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Item Co-infections of SARS-CoV-2 with respiratory syncytial virus and human influenza A in patients with symptoms of COVID-19 in Ghana: A retrospective study(New Microbes and New Infections, 2024-08-19) Duedu, O.K.; Gyamfi, J.; Ayivor-Djanie, R.; Afenya, G.; Agbuglah, B.I.; Agbogli, K.H.; Essandoh, P.; Kugbemanya, S.; Adiku, K.T.Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic the aetiology of respiratory illnesses were narrowed to SARS-CoV-2. This prevented diagnosis of other pathogens and patients were not notified of the accurate diagnosis of their illnesses when SARS-CoV-2 was absent. It is therefore important to look back and determine what else was present but was missed. Objective: This retrospective study sought to gain insights into prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A alongside SARS-CoV-2 in patients who reported with clinical symptoms of respiratory illnesses. Methods: Samples from patients who had reported of respiratory symptoms were selected at random from a pool. RNA was extracted and RT-PCR was performed for SARS-CoV-2, RSV and Influenza A in parallel. Data on the clinical symptoms was extracted from case-base forms and analysed. Results: Of the 400 symptomatic samples tested, prevalence of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and RSV was 20.3 %, 2.0 % and 0.5 % respectively. Only one sample tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A. About 77 % of the symptomatic cases did not test positive for any of the three agents. Cough (79 %) was the most common symptom followed by fever and chills, headache, sore throat and runny nose. Conclusion: The large proportion of symptomatic cases that tested negative for all three respiratory viruses raises a flag and a need for more investigations into the actual burden of respiratory aetiologic agents during the pandemic. With the low levels of co-infections, parallel testing may not be needed however, a strong case for multiplex tests for respiratory agents exists.Item Assessment of bacterial diversity in western Accra, Ghana, drinking water samples(Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 2019) Ecklu-Mensah, G.; Sackey, S.T.; Morrison, H.G.; et.alThe design and performance characteristics of municipal drinking water systems can profoundly influence public health. To assess the operational attributes of an Accra, Ghana drinking water distribution system, high-throughput 454 pyrosequencing was employed to characterize its bacterial community composition. Samples from the waterworks and four household sources (one household tap and three polytank storage units) were analyzed within one of Accra’s distribution networks over 4 months. Samples provided between 9,059 and 20,076 reads (average ¼ 13,056) that represented a broad range of bacterial diversity, including rare genera. Minimum Entropy Decomposition (MED) analysis showed that the sequences described four major assemblages. Assemblages 1 and 2 dominated the waterworks and household tap samples while polytank storage unit samples, with one exception, contained assemblages 3 or 4. The considerable bacterial taxonomic difference between different sources suggests that contamination and/or selective growth shapes bacterial community structures after treatment at the waterworks. Of particular interest are the major differences between the poly tank samples following storage and the tap/waterworks samples, suggesting that water storage (stagnation) can select for unique microbial populationsItem Molecular Identification and Characterization of Five Ganoderma Species from the Lower Volta River Basin of Ghana Based on Nuclear Ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) Sequences(Journal of Fungi, 2024) Anang, A. K.; Gbewonyo, W. S. K.; Quarcoo, A.; et alGanoderma is a genus of biomedical fungus that is used in the development of numerous health products throughout the world. The Lower Volta River Basin of Ghana is an undulating land surface covered by extensive vegetation and water bodies and is rich in polypore mushrooms resembling various members of the Ganoderma genus. Despite the extensive biopharmaceutical benefits of Ganoderma spp., the isolates from the Lower Volta River Basin have not been properly characterized, thus limiting their use in the development of biotechnological products. In this study, Ganoderma spp. collected from the Lower Volta River Basin were genetically analyzed using the nuclear ribosomal sequences, the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS 2), the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and the nuclear large subunit (nLSU). Blastn search and sequence analysis revealed