School of Veterinary Medicine
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Item Food poverty(BMC Health Services Research, 2022-09) Anim-Sampong, S.; Adom, D.Item Viral Zoonoses of National Importance in Ghana: Advancements and Opportunities for Enhancing Capacities for Early Detection and Response(Hindawi, 2021) Suu-Ire, R.D.; Obodai, E.; Bonney, J.H.K.; Bel-Nono, S.O.; Ampofo, W.; Kelly, T.R.Zoonotic diseases have devastating impacts on human and animal health, livelihoods, and economies. Addressing the complex web of interrelated factors leading to zoonotic disease emergence and spread requires a transdisciplinary, cross-sectoral approach, One Health. (e One Health approach, which considers the linkages between the health of people, animals, and their shared environment, presents opportunities to reduce these impacts through a more holistic coordinated strategy to understanding and mitigating disease risks. Understanding the linkages between animal, human, and environmental health risks and outcomes is critical for developing early detection systems and risk reduction strategies to address known and novel zoonotic disease threats. Nearly 70 countries across the world, including Ghana, have signed on to the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), which is facilitating multisectoral approaches to strengthen country capacities in the prevention and early detection of and respond to infectious disease threats. Currently, Ghana has not yet formalized a national One Health policy. (e lack of a clearly defined multisectoral platform and limited collaboration among key Ghanaian Ministries, Departments, and Agencies has impacted the country’s ability to effectively mitigate and respond to emerging and reemerging zoonoses. Many of these emerging zoonoses are caused by viruses, which, because of their diversity and evolutionary properties, are perceived to pose the greatest threat to global health security. Here, we review viral zoonoses of national importance and priority in Ghana, highlight recent advancements in One Health capacities, and discuss opportunities for implementing One Health approaches to mitigate zoonotic disease threats.Item Polymicrobial Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Dog: The Involvement of Macrococcus caseolyticus, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli(Hindawi, 2021) Acheampong, O.D.; Enyetornye, B.; Osei, D.A male mixed breed dog was presented with two large wounds, extending the epidermis, dermis, and fascia: one at the dorsum of the thoracolumbar region and the other at the lumbosacral area. Lesions had extended inconspicuously to the dorsum of thorax affecting a large area, which showed regions with necrotic and crepitating foci after shaving. Based on histopathological and bacterial culture examinations, polymicrobial necrotizing fasciitis (NF) was diagnosed. Using the Bruker MALDI Biotyper identification technique, Macrococcus caseolyticus, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli were identified. Hitherto, there is no report on these bacteria linking them simultaneously to NF in a dog. In addition, the authors highlight other microbes associated with NF in humans and animals.Item Reduction of Ascaridia galli Pathology by Salmonella typhimurium in Broiler Chicken.(Hindawi, 2021) Foka, E.I.S.; Yamssi, C.; Enyetornye, B.; Anangmo, C.N.; Mbida, M.; Mayaka, T.B.Previous studies have reported interactions between Salmonella spp. and some helminth coinfections. In this study, S. typhimurium and Ascaridia galli coinfections were analyzed, and the consequences on therapy were proposed. In a first experiment where the effect of the bacteria on the nematode was evaluated, thirty 42-day-old broiler chickens were divided into 3 groups and coinfected with both parasites. The rate of A. galli egg inoculum was kept constant at 500/ml while that of S. typhimurium varied as follows: T0 (500 A. galli eggs/ml), T104 (500 A. galli eggs/ml+104 S. typhimurium CFUs), and T106 (500 A. galli eggs/ml +106 S. typhymurium CFUs). EPG and parasitic load were measured using the McMaster technic, and number of worms and their length were also measured. We observed that T106 containing 106 CFUs of Salmonella significantly reduced the EPG values, and this group recorded the lowest worm load ranging from 18 to 21 worms. Likewise, the length of the worms obtained with T104 and T106 appeared to be shorter than those of the control (T0). In a second experiment to assess the effects of the nematode on the bacteria, thirty 42-day-old broiler chickens were divided into 3 groups and coinfected with both parasites. The rate of S. typhimurium inoculum was kept constant at 106 CFUs while that of A. galli varied as follows: T0 (106 CFUs), T500 (500 A. galli eggs/ml +106 S. typhymurium CFUs), and T750 (750 A. galli eggs/ml +106 S. typhymurium CFUs). Bacterial load was measured using Voogt technique. We observed that T500 increased the colonization time and prolonged the duration of S. typhimurium secretion. Salmonella appears to be a hyperparasite considering the deleterious effect on A. galli. Due to this, it may be prudent to combine anti-Salmonella treatment with anthelmintic so as to effectively treat pathologies caused by these two pathogens.Item A community approach of pathogens and their arthropod vectors (ticks and feas) in dogs of African Sub-Sahara(Parasites & Vectors, 