Epidemiology DepartmentThe Epidemiology Department contributes to the mission of the institute through basic and applied epidemiological research on, but not limited to, malaria and other diseases of public health importance. It is also home to the Social Science Unit of the Institute, including the Health Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and other communicable and noncommunicable health problems.http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/244842024-03-29T08:46:26Z2024-03-29T08:46:26ZPolymorphisms in the human angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE) linked to susceptibility of COVID-19 and malaria infections in the Ghanaian populationDuah-Quashie, N.O.Opoku-Agyeman, P.Lanza, M.Rubio, J.M.http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/414152024-03-08T10:49:56Z2024-01-01T00:00:00ZPolymorphisms in the human angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE) linked to susceptibility of COVID-19 and malaria infections in the Ghanaian population
Duah-Quashie, N.O.; Opoku-Agyeman, P.; Lanza, M.; Rubio, J.M.
Genetic variations in the human angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE) influence ACE enzyme expression
levels in humans and subsequently influence both communicable and non-communicable disease outcomes.
More recently, polymorphisms in this gene have been linked to susceptibility and outcomes of infectious diseases
such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and malaria infections. This study is
the first to investigate the genetic diversity of ACE and ACE2 polymorphisms in the Ghanaian population.
Archived filter blood blot samples from malaria patients aged ≤9 years were used. Molecular analysis for the
detection of ACE rs4646994 (I/D), ACE2 rs2106809 (C/T) and rs2285666 (G/A) alleles as well as ACE2 exons
1–4 polymorphisms was conducted on 300 samples. The D allele (54%,162/300) was the most dominant
polymorphism observed in the ACE rs4646994 gene whilst the G (68%, 204/300) and T alleles (59.3%,178/300)
were the most frequent ACE2 rs2285666 and rs2106809 polymorphisms observed. For the 300 samples
sequenced for ACE2 exons 1–4, analyses were done on 268, 282 and 137 quality sequences for exons 1, 2 and 3–4
respectively. For exon 1, the mutation D38N (2.2%; 6/268) was the most prevalent. The S19P and E37K mu tations previously reported to influence COVID-19 infections were observed at low frequencies (0.4%, 1/268
each). No mutations were observed in exon 2. The N121K/T variants were the most seen in exons 3–4 at fre quencies of 5.1% (K121, 7/137) and 2.9% (T121, 4/137) respectively. Most of the variants observed in the exons
were novel compared to those reported in other populations in the world. This is the first study to investigate the
genetic diversity of ACE and ACE2 genes in Ghanaians. The observation of novel mutations in the ACE2 gene is
suggesting selection pressure. The importance of the mutations for communicable and non-communicable dis eases (malaria and COVID-19) are further discussed
Research Article
2024-01-01T00:00:00ZAlkaloidal Extracts from Avicennia africana P. Beauv. (Avicenniaceae) Leaf: An Antiplasmodial, Antioxidant, and Erythrocyte ViableAhmed, M.A.Ameyaw, E.O.Zoiku, F.K.et al.http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/414112024-03-08T10:48:10Z2024-01-01T00:00:00ZAlkaloidal Extracts from Avicennia africana P. Beauv. (Avicenniaceae) Leaf: An Antiplasmodial, Antioxidant, and Erythrocyte Viable
Ahmed, M.A.; Ameyaw, E.O.; Zoiku, F.K.; et al.
Background. Te emergence of drug-resistant parasites impedes disease management and eradication eforts. Hence, a rein vigorated attempt to search for potent lead compounds in the mangroves is imperative. Aim. Tis study evaluates in vitro
antiplasmodial activity, antioxidant properties, and cytotoxicity of A. africana leaf alkaloidal extracts. Methods. Te A. africana
leaves were macerated with 70% ethanol to obtain a total crude extract. Dichloromethane and chloroform-isopropanol (3 :1, v/v)
were used to extract the crude alkaloids and quaternary alkaloids from the total crude. Te antiplasmodial activities of the
alkaloidal extracts were performed against 3D7 P. falciparum chloroquine-sensitive clone via the SYBR Green I fuorescence assay
with artesunate serving as the reference drug. Te alkaloidal extracts were further evaluated for antioxidant properties via the total
antioxidant capacity (TAC), the total glutathione concentration (GSH), the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, and the
ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. Te cytotoxic activity of the alkaloidal extracts was tested on erythrocytes
using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide-MTTassay with little modifcation. Te phytocompounds in
the alkaloidal extracts were identifed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. Results. Te total crude
extract showed good antiplasmodial activity (IC50 = 11.890 µg/mL). Te crude and quaternary alkaloidal extracts demonstrated
promising antiplasmodial efects with IC50 values of 6.217 and 6.285 µg/mL, respectively. Te total crude and alkaloidal extracts
showed good antioxidant properties with negligible cytotoxicity on erythrocytes with good selectivity indices. Te GC-MS spectral
analysis of crude alkaloidal extracts gave indole and isoquinoline alkaloids and several other compounds. Dexrazoxane was found
to be the main compound predicted, with an 86% peak area in the quaternary alkaloidal extract. Conclusion. Te crude and
quaternary alkaloidal extracts exhibited antiplasmodial activities and ability to inhibit oxidative stress with negligible toxicity on
erythrocytes. Tis may be good characteristics to avoid oxidative stress related to Plasmodium infection in the treatment of
malaria.
