Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science (DABCS)

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    Knowledge and nutrition-related practices among caregivers of adolescents with sickle cell disease in the Greater Accra region of Ghana
    (BMC Public Health, 2023) Ohemeng, A.; Nartey, E.B.; Quaidoo, E.; Ansong, R.S.; Asiedu, M.S.
    Background Due to its severe adverse effect on child mortality, sickle cell disease (SCD) has been identified as a set of diseases of public health concern. The high mortality rate among children with SCD in Africa has been attributed to several factors including sub-optimal management and care. This study documented the nutrition-related knowledge and practices of caregivers of teenagers who suffer from sickle cell disease (SCD) to inform decisions on integrated management of the disease. Methods The study included caregivers (n=225) of adolescents with SCD who attended clinic at selected hospitals in Accra, Ghana. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was employed in the gathering of information related to general and nutrition-related knowledge about SCD, as well as data on their nutrition-related practices with regards to their children who suffer from SCD. Pearson’s Chi-square test and binary logistic regression analyses were applied to explore the relationship between caregivers’ nutrition-related knowledge and practice. Results Nutrition-related knowledge among the caregivers studied was low, with less than a third of them (29.3%) of the sample being classified as having good knowledge. Caregivers who considered nutrition care when the child experienced crises were few (21.8%), and those with low nutrition-related knowledge were less likely to do this compared with caregivers having high knowledge (OR=0.37, 95% CI=0.18, 0.78). The common nutrition actions reported were the provision of more fruits/fruit juices (36.5%) and warm fluids such as soups and teas (31.7%). More than a third of the caregivers (38.7%) admitted that they faced challenges in caring for their adolescents with SCD, particularly in the area of finance for the needed health care. Conclusion Our study findings indicate that it is important to incorporate appropriate nutrition education messages for caregivers as part of a holistic management of SCD.
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    Climate Change Adaptation: An Ecosystem-Based Approach for Livelihood Improvement of Fringe Communities around Worobong South Forest Reserve in Ghana
    (International Journal of Forestry Research, 2022) Adu-Acheampong, S.; Kyei-Mensah, C.; Kyerematen, R.
    Anthropogenic and climate-induced change can potentially impact negatively on direct dependents of forest ecosystem services. To help build resilient societies, we examined the vulnerability of ecosystem-dependent communities in the Worobong South Forest Reserve (WSFR). We also examined climate variability impacts on forests and further suggested ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) strategies for livelihood improvements in the study area. The reserve can be found in the Eastern region of Ghana. We administered 250 questionnaires as well as studied time series data for temperature and rainfall with satellite images using the mixed method approach. The types of questionnaires used were open-ended and closed-ended semi structured questionnaires. The study also involved a focus group discussion and the development of trend analysis of relationships between the two data sets in 2016. Our results show that respondents perceived variation in average annual temperature and rainfall over the past few decades as the main reasons for the decline in the supply of bush meat, freshwater, tree barks, and leaves in the study area. The results of the questionnaire corroborated those of the data for the time series obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMeT) which is correlated with changes in the structure of (WSFR). To build resilient livelihoods and ecosystems, residents suggested strategies such as intensification of agroforestry systems with gain sharing arrangements, forest regulation enforcement, and bushfire control as ways to sustain the forests in the WSFR. We conclude that any measure to develop any climate change resilient mechanism in the WSFR should include those suggestions from residents
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    Wildlife species as potential sources of human exposure to parasitic pathogens in Accra, Ghana
    (West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2019-08-23) Aboagye, I.F.; Nkansa-Gyamfi, N.A.; Obimpeh, M.A.; Ansa-Tuah, A.K.; Owusu, E.H.
    Handling and consumption of wildlife species pose risks of exposure to the infective stages of parasitic pathogens and disease transmission. This study assessed protozoan and helminth infections in some wildlife species commonly consumed as meat in Accra, Ghana. Using Zinc Sulphate centrifugal flotation and microscopic techniques, seven protozoan species (Entamoeba sp., Giardia sp. Iodamoeba sp., Cryptosporidium sp., Balantidium sp., Endolimax sp. and Eimeria sp.) and 11 genera of intestinal helminths including Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Ascaris, Monieza, Schistosoma and Trichuris were identified. Kruskal-Wallis tests showed significant difference in intensity of protozoan [χ2(3) = 11.59; p = 0.009] and helminth [χ2(3) = 31.41; p < 0.0001] infections among the four groups of wildlife species. For protozoans, the differences were observed between the mean cyst and oocyst (Cryptosporidium sp.) intensities of Maxwell’s Duiker and Bushbuck (U = 5, p = 0.006) as well as Grasscutter and Bushbuck (U = 3, p = 0.004). However, the differences in mean helminth egg intensities were observed between Grasscutter and Maxwell’s Duiker (U = 6, p < 0.0001), Grasscutter and Bushbuck (U = 16, p < 0.0001) as well as Grasscutter and Royal Antelope (U = 4, p < 0.0001). The results highlight the need for awareness of the risks of parasitic diseases as a prerequisite for their effective prevention.
