Browsing by Author "Owusu, I.A."

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The COVID-19, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS: Ménage à Trois
(Frontiers in Immunology, 2023) Udoakang, A.J.; Zune, A.L.D.; Tapela, K.; Nganyewo, N.N.; Olisaka, F.N.; Anyigba, C.A.; Tawiah-Eshun, S.; Owusu, I.A.; Paemka, L.; Awandare, G.A.; Quashie, P.K.
In December 2019, a novel pneumonic condition, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2), broke out in China and spread globally. The presentation of COVID-19 is more severe in persons with underlying medical conditions such as Tuberculosis (TB), Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and other pneumonic conditions. All three diseases are of global concern and can significantly affect the lungs with characteristic cytokine storm, immunosuppression, and respiratory failure. Co-infections of SARS-CoV-2 with HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) have been reported, which may influence their pathogenesis and disease progression. Pulmonary TB and HIV/ AIDS patients could be more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to lethal synergy and disease severity. Therefore, the biological and epidemiological interactions of COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and TB need to be understood holistically. While data is needed to predict the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these existing diseases, it is necessary to review the implications of the evolving COVID 19 management on HIV/AIDS and TB control, including therapy and funding. Also, the impact of long COVID on patients, who may have this co-infection. Thus, this review highlights the implications of COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and TB co-infection compares disease mechanisms, addresses growing concerns, and suggests a direction for improved diagnosis and general management.
Cytological and Wet Mount Microscopic Observations Made in Urine of Schistosoma haematobium-Infected Children: Hint of the Implication in Bladder Cancer
(Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, 2019-09-02) Tetteh-Quarcoo, P.B.; Akuetteh, B.K.; Owusu, I.A.; Quayson, S.E; Attah, S.K.; Armah, R.; Afutu, E.; Afrah, A.; Addo-Osafo, K.; Smith, C.; Gyasi, R.K.; Ayeh-Kumi, P.F.
Background. Schistosomiasis is the second major human parasitic disease next to malaria, in terms of socioeconomic and public health consequences, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) is a trematode and one of the species of Schistosoma that cause urogenital schistosomiasis (urinary schistosomiasis). Although the knowledge of this disease has improved over the years, there are still endemic areas, with most of the reported cases in Africa, including Ghana. Not much has been done in Ghana to investigate cytological abnormalities in individuals within endemic communities, although there are epidemiologic evidences linking S. haematobium infection with carcinoma of the bladder. Aim. +e aim of this study was to identify microscopic and cytological abnormalities in the urine deposits of S. haematobium-infected children. Methodology. +ree hundred and sixty-seven (367) urine samples were collected from school children in Zenu and Weija communities. All the samples were examined microscopically for the presence of S. haematobium eggs, after which the infected samples and controls were processed for cytological investigation. Results. S. haematobium ova were present in 66 (18.0%) out of the 367 urine samples. Inflammatory cells (82%, 54/66), hyperkeratosis (47%, 31/66), and squamous cell metaplasia (24%, 16/66) were the main observations made during the cytological examination of the S. haematobium-infected urine samples. Conclusion. Cytological abnormalities in S. haematobium-infected children may play an important role in the severity of the disease, leading to the possible development of bladder cancer in later years, if early attention is not given. +erefore, routine cytological screening for urogenital schistosomiasis patients (especially children) at hospitals in S. haematobium-endemic locations is recommended.
Introduction to Foodborne Infections and Intoxications Subtitle: An African Perspective
(Office of Research, Innovation and Development, University of Ghana, Legon, 2023) Sampane-Donkor, E.; Kotey, F.C.N.; Darkwah, S.; Owusu, I.A.; Tetteh-Quarcoo, P.B.; Dayie, N.T.K.D.
Foodborne infections and intoxications pose a significant global health threat, especially in Africa and other low-income regions. The goal of this book is to explore the intricate web of factors that influence foodborne infections in Africa. It delves into specific aspects of food safety, providing insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that Africa presents. By integrating disciplines such as microbiology, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, public health, and food science, the textbook advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to develop effective preventive measures, surveillance systems, and interventions.
Introduction to Foodborne Infections and Intoxications Subtitle: An African Perspective
(Office of Research, Innovation and Development, University of Ghana, Legon, 2024) Sampane-Donkor, E.; Kotey, F.C.N.; Darkwah, S.; Owusu, I.A.; Tetteh-Quarcoo, P.B.; Dayie, N.T.K.D.
Foodborne infections and intoxications pose a significant global health threat, especially in Africa and other low-income regions. The goal of this book is to explore the intricate web of factors that influence foodborne infections in Africa. It delves into specific aspects of food safety, providing insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that Africa presents. By integrating disciplines such as microbiology, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, public health, and food science, the textbook advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to develop effective preventive measures, surveillance systems, and interventions.
Introduction to Foodborne Infections and Intoxications Subtitle: An African Perspective
(Office of Research, Innovation and Development, University of Ghana, Legon, 2023) Sampane-Donkor, E.; Kotey, F.C.N.; Darkwah, S.; Owusu, I.A.; Tetteh-Quarcoo, P.B.; Dayie, N.T.K.D.
Foodborne infections and intoxications pose a significant global health threat, especially in Africa and other low-income regions. The goal of this book is to explore the intricate web of factors that influence foodborne infections in Africa. It delves into specific aspects of food safety, providing insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that Africa presents. By integrating disciplines such as microbiology, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, public health, and food science, the textbook advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to develop effective preventive measures, surveillance systems, and interventions
Macrophage inflammatory state influences susceptibility to lysosomal damage
(John Wiley & Sons, 2022) Wong, A.O.; Marthi, M.; Haag, A.; Owusu, I.A.; Wobus, C.E.; Swanson, J.A.
Macrophages possess mechanisms for reinforcing the integrity of their endolysosomes against damage. This property, termed inducible renitence, was previously observed in murine macrophages stimulated with LPS, peptidoglycan, IFNγ, or TNFα, which suggested roles for renitence in macrophage resistance to infection by membrane-damaging pathogens. This study analyzed additional inducers of macrophage differentiation for their ability to increase resistance to lysosomal damage by membrane-damaging particles. Renitence was evident in macrophages activated with LPS plus IFNγ, PGE2, or adenosine, and in macrophages stimulated with IFN-β, but not in macrophages activated with IL-4 or IL-10. These responses indicated roles for macrophage subtypes specialized in host defense and suppression of immune responses, but not those involved in wound healing. Consistent with this pattern, renitence could be induced by stimulation with agonists for TLR, which required the signaling adaptors MyD88 and/or TRIF, and by infection with murine norovirus-1. Renitence induced by LPS was dependent on cytokine secretion by macrophages. However, no single secreted factor could explain all the induced responses. Renitence induced by the TLR3 agonist Poly(I:C) was mediated in part by the type I IFN response, but renitence induced by Pam3CSK4 (TLR2/1), LPS (TLR4), IFNγ, or TNFα was independent of type 1 IFN signaling. Thus, multiple pathways for inducing macrophage resistance to membrane damage exist and depend on the particular microbial stimulus sensed.