Browsing by Author "Quartey, J.K."
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Item Assessment of dual schistosome infection prevalence from urine in an endemic community of Ghana by molecular diagnostic approach(Parasite Epidemiology and Control, 2019-12-26) nyan, W.K.; Pulkkila, B.R.; Dyra, C.E.; Price, M.; Naples, J.M.; Quartey, J.K.; Anang, A.K.; Lodh, N.Schistosomiasis is an important Neglected Tropical Disease caused by blood parasites called schistosomes. In sub-Saharan Africa, two major human schistosomes, namely Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium, often occur sympatrically and is responsible for almost 90% of the affected 290 million people worldwide. We have utilized a highly sensitive and specific assay by amplifying species-specific cell-free repeat DNA fragments by polymerase chain reaction to detect either single or dual schistosome infection from a single urine sample from a broad age group. In this study, we have tested filtered urine samples collected from 163 individuals aged 3–63 years, mostly children (median age 10), to evaluate the prevalence of single and dual infections for S. mansoni and S. haematobium in Tomefa community in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. 40–50 mL of urine was filtered through a 12.5 cm Whatman # 3 filter paper in the field. The filter papers were dried, packed individually in sealable plastic bags with a desiccant, and shipped to Marquette University, where DNA was isolated and PCR amplification was carried out with species-specific primers. Disease prevalence was found to be 46.6% for S. mansoni and 48.5% for S. haematobium. Most importantly, 23.3% of participants had dual infections. All of the samples were detected without any cross amplification. The data was evaluated for four age groups and infection rate was highest for the age group of 3–12 years, with more S. haematobium infections than S. mansoni infections. We found a high prevalence of both S. haematobium and S. mansoni infection and a significant proportion of dual infection for the Tomefa community, which in most cases would be missed by traditional parasitological examination of urine or stool. Our highly sensitive and specific approach for detecting underlying multiple schistosome infections is an effective means to detect low intensity infections and would enhance the effectiveness of surveillance and Mass Drug Administration control programs of schistosomiasisItem Control of Parasitic Diseases through School-based Health Education and Deworming: A five years activities in Ada-Foah, Ghana. X European Multicolloquium of Parasitology – EMOP 10 Paris(France CN, pp. 103-107, 2008) Bosompem, K.A.; Wilson, M.D.; Anyan, W.K.; Awazawa, T.; Hanafusa, D.; Boakye, D.A.; Appawu, M.A.; Ayi, I.; Boamah, D.; Asigbee, J.K.; Quartey, J.K.; Ogiwara, H.; Ohta, N.; Ofori-Adjei, D.; Nyarko, A.; Takeuchi, T.KAP and parasitological surveys were conducted (in 2002, 2005 and 2007) among primary school children in the model site of West African Centre for International Parasite Control (WACIPAC) in Ghana. School-based health intervention was used as a means of controlling Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) and Schistosomiasis. Comprehensive health promoting activities, including health education and mass deworming was conducted in all 10 primary schools in communities in the area. The KAP study showed that hygienic and de-worming practices and knowledge about de-worming had improved. Par asitlogical surveys also showed that the prevalence of both STH and schistosomiasis decreased sharply over the 5 years. Interestingly, knowledge related to the causes and transmission of parasitic diseases did not show improvement.Item The costs of living in the city: influence of urbanization on the trophic niche and body condition of the African rainbow lizard Agama picticauda(European Journal of Wildlife Research volume, 2023) Ofori, B.Y.; Martey, P.; Mensah, J.B.; Quartey, J.K.; Attuquayefio, D.K.; Anderson, R.S.Trophic niche is a fundamental aspect of the ecology and natural history of animals, influencing their behavior, health, survival, and population dynamics. Although urbanization can strongly affect the trophic niche of wildlife by altering prey availability, abundance, and distribution, this effect remains understudied in tropical reptiles. Here, we assessed the influence of urbanization on the trophic niche and body condition of the West African rainbow lizard Agama picticauda in the Accra Plains of Ghana. Gastrointestinal content analysis of 98 lizards sampled from urban, suburban, and