that the sample we coded as Ganoderma LVRB-2 belongs to G. mbrekobenum, whereas Ganoderma LVRB-1, Ganoderma LVRB-14, and Ganoderma LVRB-16 belong to the species G. enigmaticum. Our analysis further demonstrates that Ganoderma LVRB-17 belongs to the species G. resinaceum. Thus, the five samples collected in the present study were positioned in three different distinct groups, namely G. mbrekobenum, G. enigmaticum, and G. resinaceum. The current data may serve as reference points for future studies.Item Molecular epidemiology and current management of Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV) infection in Ghanaian cultured tilapia(Aquaculture, 2024) Ayiku, A.N.A.; Adelani, A.A.; Duodu, S.; et al.Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV) is globally gaining more attention, due to its highly sig nificant economic impact on the aquaculture industry. In late 2018, unusually high levels of mortality (60–90%) was reported in some intensive tilapia cage culture systems on the Eastern bank of Lake Volta in Ghana. This resulted in the fold-up of several small and medium scale farms. Preliminary investigations confirmed the involvement of ISKNV, a viral pathogen noted for fatal systemic infections in many fish species. As a follow-up on the outbreak situation, and post-mass vaccination of affected fish farms, the need to investigate further the molecular epidemiology and phylogeography of the virus across Lake Volta became paramount. A multiplexed PCR assay to detect the virus and MinION™ nanopore sequencing of the Major Capsid Protein (MCP) were performed to investigate the presence and genotype of ISKNV in tilapia collected from 30 randomly selected farms at various geographical locations. ISKNV was found to be widely distributed across the lake and detected in 80% of farms with a reported average daily mortality of 40%. Fry and juvenile fish were the most affected, and approximately 50% of fish that tested positive were asymptomatic. These apparently healthy fish are likely contributors of virus transmission across farms. Phylogenetic analysis of the MCP revealed that all 35 isolates from 14 different farms distributed across the lake clustered with ISKNV clade I with 100% homology to isolates from the 2019 outbreak strain. Vaccination and heat-shock treatment; the two main specific interventions currently employed to control the viral pathogen have not achieved much success, and ISKNV remains a threat to the growth of the aquaculture industry in Ghana. The outcome of this study can be useful in improving fish health management and biosecurity policies in the aquaculture industry.Item In Silico Identification of a Potential TNF-Alpha Binder Using a Structural Similarity: A Potential Drug Repurposing Approach to the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease(BioMed Research International, 2024) Tettevi, E.J.; Ocloo, A.; Kuevi, D.N.O.; et al.Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with no conclusive remedy. Yohimbine, found in Rauwolfia vomitoria may reduce brain inflammation by targeting tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), implicated in AD pathogenesis. Metoserpate, a synthetic compound, may inhibit TNFα. The study is aimed at assessing the potential utility of repurposing metoserpate for TNFα inhibition to reduce neuronal damage and inflammation in AD. The development of safe and effective treatments for AD is crucial to addressing the growing burden of the disease, which is projected to double over the next two decades. Methods. Our study repurposed an FDA-approved drug as TNFα inhibitor for AD management using structural similarity studies, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. Yohimbine was used as a reference compound. Molecular docking used SeeSAR, and molecular dynamics simulation used GROMACS. Results. Metoserpate was selected from 10 compounds similar to yohimbine based on pharmacokinetic properties and FDA approval status. Molecular Docking and simulation studies showed a stable interaction between metoserpate and TNFα over 100 ns (100000 ps). This suggests a reliable and robust interaction between the protein and ligand, supporting the potential utility of repurposing metoserpate for TNFα inhibition in AD treatment. Conclusion. Our study has identified metoserpate, a previously FDA-approved antihypertensive agent, as a promising candidate for inhibiting TNFα in the management of AItem Pseudogenomic Insights Into The Evolution Of Mycobacterium Ulcerans(BMC Genomics, 2024) Kyei-Baffour, E.S.; Owusu-Boateng, K.; Isawumi, A.; et al.Background: Buruli ulcer (BU) disease, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU) and characterized by necrotic ulcers is still