Research Article
2024-01-01T00:00:00ZEthical considerations for biobanking and use of genomics data in Africa: a narrative reviewAmoakoh‑Coleman, M.Vieira, D.Abugri, J.http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/413452024-02-20T14:09:55Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZEthical considerations for biobanking and use of genomics data in Africa: a narrative review
Amoakoh‑Coleman, M.; Vieira, D.; Abugri, J.
Background Biobanking and genomic research requires collection and storage of human tissue from study partici‑
pants. From participants’ perspectives within the African context, this can be associated with fears and misgivings due
to a myriad of factors including myths and mistrust of researchers. From the researchers angle ethical dilemmas may
arise especially with consenting and sample reuse during storage. The aim of this paper was to explore these ethical
considerations in the establishment and conduct of biobanking and genomic studies in Africa.
Methods We conducted a narrative synthesis following a comprehensive search of nine (9) databases and grey
literature. All primary research study designs were eligible for inclusion as well as both quantitative and qualitative
evidence from peer reviewed journals, spanning a maximum of 20 years (2000–2020). It focused on research work
conducted in Africa, even if data was stored or analysed outside the region.
Results Of 2,663 title and abstracts screened, 94 full texts were retrieved and reviewed for eligibility. We included 12
studies (7 qualitative; 4 quantitative and one mixed methods).
Ethical issues described in these papers related to community knowledge and understanding of biobanking and genomic
research, regulation, and governance of same by research ethics committees, enrolment of participants, types of informed
consents, data collection, storage, usage and sharing as well as material transfer, returning results and beneft sharing. ca.
Biospecimen collection and storage is given in trust and participants expect confdentially of data and results generated.
Most participants are comfortable with broad consent due to trust in researchers, though a few would like to be contacted
for reconsenting in future studies, and this would depend on whether the new research is for good cause. Sharing data
with external partners is welcome in some contexts but some research participants did not trust foreign researchers.
Conclusion Biobanking and genomic studies are a real need in Africa. Linked to this are ethical considerations
related to setting up and participation in biobanks as well as data storage, export, use and sharing. There is emerg‑
ing or pre-existing consensus around the acceptability of broad consent as a suitable model of consent, the need
for Africans to take the lead in international collaborative studies, with deliberate eforts to build capacity in local
storage and analysis of samples and employ processes of sample collection and use that build trust of communities
and potential study participants. Research ethics committees, researchers and communities need to work together
to work together to adapt and use clearly defned ethical frameworks, guidelines, and policy documents to harmonize
the establishment and running of biobanking and genomic research in Africa.
Research Article
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZImproving Access To Lymphatic Filariasis MMDP Services Through An Enhanced Evidence-Based, Cascaded Training Model For Health Worker Capacity Strengthening In Ghana: An Evaluation StudyAhorlu, C.S.Sedzro, K.M.Atinbire, S.A.et al.http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh:8080/handle/123456789/412212024-02-12T15:35:02Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZImproving Access To Lymphatic Filariasis MMDP Services Through An Enhanced Evidence-Based, Cascaded Training Model For Health Worker Capacity Strengthening In Ghana: An Evaluation Study
Ahorlu, C.S.; Sedzro, K.M.; Atinbire, S.A.; et al.
Introduction: Ghana has made significant progress in reducing the transmission
rate of lymphatic filariasis. However, very little progress has been made in the
provision of morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services,
which is one of the key requirements for certification of elimination as a disease of
public health importance. This study was designed to compare pre- and post-intervention to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of cascade training
model for health worker capacity strengthening in Ghana, using the WHO
recommended minimum intervention package to improve access to MMDP services.
Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design to assess the impact of
evidence-based training of patients with lymphatic filariasis (LF) in the Upper
West region of Ghana. All lymphedema patients who were available at the time of
data collection participated in the study before and after the training.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 54.67 years (SD ± 16.89 years) at
baseline and 54.70 years (SD ± 15.80 years) at evaluation. The majority (i.e.,
76.30% at baseline and 80.50% at evaluation) of the respondents were female.
Most of the respondents had not completed primary school (83.82% at baseline).
and 85.40% at evaluation). We found an improvement in the quality of life among
LF patients, that is, the proportion of respondents who reported having a high
Quality of life increased from 2.9% at baseline to 20.12% at evaluation (p < 0.001).
The lymphedema management practice of “hygiene/washing and drying of
affected limb” was reported by 73.17% of respondents at evaluation compared with only 32.95% of respondents at baseline (p < 0.001). The acute attack
management technique of “cooling the affected limb in cool water or cold
compress” was reported by 70.15% of respondents at evaluation compared
with 23.70% of respondents at baseline (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The research confirmed that LF-related perceptions remained
generally the same at baseline and evaluation among community members. The
implementation of the LF-related morbidity management (MMDP) project has led
to a significant improvement in the morbidity management practices among
patients at evaluation compared with baseline. Our findings also showed that
Self-care led to an improvement in patients’ quality of life. This justifies the need for
investment in morbidity management interventions in endemic communities.
Research Article
2023-01-01T00:00:00Z