rural areas revealed 1088 prey items belonging to 14 orders and ~47 families of arthropods. Generally, the lizards consumed insects, with Hymenoptera (Formicidae) and Coleoptera (Carabidae) being the most frequently consumed prey orders. Multinomial regression modeling indicated that sex and site strongly affected the diet and body condition of the lizards, with suburban and rural lizards scoring the highest and lowest on both trophic niche breadth and body condition, respectively. We found a weak positive association between body condition and the diversity of ingested prey orders. Our data indicated that urbanization negatively influenced the trophic niche and body condition of A. picticauda. Although the differences in body condition among sites were not statistically significant, these could have important biological ramifications. The negative body condition of the urban female lizards suggests that the city could be an ecological trap, which can reduce the long-term fitness of lizards living in the urban area. Our findings can inform urban land use planning and effective conservation of urban habitats. We caution, however, that the findings of this study may not necessarily reflect the long-term trophic dynamics of rainbow lizards in the Accra Plains of Ghana and other cities.Item Foraging Ecology of Sanderling Calidris Alba on the Western Coast of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2018-12) Quartey, J.K.Migration is an important process in the annual cycle of shorebirds that enables them to escape unfavourable conditions at certain times of the year and provides them opportunity to breed in one area and spend the non-breeding season in other latitudes. The selection of a suitable non-breeding habitat by migrants is dependent on a number of factors which define the quality of the habitat, namely: levels of disturbances, predatory risk, suitable environmental and climatic conditions such as depth and temperature of water, abundance and availability of food. The Esiama beach on the Ghana coast is important for sanderlings of the East Atlantic Flyway during the non-breeding season, supporting 40-70% of all sanderlings along the Ghana coast. The overall aim of this study was to investigate and document the foraging ecology of sanderlings on the western coast of Ghana; and using the species as a model, describe and assess the quality of Esiama beach as a suitable and preferred non-breeding site for sanderlings in Ghana. Specifically, this study sought to measure the variations in the distribution, availability and quality of benthic macroinvertebrates as prey for sanderlings and assess the spatio-temporal variation in the distribution of sanderlings in relation to food availability. The study also focused on describing foraging behaviour and strategies employed by sanderlings, determine prey preference and evaluate the impact of human disturbances and other pressures on the foraging behaviour of sanderlings. Data for this study were obtained through direct field observations of foraging birds, benthic macroinvertebrate sampling, mist netting, faecal collection; laboratory analysis of macroinvertebrates and estimation of biomass; as well as experiments to determine intake rates and prey preference of captive sanderlings. A total of 62,000 macroinvertebrates belonging to four Phyla: Mollusca (Donax pulchellus, D. rugosus, Hastula aciculina and Agaronia acuminata), Arthropoda/ Crustacea (Excirolana chiltoni, Emerita talpoida, Mysid shrimp), Annelida (Glycera spp., Nereis sp.) and Nemertea were recorded in benthic samples. Donax pulchellus, E. chiltoni and Glycera spp. constituted 91.66%, 6.45% and 1.40% respectively of all individuals in benthic samples. About 95.0% of all macroinvertebrates in benthic samples were present in the top 3 cm depth and therefore were considered available to sanderlings. About 99.18% of all D. pulchellus individuals were available to sanderlings. About 99.68% of all available macroinvertebrates were distributed within the low- and inter-tidal zones and was dominated by D. pulchellus. Excirolona chiltoni was the most abundant prey within the high tide zone. The diet of sanderlings from the analysis of faecal samples was made up of bivalves, gastropods, polychaetes, isopods and fish. Donax pulchellus was the most abundant prey found in droppings of sanderlings, occurring in about 78.0% of all faecal samples and constituted of 79.0% of the total number of prey items found in faecal samples. The mean length, biomass and quality of D. pulchellus were 6.9 ± 1.7 mm, 1.42 ± 0.04 mg