a health problem in Africa and Australia. The genome of the bacterium has several pseudogenes due to recent evolutionary events and environmental pressures. Pseudogenes are genetic elements regarded as non-essential in bacteria, however, are less studied due to limited available tools to provide understanding of their evolution and roles in MU pathogenicity. Results This study developed a bioinformatic pipeline to profile the pseudogenomes of sequenced MU clinical isolates from different countries. One hundred and seventy-two MU genomes analyzed revealed that The pseudogenomes of African strains corresponded to the two African lineages 1 and 2. Pseudogenomes were lineages and location-specific, and African lineage 1 was further divided into A and B. Lineage 2 had less relaxation in positive selection than lineage 1, which may signify different evolutionary points. Based on the Gil-Latorre model, African strains may be in the latter stages of evolutionary adaptation and are adapting to an environment rich in metabolic resources with a lower temperature and decreased UV radiation. The environment fosters oxidative metabolism and MU may be less reliant on some secondary metabolites. In-house pseudogenomes from Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire were different from other African strains; however, they were identified as African strains. Conclusion Our bioinformatic pipeline provides pseudogenomic insights to complement other whole genome analyses, providing a better view of the evolution of the genome of MU and suggesting an adaptation model which is important in understanding transmission. MU pseudogene profiles vary based on lineage and country, and an apparent reduction in insertion sequences used for the detection of MU, which may adversely affect the sensitivity of diagnosis. Significance Prevention and treatment of Buruli ulcer is still a problem but large whole genome datasets on M. ulcerans are readily available. However, genomic studies fail to thoroughly investigate pseudogenes to probe evolutionary changes in the bacteria, and this can be attributed to the lack of bioinformatic tools. This work studied pseudogenes in Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU) to understand its adapted niche and evolutionary differences across African strains. Our results suggest that an MU niche-adapted model is important in understanding transmission. Also, MU pseudogene profiles vary based on lineage and country, suggesting their influence on pseudogenization patternsItem Pseudogenomic Insights Into The Evolution Of Mycobacterium Ulcerans(BMC Genomics, 2024) Kyei-Baffour, E.S.; Owusu-Boateng, K.; Isawumi, A.; et al.Background: Buruli ulcer (BU) disease, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU) and characterized by necrotic ulcers is still a health problem in Africa and Australia. The genome of the bacterium has several pseudogenes due to recent evolutionary events and environmental pressures. Pseudogenes are genetic elements regarded as non-essential in bacteria, however, are less studied due to limited available tools to provide understanding of their evolution and roles in MU pathogenicity. Results This study developed a bioinformatic pipeline to profile the pseudogenomes of sequenced MU clinical isolates from different countries. One hundred and seventy-two MU genomes analyzed revealed that The pseudogenomes of African strains corresponded to the two African lineages 1 and 2. Pseudogenomes were lineages and location-specific, and African lineage 1 was further divided into A and B. Lineage 2 had less relaxation in positive selection than lineage 1, which may signify different evolutionary points. Based on the Gil-Latorre model, African strains may be in the latter stages of evolutionary adaptation and are adapting to an environment rich in metabolic resources with a lower temperature and decreased UV radiation. The environment fosters oxidative metabolism and MU may be less reliant on some secondary metabolites. In-house pseudogenomes from Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire were different from other African strains; however, they were identified as African strains. Conclusion Our bioinformatic pipeline provides pseudogenomic insights to complement other whole genome analyses, providing a better view of the evolution of the genome of MU and suggesting an adaptation model which is important in understanding transmission. MU pseudogene profiles vary based on lineage and country, and an apparent reduction in insertion sequences used for the detection of MU, which may adversely affect the sensitivity of diagnosis. Significance Prevention and treatment of Buruli ulcer is still a problem but large