Browsing by Author "Forson, A.O."
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Item Bacteriological Analysis of Raw Beef Retailed in Selected Open Markets in Accra, Ghana(Hindawi, 2021) Olu-Taiwo, M.; Obeng, P.; Forson, A.O.Beef is an important and popular source of protein and nutrients. Constant monitoring and evaluation of the microbiological contamination is pertinent for its safety and quality. This study aimed to assess the bacteriological profiles and the bacterial loads in beef, as well as investigate food safety practices among beef retailers in selected open markets in Accra, Ghana. This was a cross-sectional study with beef samples randomly purchased from six selected open markets in Accra metropolis. Beef samples were examined for total aerobic count (TAC) and total coliform count (TCC). Bacterial identification was performed by standard bacteriological methods and a well-structured questionnaire was administered to assess food safety and hygienic practices of beef retailers. Overall, mean TACs ranged between 2.2 ×103 and 1.3 ×104CFU/g, while mean TCCs ranged between 1.9 ×102 and 7.4 ×102CFU/g. Beef samples were mostly contaminated with Staphylococcus spp. (34%), Klebsiella oxytoca (17%), Enterobacter spp. (15%), and Proteus vulgaris (3%). +is study showed varying levels of bacterial contamination of retailed beef sold in different Accra markets. According to the Health Protection Agency guidelines for assessing microbiological safety of ready-to-eat foods, our mean TACs were satisfactory, while mean TCCs were within borderline quality. +e results of this study revealed that the majority of beef vended in open markets in Accra is contaminated with coliform and pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, more training in safe food handling and good hygiene practices is required for beef retailers. Conclusively, effective monitoring of the bacteriological profiles and bacterial loads of meat and meat products in abattoirs and points of sale should be established, since such a continuous monitoring system could help prevent potential health problems for consumers and provide information on possible sources of meat borne intoxication and infection.Item Correction to: Escherichia coli bacteriuria in pregnant women in Ghana: antibiotic resistance patterns and virulence factors(BMC Research Notes, 2019-01) Forson, A.O.; Tsidi, W.B.; Nana-Adjei, D.; Quarchie, M.N.; Obeng-Nkrumah, N.Objectives The relevance of Escherichia coli associated bacteriuria infection in pregnant women is poorly understood, despite these strains sharing a similar virulence profile with other pathogenic E. coli causing severe obstetric and neonatal infections. We characterized and determined the antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance genes and virulence profiles of 82 E. coli isolates associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria in some pregnant in Ghana from February to August 2016 using Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion and polymerase chain reaction. Results High levels of antimicrobial resistance were observed to ampicillin (79.3%), tetracycline (70.7%) and cotrimoxazole (59.8%), except for cefuroxime (32.9%). Resistance genes analyses revealed 58.5% were positive for BlaTEM and 7.3% for aph(3)-Ia(aphA2). Virulence factors (VFs) was more widespread in pregnant women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters than 1st trimester. VFs relating to adhesion (papC and iha), Protectins (traT), aerobactin acquisition (iutA) and iron acquisition systems (fyuA and irp2) were more prevalent in the resistant E. coli isolates. This study provides evidence for a link in bacteriuria and transmission of extra-intestinal E. coli in pregnant women to cause multi-resistant obstetric or neonatal infections. Considering the involvement of extra-intestinal E. coli in infections, results are helpful to develop strategies to prevent maternal and/ neonatal infections.Item Correction to: Escherichia coli bacteriuria in pregnant women in Ghana: antibiotic resistance patterns and virulence factors(BMC Research Notes, 2019-01) Forson, A.O.; Tsidi, W.B.; Nana-Adjei, D.; Quarchie, M.N.; Obeng-Nkrumah, N.Item Coverage of preventive measures and surveillance for neglected tropical diseases in hard-to-reach communities in Ghana(BMC Public Health, 2023) Forson, A.O.; Awuah, R.B.; Mohammed, A.R.; et al.Background Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a major public health burden which mainly afects poor popula‑ tions living in tropical environments and hard-to-reach areas. The study sought to examine coverage of preventive eforts, and case surveillance for NTDs in hard-to-reach communities in Ghana. Methods The study investigated treatment eforts for lymphatic flariasis (LF), and onchocerciasis and schistoso‑ miasis/soil transmitted helminths (SCH/STH) at household level, in difcult-to-access communities in Ghana. A total of 621 households were sampled from 6 communities in the Western, Oti and Greater Accra regions. Results Over 95% of the households surveyed were covered under mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns for lymphatic flariasis (LF) and