AFDMflesh and 1.04 kJ/ g and for E. chiltoni 5.2 ± 1.4 mm, 1.44 ± 0.06 mg AFDMflesh and 7.75 kJ/g. There were two recruitment periods for D. pulchellus; between July – October and January – March. Peak densities of D. pulchellus occurred in August – October and January – March, which explained the occurrence of high numbers of sanderlings along the beach, coinciding with the autumn and spring migrations respectively. Spatially, densities of D. pulchellus declined towards the estuaries (p < 0.001) with mean densities up to 15,509 individuals/ m2 whiles densities of E. chiltoni increased towards the Ankobra estuary (p < 0.001) with mean densities up to 960 individuals/ m2. The spatial distribution of sanderlings was explained by the densities of D. pulchellus (p < 0.001), but not E. chiltoni (p = 0.91). Sanderlings spent 60.45%, 36.93%, 1.15% and 1.48% of the 12-hour day time foraging, resting, in locomotion and engaged in comfort activities respectively. The time-activity budgets of sanderlings could be explained by the tidal cycle, diurnal time, number of sanderlings on the beach and density of prey. For example, more sanderlings foraged between 0600 – 0900 GMT and 1500 – 1700 GMT which coincided with 2 hours before and after high tide. Such observation suggests that sanderlings take an optimal course of foraging action, maximizing foraging opportunities presented by tidal action. Three foraging methods were described for sanderlings in exploiting their prey: pecking, probing and sewing. Pecking was a visual foraging method whereas probing and sewing were tactile methods. Sanderlings in captivity were also observed to use sewing methods to search for the appropriate prey size. Foraging rates of sanderlings varied with prey densities and sanderling numbers. For example, sanderlings pecked more when density of prey was high (25.24 ± 19.29 pecks/min) than when prey densities was lower (15.19 ± 13.74 pecks/min; p < 0.0001), and also when sanderlings were abundant on the beach (25.04 ± 19.01 pecks/min) than when there were fewer sanderlings (17.66 ± 16.16 pecks/min; p < 0.0001). Sanderlings also spent more time probing when bird numbers were high (9.80 ± 12.74 s/min) than when they were low (6.23 ± 8.19 s/min). Foraging rates of sanderlings increased with flock size below 28 individuals (p < 0.0001), beyond this threshold, foraging rates declined (p = 0.04). Due to competition for limited resource. Foraging rates of sanderlings also increased with nearest neighbour distance for conspecifics foraging in flock size greater than 28 individuals. Highest foraging rates were observed for sanderlings immediately upon arrival on the beach and peak sanderling count periods. The variation in foraging rates could be explained by competition for food in line with actual or apparent decline of prey densities. There was no significant difference in foraging rates in the field (23.68 ± 18.54 pecks/min) and in captivity (25.13 ± 14.03 pecks/min; W = 3810, p = 0.37). The intake rate of D. pulchellus by sanderlings in captivity was 1.61 ± 0.73 individuals/ min but varied between small size (1.61 ± 1.03 individuals/min) and medium size (0.44 ± 0.36 individuals/min). The estimated biomass of prey consumed in a 12-hour period from faecal samples were: D. pulchellus (0.72 ± 0.62 g AFDM), E. chiltoni (0.49 ± 0.42 g AFDM) and Glycera spp. (0.36 ± 0.26 g AFDM) making a total of 1.57 ± 0.96 g AFDM. The biomass of E. chiltoni was likely to be underestimated due to the time of faecal collection. Therefore, University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh using estimates of intake rates of isopods from literature, a value of 7.34 g AFDM was estimated as the total biomass consumed in a 12-hour period. Sanderlings showed preference for E. chiltoni to D. pulchellus (p = 0.01). Between small and medium size D. pulchellus, sanderlings preferred the former (p < 0.001). Several disturbance activities were observed along the beach: human related activities (74.0%); predators such as yellow-billed kite Milvus migrans parasitus (13.0%) and dogs (6.0%); scavengers (5.0%) and engine-driven machines (2.0%). Out of the proportion of human-related disturbances, fishing activities, passers-by, shellfish harvesting and recreational activities accounted for 45.0%, 37.0%, 14.0% and 4% respectively of the observed activities. The mean encounter rate of fishing activity was 0.5±0.3 activity/km with an average human density of 21±11 individuals/activity. The spatial distribution of sanderlings was related to distribution of D. pulchellus (p < 0.05), human densities (p < 