whole genome datasets on M. ulcerans are readily available. However, genomic studies fail to thoroughly investigate pseudogenes to probe evolutionary changes in the bacteria, and this can be attributed to the lack of bioinformatic tools. This work studied pseudogenes in Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU) to understand its adapted niche and evolutionary differences across African strains. Our results suggest that an MU niche-adapted model is important in understanding transmission. Also, MU pseudogene profiles vary based on lineage and country, suggesting their influence on pseudogenization patternsItem In Silico Identification Of A Potential TNF-Alpha Binder Using A Structural Similarity: A Potential Drug Repurposing Approach To The Management Of Alzheimer’s Disease(BioMed Research International, 2023) Tettevi, E.J.; Ocloo, A.; Kuevi, D.N.O.; et al.Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with no conclusive remedy. Yohimbine, found in Rauwolfia vomitoria may reduce brain inflammation by targeting tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), implicated in AD pathogenesis. Metoserpate, a synthetic compound, may inhibit TNFα. The study is aimed at assessing the potential utility of repurposing metoserpate for TNFα inhibition to reduce neuronal damage and inflammation in AD. The development of safe and effective treatments for AD is crucial to addressing the growing burden of the disease, which is projected to double over the next two decades. Methods. Our study repurposed an FDA-approved drug as TNFα inhibitor for AD management using structural similarity studies, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. Yohimbine was used as a reference compound. Molecular docking used SeeSAR, and molecular dynamics simulation used GROMACS. Results. Metoserpate was selected from 10 compounds similar to yohimbine based on pharmacokinetic properties and FDA approval status. Molecular Docking and simulation studies showed a stable interaction between metoserpate and TNFα over 100 ns (100000 ps). This suggests a reliable and robust interaction between the protein and ligand, supporting the potential utility of repurposing metoserpate for TNFα inhibition in AD treatment. Conclusion. Our study has identified metoserpate, a previously FDA-approved antihypertensive agent, as a promising candidate for inhibiting TNFα in the management of AD.Item he global transcriptome of Plasmodium falciparum mid stage gametocytes (stages II–IV) appears largely conserved and gametocyte-specific gene expression patterns vary in clinical isolates(American Society for Microbiology, 2023) Kengne-Ouafo, J.A.; Bah, S.Y.; Kemp, A.; et al.Our overall understanding of the developmental biology of malaria Parasites have been greatly enhanced by recent advances in transcriptomic analysis. However, most of these investigations rely on laboratory strains (LS) that were adopted into in vitro culture many years ago and the transcriptomes of clinical isolates (CI) circulating in human populations have not been assessed. In this study, RNA-seq was used to compare the global transcriptome of mid-stage gametocytes derived from three short-term cultured CI, with gametocytes derived from the NF54 reference laboratory strain. The core transcriptome appeared to be consistent between CI and LS-derived gametocyte preparations, but some important differences were also observed. A majority of gametocyte-specific genes (43/53) appear to have relatively higher expression in CI-derived gametocytes than in LS-derived gametocytes, but a K-means clustering analysis showed that genes involved in flagellum- and microtubule-based processes (movement and motility) were more abundant in both groups, albeit with some differences between them. In addition, gametocytes from one CI described as CI group II gametocytes (CI:GGII) showed gene expression variation in the form of reduced gametocyte-specific gene expression compared to the other two CI-derived gametocytes (CI gametocyte group I, CI:GGI), although the mixed developmental stages used in our study is a potential confounder, only partially mitigated by the inclusion of of multiple replicates for each CI. Overall, our study suggests that there may be subtle differences in the gene expression profiles of mid-stage gametocytes from CI relative to the NF54 reference strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Thus, it is necessary to deploy gametocyte-producing clinical parasite isolates to fully understand the diversity of gene expression strategies that may occur during the sequestered development of parasite sexual stages.Item Lessons from the pandemic: new best practices in selecting molecular diagnostics for