Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science (DABCS)
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Item Assessing The Diversity Of Insects In A Quarry Operational Area In The Ashanti Region Of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2022-11) Addae, S.Quarrying activities have negative impacts on invertebrate biodiversity and threaten local species through a variety of factors, such as habitat loss and pollution. Quarrying is a common practice in Ghana, but little is known about its impact on local insect diversity and abundance. In this study, the relationship between quarrying activities and insect communities at an active quarrying site, the Mowire quarry site in the Ashanti region of Ghana, was assessed. Transect counts, aerial netting, pitfalls, FIT, and Charaxes trapping have been employed to assess arthropod assemblages, particularly insects as surrogate arthropod communities. A total of 2,902 individual insects from 56 families and eleven orders were recorded at all transect points of the three zones. The quarry operational area habitat in the East Zone (EZ) supported a high abundance (N = 974) of insects and high species richness (S = 49), corresponding to a large diversity of flowering plants at this site, which is a food source for pollinators and herbivorous insects. The western zone of the quarry's operational area was not conducive to insect assemblage as the lowest abundance, diversity and richness occurred at the transect point (TP) 400 m, consistent with the low abundance of host plants as well as the amounts of dust settling in the western zone after each blast, as dust travels toward the zone. It is recommended that interventions to prevent the loss of biodiversity habitats in and around the quarry site must be focused on policies that ensure and enforce the establishment of a dust control mechanism system in the extractive industry.Item Detection Of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus And Rickettsia Spp. In Ticks And Disease Exposure Of Livestock Handlers In The Greater Accra And Upper East Regions Of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2022-10) Bentil, R.E.Ticks are important blood-sucking arthropod vectors. They are known to spread a wide range of diseases that cause severe and life-threatening illnesses in humans and animals all over the world through feeding. In population-dense and trade-dominant areas such as the Greater Accra and Upper East Regions, the risk of zoonotic infections may be on the rise. This study, therefore, sought to identify the circulating tick species, assess the pathogens they carry and the risk of exposure of primary animal handlers. A total of 705 ticks were collected from cattle (n=188) and horses (n=11). Three tick genera (Hyalomma, Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus) were observed in the study with the predominant species being Hyalomma rufipes (n=290, 41.13%), followed by Amblyomma variegatum (n=157, 22.27%) and the least, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (n=1, 0.14%). It was also observed that the preferred point of attachment of all identified ticks was predominantly the Anal region (n=469, 68.37%) with the least site being the Abdominal region (n=5, 0.73%) for cattle except for Horses that had the least site being the chest (n=1, 5.26%). Out of the 705 tick samples, it was observed that in the Upper East Region, higher percentage of ticks collected (62.67%) were infected with Rickettsia as compared to ticks from Greater Accra (42.13%). Similarly, slightly more ticks were infected with Rickettsia africae in the Upper East Region (91.8%) than Greater Accra (91.38%). In addition, although Amblyomma variegatum was the second most prevalent species identified, the highest Rickettsia and Rickettsia africae infection rates were recorded in this species. The highest CCHFV infection rates were observed in Hyalomma rufipes. Serology carried out for a total of 120 human sera samples, for Rickettsia using an in-house ELISA revealed that 27.50% had been exposed to Spotted Fever Group (SFG) and 4.17% to Typhus Group (TG) and none exposed to the Scrub Typhus group (STG). Furthermore, preliminary analysis for antibodies to CCHFV IgG was detected in 42.5% of the human serum (n=120) samples pending confirmatory Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT). This study further reports the first whole-genome sequencing of CCHFV in tick species within Ghana with sequence analysis revealing genotype III (Africa III) may be circulating in the Upper East Region of Ghana. This suggests the possible importation of the CCHFV virus into the country through trade and thus puts livestock and humans who may have primary contact with livestock at risk of infection of these diseases.Item Weather Pattern And Diarrhoea Disease Vectors In Some Coastal Areas In Southern Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Amekugee, N.E.Dipterans belonging to Muscidae, Sarcophagidae and Calliphoridae families may mechanically transmit many microorganisms to humans like diarrhoea causing pathogens. It was imperative to determine seasonal variations in the diversity and density of dipteran vectors of diarrhoeal diseases in some coastal communities in the southern part of Ghana namely Anyako, Anyanui, Opetekwei and Mumford. This study investigated the seasonal variations in the diversity and density of dipteran vectors of diarrhoeal diseases relative to climatic factors in these coastal communities. The flies were collected by the use of plastic water bottle fly traps baited with mango, fish and meat. The collection was done in two seasons, dry (January-March) and wet (April-June). The flies were grouped into pools based on insect family, the month of collection and study sites then morphological identification of the flies was done using keys from Kirk-Spriggs & Sinclair (2017). These flies were swabbed for bacteria culture on T.C.B.S agar, S.S agar and Chromogenic UTI clarity agar. Identification of bacteria was performed using biochemical tests. The seasonality of flies was assessed throughout 6 months with baited traps in these 4 communities. A total of 8817 insects were collected and identified, consisting of 3 families and 3 genera – Muscidae (87.10%), Sarcophagidae (2%), Calliphoridae (10.66%). The greatest number of Muscidae, Sarcophagidae and Calliphoridae peaked from April to May. The abundance levels of Muscidae and Sarcophagidae were positively correlated with relative humidity with p value of p<0.01 and p<0.05 respectively whiles Calliphoridae had a positive correlation with precipitation with a p value of p<0.01 in Anyako. Muscidae abundance level had a positive correlation with a p value of p<0.05 with temperature only in Anyanui and Mumford while no correlation was seen in Opetekwei. Escherichia coli, a diarrhoea-causing bacteria was isolated from all insect genera from all the communities in both the dry and wet seasons. The study has found that there was a seasonal variation in the density of flies across the different sites and these vary with climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation and most flies carried E. coli, a diarrhoea-causing bacteria.Item Diversity And Abundance Of Insects At Different Heights In Cocoa Farms.