0.001) but not E. chiltoni (p = 0.6). The impact of the disturbances along the beach by sanderlings was determined using the Minimal Approach Distance (MAD) method. Sanderlings could tolerate approaching humans up to a distance of 25.51±10.03 m and kites up to a height of 11.93 ± 6.29 m beyond which they showed signs of being disturbed. Multiple linear regression of all possible factors indicated that the MAD for sanderlings to humans depended on flock size and width of the beach for foraging sanderlings (R2 = 0.27, df=5, p = 0.0002). The findings of this study provide additional information on the foraging ecology of sanderlings along the Esiama beach, describe the quality of the Esiama beach as a habitat for sanderlings and make a case for protection of the Esiama beach and associated Amansuri wetlands as a Ramsar site (i.e. an internationally important wetland). University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.ghItem Increased ShTAL1 IgE responses post- Praziquantel treatment may be associated with a reduced risk to re-infection in a Ghanaian S. haematobium-endemic community(PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES, 2022) Asuming-Brempong, E.K.; Ayi, I.; van der Puije, W.; Gyan, B.A.; Larb, I.A.; Ashong, Y.; Frempong, N.A.; Quartey, J.K.; Otchere, J.; Jones, F.M.; Wilson, S.; Dunne, D.W.; Boakye, D.A.Background Evidence from recent studies in Schistosoma mansoni-endemic areas show an age-associated immunity that is positively correlated with IgE titres to Schistosoma mansoni-specific tegumental allergen-like protein 1 (SmTAL1). The structural homology between SmTAL1 and the S. haematobium-specific TAL1 (ShTAL1) has been verified, yet it remains unclear whether similar age- and immune-associated trends characterize ShTAL1. This communitybased intervention study was conducted to assess whether ShTAL1IgE responses posttreatment with praziquantel (PZQ) might be associated with a reduced risk to re-infection with S. haematobium. Methodology/Principal findings This study was conducted at Agona Abodom, Central Region, Ghana, and involved 114 participants aged 6 to 55 years. EDTA blood samples were collected at baseline and 7 weeks after PZQ treatment (Follow-up). Baseline and Follow-up titres of specific IgG1, IgG4, and IgE antibodies to the S. haematobium-specific adult worm antigen (ShAWA), the Sh-specific soluble egg antigen (ShSEA), and the Sh-specific tegumental-allergen-like 1 protein (ShTAL1) in plasma samples were measured using sandwich ELISA. Participants at both time points also provided stool and urine for helminth egg detection by microscopy. Prevalence of S. haematobium at baseline was 22.80%, and decreased to 3.50% at Follow-up.The egg reduction rate (ERR) was 99.87%. Overall plasma levels of ShTAL1-IgE increased 7 weeks post-PZQ treatment, and with increasing age; whiles S. haematobium infection prevalence and intensity decreased. For S. haematobium-infected participants who were egg-negative at Follow-up (N = 23), minimal median levels of ShTAL1-IgE were observed for all age groups prior to treatment, whilst median levels increased considerably among participants aged 12 years and older at Follow-up; and remained minimal among participants aged 11 years or less. In the univariate analysis, being aged 12 years or older implied an increased likelihood for ShTAL1-IgE positivity [12–14 years (cOR = 9.64, 95% CI = 2.09– 44.51; p = 0.004); 15+ years (cOR = 14.26, 95% CI = 3.10–65.51; p = 0.001)], and this remained significant after adjusting for confounders [12–14 years (aOR = 22.34, 95% CI = 2.77–180.14; p = 0.004); 15 years (aOR = 51.82, 95% CI = 6.44–417.17; p < 0.001)]. Conversely, median ShTAL1-IgG4 titres were hardly detectible at Follow-up.Conclusions/Significance These findings demonstrate that increased IgE levels to ShTAL1 7 weeks after PZQ treatment could be associated with a reduced risk to re-infection, and adds to the large body of evidence suggesting a protective role of the treatment-induced ShTAL1 antigen in schistosomiasis infections. It was also quite clear from this work that apart from being persistently S. haematobium-positive, elevated ShTAL1-IgG4 levels at Follow-up could be indicative of susceptibility to re-infection. These outcomes have important implications in vaccine development, and in shifting the paradigm in mass chemotherapy programmes from a ‘one-sizefits- all’ approach to more sub-group-/participant-specific strategies in endemic areas.Item Internal optical urethrotomy: a report of fifty-one cases treated under local anaesthesia.