Browsing by Author "Boampong, J.N."

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Antibody responses to two new Lactococcus lactis-produced recombinant Pfs48/45 and Pfs230 proteins increase with age in malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana
(Malaria Journal, 2017) Acquah, F.K.; Obboh, F.K.; Asare, K.; Boampong, J.N.; Nuvor, S.V.; Singh, S.K.; Theisen, M.; Williamson, K.C.; Amoah, L.E.
Background: Recent advances in malaria control efforts have led to an increased number of national malaria control programmes implementing pre-elimination measures and demonstrated the need to develop new tools to track and control malaria transmission. Key to understanding transmission is monitoring the prevalence and immune response against the sexual stages of the parasite, known as gametocytes, which are responsible for transmission. Sexual-stage specific antigens, Pfs230 and Pfs48/45, have been identified and shown to be targets for transmission blocking antibodies, but they have been difficult to produce recombinantly in the absence of a fusion partner. Methods: Regions of Pfs48/45 and Pfs230 known to contain transmission blocking epitopes, 6C and C0, respectively, were produced in a Lactococcus lactis expression system and used in enzyme linked immunosorbent assays to determine the seroreactivity of 95 malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana. Results: Pfs48/45.6C and Pfs230.C0 were successfully produced in L. lactis in the absence of a fusion partner using a simplified purification scheme. Seroprevalence for L. lactis-produced Pfs48/45.6C and Pfs230.C0 in the study population was 74.7 and 72.8%, respectively. Conclusions: A significant age-dependent increase in antibody titers was observed, which suggests a vaccine targeting these antigens could be boosted during a natural infection in the field. © 2017 The Author(s).
Effect of pre-existing Schistosoma haematobium infection on Plasmodium berghei multiplications in imprinting control region mice
(Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2015-06) Amoani, B.; Ameyaw, E.O.; Asante, D.-B.; Armah, F.A.; Prah, J.; Kwesi Botchey, C.P.; Boampong, J.N.
Objective: To investigate the effect of pre-existing Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) infection on malaria disease severity. Methods: The study involved the use of twenty-five imprinting control region mice, fifteen of which were initially infected with S. haematobium. Five of the remaining ten schisto-uninfected mice together with five schisto-infected mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) after four weeks (acute stage) of schistosoma infection. The remaining five schisto-uninfected mice together with five schisto-infected mice were also infected with P. berghei after seven weeks (chronic stage) of schistosoma infection. The last five schisto-infected mice were used as control group. They were then monitored for changes in P. berghei parasitaemia on Days 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 post-infection. Records on their survivability were also taken. Results: The co-infected mice had significantly higher malaria parasitaemia, compared with the mono-infected mice during acute S. haematobium infection. In contrast, the coinfected mice had significantly lower malaria parasitaemia during chronic S. haematobium infection and a higher survival rate. Conclusions: Co-infection of mice with P. berghei during acute S. haematobium infection resulted in rapid P. berghei development and increased malaria parasitaemia. However, the co-infection resulted in slower P. berghei development and decreased malaria parasitaemia with enhanced survivability of the mice during chronic S. haematobium infection. Therefore, pre-existing chronic S. haematobium infection may provide some protection to the host by reducing parasitaemia. © 2015 Hainan Medical University.
High Prevalence of Molecular Markers of Plasmodium falciparum Resistance to Sulphadoxine–Pyrimethamine in Parts of Ghana: A Threat to ITPTp-SP?
(Oxford University Press, 2021) Afutu, L.L.; Boampong, J.N.; Quashie, N.B.
Malaria in pregnancy is a huge public health problem as it is the cause of maternal anaemia, still birth, premature delivery, low birth weight among others. To tackle this problem, WHO recom mended the administration, during pregnancy, of intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadox ine–pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP). The introduction of this policy is likely to create SP drug pressure which may lead to the emergence of parasite strains resistant to the drug. This study investigated the prevalence of the molecular markers of SP resistance as pointers to potential failure of IPTp-SP among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic, women at the point of baby delivery and out patients department (OPD) attendees. The study was conducted in health facilities located in parts of Ghana. Prevalence of mutations in dhfr and dhps genes of Plasmodium falciparum was determined using the method described by Duraisingh et al. The outcome of the study indicated the presence of high prevalence of strains of P.falciparum with the resistant alleles of the dhfr or dhps genes in the three categories of participants. There was a high prevalence of triple mutations (IRN) in the dhfr gene of P.falciparum isolates: 71.4% in peripheral blood of antenatal attendees; 74.1% in placenta cord blood of delivering mothers and 71.1% in OPD attendees. Quintuple mutations were only found in 2 (0.5%) isolates from OPD attendees. This observation might have occurred due to the increased use of SP for IPTp among others. There is the need for an interventional measure in order to protect pregnant women and their unborn children.
