Seroepidemiologic Studies ,Environmental health ,Zoonoses ,medicine ,Seroprevalence ,Animals ,Humans ,Leptospirosis ,Lassa virus ,Disease burden ,Hantavirus ,Aged ,Disease Reservoirs ,Aged, 80 and over ,Leptospira ,Multidisciplinary ,Outbreak ,Correction ,Agriculture ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Antibodies, Bacterial ,Multidisciplinary Sciences ,Hemorrhagic Fevers ,Medicine ,Female ,Research Article - Abstract
Rodents serve as reservoirs and/or vectors for several human infections of high morbidity and mortality in the tropics. Population growth and demographic shifts over the years have increased contact with these mammals, thereby increasing opportunities for disease transmission. In Africa, the burden of rodent-borne diseases is not well described. To investigate human seroprevalence of selected rodent-borne pathogens, sera from 657 healthy adults in ten rural communities in Ghana were analyzed. An in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to Lassa virus was positive in 34 (5%) of the human samples. Using commercial kits, antibodies to hantavirus serotypes, Puumala and Dobrava, and Leptospira bacteria were detected in 11%, 12% and 21% of the human samples, respectively. Forty percent of residents in rural farming communities in Ghana have measurable antibodies to at least one of the rodent-borne pathogens tested, including antibodies to viral hemorrhagic fever viruses. The high seroprevalence found in rural Ghana to rodent-borne pathogens associated with both sporadic cases and larger disease outbreaks will help define disease threats and inform public health policy to reduce disease burden in underserved populations and deter larger outbreaks. The study was supported by the Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response (GEIS) of the U.S. Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center (AFHSC) (C0238_10_N3, C0435_11_N3, C0687_12_N3; C0410_11_RD, C0602_12_RD, and P0108_13_RD). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. We appreciate the invaluable support of the regional GHS directors and the local GHS nurses. The United States Army Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) provided assistance in the LASV serology and its confirmatory assays.
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- 2019
47. Molecular detection of enterovirus D68 among children with acute respiratory tract infection in Ghana
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Mohamed Mutocheluh, Joseph H.K. Bonney, John Kofi Odoom, William Ampofo, and Joyce A. Kubi
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Human influenza ,respiratory tract infection ,030231 tropical medicine ,Clinical Biochemistry ,Population ,Ghana ,Virus ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,EV-D68 ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Respiratory system ,education ,Acute respiratory tract infection ,Original Research ,education.field_of_study ,Respiratory tract infections ,business.industry ,lcsh:Public aspects of medicine ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,acute ,lcsh:RA1-1270 ,Disease control ,Medical Laboratory Technology ,business ,Enterovirus D68 - Abstract
Background: Acute respiratory tract infections of viral origin remain a leading cause of morbidity, mortality and economic loss regardless of age or gender. A small number of acute respiratory tract infection cases caused by enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) have been reported regularly to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since 1987 by countries in North America, Europe and Asia. However, in 2014 and 2015, the number of reported confirmed EV-D68 infections was much greater than in previous years. The National Influenza Centre (NIC), Ghana carries out surveillance of respiratory infections, focusing on those caused by influenza virus; however, there is inadequate information on other viruses causing respiratory infections in Ghana, including EV-D68.Objectives: To investigate the association of EV-D68 with Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) in Ghana.Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study which involved archived human respiratory specimens stored at –80 °C at the NIC from 2014 to 2015. Using a random sampling method, oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs from patients with SARI and ILI that were negative by real-time PCR for human influenza viruses were screened for EV-D68 using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR).Results: Enterovirus D68 was detected in 4 (2.2%) out of 182 SARI samples tested. EV-D68 was detected in children younger than 5 years (4 – 100% of positives) and was not detected in children older than 5 years. Enterovirus D68 was detected more frequently in SARI cases (3%) than in ILI cases (1.2%).Conclusion: This study has shown for the first time the presence of EV-D68 in acute respiratory infections in Ghana. The results confirmed minimal EV-D68 circulation in the Ghanaian population.