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    Herpetofauna community diversity and composition of a changing coastal wetland in Ghana
    (West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2019-08) Musah, Y.; Ofori, B.Y.; Attuquayefio, D.K.
    Despite concern about the negative effects of tropical wetland loss and degradation on biodiversity, data on impacts on amphibians and reptiles, remain scarce. Here, we assessed the herpetofauna at the Muni-Pomadze ramsar site for the first time in 14 years and report on the changes in diversity and composition at the coastal wetland. The methodology involved pitfall trapping, refuge examination and acoustic searches in the forest and grassland/ thickets habitats, as well as interviews of a cross-section of local inhabitants. Overall, 39 herpetofauna species were recorded at the study area. These comprised 19 amphibian species belonging to six families (Bufonidae, Ranidae, Hemisotidae, Hyperoliidae, Arthroleptidae and Petropedetidae), and 20 reptile species of nine families. The reptiles consisted of four lizard families (Agamidae, Scincidae, Gekkonidae and Varanidae), four snake families (Boidae, Colubridae, Elapidae and Viperidae) and one chelonian family (Pelome dusidae). Three families, Hemisotidae, Arthroleptidae and Viperidae are first records for the study area. Survey at the site in 1998 recorded 28 species, comprising 15 species of reptiles and 13 species of amphibians. Two families (Microhylidae and Testudinidae) recorded in 1998 were not recorded in the present survey. Although we recorded higher species richness in the present study, there was no significant change in the proportion of savanna and generalist species in the forest because of compensatory dynamics. Given that habitat loss at the patch and landscape levels is the main threat to herpetofauna at the ramsar site, conservation managers should focus on preventing further deforestation, particularly at Yenku Block A Forest Reserve to preserve the herpetofana at the Muni-Pomadze ramsar site.
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    Epidemiology, ecology and human perceptions of snakebites in a savanna community of northern Ghana
    (PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2019-06-25) Musah, Y.; Ameade, E.P.K.; Attuquayefio, D.K.; Holbech, L.H.
    Worldwide, snakebite envenomations total ~2.7 million reported cases annually with ~100,000 fatalities. Since 2009, snakebite envenomation has intermittently been classified as a very important ‘neglected tropical disease’ by the World Health Organisation. Despite this emerging awareness, limited efforts have been geared towards addressing the serious public health implications of snakebites, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where baseline epidemiological and ecological data remain incomplete. Due to poverty as well as limited infrastructure and public health facilities, people in rural Africa, including Ghana, often have no other choice than to seek treatment from traditional medical practitioners (TMPs). The African ‘snakebite crisis’ is highlighted here using regionally representative complementary data from a community-based epidemiological and ecological study in the savanna zone of northern Ghana. Methodology and findings Our baseline study involved two data collection methods in the Savelugu-Nanton District (in 2019 the district was separated into Savelugu and Nanton districts) in northern Ghana, comprising a cross-sectional study of 1,000 residents and 24 TMPs between December 2008 and May 2009. Semi-structured interviews, as well as collection of retrospective snakebite and concurrent rainfall records from the Savelugu-Nanton District Hospital and Ghana Meteorological Authority respectively over 10-years (1999–2008) were used in the study. Variables tested included demography, human activity patterns, seasonality, snake ecology and clinical reports. Complementary data showed higher snakebite prevalence during the rainy season, and a hump-shaped correlation between rainfall intensity and snakebite incidences. Almost 6% of respondents had experienced a personal snakebite, whereas ~60% of respondents had witnessed a total of 799 snakebite cases. Out of a total of 857 reported snakebite cases, 24 (~2.8%) died. The highest snakebite prevalence was recorded for males in the age group 15–44 years during farming activities, with most bites occurring in the leg/foot region. The highest snakebite rate was within farmlands, most severe bites frequently caused by the Carpet viper (Echis ocellatus). Conclusion The relatively high community-based prevalence of ~6%, and case fatality ratio of ~3%, indicate that snakebites represent an important public health risk in northern Ghana. Based on the high number of respondents and long recording period, we believe these data truly reflect the general situation in the rural northern savanna zone of Ghana and West Africa at large. We recommend increased efforts from both local and international health authorities to address the current snakebite health crisis generally compromising livelihoods and productivity of rural farming communities in West Africa.