Infection risk factors associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in a population-based study in the Central Region, Ghana
(Epidemiology and Infection, 2014-11) Abu, E.K.; Boampong, J.N.; Ayi, I.; Ghartey-Kwansah, G.; Afoakwah, R.; Nsiah, P.; Blay, E.
About 20-90% of the world's population has had contact with Toxoplasma gondii parasites. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in the Central Region, Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three selected communities. Serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA. A serological criterion for seropositivity was a positive test result for any of the two anti-Toxoplasma IgG or IgM antibodies or a combination of both. In all, 390 participants of mean age 47·0 years consisting of 118 (30·3%) males and 272 (69·7%) females were tested. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 85% (333/390) where fishermen, farmers and fishmongers, respectively, had the highest seropositivity. IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 329 (84%) and 25 (6%), respectively, while both IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 21 (5%) of the participants. Respectively, 1% (4/390) and 79% (308/390) of participants tested positive for IgM-only and IgG-only antibodies. There was a significant relationship between Toxoplasma seropositivity and contact with soil, presence of a cat in the surrounding area, age, sources of drinking water, level of formal education, and socioeconomic status. The results suggest that the seashore may serve as a good ground for sporulation and survival of Toxoplasma oocysts. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014.
Levels of serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferase and urea in apparently healthy rural community in Ghana: A case study in Sabin-Akrofrom and Trede in the Ashanti region
(Journal of the Ghana Science Association, 2009) Boampong, J.N.; Acquah, S.; Mate-Siakwa, P.; Osei-Bonsu, M.D.; Nyarko, A.
Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea levels were assessed in 27 males (mean age 32.33 yrs) and in 34 females (mean age 27.85yrs) Ghanaian rural dwellers to determine the functional status of their liver (ALT/AST) and kidney (Urea). No significant (P≥0.05) differences were observed between the sexes in all the assessed parameters. Mean values of 28.92 U/L, 31.64 U/L, 9.04 mmol/L for males and 30.09 U/L, 33.92 U/L, 8.72 mmol/L for females were obtained respectively for ALT, AST and Urea. The serum levels of ALT, AST and AST to ALT ratio indicated that both groups had normal functioning liver but the urea levels for both sexes appear to suggest renal impairment. Further investigations are needed to establish the underlying pathology.
Microscopic identification of possible Clonorchis/Opisthorchis infection in two Ghanaian women with undiagnosed abdominal discomfort: Two case reports
(Journal of Medical Case Reports, 2014-11) Asare, K.K.; Boampong, J.N.; Ameyaw, E.O.; Thomford, A.K.; Afoakwah, R.; Kwakye-Nuako, G.; Thomford, K.P.; Quashie, N.B.
Introduction: The impact of foodborne trematode infections is gaining recognition worldwide. Clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis are some of the most neglected tropical foodborne diseases that pose a significant threat to human health. Persistent or chronic infection of Clonorchis/Opisthorchis often leads to hepatobiliary diseases including cholangitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, hepatic fibrosis, cholangiocarcinoma and liver cancer. Two cases of Clonorchis/Opisthorchis infection in humans in the Central Region of Ghana are reported. Case presentation: Eggs suspected to be from Clonorchis sinensis or Opisthorchis species were detected in the stools of a 29-year-old Ghanaian woman and an 18-year-old Ghanaian woman in two clinics in the Central Region of Ghana. The diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms as well as detection of the eggs of the trematode in the faeces of the patients using light microscopy after staining with Giemsa or Ziehl-Neelsen stains. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge these are the first documented cases of Clonorchis sinensis or Opisthorchis species infection in Ghana. The detection of this infection in these patients in Ghana should be of concern to clinicians because the infection can be easily misdiagnosed since the accompanying clinical symptoms are malaria-like. Consideration should therefore be given to Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis species when diagnosing patients presenting with malaria-like symptoms. ï¿½ 2014 Asare et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Microscopic identification of possible Clonorchis/Opisthorchis infection in two Ghanaian women with undiagnosed abdominal discomfort: two case reports
(2014-11-17) Asare, K.K.; Boampong, J.N.; Ameyaw, E.O.; Thomford, A.K.; Afoakwah, R.; Kwakye-Nuako, G.; Thomford, K.P.; Quashie, N.B.