2021) Heylen, D.; Day, ,M.; Schunack, B.; Fourie, J.; Labuschange, M.; Johnson, S.; Githigia, S.M.; Akande, F.A.; Nzalawahe, J.S.; Tayebwa, D.S.; Aschenborn, O.; Marcondes, M.; Madder, M.Background: Arthropod-borne pathogens and their vectors are present throughout Africa. They have been well studied in livestock of sub-Saharan Africa, but poorly in companion animals. Given the socio-economic importance of companion animals, the African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN), as part of the WSAVA Foundation, initiated a standardized multi-country surveillance study. Methods: Macro-geographic variation in ectoparasite (ticks and feas) and pathogen communities in dogs was assessed through molecular screening of approximately 100 infested dogs in each of six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Namibia), both in rural and urban settings. The most important intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors within the subpopulation of infested dogs were evaluated. Results: Despite the large macro-geographic variation in the dogs screened, there was no consistent diference between East and West Africa in terms of the diversity and numbers of ticks. The highest and lowest numbers of ticks were found in Nigeria and Namibia, respectively. Most often, there was a higher diversity of ticks in rural habitats than in urban habitats, although the highest diversity was observed in an urban Uganda setting. With the exception of Namibia, more feas were collected in rural areas. We identifed tick species (including Haemaphysalis spinulosa) as well as zoonotic pathogens (Coxiella burnetti, Trypanosoma spp.) that are not classically associated with companion animals. Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the most abundant tick, with a preference for urban areas. Exophilic ticks, such as Haemaphysalis spp., were more often found in rural areas. Several multi-host ticks occurred in urban areas. For R. sanguineus, housing conditions and additional pets were relevant factors in terms of infestation, while for a rural tick species (Haemaphysalis elliptica), free-roaming dogs were more often infested. Tick occurrence was associated to the use of endoparasiticide, but not to the use of ectoparasiticide. The most prevalent tick-borne pathogen was Hepato zoon canis followed by Ehrlichia canis. High levels of co-parasitism were observed in all countries and habitats. Conclusions: As dogs share a common environment with people, they have the potential to extend the network of pathogen transmission to humans. Our study will help epidemiologists to provide recommendations for surveillance and prevention of pathogens in dogs and humans.Item Persistence of Multiple Paramyxoviruses in a Closed Captive Colony of Fruit Bats (Eidolon helvum)(MDPI, 2021) Gibson, L.; Ribas, M.P.; Kemp, J.; Restif, O.; Suu-Ire, R.D.; Wood, J.L.N.; Cunningham, A.A.Bats have been identified as the natural hosts of several emerging zoonotic viruses, including paramyxoviruses, such as Hendra and Nipah viruses, that can cause fatal disease in humans. Recently, African fruit bats with populations that roost in or near urban areas have been shown to harbour a great diversity of paramyxoviruses, posing potential spillover risks to public health. Understanding the circulation of these viruses in their reservoir populations is essential to predict and prevent future emerging diseases. Here, we identify a high incidence of multiple paramyxoviruses in urine samples collected from a closed captive colony of circa 115 straw-coloured fruit bats (Eidolon helvum). The sequences detected have high nucleotide identities with those derived from free ranging African fruit bats and form phylogenetic clusters with the Henipavirus genus, Pararubulavirus genus and other unclassified paramyxoviruses. As this colony had been closed for 5 years prior to this study, these results indicate that within-host paramyxoviral persistence underlies the role of bats as reservoirs of these viruses.Item Outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Ghana, 2015: degree of losses and outcomes of time-course outbreak management(Epidemiology and Infection, 2020-02-17) Tasiame, W.; Johnson, S.; Burimuah, V.; Akyereko, E.; El-Duah, P.; Amemor, E.; Emikpe, B.O.; Owiredu, E.W.This retrospective study highlights the degree of losses and time-course through which the 2015 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in Ghana were managed. A total of 102 760 birds from 35 farms across five regions in Ghana included in this study were affected. Out of this, 89.3% was from the Greater Accra region. Majority of the birds were culled (94.2%). Adult layers were most affected and destroyed (64.0%), followed by broilers (13.7%). Event initiation to reporting averaged 7.7 ± 1.3 days (range: 1–30 days). Laboratory confirmation to depopulation of birds averaged 2.2 ± 0.5 (0–15) days while depopulation to disinfection took 2.2 ± 0.7 (0–20) days. Overall, some farms took as long as 30 days to report the outbreak to the authorities, 15 days from confirmation to depopulation and 20 days from depopulation to disinfection. On average, outbreak management lasted 12.3 (2–43) days from event initiation to depopulation. The study reveals a significant number of avian losses and delays in HPAI reporting and management by the authorities in Ghana during the 2015 outbreak. This poses a high risk of spread to other farms and a threat to public health. Awareness creation for poultry farmers is necessary for