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    Assessment of Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Infestation Levels on Citrus in Abura Asebu Kwamankese District, Ghana
    (African Entomology, 2017-09) Bawa, S.A.; Ofori, E.S.K.; Yawson, G.; Billah, M.K.; Nuamah, K.A.
    Citrus spp. (Rutaceae), is a major cash crop inGhana and is cultivated in the semi-deciduous for-est zone, which covers parts of the Ashanti,Brong-Ahafo, Eastern, Western, Central and Voltaregions of the country (Anno-Nyarko 1998). Cur-rent production as at 2013 is estimated at over700 000 t annually (FAO 2013). One of the majorthreats to the citrus industry is fruit fly infestation.Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are among themost important insect pests of fruits, especiallymangoes (Lux et al. 2003; Vayssières et al. 2008;Ekesi et al. 2009). Female fruit flies lay eggs underthe skin of the fruit, which hatch into larvae thatfeed in the decaying flesh of the crop. Infestedfruits quickly rot and become inedible or drop onthe ground, thus causing direct loss to the farmer.Besides the direct damage to the fruit, indirect lossis associated with quarantine restrictions that areimposed by fruits and vegetable importing coun-tries.
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    Morphometric Diagnosis of Glossina Palpalis (Diptera: Glossinidae) Population Structure in Ghana
    (BMC Research Notes, 2017-12) Ebhodaghe, F.; Billah, M.K.; Adabie-Gomez, D.; Yahaya, A.
    Objective This study aimed to identify isolated population(s) of Glossina palpalis in Ghana using geometric morphometrics to evaluate variations in wing-shape and size between populations of the fly from three regions. Results Wing shape of G. palpalis tsetse flies from the Northern, Western and Eastern Regions varied significantly between each other. Populations from the Northern and Western Regions varied the most (Mahalanobis Distance = 54.20). The least variation was noticed between populations from the Western and Eastern Regions (MD = 1.99). On morphospace, the Northern population clearly separated from the Eastern and Western populations both of which overlapped. Wing centroid size also significantly varied among populations. Reclassification scores were satisfactory reaching 100% for the Northern population. The Northern population of G. palpalis is possibly isolated from the Western and Eastern Region populations. Meanwhile, a panmictic relationship could be on-going between the Western and Eastern populations. We speculate that geographical distance and subspecific difference between populations are among factors responsible for observed pattern of wing shape variations among the studied populations. The implications of results regarding choice of control strategy and limitations of the study are discussed.
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    Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum delayed clearance associated polymorphisms in adaptor protein complex 2 mu subunit (pfap2mu) and ubiquitin specific protease 1 (pfubp1) genes in Ghanaian isolates
    (Parasites and Vectors, 2018-12) Adams, T.; Ennuson, N.A.A.; Quashie, N.B.; Futagbi, G.; Matrevi, S.; Hagan, O.C.K.; Abuaku, B.; Koram, K.A.; Duah, N.O.
    Background Plasmodium falciparum delayed clearance with the use of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACTs) has been reported in some African countries. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in two genes, P. falciparum adaptor protein complex 2 mu subunit (pfap2mu) and ubiquitin specific protease 1 (pfubp1), have been linked to delayed clearance with ACT use in Kenya and recurrent imported malaria in Britain. With over 12 years of ACT use in Ghana, this study investigated the prevalence of SNPs in the pfap2mu and pfubp1 in Ghanaian clinical P. falciparum isolates to provide baseline data for antimalarial drug resistance surveillance in the country. Methods Filter paper blood blots collected in 2015–2016 from children aged below 9 years presenting with uncomplicated malaria at hospitals in three sentinel sites Begoro, Cape Coast and Navrongo were used. Parasite DNA was extracted from 120 samples followed by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). Sanger sequencing was performed to detect and identify SNPs in pfap2mu and pfubp1 genes. Results In all, 11.1% (9/81) of the isolates carried the wildtype genotypes for both genes. A total of 164 pfap2mu mutations were detected in 67 isolates whilst 271 pfubp1 mutations were observed in 72 isolates. The majority of the mutations were non-synonymous (NS): 78% (128/164) for pfap2mu and 92.3% (250/271) for pfubp1. Five unique samples had a total of 215 pfap2mu SNPs, ranging between 15 and 63 SNPs per sample. Genotypes reportedly associated with ART resistance detected in this study included pfap2mu S160N (7.4%, 6/81) and pfubp1 E1528D (7.4%, 6/81) as well as D1525E (4.9%, 4/81). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of the SNPs between the three ecologically distinct study sites (pfap2mu: χ2 = 6.905, df = 2, P = 0.546; pfubp1: χ2 = 4.883, df = 2, P = 0.769). Conclusions The detection of pfap2mu and pfubp1 genotypes associated with ACT delayed parasite clearance is evidence of gradual nascent emergence of resistance in Ghana. The results will serve as baseline data for surveillance and the selection of the genotypes with drug pressure over time. The pfap2mu S160N, pfubp1 E1528D and D1525E must be monitored in Ghanaian isolates in ACT susceptibility studies, especially when cure rates of ACTs, particularly AL, is less than 100%.