Abstract Introduction The impact of foodborne trematode infections is gaining recognition worldwide. Clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis are some of the most neglected tropical foodborne diseases that pose a significant threat to human health. Persistent or chronic infection of Clonorchis/Opisthorchis often leads to hepatobiliary diseases including cholangitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, hepatic fibrosis, cholangiocarcinoma and liver cancer. Two cases of Clonorchis/Opisthorchis infection in humans in the Central Region of Ghana are reported. Case presentation Eggs suspected to be from Clonorchis sinensis or Opisthorchis species were detected in the stools of a 29-year-old Ghanaian woman and an 18-year-old Ghanaian woman in two clinics in the Central Region of Ghana. The diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms as well as detection of the eggs of the trematode in the faeces of the patients using light microscopy after staining with Giemsa or Ziehl–Neelsen stains. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge these are the first documented cases of Clonorchis sinensis or Opisthorchis species infection in Ghana. The detection of this infection in these patients in Ghana should be of concern to clinicians because the infection can be easily misdiagnosed since the accompanying clinical symptoms are malaria-like. Consideration should therefore be given to Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis species when diagnosing patients presenting with malaria-like symptoms.
Natural antibody responses to Plasmodium falciparum MSP3 and GLURP(R0) antigens are associated with low parasite densities in malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana
(Parasites and Vectors, 2017) Amoah, L.E.; Nuvor, S.V.; Obboh, E.K.; Acquah, F.K.; Asare, K.; Singh, S.K.; Boampong, J.N.; Theisen, M.; Williamson, K.C.
Background: Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI) are parasite features that have been suggested to influence the acquisition of protective immunity against malaria. This study sought to assess the relationship between MOI and parasite density (PD) in malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana and to determine whether naturally occurring antibody levels against P. falciparum GLURP (PF3D7-1035300) and MSP3 (PF3D7-1035400) antigens are associated with decreased parasite load. Methods: Dried filter paper blood blots were obtained from children and adults diagnosed with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Microscopy was used to estimate P. falciparum parasite density and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the polymorphic regions of msp1 (PF3D7-0930300) and msp2 (PF3D7-0206800) was used for parasite genotyping and MOI determination. ELISA was used to measure the serum IgG concentration of R0 fragment of GLURP (GLURP(R0)) and MSP3 antibodies. Results: All 115 samples were positive for P. falciparum by PCR using either the msp1 or msp2 genotyping primer sets. The most prevalent msp1 and msp2 alleles were KI and 3D7, respectively. The geometric mean (GM) for MOI determined by both msp1 and msp2 genotyping was 1.3 for the entire population and was generally higher in children than in adults. Seropositivity was estimated at 67 and 63% for GLURP(R0) and MSP3 antibodies, respectively, and antibody titers were negatively correlated with parasite density. Conclusions: The negative correlation between naturally occurring GLURP(R0) and MSP3 antibody levels and parasite density observed in this study suggest that augmenting the antibody response with the GMZ2 vaccine could enhance protection in the Central Region of Ghana. © 2017 The Author(s).
Seasonal variations in Plasmodium falciparum parasite prevalence assessed by varying diagnostic tests in asymptomatic children in southern Ghana
(PLoS ONE, 2018-06) Ayanful-Torgby, R.; Quashie, N.B.; Boampong, J.N.; Williamson, K.C.; Amoah, L.E.
Plasmodium falciparum infections presenting either as symptomatic or asymptomatic may contain sexual stage parasites (gametocytes) that are crucial to malaria transmission. In this study, the prevalence of microscopic and submicroscopic asexual and gametocyte parasite stages were assessed in asymptomatic children from two communities in southern Ghana. Eighty children aged twelve years and below, none of whom exhibited signs of clinical malaria living in Obom and Cape Coast were sampled twice, one during the rainy (July 2015) and subsequently during the dry (January 2016) season. Venous blood was used to prepare thick and thin blood smears, spot a rapid malaria diagnostic test (PfHRP2 RDT) as well as prepare filter paper blood spots. Blood cell pellets were preserved in Trizol for RNA extraction. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and semi-quantitative real time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to determine submicroscopic parasite prevalence. In both sites 87% (95% CI: 78–96) of the asymptomatic individuals surveyed were parasites positive during the 6 month study period. The prevalence of asexual and gametocyte stage parasites in the rainy season were both significantly higher in Obom than in Cape Coast (P < 0.001). Submicroscopic gametocyte prevalence was highest in the rainy season in Obom but in the dry season in Cape Coast. Parasite prevalence determined by PCR was similar to that determined by qRT-PCR in Obom but significantly lower than that determined by qRT-PCR in Cape Coast. Communities with varying parasite prevalence exhibit seasonal variations in the prevalence of gametocyte carriers. Submicroscopic asymptomatic parasite and gametocyte carriage is very high in southern Ghana, even during the dry season in communities with low microscopic parasite prevalence and likely to be missed during national surveillance exercises.