onchocerciasis. More than 80% of households had received at least two visits by com‑ munity drug distributors under the MDA campaigns in the last two years preceding the study. In addition, over 90% of households in the LF and onchocerciasis endemic communities had at least one member using anthelminthic medications under the MDA campaigns in the 12 months preceding the study. However, households where no mem‑ ber had taken anthelminthic medications in 12 months preceding the study were over 6 times likely to have someone in the household with LF. Conclusions This study determined that SCH/STH, LF and onchocerciasis are of serious public health concern in some communities in Ghana. There is an urgent need for holistic practical disease control plan involving both fnan‑ cial and community support to ensure total control of NTDs in difcult-to-access communities is achieved.Item Intestinal parasitic infections and risk factors: A cross-sectional survey of some school children in a suburb in Accra, Ghana(BioMed Central Ltd., 2015) Forson, A.O.; Arthur, I.; Olu-Taiwo, M.; Glover, K.K.; Pappoe-Ashong, P.J.; Ayeh-Kumi, P.F.Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and establish some risk factors associated with the acquisition of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in school children in Accra, Ghana. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 15%. Giardia lamblia (10%) and Schistosoma mansoni (1.7%) were the common parasites found. Out of the 15% students postive for intestinal parasites, 13.6% had single parasites and 1.3% had double parasitic infections. Children between the ages of 4-5 and 6-7 years (20% each) had the most parasitic infections. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was not significantly related to gender (p = 0.1451), and source of drinking water (p = 0.8832). However, a statistically significant association between children infected with parasites and close proximity to domestic animals or pets was observed (p = 0.0284). Continuous education on personal hygiene, environmental sanitation and deworming of domestic animals or pets are required to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites in school children in Accra.Item Larval habitat diversity and Anopheles mosquito species distribution in diferent ecological zones in Ghana(Parasites & Vectors, 2021) Hinne, I.A.; Attah, S.K.; Mensah, B.A.; Forson, A.O.; Afrane, Y.A.Background: Understanding the ecology of larval malaria and lymphatic flariasis mosquitoes in a changing envi ronment is important in developing efective control tools or programmes. This study characterized the breeding habitats of Anopheles mosquitoes in rural communities in diferent ecological zones in Ghana during the dry and rainy seasons. Methods: The spatio-temporal distribution, species composition, and abundance of larval Anopheles mosquitoes in breeding habitats were studied in fve locations in three ecological zones of Ghana. These were Anyakpor (coastal savannah area), Duase (forest area), and Libga, Pagaza, and Kpalsogu (Sahel savannah area). Larvae were collected using standard dippers and were raised in the insectary for identifcation. Results: Out of a total of 7984 mosquito larvae collected, 2152 (27.26%) were anophelines and were more abundant in the rainy season (70.82%) than in the dry season (29.18%). The anophelines comprised 2128 (98.88%) An. gambiae s.l., 16 (0.74%) An. rufpes, and 8 (0.37%) An. pharoensis. In the coastal savannah and forest zones, dug-out wells were the most productive habitat during the dry (1.59 larvae/dip and 1.47 larvae/dip) and rainy seasons (11.28 larvae/dip and 2.05 larvae/dip). Swamps and furrows were the most productive habitats in the Sahel savannah zone during the dry (0.25 larvae/dip) and rainy (2.14 larvae/dip) seasons, respectively. Anopheles coluzzii was the most abundant sibling species in all the ecological zones. Anopheles melas and An. arabiensis were encountered only in the coastal savan nah and the Sahel savannah areas, respectively. Larval habitat types infuenced the presence of larvae as well as larval density (p<0.001). The land-use type afected the presence of Anopheles larvae (p=0.001), while vegetation cover infuenced larval density (p<0.05). Conclusion: The most productive habitats were dug-out wells in the coastal savannah and forest zones, and furrows from irrigated canals in the Sahel savannah zone. Anopheles coluzzii was the predominant vector species in all the eco logical zones. The abundance of Anopheles breeding habitats and larvae were infuenced by anthropogenic activities. Encouraging people whose activities create the larval habitats to become involved in larval source management such as habitat manipulation to stop mosquito breeding will be important for malaria and lymphatic flariasis control.Item Larval habitat stability and productivity in two sites in Southern Ghana(Malaria Journal, 2023) Forson, A.O.; Hinne, I.A.; Sraku, I.K.; Afrane, Y.A.Background Mosquito larval source management (LSM) is a valuable additional tool for malaria vector control. Understanding the characteristics of mosquito larval habitats and its ecology in different land use types can give