(1990-07) Klufio, G.O.; Quartey, J.K.Over the 15-month period beginning from October 1985, internal optical urethrotomy was successfully performed under local anaesthesia on 51 patients with urethral stricture. The procedure was well tolerated and 48 patients were discharged home on the day of operation. A urethral catheter (18 or 20F Foley) was left indwelling for one week post-operatively. Subsequently patency was assessed by check catheterisation using size 18F Nelaton Catheter, weekly for 6 weeks, and then at 3 monthly intervals. Thirty-nine patients have been followed up regularly for 3 to 15 months. Six patients restrictured (failed check catheterisation). The remaining 33 (84.6%) have retained urethral patency with no additional treatment.Item Point of Care Diagnosis of Multiple Schistosome Parasites: Species-Specific DNA Detection in Urine by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)(Acta Tropica, 2017-06) Lodh, N.; Mikita, K.; Bosompem, K.M.; Anyan, W.K.; Quartey, J.K.; Otchere, J.; Shiff, C.J.Schistosomes are easily transmitted and high chance of repeat infection, so if control strategies based on targeted mass drug administration (MDA) are to succeed it is essential to have a test that is sensitive, accurate and simple to use. It is known and regularly demonstrated that praziquantel does not always eliminate an infection so in spite of the successes of control programs a residual of the reservoir survives to re-infect snails. The issue of diagnostic sensitivity becomes more critical in the assessment of program effectiveness. While serology, such as antigen capture tests might improve sensitivity, it has been shown that the presence of species-specific DNA fragments will indicate, most effectively, the presence of active parasites. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can amplify and detect DNA from urine residue captured on Whatman No. 3 filter paper that is dried after filtration. Previously we have detected S. mansoni and S. haematobium parasite specific small repeat DNA fragment from filtered urine on filter paper by PCR. In the current study, we assessed the efficacy of detection of 86 urine samples for either or both schistosome parasites by PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) that were collected from a low to moderate transmission area in Ghana. Two different DNA extraction methods, standard extraction kit and field usable LAMP-PURE kit were also evaluated by PCR and LAMP amplification. With S. haematobium LAMP amplification for both extractions showed similar sensitivity and specificity when compared with PCR amplification (100%) verified by gel electrophoresis. For S. mansoni sensitivity was highest for LAMP amplification (100%) for standard extraction than PCR and LAMP with LAMP-PURE (99% and 94%). The LAMP-PURE extraction produced false negatives, which require further investigation for this field usable extraction kit. Overall high positive and negative predictive values (90% − 100%) for both species demonstrated a highly robust approach. The LAMP approach is close to point of care use and equally sensitive and specific to detection of species-specific DNA by PCR. LAMP can be an effective means to detect low intensity infection due to its simplicity and minimal DNA extraction requirement. This will enhance the effectiveness of surveillance and MDA control programs of schistosomiasis.Item Upper urinary tract stones in Accra, Ghana(1996-07) Klufio, G.O.; Bentsi, I.K.; Yeboah, E.D.; Quartey, J.K.Fifty-one patients with newly diagnosed upper urinary tract stones were seen at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra over an 8 years period from September 1985 to August 1993. Their mean age was 40.1 years (range 20-61 years). The sex ratio was 36 males to 15 males. During the same period 3, 217, 135 patients (both adults and children) attended the hospital's clinics. Thus putting the incidence of upper urinary tract stone at 2 per 100,000. On presentation 37 patients had solitary stones, 11 had multiple stone and 3 had partial or complete staghorn calculi. A total of 71 stones were seen; 30 were renal and 35 ureteric. The etiology of the stone disease was established in only 10 cases (20%). Urinary stasis was a predisposing factors in 5 patients, urinary infection in 3 others and hyperuricaemia and uricosuria in another 2. Stones from 29 patients that were removed at surgery or passed spontaneously were analysed chemically. Of these 25 (86%) consisted of calcium oxalate and/or calcium phosphate, 3 (10%) consisted of magnesium ammonium phosphate and 1(4%) contained only uric acid.