Sero-Epidemiology of Toxocara Canis Infection in Children Attending Four Selected Health Facilities in the Central Region of Ghana
(Ghana Medical Journal, 2015-06) Kyei, G.; Ayi, I.; Boampong, J.N.; Turkson, P.K.
Objective: The study determined the seroprevalence of Toxocara canis infection among children attending four selected health facilities in the Central Region of Ghana. Design: Cross-sectional study. Method: Sera from 566 children aged 1-15 years attending four selected health facilities in the Central Region of Ghana between July and September 2012 was used in a Toxocara excretory-secretory antigen-based ELISA to detect serum IgG. A short questionnaire was designed to obtain data on respondents as to age, gender, educational level, locality of residence, habits of washing of fruits, vegetable and hands before eating, keeping of pet (dogs or cats), and history of playing with soil and pets. Clinical information was also collected. Associations between sero-positivity and age group, gender, risk factors, educational level and other variables were determined by Chi square test. Results: The overall sero-prevalence was 53.5% (n=566). Age, educational level and hospital visited were significantly associated with sero-positivity (p< 0.05). Children with history of playing with soil (χ(2)=9.03, p=0.003), pet-keeping (χ(2)=14.77, p=0.001) and not washing hands with soap before eating (χ(2)=5.82, p=0.016) were significantly associated with sero-positivity. Conclusion: The sero-prevalence of T. canis infection in children in the study was high. The children should be educated to desist from risk factors such as playing with soil and pets and be encouraged to ensure proper personal hygiene. (PDF) Sero-Epidemiology of Toxocara Canis Infection in Children Attending Four Selected Health Facilities in the Central Region of Ghana. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281161076_Sero-Epidemiology_of_Toxocara_Canis_Infection_in_Children_Attending_Four_Selected_Health_Facilities_in_the_Central_Region_of_Ghana [accessed Sep 18 2018].
Synergism between Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 genes could account for the slow recovery of chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium falciparum strains in Ghana after chloroquine withdrawal
(Journal of Infection and Public Health, 2017-02) Asare, K.K.; Boampong, J.N.; Duah, N.O.; Afoakwah, R.; Sehgal, R.; Quashie, N.B.
Unlike other countries, the chloroquine resistant marker Pfcrt T76 mutant has remained fairly stable in Ghana several years after official disuse of chloroquine. Certain mutations in Pfmdr1 may potentiate Pfcrt T76, offering a possible explanation for this observation. To understand the phenomenon, the co-existence of mutations in Pfmdr1 with Pfcrt T76 in Ghanaian Plasmodium falciparum isolates was studied. The reported presence of parasites with reduced sensitivity to amodiaquine and quinine in the country was also studied. Blood samples collected from confirmed malaria patients presenting at health facilities in two distinct ecological zones were analyzed. The prevalence of Pfcrt K76T and the five point mutations in Pfmdr1 were determined using nested PCR followed by RFLP analysis. The association between genes was determined by chi square analysis, and synergism between the two genes was ascertained using the Jonckheere–Terptra (J–T) test followed by Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Nearly fifty-four percent (53.7%) of the P. falciparum isolates examined had the Pfcrt T76 gene, out of which 18.3% had both K76 and T76 alleles. Mutations at codon 86, 184, 1034, 1042 and 1246 of the Pfmdr1 gene were detected in 36.0%, 87.9%, 71.0%, 91.6% and 8.4% of the isolates, respectively. The haplotypes of Pfmdr1 present were NFCDD (43.46%), YFCDD (27.57%), NFSDD (7.48%), NYSNY (5.14%) and YFSDD (4.67%). Pfcrt T76 was significantly associated with a double mutation at codon 86 and 184 of Pfmdr1 (YF; χ2 = 18.045, p = 0.006). Associations were observed between Pfcrt K76T and Pfmdr1 triple mutation at codons 86, 184 and 1034 (NFC; χ2 = 13.770, p = 0.032 and YFC; χ2 = 16.489, p = 0.011). The J–T test showed significant synergism between Pfcrt 76 and Pfmdr1 polymorphisms (p < 0.0001), which was confirmed by MCS at 99% CI. Synergism between Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 mutant genes could account for the slow recovery of chloroquine sensitive P. falciparum in Ghana. The same phenomenon could explain resistance to amodiaquine and quinine. The outcomes of this study also indicated a possible emergence of artemether-lumefantrine resistance in Ghana. © 2016 King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences
Use of proscribed chloroquine is associated with an increased risk of pfcrt T76 mutation in some parts of Ghana
(2014-06-26) Asare, K.K.; Boampong, J.N.; Afoakwah, R.; Ameyaw, E.O.; Sehgal, R.; Quashie, N.B.