point-of-care testing of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa(Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics, 2023) Baldeh, M.; Bawa, F.K.; Bawah, F.U.; et al.Introduction: Point-of-care molecular diagnostics offer solutions to the limited diagnostic availability and accessibility in resource-limited settings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, molecular diagnostics became essential tools for accurate detection and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2. The unprecedented demand for molecular diagnostics presented challenges and catalyzed innovations which may provide lessons for the future selection of point-of-care molecular diagnostics. Areas Covered: We searched PubMed from January 2020 to August 2023 to identify lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, which may impact the selection of point-of-care molecular diagnostics for future use in sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated this in the context of REASSURED criteria (Real-time connectivity; Ease of specimen collection; Affordable; Sensitive; Specific; User-friendly; Rapid and robust; equipment-free; and deliverable to users at the point of need) for point-of-care diagnostics in resource-limited settings. Expert Opinion: The diagnostic challenges and successes during the COVID-19 pandemic affirmed the importance of the REASSURED criteria but demonstrated that these are not sufficient to ensure new Diagnostics will be appropriate for public health emergencies. Capacity for rapid scale-up of diagnostic Testing and transferability of assays, data, and technology are also important, resulting in updated REST-ASSURED criteria. Few diagnostics will meet all criteria, and trade-offs between criteria will need to be context-specific.Item The burden of hospital acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance(Heliyon, 2023) Abban, M.K.; Ayerakwa, E.A.; Mosi, L.; Isawumi, A.The burden of Hospital care-associated infections (HCAIs) is becoming a global concern. This is compounded by the emergence of virulent and high-risk bacterial strains such as “ESKAPE” pathogens – (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter species), especially within Intensive care units (ICUs) that house high-risk and immunocompromised patients. In this review, we discuss the contributions of AMR pathogens to the increasing burden of HCAIs and provide insights into AMR mechanisms, with a particular focus on last-resort antibiotics like polymyxins. We exten sively discuss how structural modifications of surface-membrane lipopolysaccharides and cationic interactions influence and inform AMR, and subsequent severity of HCAIs. We highlight some bacterial phenotypic survival mechanisms against polymyxins. Lastly, we discuss the emergence of plasmid-mediated resistance as a phenomenon making mitigation of AMR difficult, especially within the ICUs. This review provides a balanced perspective on the burden of HCAIs, associated pathogens, implication of AMR and factors influencing emerging AMR mechanisms.Item Co-infection of Plasmodium falciparum and Schistosoma mansoni is associated with anaemia(Malaria Journal, 2023) Dassah, S.D.; Nyaah, K.E.; Amenga‑Etego, L.; et al.Background Malaria and schistosomiasis persist as major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. These infections have independently and also in polyparasitic infection been implicated in anaemia and nutritional defcien‑ cies. This study aimed at assessing asymptomatic malaria, intestinal Schistosoma infections and the risk of anaemia among school children in the Tono irrigation area in the Kassena Nankana East Municipal (KNEM) in the Upper East Region of Northern Ghana. Methods A cross sectional survey of 326 school children was conducted in the KNEM. Kato Katz technique was used to detect Schistosoma eggs in stool. Finger-prick capillary blood sample was used for the estimation of haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and blood smear for malaria parasite detection by microscopy. Results The average age and Hb concentration were 10.9 years (standard deviation, SD:±2.29) and 11.2 g/dl (SD:±1.39) respectively with 58.9% (n=192) being females. The overall prevalence of infection with any of the para‑ sites (single or coinfection) was 49.4% (n=161, 95% confdence interval, CI [44.0–54.8]). The prevalence of malaria parasite species or Schistosoma mansoni was 32.0% (n=104) and 25.2% (n=82), respectively with 7.7% (n=25) coin‑ fection. The prevalence of anaemia in the cohort was 40.5% (95%CI [35.3–45.9]), of which 44.4% harboured at least one of the parasites. The prevalence of anaemia in malaria parasite spp or S. mansoni mono-infections