early reporting, while further study is required to set thresholds for the management of such outbreaks by veterinary departments.Item Perceived Quality of Healthcare Delivery in a Rural District of Ghana(Ghana Medical Journal, 2009-06) Turkson, P.K.Objective: The study aimed at finding out clients’ perceptions of the quality of healthcare delivery at the district level in rural Ghana, using the Komenda-Edina- Eguafo-Abrem District as a case study. Design: 803 patients were purposively selected and interviewed after visits to health facilities using a pretested questionnaire, while focus group discussions were held in 13 communities. The study was done between October 2003 and August 2004. Results: The majority of respondents (70%) were females. The mean expected maximum waiting time for seeking medical help was 1 hr. About 98% said they were asked to explain their problem. However, lower proportions, 74%, 43% and 46% were physically examined, told what was wrong, or given advice about their illness, respectively. About 90% of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the care given during their visit to the health facility. The participants perceived poor attitude of some health workers, long waiting times, high cost of services, inadequate staff, policy of payment for health services, frequent referrals to hospitals, and lack of ambulances at facilities as being detrimental to effective delivery of quality healthcare. Conclusions: The study found that generally the quality of healthcare delivery was perceived to be high for most of the indicators used. There were, however, some concerns that patients were not told the diagnosis or informed about the management of their illness. These need to be addressed. The level of satisfaction with quality of healthcare was high.Item What is stirring in the reservoir? Modelling mechanisms of henipavirus circulation in fruit bat hosts(The Royal Society, 2019-05-28) Suu-Ire, R.D.; Glennon, E.E.; Becker, D.J.; Peel, A.J.; Garnier, R.; Gibson, L.; Hayman, D.T.S.; Wood, J.L.N.; Cunningham, A.A.; Plowright, R.K.; Restif, O.Pathogen circulation among reservoir hosts is a precondition for zoonotic spillover. Unlike the acute, high morbidity infections typical in spillover hosts, infected reservoir hosts often exhibit low morbidity and mortality. Although it has been proposed that reservoir host infections may be persistent with recurrent episodes of shedding, direct evidence is often lacking. We construct a generalized SEIR (susceptible, exposed, infectious, recovered) framework encompassing 46 sub-models representing the full range of possible transitions among those four states of infection and immunity. We then use likelihood-based methods to fit these models to nine years of longitudinal data on henipavirus serology from a captive colony of Eidolon helvum bats in Ghana. We find that reinfection is necessary to explain observed dynamics; that acute infectious periods may be very short (hours to days); that immunity, if present, lasts about 1–2 years; and that recurring latent infection is likely. Although quantitative inference is sensitive to assumptions about serology, qualitative predictions are robust. Our novel approach helps clarify mechanisms of viral persistence and circulation in wild bats, including estimated ranges for key parameters such as the basic reproduction number and the duration of the infectious period. Our results inform how future field-based and experimental work could differentiate the processes of viral recurrence and reinfection in reservoir hosts.Item Dog population structure in Kumasi, Ghana: A missing link towards rabies control(Pan African Medical Journal, 2019-03-27) Johnson, S.; Tasiame, W.; Burimuah, V.; Akyereko, E.; Amemor, E.Introduction: dog-mediated human rabies remains a major public health threat in Ghana. Dog population structure surveys are pre-requisites for appropriate planning for rabies vaccination; however, this information is unavailable in Ghana. This study describes dog population structure in Kumasi, Ghana. Methods: a household cross sectional survey was conducted from January through April 2016 in Ayeduase and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) campus using a structured questionnaire. Results: a total of 1319 households were surveyed out of which 35.1% (463/1319) kept dogs. We recorded 816 dogs from 463 households, giving dog to household ratio of 1.8:1. Respondents acquired 71% (579/816) of dogs through purchase. Of 2065 persons in Ayeduase, 406 owned dogs, resulting in man to dog ratio of 5.1:1. Male dogs represented 62.9% (513/816) while those aged a year and above recorded 70%. Most of the dogs were not restricted (80.3%) and 49.9% were allowed to enter neighbors' households. Dog rabies vaccination coverage was 28.1% and 64.9% in Ayeduase and KNUST campus respectively. Respondents (87.8%) from Ayeduase knew dog bite was the main means of rabies transmission, however, about 65% believed in traditional ways of treatment such as concoction, herbs and consumption of offending dogs' organs. Conclusion: the high dog to household-human ratio, increased roaming dog population and low vaccination coverage is of concern to rabies. Respondents' knowledge on their dogs is an indication of accessibility for vaccination. Obtained results can be useful for rabies vaccination planning in Kumasi and other comparable settings in Ghana.
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