(University Of Ghana, 2022-07) Martinson, N.A.A.The usage of traps at a single stratum has mostly been investigated, which may underestimate or misrepresent the true abundance of insect species. Flowers along the stems, of cocoa trees, spreading out through the branches into the canopy, makes it unique and therefore may attract insects along its entire length. The goal of this study was to access the diversity and abundance of insects at different heights in cocoa farms. Pan traps consisting of yellow, blue and white colors were set at 3.0 m, 1.5 m, and 0.0 m on cocoa trees in three cocoa farms in the North-Eastern part of the Ashanti region. A total of 25,470 insects belonging to 87 species, 62 families, and 12 orders were catalogued and ranked. Thysanoptera was the most prevalent insect order, with 9,601 (37.7%), followed by Diptera with 7,079 (27.79%), and Hymenoptera with 6,101 (23.95 %). The three most dominant insect orders put together constituted between 62 – 95 % of the total coloured pan trap catches. The yellow pan traps proved to be the most effective, in terms of diversity of insects collected at the upper (3.0 m), middle \ (1.5 m) and lower (0.0 m) levels. The white pan traps performed better than the other traps at 1.5 m and 3.0 m. The white pan traps had the highest abundance of insects at 3.0 m and 1.5 m but for blue traps, height had little effect on its insect catches. Though there were no significant differences in insect abundance at different heights and trap performance, there were variations in total insect catches at the different levels and to pan trap colour. Knowledge on the distribution and collections of insects would help to control or conserve their numbers in a more systematic way and which can be a good reference in future, making sampling easier and increasing reliability. At different heights it could inform levels at which insect groups are likely to be concentrated, between times and seasons. This could be useful in pest management practices, as well as suggesting monitoring and sampling protocols future research activities. Note: Height = Vertical level keywords: Insect diversity & abundance, heights, cocoa, pan traps.Item Evaluation Of The Susceptibility Of Four Garden Egg (Solanum Aethiopicum) Varieties To The Major Field Insect Pests(University Of Ghana, 2022-12) Asamoah, M.P.Field experiments were conducted at Forest and Horticultural Crop Research Center, Kade, Ghana during the 2020 and 2021 cropping season. The susceptibility of four garden egg varieties against the major field insect pest under field conditions. The varieties namely: Aworoworo, Yorgbe, Round garden egg and Legon 1 varieties were laid in randomized complete block design with four replicates. The major insects observed to be causing varying degree of damage were Aphis gossypii, Aphis craccivora, Urentius hystricellus, thrips tabaci Leucinodes orbonalis and lastly Zonocerus variegatus. Insect pest infestation varied among the different varieties. The weekly population build-up of the insects per the different varieties were observed. The population of the insects was fluctuating from the time data collection began to harvesting. For insects such as the Aphis gossypii, Aphis craccivora, their numbers were high whilst insects such as Zonocerus variegatus, Leucinodes orbonalis were recorded in low numbers. In the minor season, Urentius hystricellus was found but was recorded in high numbers in the dry season however, their numbers reduced in the major season. Also, insect pests that attacked the different developmental stages of garden egg were observed. From the study, Aphis gossypii, Aphis craccivora, Zonocerus variegatus, Thrips tabaci and Urentius hystricellus were found to be attacking all the different growth stages of garden eggs. For Leucinodes orbonalis, it was found to be attacking the plant during the flowering and fruiting stages of the plant. In assessing the resistance level in the varieties, none of the varieties was found to be resistant. Based on the susceptibility index, it was found that the Legon 1 variety recorded the highest susceptibility level and was grade as susceptible whilst the Yorgbe variety recorded the least index and was graded as being moderately resistant. The Aworoworo variety and the Round garden egg variety was graded moderately susceptible and moderately resistant respectively.Item Effects Of Potent Fungal-Based Biopesticides On Promising Indigenous Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda) (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Associated Parasitoids In Kenya.(2021-12) Junitor, A.Maize is a major staple food crop in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly grown by resource-poor farmers. It is the third most important agricultural commodity worldwide after rice and wheat. However, its production is threatened by several biotic and abiotic factors such as cereal pests, parasitic weeds (striga), moisture stress, low fertility and diseases that inflict 15 – 90% yield losses. Arthropod pests are among the main factors leading to low maize yield and are central to many of today's major maize production challenges. These losses have been aggravated by the recent invasion of Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a highly polyphagous pest that affects many crops with a great preference for cereal crops such as maize, sorghum, and rice. Many control strategies have focused on the use of synthetic chemical pesticides which has a lot of adverse effects to human and environmentand has been ineffective. Biological control of FAW using parasitoids; Telenomus remus, Cotesia icipe and entomopathogenic fungal-based biopesticides have been explored. However, the combination of these biocontrol agents against FAW has not been evaluated in the invaded areas. In this study, four most potent entomopathogenic fungal isolates mainly