Abstract Background After years of disuse of chloroquine (CQ) as first-line anti-malarial drug in Ghana, reports from molecular studies conducted in parts of the country indicate varying prevalence of T76 mutation in the pfcrt gene. This situation has several health implications, one being that mutations that confer resistance to CQ have been reported to show substantial cross-resistance to other anti-malarial drugs. It is important to identify some of the factors contributing to the continuous presence of CQ resistance markers in the country. This study determined the prevalence of T76 mutation in pfcrt gene of Plasmodium falciparum isolates collected from selected areas of the Central region of Ghana and correlated with the level of CQ use in these areas. Methods Plasmodium falciparum DNA was extracted from collected blood-blot filter paper samples in the study sites. The prevalence of T76 point mutation in pfcrt gene was assessed using nested PCR followed by RFLP. CQ from pharmacy and chemical shops was obtained using mystery buying method. The extent of CQ use by the participants was determined by measuring the level of the drug in their urine samples using the Saker-Solomon method. Results Of the 214 P. falciparum isolates analysed, 71.9% were found to have T76 mutation of pfcrt gene. The study revealed that 14.49% of community pharmacies and chemical shops had stocks of CQ for sale while 16.9% of the participants had CQ in their urine samples. There is five times more risks of becoming infected with CQ resistant strain for staying in an area where CQ is stocked for sale [RR = 0.20, p < 0.0001] and thirteen times more risks of having CQ-resistant mutant from those who still use CQ than non-users [OR = 0.08, p < 0.0001]. Conclusion This study has shown that high variation in the prevalence of T76 mutations of P. falciparum is linked with the level of CQ stocking and usage within study area.
Use of proscribed chloroquine is associated with an increased risk of pfcrt T76 mutation in some parts of Ghana
(Malaria Journal, 2014-06) Asare, K.K.; Boampong, J.N.; Afoakwah, R.; Ameyaw, E.O.; Sehgal, R.; Quashie, N.B.
Background: After years of disuse of chloroquine (CQ) as first-line anti-malarial drug in Ghana, reports from molecular studies conducted in parts of the country indicate varying prevalence of T76 mutation in the pfcrt gene. This situation has several health implications, one being that mutations that confer resistance to CQ have been reported to show substantial cross-resistance to other anti-malarial drugs. It is important to identify some of the factors contributing to the continuous presence of CQ resistance markers in the country. This study determined the prevalence of T76 mutation in pfcrt gene of Plasmodium falciparum isolates collected from selected areas of the Central region of Ghana and correlated with the level of CQ use in these areas. Methods. Plasmodium falciparum DNA was extracted from collected blood-blot filter paper samples in the study sites. The prevalence of T76 point mutation in pfcrt gene was assessed using nested PCR followed by RFLP. CQ from pharmacy and chemical shops was obtained using mystery buying method. The extent of CQ use by the participants was determined by measuring the level of the drug in their urine samples using the Saker-Solomon method. Results: Of the 214 P. falciparum isolates analysed, 71.9% were found to have T76 mutation of pfcrt gene. The study revealed that 14.49% of community pharmacies and chemical shops had stocks of CQ for sale while 16.9% of the participants had CQ in their urine samples. There is five times more risks of becoming infected with CQ resistant strain for staying in an area where CQ is stocked for sale [RR = 0.20, p < 0.0001] and thirteen times more risks of having CQ-resistant mutant from those who still use CQ than non-users [OR = 0.08, p < 0.0001]. Conclusion: This study has shown that high variation in the prevalence of T76 mutations of P. falciparum is linked with the level of CQ stocking and usage within study area. © 2014 Asare et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.