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- 2019
48. Molecular strain typing of the yaws pathogen, Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue
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Kai-Hua Chi, William Ampofo, Ronald C. Ballard, Tun Ye, Fasihah Taleo, Eli Nachamkin, Jacob L. Kool, Damien Danavall, Kingsley Asiedu, Samantha S. Katz, Kennedy Kwasi Addo, Shirley Victoria Simpson, Allan Pillay, and Cheng Y. Chen
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0301 basic medicine ,DNA, Bacterial ,Sequence analysis ,030106 microbiology ,030231 tropical medicine ,lcsh:Medicine ,Biology ,law.invention ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Tandem repeat ,law ,Typing ,Treponema pallidum ,lcsh:Science ,Polymerase chain reaction ,Multidisciplinary ,Treponema ,lcsh:R ,Sequence Analysis, DNA ,Amplicon ,biology.organism_classification ,Virology ,Subtyping ,Molecular Typing ,Yaws ,lcsh:Q ,Restriction fragment length polymorphism - Abstract
Yaws is a neglected tropical disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue. The disease primarily affects children under 15 years of age living in low socioeconomic conditions in tropical areas. As a result of a renewed focus on the disease owing to a recent eradication effort initiated by the World Health Organization, we have evaluated a typing method, adapted from and based on the enhanced Centers for Disease Control and Prevention typing method for T. pallidum subsp. pallidum, for possible use in epidemiological studies. Thirty DNA samples from yaws cases in Vanuatu and Ghana, 11 DNA samples extracted from laboratory strains, and 3 published genomic sequences were fully typed by PCR/RFLP analysis of the tpr E, G, and J genes and by determining the number of 60-bp repeats within the arp gene. Subtyping was performed by sequencing a homonucleotide “G” tandem repeat immediately upstream of the rpsA gene and an 84-bp region of tp0548. A total of 22 complete strain types were identified; two strain types in clinical samples from Vanuatu (5q11/ak and 5q12/ak), nine strain types in clinical samples from Ghana (3q12/ah, 4r12/ah, 4q10/j, 4q11/ah, 4q12/ah, 4q12/v, 4q13/ah, 6q10/aj, and 9q10/ai), and twelve strain types in laboratory strains and published genomes (2q11/ae, 3r12/ad, 4q11/ad, 4q12/ad, 4q12/ag, 4q12/v, 5r12/ad, 6r12/x, 6q11/af, 10q9/r, 10q12/r, and 12r12/w). The tpr RFLP patterns and arp repeat sizes were subsequently verified by sequencing analysis of the respective PCR amplicons. This study demonstrates that the typing method for subsp. pallidum can be applied to subsp. pertenue strains and should prove useful for molecular epidemiological studies on yaws.
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- 2018
49. Community-based mass treatment with azithromycin for the elimination of yaws in Ghana-Results of a pilot study
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Damien Danavall, Shirley Victoria Simpson, Yaw Adu-Sarkodie, Oriol Mitjà, Sergi Sanz, Kai-Hua Chi, Abdul Aziz Abdulai, Kingsley Asiedu, Sardick Kyei-Faried, Ronald C. Ballard, George Bonsu, Kwame Amponsa-Achiano, Ye Tun, Patrick Agana-Nsiire, William Ampofo, Frank Biney, Cynthia Kwakye-Maclean, Cheng Y. Chen, Sally-Ann Ohene, Allan Pillay, and Kennedy Kwasi Addo
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Bacterial Diseases ,Male ,Social Sciences ,Artificial Gene Amplification and Extension ,Pilot Projects ,Azithromycin ,Pathology and Laboratory Medicine ,Polymerase Chain Reaction ,Ghana ,Treponematoses ,Serology ,Geographical Locations ,0302 clinical medicine ,Sociology ,Seroepidemiologic Studies ,Antibiotics ,Epidemiology ,Medicine and Health Sciences ,Prevalence ,Infection control ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Child ,Treponema Pallidum ,Skin ,Immunoassay ,education.field_of_study ,Schools ,Treponema ,biology ,lcsh:Public aspects of medicine ,Antibodies, Bacterial ,Bacterial Pathogens ,Anti-Bacterial Agents ,Infectious Diseases ,Medical Microbiology ,Community Medicine ,Child, Preschool ,Educational Status ,Female ,Pathogens ,Research Article ,Neglected Tropical Diseases ,medicine.drug ,medicine.medical_specialty ,lcsh:Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine ,Adolescent ,lcsh:RC955-962 ,030231 tropical medicine ,Population ,Schoolchildren ,Antibiòtics ,Research and Analysis Methods ,World Health Organization ,Microbiology ,Education ,03 medical and health sciences ,Signs and Symptoms ,Diagnostic Medicine ,Internal medicine ,Drug Resistance, Bacterial ,medicine ,Humans ,Seroprevalence ,Disease Eradication ,Molecular Biology Techniques ,education ,Mass drug administration ,Molecular Biology ,Microbial Pathogens ,business.industry ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Biology and Life Sciences ,lcsh:RA1-1270 ,Tropical Diseases ,biology.organism_classification ,People and Places ,Africa ,Yaws ,Lesions ,Pian ,Population Groupings ,business - Abstract