Metarhizium anisopliae (ICIPE 7, ICIPE 41 and ICIPE 78) and Beauveria bassiana ICIPE 621) were screened against FAW in the laboratory through direct and indirect fungal infections to assess their pathogenicity and virulence against T. remus and C. icipe, and determined their effects on the oviposition, emergence and parasitism rates of these parasitoids. The results showed high susceptibility of the parasitoids through direct infection, where M. anisopliae ICIPE 78 caused the highest mortality rate on adult T. remus (95.83 ± 4.17%) after direct infection of dry conidia to the adult parasitoids, whereas both M. anisopliae ICIPE 7 and ICIPE 41 caused 100% mortality to adult C. icipe seven day post-infection. However, the infected adult parasitoids were able to parasitize FAW larvae that were exposed to them prior to their death, but their F1 generation emergence was also significantly affected by direct fungal infection, with highest number of parasitoids recorded in the control (83.25 ± 5.94%) compared to fungal treatments. In the indirect infection where infected second instar FAW larvae were exposed to the parasitoids, M. anisopliae ICIPE 7 and ICIPE 41 and B. bassiana ICIPE 621 caused moderate mortality rates to T. remus, except M. anisopliae ICIPE 78 that caused >60% mortality to this egg parasitoid at all the concentrations (1 x 105 – 1 x 109 conidia/ml). However, the mortality rates of the endoparasitoid C. icipe increased when the fungal isolates concentrations also increased. In both direct and indirect infections, additional induced mortality of FAW eggs and larvae was also obtained. Furthermore, high parasitism rates were obtained for both parasitoids in indirect fungal treatments as well as in the controls compared to direct infection experiment where the parasitism rates were lower (~40%) in fungal treatments than the controls (83.25%) for T. remus; while high parasitism rates were observed in M. anisopliae ICIPE 78 (62%) and B. bassiana ICIPE 621 (58%) compared to 35.75 and 36.75% in M. anisopliae ICIPE 7 and ICIPE 41, respectively for C. icipe. This study demonstrated that effective combination of entomopathogenic fungal-based biopesticides with both parasitoid species through indirect infection provide better suppression of FAW populations and consequently could be integrated into FAW-IPM strategies. Maize is a major staple food crop in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly grown by resource-poor farmers. It is the third most important agricultural commodity worldwide after rice and wheat. However, its production is threatened by several biotic and abiotic factors such as cereal pests, parasitic weeds (striga), moisture stress, low fertility and diseases that inflict 15 – 90% yield losses. Arthropod pests are among the main factors leading to low maize yield and are central to many of today's major maize production challenges. These losses have been aggravated by the recent invasion of Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a highly polyphagous pest that affects many crops with a great preference for cereal crops such as maize, sorghum, and rice. Many control strategies have focused on the use of synthetic chemical pesticides which has a lot of adverse effects to human and environmentand has been ineffective. Biological control of FAW using parasitoids; Telenomus remus, Cotesia icipe and entomopathogenic fungal-based biopesticides have been explored. However, the combination of these biocontrol agents against FAW has not been evaluated in the invaded areas. In this study, four most potent entomopathogenic fungal isolates mainly Metarhizium anisopliae (ICIPE 7, ICIPE 41 and ICIPE 78) and Beauveria bassiana ICIPE 621) were screened against FAW in the laboratory through direct and indirect fungal infections to assess their pathogenicity and virulence against T. remus and C. icipe, and determined their effects on the oviposition, emergence and parasitism rates of these parasitoids. The results showed high susceptibility of the parasitoids through direct infection, where M. anisopliae ICIPE 78 caused the highest mortality rate on adult T. remus (95.83 ± 4.17%) after direct infection of dry conidia to the adult parasitoids, whereas both M. anisopliae ICIPE 7 and ICIPE 41 caused 100% mortality to adult C. icipe seven day post-infection. However, the infected adult parasitoids were able to parasitize FAW larvae that were exposed to them prior to their death, but their F1 generation emergence was also significantly affected by direct fungal infection, with highest number of parasitoids recorded in the control (83.25 ± 5.94%) compared to fungal treatments. In the indirect infection where infected second instar FAW larvae were exposed to the parasitoids, M. anisopliae ICIPE 7 and ICIPE 41 and B. bassiana ICIPE 621 caused moderate mortality rates to T. remus, except M. anisopliae ICIPE 78 that caused >60% mortality to this egg parasitoid at all the concentrations (1 x 105 – 1 x 109 conidia/ml). However, the mortality rates of the endoparasitoid C. icipe increased when the fungal isolates concentrations also increased. In both direct and indirect infections, additional induced mortality of FAW eggs and larvae was also obtained. Furthermore, high parasitism rates were obtained for both parasitoids in indirect fungal treatments as well as in the controls compared to direct infection experiment where the parasitism rates were lower (~40%) in fungal treatments than the controls (83.25%) for T. remus; while high parasitism rates were observed in M. anisopliae ICIPE 78 (62%) and B. bassiana ICIPE 621 (58%) compared to 35.75 and 36.75% in M. anisopliae ICIPE 7 and ICIPE 41, respectively for C. icipe. This study demonstrated that effective combination of entomopathogenic fungal-based biopesticides with both parasitoid species through indirect infection provide better suppression of FAW populations and consequently could be integrated into FAW-IPM strategies.Item Impact Of Covid-19 Outbreak On The Prevalence Of Soil Transmitted Helminths Among School Children In The Volta Region Of Ghana.(University of Ghana, 2021-12) Vorsah, R.Y.Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) continue to pose a substantial health risk to humans, particularly children, all over the world, with the majority of cases occurring in underdeveloped countries. This study, carried out from March to April 2021, investigated the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on STH infections among primary school children in the Ho West and Afadjato South Districts in the Volta Region of Ghana using stool examination, microscopic techniques and administered questionnaire. The parasitological examination of 347 stool samples showed that 144 (41.5 %) were positive for STHs: hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) (21.9%), Trichuris trichiura (10.4%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (9.2%). The risk of STH infection among females was observed to be higher compared to males (OR = 3.69; 95% CI =1.48-9.20; p = 0.005) In the Ho West district, school children who used blade to cut their nails are less likely at risk to helminth infection than those who bite their nails in Ho West district (OR= 0.26; CI = 0.93- 0.70; p= 0.008 but there was no significant association between potential risk factors and STHinfections in the Afadjato South District. More parents reported anthelminthic drug administration to their children before COVID-19 outbreak compared to during COVID-19 outbreak (χ² (df) =31.04(1), p <0.0001). Eighty-one of school children in both districts (84%) were positive for Trichuris infection, there was a significant difference between parent’s response and Trichuris infection among those who administered anthelminthic drug before and during COVID-19 (p <0.0001). The high prevalence of STHs infections among primary school children calls for education on the proper hygiene habits and regular deworming exercise among residents in the study area.Item Diversity And Abundance Of Arthropods And Predators Of The Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera Frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) In Maize Agroecosystems And Their Potential For Biological Control(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Idemudia, I.The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It is currently the most devastating invasive arthropod pest of maize in sub-Saharan Africa. Following the first report of S. frugiperda in Ghana in 2016, its control has been reliant on synthetic chemical insecticides. Due to reliance and overuse of these insecticides, the pest has evolved resistance and requires higher application frequencies for control. Furthermore, non-target/beneficial organisms are negatively impacted by insecticides. Therefore, this thesis sought to investigate the role of two different management options of S. frugiperda on the diversity and abundance of arthropod species, including predators as well as the infestation levels of S. frugiperda in maize agroecosystems at the Soil and Irrigation Research Centre (SIREC) of the University of Ghana, Kpong, located within the lower Volta basin of the Coastal Savannah agro-ecological zone of Ghana. The investigations were conducted in the major and minor maize cropping seasons. Also, evaluations of the predatory potential and functional response of the predator Rhynocoris bicolor (Fabricius) were made following the recommendations by the Centre of Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) and the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA). The field experiment consisted of two different treatment plots: a biocontrol maize plot (BCM) where augmentative releases of the egg parasitoid, Telenomus remus (Nixon) were made and maize plot with farmer’s practice (MFP) in which the insecticide; Emamectin benzoate-based product, Ataka Super EC®: Emamectin benzoate 19.2 g/l was applied. A control maize plot without any treatment was included. The predatory potential of the predator R. bicolor was determined in laboratory assays at the PPRSD biocontrol laboratory in Pokuase, Accra. Results showed that both in the major and minor maize cropping seasons, significantly more arthropods, including predators were recorded in the control plots than in the MFP plots. Further, the diversity of the arthropods including predators was significantly lower in the MFP plot than in the control and BCM plots, articulating that the insecticides used by maize growers in Ghana had adverse effects on the arthropod communities and reduce biocontrol services. Conversely, a total of seven predatory arthropods: Crematogaster striatula (Emery), Cosmolestes pictus (Klug), Haematochares obscuripennis (Stal), Hediocoris tibialis (Stal), Rhynocoris sp. Sphedanolestes picturellus (Schouteden), and Misumenops sp. were confirmed predators of S. frugiperda after laboratory tests. The laboratory assays on R. bicolor revealed that the predator exhibits a type II functional response, with S. frugiperda as prey. Hence, could be considered a potential biocontrol agent of S. frugiperda in Ghana.Item Gastrointestinal Parasites Of Public Health Importance In Cercopithecus Mona Of Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary In The Afadjato South District Of Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Amu, I.K.Transmission of pathogens from animals to humans accounts for over 60% of infectious diseases in humans and 75% of all zoonotic diseases emanate from wild rather than domestic animals. Tafi Atome monkey sanctuary is a conserved grove that surrounds human population and serves as a habitat for many troops of habituated Cercopithecus mona (mona monkeys) that welcome many tourists annually and generate revenue for the district assembly. The habitat sharing bridges the human animal interface, providing avenue for pathogen trade-off between cohabited human and mona monkeys populations. This study aimed at characterising gastrointestinal parasites of public health importance in these monkeys at the Tafi Atome monkey sanctuary in the Afadjato South District of Ghana. Stool samples of school-aged children and faecal samples of mona monkeys were collected, processed and examined microscopically for parasite infection status. Using morphological characteristics, three genera of helminths and one protozoan were identified in both humans and mona monkey. The helminths were Hookworm, Strongyloides and Ascaris, while the protozoan was Giardia lamblia. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in humans (47.6%) and mona monkeys (26.4%) was statistically significant (χ²(df) = 12.96(1); p= 0.0003), but prevalence was insignificant between the two sampling areas of Tafi And Avatime Dzokpe (χ²(df) 2.944 (1); p=0.077). The highest gastrointestinal prevalence in humans was hookworm (21.09%) while in mona monkeys, Ascaris and Strongyloides (8.05%) were most prevalent. The sharing of parasites between humans and mona monkeys of the sanctuary could be indicative of possible zoonotic transmission. Regular administration of anthelminthic to the vulnerable groups in the catchment area of the sanctuary would be necessary to ameliorate the effects of gastrointestinal parasites in the human animal interface of Tafi Atome.Item Susceptibility Of Five Cowpea Varieties To Field And Storage Insect Pests(University Of Ghana, 2021-09) Baffoe- Ansah, J.Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, is a popular food crop in the tropics and subtropics. The crop is particularly susceptible to pests and diseases, limiting its yield. Cowpea cultivars that are resistant to pests in the field and in storage are becoming increasingly significant. Five improved cowpea varieties were screened (‘Asontem’, ‘Golinga’, Kirk house, ‘Padi Tuya’ and ‘Wang Kae’) for their susceptibility to field and storage insect pests. The field experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with five treatments and four replicates. The insect pests encountered were identified and recorded. Mean yield parameters such as number of pods per plant, weight of pods per plant, length of pod, number of seeds per pod, number of loci per pod, seed weight per pod, 100-seed weight, and total yield were assessed. In the minor season, ‘Golinga’ recorded the highest number of pods per plant, while ‘Padi Tuya’ had the least number of pods per plant. Meanwhile, ‘Asontem’ recorded the highest yield of 71.7 g in the minor season, while ‘Padi Tuya’ recorded the least value of 60.4 g. In the major season, ‘Wang Kae’ recorded the highest number of pods per plant, while ‘Padi Tuya’ recorded the least number of pods per plant. ‘Asontem’ again recorded the highest total yield of 74.1 g while ‘Padi Tuya’ recorded the least mean total yield of 59.2 g. Correlation between insect infestations and yield of the varieties in the field was determined. Aphis craccivora infestation was negatively correlated (r = - 0.2368, p > 0.05) with total yield in the major season. Megalurothrips sjostedti infestation was negatively correlated with the total yield (r = - 0.0784, P > 0.005) in the major season, and was also negatively correlated with the total yield (r = - 0.4232, P > 0.01) in the minor season. Maruca vitrata infestation was positively correlated with the total yield (r = 0.0636), P > 0.05) in the major season, while it was negatively correlated with total yield (r = - 0.3767, P >0.01) in the minor season. The laboratory experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Block Design with five treatments and three replicates. There was significant repellence of Callosobruchus maculatus by the different concentrations (1g/mL and 2g/mL) of the five cowpea extracts. All five cowpea varieties recorded C. maculatus mortalities after 4 days of introducing the adult insects onto the seeds. The five cowpea varieties recorded some levels of damage for the six-week period after introduction of C. maculatus. C. maculatus infestations and seed weight during storage were determined after the six-week period. The median development period of the C. maculatus in the five cowpea varieties ranged from 17 to 28 days, with four out of the five varieties (‘Asontem’, ‘Golinga’, ‘Kirkhouse’ and ‘Wang Kae’) classified as moderately resistant to insect infestation, and one (‘Padi Tuya’) classified as susceptible to insect infestation. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis on the cowpea varieties confirmed the presence of different levels of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids.Item Impact Of Covid-19 Outbreak On The Prevalence Of Soil Transmitted Helminths Among School Children In The Volta Region Of Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Vorsah, R.Y.Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) continue to pose a substantial health risk to humans, particularly children, all over the world, with the majority of cases occurring in underdeveloped countries. This study, carried out from March to April 2021, investigated the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on STH infections among primary school children in the Ho West and Afadjato South Districts in the Volta Region of Ghana using stool examination, microscopic techniques and administered questionnaire. The parasitological examination of 347 stool samples showed that 144 (41.5 %) were positive for STHs: hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) (21.9%), Trichuris trichiura (10.4%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (9.2%). The risk of STH infection among females was observed to be higher compared to males (OR = 3.69; 95% CI =1.48-9.20; p = 0.005) In the Ho West district, school children who used blade to cut their nails are less likely at risk to helminth infection than those who bite their nails in Ho West district (OR= 0.26; CI = 0.93- 0.70; p= 0.008 but there was no significant association between potential risk factors and STHinfections in the Afadjato South District. More parents reported anthelminthic drug administration to their chi ldren before COVID- 19 outbreak compared to during COVID-19 outbreak (χ² (df) =31.04(1), p <0.0001). Eighty-one of school children in both districts (84%) were positive for Trichuris infection, there was a significant difference between parent’s response and Trichuris infection among those who administered anthelminthic drug before and during COVID-19 (p <0.0001). The high prevalence of STHs infections among primary school children calls for education on the proper hygiene habits and regular deworming exercise among residents in the study area.Item Evaluation Of Cytokine Responses To Plasmodium Falciparum Transmission Blocking Vaccine Candidates In A Rodent Model(University Of Ghana, 2020-07) Amaglo, C.E.Over the past decades, much progress has been made towards the control and elimination of malaria in endemic regions and great successes have been achieved so far but the insecticide-resistant mosquitoes and drug-resistant parasites pose a major threat to successes achieved so far through these intervention measures. Vaccines that could interrupt the transmission of malaria parasites are being sought as more lasting and effective control measures. Two of the most promising malaria transmission blocking vaccine candidates, Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 have been produced in recombinant forms and tested independently in rodent models sometimes with contrasting findings. This study hypothesized that a combined immunization with equivalent doses of Pfs230 and Pfs48/45-6C would elicit a stronger cytokine response that may favor antibody production than their individual antigens. Levels of interleukins IL-1 beta, IL-1alpha, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma levels with different dosses antigens were assessed. Of the two antigens, Pfs230 induced the stronger cytokine responses while levels measured in rats vaccinated with Pfs48/45-6C were lower than Pfs230/Pfs48/45-6C (p=0.001). For both antigens, it appeared the lower dose (1.5 µg) induced much stronger cytokine responses compared to the higher (6.0 µg) dose (p=0.001). This has led to the formulation of the hypothesis that; the higher dose might have induced a state of immune tolerance in this group of rats thus resulting in a lowered cytokine response. This needs to be tested in future studies. Interestingly, when the single formulations were compared to the combined formulations involving both antigens, the single antigens elicited higher cytokine responses than the combined formulations (p=0.001). Further studies should be carried out to investigate antibody and cytokine responses concurrently in rats vaccinated with different doses of the antigens.Item Assessment Of Antiplasmodial Activities Of Selected Herbal Products Used For The Treatment Of Malaria In Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2022-12) Zoiku, F.K.Malaria continues to be a menace in many parts of the world and remains a global public health problem, contributing to high morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries including Ghana. Even though Artermisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) still remain efficacious in the treatment of malaria, most of the populace in Ghana rely heavily on medicinal plants and herbal preparations for the treatment of malaria and other infectious diseases. The seven herbal products were selected based on a preliminary survey conducted on knowledge, perception and consumption of herbal products in Greater Accra Region. The most commonly used Antimalarial herbal medications selected were Away, Givers, Osompa, Typhofa, Malatyphs, Aseda and Geo Manuel Herbal drugs. These herbal drugs were therefore assessed for their antiplasmodial activities using in vitro and ex vivo sensitivity testing on chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive (3D7), CQ-resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei. The SYBR-Green 1 fluorescence-based method was used for the analysis. The results showed IC50 values ranging from 1.16μg/ml to 56 μg/ml for all the Plasmodium strains. However, there was a significant difference between the IC50 values of the standard control drugs (p<0.05) for both 3D7 and Dd2 strains. For the mechanism of action, a simple colorimetric inhibition of heme crystallization method was used and the IC50 were determined which ranged from 1.86μg/ml to 122.2μg/ml for the herbal drugs. Cytotoxicity of the herbal drugs were assessed with MTT assay using human red cells and selectivity index ranged from 4.42 to 405.60 with cell viabilities above 60% indicating no in vitro cytotoxic effects to the human red cells. To determine the heavy metal and electrolyte contents of the herbal drugs, atomic spectrometry method was used and the results ranged from 0.1mg/Kg to 12.8mg/kg of the heavy metals with significant differences (p<0.05) among all the seven herbal products. For the electrolytes, results ranged from 1.1mg/kg to 1400mg/Kg with no significant difference (p>0.05) among the herbal drugs. The pH of the selected herbal drugs determined were below 5 (3.56-4.61) indicating acidic nature of the herbal products. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the fingerprint of the seven herbal products and the result indicated the presence of varying active compounds from 9 to 16 with no similarities in retention times (min) as compared to other standard drugs used. In conclusion, these results show that the selected herbal drugs have antiplasmodial activities with no cytotoxic effect to human red cells but slightly acidic in natureItem Growth Performance Of The West African Dwarf Sheep (Djallonké) At The National Sheep Breeding Station-Ejura(University Of Ghana, 2020-11) Danso-Mireku, E.Data on 625 production records collected between 2000 and 2010 on Djallonke sheep at the National Sheep Breeding Station, Ejura in the Ashanti region was used to investigate the effects of non-genetic factors such as season of birth, year of birth, type of birth and sex of lamb on growth parameters such as birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, pre-weaning growth rate and post-weaning growth rate. The lambs generally weighed 2.07kg at birth, grew at 64.10 grammes per day to attain an average weaning weight of 9.77kg at 120 days. Thereafter, the lambs gained an average of 29.60g daily to reach a yearling weight of 17.02kg. On the whole, sex of lamb was the only non-genetic factor that did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect any of the traits whilst year of birth was the only factor that was found to have significantly (p < 0.05) affected all the traits of interest in this study. However, type of birth did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect the birth and yearling weight of lambs but significantly (p < 0.05) affected pre and post-weaning daily gain together with the weight of the lambs at 120-day weaning weight. Season of birth significantly affected the pre-weaning daily gain and weaning weight but did not affect the lamb birth weight, post weaning daily gain and yearling weight.Item Evaluation Of Cytokine Responses To Plasmodium Falciparum Transmission Blocking Vaccine Candidates In A Rodent Model(University Of Ghana, 2020-07) Amaglo, C.E.Over the past decades, much progress has been made towards the control and elimination of malaria in endemic regions and great successes have been achieved so far but the insecticide-resistant mosquitoes and drug-resistant parasites pose a major threat to successes achieved so far through these intervention measures. Vaccines that could interrupt the transmission of malaria parasites are being sought as more lasting and effective control measures. Two of the most promising malaria transmission blocking vaccine candidates, Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 have been produced in recombinant forms and tested independently in rodent models sometimes with contrasting findings. This study hypothesized that a combined immunization with equivalent doses of Pfs230 and Pfs48/45-6C would elicit a stronger cytokine response that may favor antibody production than their individual antigens. Levels of interleukins IL-1 beta, IL-1alpha, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma levels with different dosses antigens were assessed. Of the two