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    Characterization of Anopheles gambiae s.l. and insecticide resistance profile relative to physicochemical properties of breeding habitats within Accra Metropolis, Ghana
    (Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2011-07) Kabula, B.I.; Attah, P.K.; Wilson, M.D.; Boakye, D.A.
    Malaria is endemic in Ghana as in most countries of sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to characterize Anopheles gambiae s.l. and determine pyrethroid resistance profiles relative to physicochemical properties of breeding habitats in Accra, Ghana. Eight aquatic habitats containing Anopheles larvae were identified and from each habitat, larvae and water were sampled. Adult An. gambiae reared from larvae were morphologically identified and tested for permethrin (0.75%) and deltamethrin (0.05%) resistance using WHO bioassay method. An. gambiae s.s. found were identified to their molecular levels and kdr mutation detected using PCR-based methods. Twenty-nine physicochemical parameters of each water sample were measured and their levels connected with pyrethroid resistance and proportions of An. gambiae s.s. molecular forms in habitats. A total of 2,257 mosquitoes were morphologically identified as An. gambiae s.l. and all 224 processed for PCR were identified as An. gambiae s.s., of which 56.46% and 43.54% were M and S-forms, respectively. Both forms occurred in sympatry in all larval habitats and no S/M hybrids were detected. However, M-form larvae were in high proportion in polluted habitats than the S-form. An. gambiae s.s. was highly resistant to both deltamethrin and permethrin with mortality rates of 42.98-70.0% and 6.5-20.0% respectively. The frequency of kdr mutation was 60.5% (n=195). This mutation occurred in both S and M-forms, but was mainly associated with the S-form (X 2=10.92, df =1, P=0.001). Carbonate and pH were both selected in discriminant function analysis as best predictors of high proportion of M-form in the habitats. The adaptation of An. gambiae s.s. in polluted aquatic habitats coupled with occurrence of insecticide resistance is quite alarming particularly for urban malaria control and needs further exploration in a wider context.
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    Field and laboratory studies on water conditions affecting the potency of VectoBac® (Bacillus thuringiensis serotype H-14) against larvae of the blackfly, Simulium damnosum
    (Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 2005-12) Wilson, M.D.; Akpabey, F.J.; Osei-Atweneboana, M.Y.; Boakye, D.A.; Ocran, M.; Kurtak, D.C.; Cheke, R.A.; Mensah, G.E.; Birkhold, D.; Cibulsky, R.
    River water conditions that might influence the efficacy of VectoBac®, a formulation of the microbial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis H-14 Berliner against Simulium damnosum sensu lato Theobald (Diptera: Simuliidae) larvae were investigated. A standard formulation was assayed 130 times over 15 months using a mini-gutter system at a field station beside the River Pra in Ghana. The lethal concentration (LC) values, river temperature, conductivity, turbidity and pH were analysed using univariate and multivariate statistics to identify which of these parameters influenced its performance. River temperature, conductivity and turbidity (in that order) were identified as having direct effects on the potency of VectoBac®. Water temperature and conductivity were negatively correlated, whereas turbidity and pH were positively correlated with LC values. Analyses of river water samples revealed that despite observed differences in total solids, sodium and potassium cations and chloride concentrations, all the parameters measured did not differ significantly between wet and dry seasons. A simple method for rearing S. damnosum s.l. in the laboratory was then adopted to study the effect of conductivity on potency of VectoBac® under controlled conditions. Increasing the conductivity of the water medium up to 3000 μS enhanced potency by about 42%, whereas increasing that of the insecticide alone raised it by 37%. The results obtained suggest that for effective use of VectoBac® for blackfly control in West Africa, river temperature, conductivity and turbidity should be taken into consideration, perhaps by only selecting rivers with optimal conditions for treatment. The laboratory-based system developed for assaying the product overcomes the vagaries associated with field conditions and also the demand for huge logistic requirements of the mini-gutter system, which has to be sited near rivers. © 2005 The Royal Entomological Society.