valuable insight for an effective larval control strategy. This study determined the stability and productivity of potential anopheline larval habitats in two different ecological sites: Anyakpor and Dodowa in southern Ghana. Methods A total of 59 aquatic habitats positive for anopheline larvae were identified, and sampled every two weeks for a period of 30 weeks using a standard dipping method. Larvae were collected using standard dippers and were raised in the insectary for identification. Sibling species of the Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) were further identified by polymerase chain reaction. The presence of larval habitats, their stability and larvae positive habitats were compared between the two sites using Mann–Whitney U and the Kruskal–Wallis test. Factors affecting the presence of An. gambiae larvae and physicochemical properties at the sites were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis and Spearman’s correlation. Results Out of a total of 13,681 mosquito immatures collected, 22.6% (3095) were anophelines and 77.38% (10,586) were culicines. Out of the 3095 anophelines collected, An. gambiae s.l. was predominant (99.48%, n=3079), followed by Anopheles rufpes (0.45%, n=14), and Anopheles pharoensis (0.064%, n=2). Sibling species of the An. gambiae consisted of Anopheles coluzzii (71%), followed by An. gambiae s.s. (23%), and Anopheles melas (6%). Anopheles mean larval density was highest in wells [6.44 (95% CI 5.0–8.31) larvae/dip], lowest in furrows [4.18 (95% CI 2.75–6.36) larvae/ dip] and man-made ponds [1.20 (95% CI 0.671–2.131) larvae/dip].The results also revealed habitat stability was highly dependent on rainfall intensity, and Anopheles larval densities were also dependent on elevated levels of pH, conductivity and TDS. Conclusion The presence of larvae in the habitats was dependent on rainfall intensity and proximity to human settlements. To optimize the vector control measures of malaria interventions in southern Ghana, larval control should be focused on larval habitats that are fed by underground water, as these are more productive habitats.Item Microbial Quality of Sliced Pawpaw (Carica papaya) and Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Sold on Some Streets of Accra Metropolis, Ghana(Hindawi, 2021) Olu-Taiwo, M.; De-Graft, B.M.; Forson, A.O.In most African countries, street vending of fruits is prevalent and the likelihood of predisposing consumers to microbial contamination is very high. ,is study aimed to determine various bacteria and risk factors that are associated with fruits sold by street vendors in Accra. Sliced watermelons and pawpaws were randomly purchased from selected suburbs in Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One gram (1 g) of each watermelon and pawpaw was homogenized in 9 ml of sterile peptone water, and 0.1 ml from each serial dilutions of each fruit was spread on plate count agar, blood agar, and MacConkey agar plates for total aerobic counts and coliform counts. Agar plates were incubated at 33–37° C for 18–24 h. Bacterial identification was done by standard bacteriological methods. Additionally, questionnaires were administered to the vendors to gather data on food hygiene and knowledge on foodborne illness. ,e study revealed that although some of the fruit vendors were educated on food hygiene, most sold fruits were contaminated with mean total aerobic plate counts of 2.6 ×105 –8.1 × 105CFU g−1 and 3.7 ×104 –7.1 × 104CFU g−1 for watermelon and pawpaw. ,The mean coliform counts for pawpaw and watermelon ranged between 1.2 ×103 –8.1 × 103CFU g−1 and 1.6 ×104 –3.1 × 104CFU g−1 , respectively. Overall, mean aerobic counts and mean coliform counts were not significantly different among vendors in selected locations (p > 0.05). However, predominant bacteria isolated included Enterobacter species (33.3%), Citrobacter sp. (20.0%), and Klebsiella sp. (15.9%). ,e study revealed that watermelon and pawpaw sold on the streets in Accra could be possible source of foodborne illness. Therefore, street food vendors must be educated on food hygiene protocols and measures to improve microbial quality of street vended fruits.Item Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria on the Mobile Phones and Computer Keyboards of Healthcare University Students in Ghana(Hindawi, 2021) Olu-Taiwo, M.; Laryea, C.A.; Mykels, D.K.; Forson, A.O.Globally, mobile phones and computers (laptops and desktops) are indispensable part of human lives for communication, entertainment, and educational purposes. However, there are concerns about the increasing risk of bacterial contamination and antibiotic resistant trends from the surfaces of these devices. ,is study aims to assess bacterial contamination of mobile phones and computer keyboards and their resistant profile at the University of Ghana, Korle-Bu Campus, Accra. ,is was a cross sectional study conducted from March to June 2017 with 240 swabs collected from the surfaces of mobile phones and computer keyboards used by healthcare students. Swabs were cultured on MacConkey, blood, and mannitol salt agar. Bacteria identification was performed with a standard bacteriological method. A total of 91 bacterial isolates were obtained from the devices, and they were tested against 9 commonly used antibiotics by the Kirby–Bauer disc method. ,e study revealed mobile phones and computer keyboards had contamination levels of 83.3% and 43.3%. Bacteria isolated included Staphylococcus epidermidis (25.4%), Klebsiella spp. (12.