antigens, Pfs230 induced the stronger cytokine responses while levels measured in rats vaccinated with Pfs48/45-6C were lower than Pfs230/Pfs48/45-6C (p=0.001). For both antigens, it appeared the lower dose (1.5 µg) induced much stronger cytokine responses compared to the higher (6.0 µg) dose (p=0.001). This has led to the formulation of the hypothesis that; the higher dose might have induced a state of immune tolerance in this group of rats thus resulting in a lowered cytokine response. This needs to be tested in future studies. Interestingly, when the single formulations were compared to the combined formulations involving both antigens, the single antigens elicited higher cytokine responses than the combined formulations (p=0.001). Further studies should be carried out to investigate antibody and cytokine responses concurrently in rats vaccinated with different doses of the antigens.Item Competition between Corcyra Cephalonica (Staint) and Ephestia Cautella (WLK.) and Study of Radiosensitivity of the Immature Stages of Corcyra Cephalonica(University of Ghana, 1982-08) Allotey, J.Competition between Corcyra cephalonica and Ephestia cautella and radiosensitivity of the immature stages of C. cephalonica was studied. Developmental periods of the two species under similar ambient conditions but different locations were determined . Competition under limited and abundance of standard medium and broken cocoa beans was studied when the two species exist alone, one before the other and when introduced together . It was concluded that in competition E cautella becomes extinct, with. cephalonica remaining as the successful species. A detai led study of oviposition preferences of the two species when given the choice of three food commodities; standard medium, broken cocoa beans and groundnut was studied. Other studies include egg-hatchability, age and effect of population on fecundity and for the first time the daily activity patterns of the larvae of C cephalonica and E cautella have been studied in a unique way. Radiosensitivity of the developmental stages: eggs, larvae and pupae of C. Cephalonica has also been investigated .Item The Bio-Ecology of Aedes Aegypti Linn., (Dipt: Culicidae) with Particular Reference to the Immature Stages, at Legon and Surrounding Areas(University of Ghana, 1982-07) Addo-Ashong, R.C.Item Biology And Ecology Of The Predatory Mosquito, Culex (Lutzia) Tigripes Grandpre And Charmoy (Diptera:Culicidae) In South-Eastern Ghana.(University of Ghana., 1990) Appawu, M.A.Culex (lutzia) tigripes Grandpré and charmoy is a larvivorous mosquito with all instars of the larvae feeding primarily on the immature stages of other mosquito species found in their habitats. They breed in a wide range of water bodies but seem to prefer those already containing larvae of other mosquito species. The fluctuations in the population of the larval instars and pupae were studied by weekly sampling throughout the year. It breeds throughout the year and the population peaks either coincide with or follow that of the preys; with both fluctuating with the rainfall. The larval densities of c. (L) tigripes were very small compared with those of other mosquito species; thus only 392-952 larvae of the predator were collected in the peak periods of May to July compared to 2786-8676 larvae of the prey mosquitoes. No significant correlation was noted between variations in the numbers of C. (L) tigripes and the following physical and chemical properties of the breeding water: pH, Temperature, Chloride, Dissolved Oxygen and Total Alkalinity. Life-table studies showed the existence of high mortalities in the later stages of the predator. Starting from egg rafts collected from the field and providing C. quinguefasciatus larvae as the larval food and chicken as a source of blood, a colony of C. (L) tigripes was started but poor insemination appeared to be the major obstacle to successful and permanent colonization. vi Artificial insemination and copulation were also not successful.The optimum larval developmental temperature was 30°C, and 32°C for the pupae. Even though more prey larvae were consumed between 30-32°C than between 20-26°C, there was a reduction in weight of the final instar larvae and pupae at the higher temperatures. Depending on temperature each predator consumed between 160-229 larvae of C.quinguefasciatus during its entire larval development. With this rate of prey destruction, the predator can have big impact on the prey population despite the low proportion (1:7-9) of predator to prey.When larvae of C. (L) tigripes were reared on three non living diets namely; Cerelac infant cereal, dog biscuit and milk casein, the developmental period of all instars was greatly prolonged and only one larva, reared on milk casein developed into adult mosquito. The weights of the final instar larvae reared on non-living diets were significantly lower than those reared on larvae of C. quinquefasciatus. Culex (L) tigripes has well developed mandibles and serrated mouthbrushes for effective predation. The effect of the following factors on prey capture were studied: mobility, size, posture, the density and the extent to which prey and predator occur simultaneously in the same habitat. Ae. aegypti which moves more frequently was more preyed upon than An. gambiae and C. quinquefasciatus, and similarly, C.quinquefasciatus was selected more than chironomid. The strong integument of the pupae together with their large vii sizes, spherical shape, posture in the water and ability to move quickly afforded them a better chance of escaping predation by C. (L) tigripes. The effect of prey stage, predator stage and prey density on the predation rate was investigated using (C. quinquefasciatus) as prey.It was shown that the rate of predation increased with increase in the size of the predator and the density of the prey but decreased with increase in prey size. The functional response of the predator to changing prey densities followed Hollings type II model. The handling time of the predatory larvae on preys decreased as the length of time in which they were deprived of food was increased but the daily prey consumption was not affected. Cannibalism occurred in all larval stages of the predator. The rate was higher among the early instars; was lower in the presence of mosquito prey and increased with crowding.Item Pet Ownership and Parasitic Infections in Companion Animals in Selected Communities in Southern Ghana(University of Ghana, 2019-07) Baah, E.O.In Ghana, companion animals such as dogs are rarely given medical treatment and thus