was 41.8% and 38.6%, respectively and 64.0% in coinfections. There was no statistically signifcant diference in the odds of being anaemic in mono-infection with malaria (OR=1.22, 95% CI 0.71–2.11, p=0.47) or S. mansoni (OR=1.07, 95% CI 0.58–1.99, p=0.83) compared to those with no infection. However, the odds of being anaemic and coinfected with malaria parasite species and S. mansoni was 3.03 times higher compared to those with no infection (OR=3.03, 95% CI 1.26–7.28, p=0.013). Conclusion The data show a high burden of malaria, S. mansoni infection and anaemia among school children in the irrigation communities. The risk of anaemia was exacerbated by coinfections with malaria parasite(s) and S. mansoni. Targeted integrated interventions are recommended in this focal area of KNEM.Item Impact of malaria on glutathione peroxidase levels: a systematic review and meta‑analysis(www.nature.com/scientificreports, 2023) Kotepui, M.; Mahittikorn, A.; Anabire, N.G.; Kotepui, K.U.The primary antioxidant, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), is hypothesized to contribute to the pathophysiology of malaria. This current study conducted a meta-analysis to examine variations in GPx blood levels in malaria patients. Seven electronic databases—ProQuest, Scopus, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Ovid, and Google Scholar—were searched for relevant studies with no limitations to publication language or publication date. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used to appraise the risk of bias among the included studies critically. The meta-analysis was conducted by pooling the effect estimates and Hedges’s g using a random-effects model. Search results returned 1253 articles, of which 16 studies were used for syntheses. Results of the metaanalysis indicated that malaria patients had decreased blood levels of GPx compared to uninfected individuals (P < 0.01, Hedges’ g: − 4.06, 95% CI − 5.49–(− 2.63), I2: 99.07%, 1278 malaria patients/627 uninfected individuals, 15 studies). Subgroup analyses indicated that peripheral levels of GPx were significantly diminished in patients with P. falciparum malaria compared to uninfected controls (P < 0.01, Hedges’ g: − 3.06, 95% CI − 4.46–(− 1.65), I2: 98.39%, 9 studies) but not in patients with P. vivax malaria (P = 0.15, Hedges’ g: − 2.05, 95% CI − 4.83–0.74), I2: 98.64%, 2 studies) Overall, malaria is associated with declined levels of GPx, particularly in patients with P. falciparum malaria. The finding provides valuable insights that prompt the need to investigate the role of GPx depletion in malaria pathogenesis.Item Complete and Draft Genome Sequences of 52 Bacillus and Priestia Strains Isolated from West African Fermentations and 26 Reference Strains from a Public Culture Collection(Microbiology Resource Annocements, 2023) Wiedenbein, E.S.; Canoy, T.S.; Ametefe, E.; et al.The whole genomes of 78 Bacillus and Priestia strains isolated from West African fermented foods (n = 52) or acquired from a public culture collection (n = 26) were sequenced using long-read sequencing and assembled into draft (n = 32) and complete (n = 46) genomes, allowing comparative genomics and taxonomic assignment of these strains with putative uses in fermented foodsItem Caffeic Acid Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Stemness of DU-145 Prostate Cancer Cells(Natural Product Communications, 2023) Aikins, A.R.; Birikorang, P.A.; Sabah, S.B.; Baffoe, S.M.; et al.The issue of toxicity associated with existing cancer drugs necessitates the exploration of the anticancer potentials of natural products such as caffeic acid (CA). Here, we determined the effect of CA on the proliferation, migration, and stem cell-like properties of DU 145 prostate cancer cells. Tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay and flow cytometric analysis showed that CA decreased cell prolif eration in a dose- and time-dependent manner without affecting cell cycle progression. CA also inhibited cell migration and repressed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by upregulating the expression of cadherin 1 (CDH1) and downregulating the expression of cad herin 2 (CDH2). Furthermore, CA reduced the cancer stem cell population from 95% to 63% and 47% at concentrations of 1.25 and 2.5 mg/mL, respectively; and inhibited stem cell-like properties by downregulating the expression of NANOG and octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) genes. These findings suggest that CA could be considered in the development of improved chemother apy against prostate cancer.Item Cocoa‐associated filamentous fungi for the biocontrol of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus(Journal of Basic