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (9.2%), Escherichia coli (6.7%), Pseudomonas spp. (5.4%), Enterobacter cloacae (2.1%), and Enterobacter spp. (1.7%). Overall, 91 bacterial isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin (96.7%) and tetracycline (75.8%) and moderately resistant to chloramphenicol (49.5%) with lower resistance to cefotaxime (18.7%), ceftadizime (14.2%), ciprofloxacin (25.3%), and gentamycin (24.7%). Additionally, 45.1% of isolates were multidrug resistant. Findings from this study revealed mobile phones and computer keyboards of healthcare students in the university were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. Hence, frequent hand hygiene and disinfection of mobile phones and computer keyboard surfaces is encouraged to minimize the spread of resistant bacteria pathogens.Item Perceptions of the roles, impact, challenges and needs of community drug distributors in the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases in difficult-to-access communities in Ghana(BMC Infectious Diseases, 2023) Forson, A.O.; Awuah, R.B.; Mohammed, A.R.; Owusu-Asenso, C.M.; Atakora, S.B.; Akosah-Brempong, G.; Abdulai, A.; Sraku, I.K.; Dhikrullahi, S.B.; Attah, S.K.; Afrane, Y.A.Introduction The success of mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Ghana depends, to a large extent, on the essential role community drug distributors (CDDs) play. This study aimed to investigate community’s perceptions of CDDs’ roles, impact of CDDs’ work, challenges faced by CDDs, and views on resources required to enhance CDDs’ work to sustain MDA campaigns. Methods A cross-sectional qualitative study employing the use of focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members and CDDs in selected NTD endemic communities together with individual interviews with district health officers (DHOs) was conducted. We interviewed 104 people aged 18 and over, purposively selected, through eight individual interviews, and 16 focus group discussions. Results Participants in the community FGDs noted that health education and the distribution of drugs were the main roles of CDDs. Participants also perceived that the work of CDDs had prevented the onset of NTDs, treated symptoms of NTDs, and generally reduced the incidence of infections. In the interviews with CDDs and DHOs, lack of cooperation/non-compliance by community members, demands by community members, lack of working resources and low financial motivation were mentioned as the main challenges to the work of CDDs. Moreover, the provision of logistics and financial motivation for CDDs were identified as factors that will enhance their work. Conclusions Incorporating more attractive schemes will incentivise CDDs to improve output. Addressing the challenges highlighted is an important step for the work of CDDS to be effective in controlling NTDs in difficult-to access communities in Ghana.Item The role of family size, employment and education of parents in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in school children in Accra(2018-02) Forson, A.O.; Arthur, I.; Ayeh-Kumi, P.F.Introduction Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in school children are a public health problem in most developing countries. Methods and principal findings A cross sectional survey was conducted from May to July 2016 with school children living in overcrowded urban slums in Accra, Ghana. A simple random sample of 300 children aged 2–9 years was collected. The study used structured pre-tested questionnaire and stool tests to obtain information on epidemiological, sanitation habits, employment and education status of parents and children. Data were analysed using appropriate descriptive, univariate and multivariable logistic tools of analyses. The mean age of participants was 6.9 years and 49% were males and 51.3% were females. Giardia lamblia was found in males (10.95%) and females (7.79%). Very low prevalences for Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia species, and Entamoeba coli were detected. Whilst children from mothers (62.2%) and fathers (55.6%) with no education were often infected, a few children from fathers (22.2%) and mothers (6.7%) with no jobs were infected. Most of the infected children’s (93.7%) parents did not have any knowledge of IPIs. The educational and employment status of the mothers [p = 1.0 and p = 0.422] was not significant, however, the family size was a predisposing factor (p = 0.031) for parasitic infections. Conclusions Intestinal parasites were prevalent in children from overcrowded families and with no knowledge of IPIs. Educative programmes on IPIs, improving hygiene, and application of supportive programmes to elevate socioeconomic conditions may help reduce the burden of intestinal parasite carriage in children. © 2018 Forson et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.