serve as reservoirs of zoonotic diseases. The close relationship of dogs and horses with humans poses risk of zoonoses. Identifying the factors that affect dog ownership and infections in dogs and horses is useful for provision of veterinary services and reducing risk of human infections. A cross sectional study was conducted to identify factors that affect dog ownership and to evaluate the factors that affect helminth infections in dogs and horses in Ghana. Using coprological, haematological and interviewing techniques, 428 dogs, 78 horses and their owners or handlers were studied. It was found out that gender, reason for keeping dogs, occupation and religion influenced dog ownership (p ˂ 0.001). The prevalence of helminth infections in dogs was 66.6%. Ancylostoma caninum (39.5%), Toxocara (40%), Dipylidium caninum (26.2%) were the zoonotic helminths identified in the study. Spirocerca lupi (3.0%) was the only helminth that was not known to be zoonotic. A chi-square analysis suggested that deworming status was significantly associated with helminth infection in dogs (p ˂ 0.001). The prevalence of Babesia spp. in dogs was 7.7%. It was found that 69.4% of dog owners never dewormed their dogs and 89.7% of respondents knew rabies as a canine zoonosis. However, none of the respondents were aware of any helminthozoonoses or protozoonoses. The prevalence of helminth infections in horses was 39.7%. The helminths identified in horses were Parascaris (32.9%), Strongyle-type eggs (26.0%) and Trichostrongylus (8.2%). Inherent factors such as age, sex and breed were not statistically associated with helminth infection in horses (p ˃ 0.05). The prevalence of Babesia spp. in horses was 11.0%. None of the stable keepers were aware of any equine-related zoonoses. It is concluded that gender, religion, occupation and reasons for keeping dog were significant factors that may influence dog ownership. Deworming status was also a significant factor associated with helminth infection in dogs. The difference in proportion of dog owners based on factors such as gender, religion could be influenced by the high number of male heads in Ghanaian households and religious or socio-cultural beliefs. Variations in parasite prevalence could possibly reflect differences in pet management practices, parasite and host species, anthelminthic treatment, local climatic conditions and possibly, diagnostic techniques. Based on the limited knowledge of respondents on zoonoses, integrative approaches on creating public awareness on zoonoses, and management of companion animals is recommended to protect the health of dogs and humans.Item Identification of Resistance Cultivars of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] to Flower Thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom) among Benin Germplasm(University Of Ghana, 2019-07) Tossou, T.H.Cowpea [Vigna ungriculata (L.) Walp] is a leguminous plant and is one of the staple crops much cultivated in Benin and neighboring countries and in Africa as a whole. Cowpea production is hindered by many biotic and abiotic factors, with the flower bud Thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) being the most damaging pest at flowering stage causing yield losses of 20 to 80%. Control of flower bud thrips in the field is difficult due to its cryptic behaviour. Thus, the combination of control measures in addition to the use of resistant lines is promising. However, there is insufficient data on Benin cowpea germplasm resistance to flower bud thrips. Therefore, this study was aimed at identifying resistant cultivars to thrips among Benin germplasm and provide lines for breeding programs for eventual improvement of cowpea to the flower bud thrips in Benin. In order to identify resistant lines, the most damaging local population of flower bud thrips was selected among existing diversity, and cowpea accessions from greenhouses and the field screened for the trials. Flower bud thrips were collected from seven locations where cowpea is produced within two agro-ecological zones in Benin. The varying populations were reared, characterized on Sewe and vita7 (susceptible and resistant checks, respectively), and used to infest genotypes in the greenhouse. In greenhouse, 48 accessions were evaluated using CRD with three replicates. A total number of 25-30 nymphs at the fifth larval stage (6-7 days after hatching) were placed on single experimental plants. Data from the thrips damage and yield parameters were subject to variance analysis. Results showed that there were significant differences among accessions in terms of thrips damage and cowpea yield. Fourteen accessions (IT07K-243-1-10 (1), Sèwé (2), Sanzibanili (2), Awlétchi (3), Awonlignikoun (3), Gléssissaffodo (3), IT83S-742-2 (3), IT86D-888 (3), Kpègnikoun (3), Kpodjiguèguè (3), Kumassi (3), Moussa (3), Nontché-Wagbèhami (3) and Tiligré (3) were identified to be resistant (showing damage scores of 1 to 3) among the 48 tested, while the rest of the accessions presented high thrips damage scores (5-9). In order to evaluate the effect of environment on thrips damages, the same accessions were planted in three different locations, where cowpea is produced in Benin. The accessions were planted in an Alpha lattice design with three replications. Susceptible check (Vita7) was used as spreader rows surrounding each replication. Data were collected on thrips damage, thrips population per genotype at weekly intervals for four weeks, based on the commonly used scoring scale (1-9). Thrips damage scores and grain yield were subjected to Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and Genotype plus Genotype by Environment (GGE) biplot analyses. Genotype and genotype by environment interactions effects were not significant. A significant (P<0.001) difference was found between the accessions for thrips damage, adults and larvae of flower bud thrips on cowpea. Four accessions (IT84S-2246-4, Mawougbadonou, IT07K318-33, and IT93K-452-1) were found to be the most resistant and stable lines across locations. Based on the suitable environment analysis, the high yielding and the most adapted genotypes were Tawa, IT93K-452-1 and Kpodjiguèguè, with yield values of 101.88 Kg/ha-1; 227.16 Kg/ha-1 and 186.35 Kg/ha-1, respectively. This study provided status of screened accessions of which somes are resistants and others are high yielding and stable across environments. These accessions are relevents for breeders and could be used to improve cowpea’s resistance to the flower bud thrips and hence improve productivity and incomes of farmers in Benin.