Microbiology, 2023) Oduro‐Mensah, D.; Lowor, S.T.; Donkor, J.K.; et al.Aflatoxin and other mycotoxin contamination are major threats to global food security and present an urgent need to secure the global food crop against spoilage by mycotoxigenic fungi. Cocoa material is noted for naturally low aflatoxin contamination. This study was designed to assess the potential for harnessing cocoa‐associated filamentous fungi for the biocontrol of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus. The candidate fungi were isolated from fermented cocoa beans collected from four cocoa‐growing areas in Ghana. Molecular characterization included Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS)‐sequencing for identification and polymer chain reaction (PCR) to determine mating type. Effects of the candidate isolates on growth and aflatoxin‐production by an aflatoxigenic A. flavus isolate (BANGA1) were assessed. Aflatoxin production was monitored by UV fluorescence and quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thirty‐six filamentous fungi were cultured and identified as Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Lichtheimia, or Trichoderma spp. isolates. The isolates generally interacted negatively with BANGA1 growth and aflatoxin production. The Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus aculeatus biocontrol candidates showed the strongest colony antagonism (54%–94%) and reduction in aflatoxin production (12%–50%) on agar. In broth, the A. niger isolates reduced aflatoxin production by up to 97%. Metabolites from the A. niger isolates showed the strongest inhibition of growth by BANGA1 and inhibited aflatoxin production. Four of the candidate isolates belonged to the MAT1‐1 mating type and 12 identified as MAT1‐2. This may be indicative of the potential for genetic recombination events between fungi in the field, a finding which is particularly relevant to the risk posed by A. flavus biocontrol measures that rely on atoxigenic A. flavus strains.Item Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence, testing, and treatment capacity in public health facilities in Ghana, 2016–2021; A multi-centre crosssectional study(NLM (Medline), 2023) Agyeman, S.; Nartey, Y. A.; Okine, R.; et al.Abstract The current burden of Hepatitis C virus infection and the availability of HCV-related services in Ghana are not well described. Previous estimates on HCV seroprevalence in the country are outdated. This study investigated the HCV seroprevalence and testing and treatment capacity in Ghana. A multi-centre cross-sectional study was conducted in which laboratory and blood bank registers from 17 public healthcare institutions in Ghana were reviewed. A survey on cost and availability of HCV-related testing and treatment was also performed. Crude and pooled estimates of HCV seroprevalence, frequency and median cost of available diagnostic tests and medicines were described. The crude HCV seroprevalence was 2.62% (95% CI 2.53–2.72) and the pooled estimate was 4.58% (95% CI 4.06–5.11) among 103,609 persons tested in laboratories. Age (OR 1.02 95% CI 1.01–1.02) and male sex (OR1.26 95% CI 1.08–1.48) were predictors of a positive anti-HCV RDT test. Northern administrative regions in Ghana had the highest HCV seroprevalence ranging from 8.3–14.4%. Among 55, 458 potential blood donors, crude HCV seroprevalence was 3.57% (95% CI 3.42–3.72). Testing was through Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits in most facilities, and only 2 of 17 centres were performing HCV RNA testing. The median cost of an anti-HCV RDT test was $0.97 (0–1.61) and $3.23 (1.61–7.58) for persons with and without government health insurance respectively. The median cost of a 12-week course of the pan-genotypic direct-acting antiviral therapy sofosbuvir-daclatasvir was $887.70. In conclusion, there are significant regional differences in HCV burden across Ghana. Limited access to and cost of HCV RNA and DAA therapy hinders testing and treatment capability, and consequently HCV elimination efforts. A national HCV program supported with a sustainable financing plan is required to accelerate HCV elimination in Ghana.Item Use Of Medicinal Plants as A Remedy Against Lymphatic Filariasis: Current Status and Future Prospect(Wiley Periodicals LLC, 2023) Fordjour, F.A.; Arthur, P.K.; et al.Despite the successes achieved so far with the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, there is still an appreciable number of lymphatic filarial patients who need alternative treatment and morbidity management strategies. The unresponsiveness of some cohorts to the drugs used in the mass drug administration program is currently raising a lot of questions and this needs