Introduction The WHO yaws eradication strategy consists of one round of total community treatment (TCT) of single-dose azithromycin with coverage of > 90%.The efficacy of the strategy to reduce the levels on infection has been demonstrated previously in isolated island communities in the Pacific region. We aimed to determine the efficacy of a single round of TCT with azithromycin to achieve a decrease in yaws prevalence in communities that are endemic for yaws and surrounded by other yaws-endemic areas. Methods Surveys for yaws seroprevalence and prevalence of skin lesions were conducted among schoolchildren aged 5–15 years before and one year after the TCT intervention in the Abamkrom sub-district of Ghana. We used a cluster design with the schools as the primary sampling unit. Among 20 eligible primary schools in the sub district, 10 were assigned to the baseline survey and 10 to the post-TCT survey. The field teams conducted a physical examination for skin lesions and a dual point-of-care immunoassay for non-treponemal and treponemal antibodies of all children present at the time of the visit. We also undertook surveys with non-probabilistic sampling to collect lesion swabs for etiology and macrolide resistance assessment. Results At baseline 14,548 (89%) of 16,287 population in the sub-district received treatment during TCT. Following one round of TCT, the prevalence of dual seropositivity among all children decreased from 10.9% (103/943) pre-TCT to 2.2% (27/1211) post-TCT (OR 0.19; 95%CI 0.09–0.37). The prevalence of serologically confirmed skin lesions consistent with active yaws was reduced from 5.7% (54/943) pre-TCT to 0.6% (7/1211) post-TCT (OR 0.10; 95% CI 0.25–0.35). No evidence of resistance to macrolides against Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue was seen. Discussion A single round of high coverage TCT with azithromycin in a yaws affected sub-district adjoining other endemic areas is effective in reducing the prevalence of seropositive children and the prevalence of early skin lesions consistent with yaws one year following the intervention. These results suggest that national yaws eradication programmes may plan the gradual expansion of mass treatment interventions without high short-term risk of reintroduction of infection from contiguous untreated endemic areas., Author summary In this study, we provided a single round of total community treatment (TCT) with azithromycin to the population of a sub-district in Ghana (16,287 people) that is endemic for yaws and surrounded by other yaws-endemic communities to determine whether a sustained decrease in yaws prevalence could be achieved up to one year after the intervention. The efficacy of TCT was assessed by performing a clinical evaluation and serological testing of any yaws-like lesions found as well as serological screening of asymptomatic schoolchildren aged 5–15 years pre-TCT and at one year post-TCT. The results indicate that after a single round of high coverage TCT (89%) with azithromycin, the prevalence of active and latent yaws was significantly reduced. We also found that the use of a dual point-of-care immunoassay to detect non-treponemal and treponemal antibodies among school-going children is a practical alternative to laboratory-based serological testing to evaluate the effectiveness of yaws interventions in resource-poor settings.
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- 2018
50. Challenges Associated with Management of Buruli Ulcer/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection in a Treatment Center in Ghana: A Case Series Study
- Author
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Victor Akuoku, Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Joseph Tuffour, Kofi Bonney, Samuel Yaw Aboagye, Marie-Thérèse Ruf, Albert Paintsil, Gerd Pluschke, Janet Pereko, Evelyn Owusu-Mireku, Grace Kpeli, and William Ampofo
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Adult ,Male ,Buruli ulcer ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Adolescent ,HIV Positivity ,HIV Infections ,World Health Organization ,Ghana ,Young Adult ,Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) ,Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active ,Virology ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Humans ,Child ,Buruli Ulcer ,Aged ,Aged, 80 and over ,Mycobacterium ulcerans ,biology ,Coinfection ,business.industry ,Disease Management ,Paradoxical reaction ,Articles ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Anti-Bacterial Agents ,Surgery ,Infectious Diseases ,Child, Preschool ,Streptomycin ,Female ,Parasitology ,Rifampin ,business ,Rifampicin ,medicine.drug ,Case series - Abstract
The synergy between Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is well established but not so in Buruli ulcer (BU). We screened confirmed BU cases for HIV infection and followed seven BU/HIV-coinfected patients. Management of BU/HIV was based on the World Health Organization guidelines and patient condition. The HIV positivity among BU patients (8.2%; 11/134) was higher compared with that of general patients attending the facility (4.8%; 718/14,863; P = 0.07) and that of pregnant women alone (2.5%; 279/11,125; P = 0.001). All seven BU/HIV-coinfected cases enrolled in the study presented with very large (category III) lesions with four having multiple lesions compared with 54.5% of category III lesions among HIV-negative BU patients. During the recommended BU treatment with streptomycin and rifampicin (SR) all patients developed immune infiltrates including CD4 T cells in their lesions. However, one patient who received antiretroviral therapy (ART) 1 week after beginning SR treatment developed four additional lesions during antibiotic treatment, while two out of the four who did not receive ART died. Further evidence is required to ascertain the most appropriate time to commence ART in relation to SR treatment to minimize paradoxical reactions.
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- 2015
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