urgent attention. Natural medicinal plants have a long‐standing history of being effective against most disease conditions. Countries such as India have been able to integrate their natural plant remedies into the treatment of lymphatic filarial conditions, and the results are overwhelmingly positive. Components of Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Parkia biglobosa, Adansonia digitata, and Ocimum spp have been shown to have anti‐inflammatory, anticancerous, and antimicrobial activities in animal models. Therefore, this review calls for attention toward the use of natural plant components as an alternate treatment against lymphatic filariasis to help reduce the World Health Organization's burden of providing drugs for people in need of treatment every year.Item A Global Survey of Hypervirulent Aeromonas hydrophila (vAh) Identified vAh Strains in the Lower Mekong River Basin and Diverse Opportunistic Pathogens from Farmed Fish and Other Environmental Sources(American Society for Microbiology, 2023) Xu, T.; Rasmussen-Ivey, C-R.; Duodu, S.; et al.Hypervirulent Aeromonas hydrophila (vAh) has emerged as the etiologic agent of epidemic outbreaks of motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS) in high-density aquaculture of farmed carp in China and catfish in the United States, which has caused millions of tons of lost fish. We conducted a global survey to better understand the evolution, geographical distribution, and phylogeny of vAh. Aeromonas isolates were isolated from fish that showed clinical symptoms of MAS, and pure cultures were screened for the ability to utilize myoinositol as the sole carbon source. A total of 113 myo-inositol-utilizing bacterial strains were included in this study, including additional strains obtained from previously published culture collections. Based on a gyrB phylogeny, this collection included 66 A. hydrophila isolates, 48 of which were vAh. This collection also included five new vAh isolates from diseased Pangas catfish (Pangasius pangasius) and striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) obtained in Cambodia and Vietnam, respectively. Genome sequences were generated from representative vAh and non-vAh isolates to evaluate the potential for lateral genetic transfer of the myo-inositol catabolism pathway. Phylogenetic analyses of each of the nine genes required for myo-inositol utilization revealed the close affiliation of vAh strains regardless of geographic origin and suggested lateral genetic transfer of this catabolic pathway from an Enterobacter species. Prediction of virulence factors was conducted to determine differences between vAh and non-vAh strains in terms of virulence and secretion systems. Core genome phylogenetic analyses on vAh isolates and Aeromonas spp. disease isolates (55 in total) were conducted to evaluate the evolutionary relationships among vAh and other Aeromonas sp. isolates, which supported the clonal nature of vAh isolates.Item Risk of Heavy Metal Poisoning From Consuming Grasscutter Digesta in Ghana(Environmental Health Insights, 2023) Quarshie, J.T.; Cofie, J.K.; Dewornu, F.S.; Quaye, O.; Aikins, A.R.Grasscutter (cane rat/Thryonomys swinderianus) digesta is used as a spice in Ghana. Research shows that heavy metals from the environment may accumulate in the internal organs of grasscutters, which raises concerns about the possible contamination of grasscutter digesta, too, with heavy metals. Although grasscutter meat in Ghana has been described as safe for consumption, information is lacking on the health risks associated with ingesting the digesta. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the knowledge and perceptions of a merchant and a consumer about the safety of ingesting grasscutter digesta and to evaluate potential health risks from exposure to heavy metals from the spice. A total of 12 digesta samples were analyzed to evaluate potential health risks from exposure to Cd, Fe, Hg, and Mn using a Varian AA240FS Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The levels of Cd, Hg, and Mn were below the detection limit of 0.01mg/kg digesta. Also, the estimated daily intake of Fe (0.02mg/kg) was less than the maximum allowable dose recommended by the US EPA (0.7mg/kg). The hazard indices of Fe for daily and weekly consumption were <1, suggesting that the consumers may be safe from iron poisoning. Because grasscutter digesta is a relatively expensive spice, it is unlikely to be consumed daily by the average Ghanaian. Moreover, if 10g of digesta is consumed daily, it can be safely ingested about 971 times in a month. Domestication of grasscutters may be a useful approach to monitor their diet and consequently the quality of their digesta.