Evaluation of Diagnostic Performance of Three Commercial Interferon-Gamma Release Assays for .

Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) have gained attention for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) due to their higher specificity compared to the tuberculin skin test (TST). However, the IGRA's performance varies across different populations. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of three IGRAs (TBF-FIA, TBF-ELISA, and QFT-Plus) in Ghana, comparing them among individuals exposed and unexposed to MTB infection.

T cells exhaustion, inflammatory and cellular activity markers in PBMCs predict treatment outcome in pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a well-known disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Its pathogenesis is premised on evasion of the immune system and dampened immune cells activity.

Methods: Here, the transcription pattern of immune cells exhaustion, inflammatory, and cellular activity markers were examined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from PTB patients at various stages of treatment.

Self-reported continuing professional development needs of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana.

Background: Because of the essential nature of the work of medical laboratory professionals, continuing development in knowledge and skills is indispensable. The study aimed at identifying and prioritizing the development and training needs of medical laboratory professionals in Ghana. This is expected to help in developing focused continuing professional development (CPD) that meets the needs of practitioners as well as the changing medical trends.

Bidirectional screening and testing for TB and COVID-19 among outpatient department attendees: outcome of an initial intervention in Ghana.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health threat in Ghana. The impact of COVID-19 resulted in a 15% decline of TB case notification in 2020 compared to 2019. To mitigate the impact on TB services, the Ghana National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) introduced the bidirectional screening and testing for TB and COVID-19 in 2021.

Assessment of Serum Free Light Chains as a Marker of Diabetic Nephropathy; A Cross-Sectional Study in the Kumasi Metropolis.

Aims: Although traditional tests such as serum urea, creatinine, and microalbuminuria have been widely employed in the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy, their sensitivity and accuracy are limited because kidney damage precedes the excretion of these biomarkers. This study investigated the role of serum free light chains in the disease manifestation of diabetic nephropathy.

Materials And Methods: Using a cross-sectional design we recruited 107 diabetes mellitus out-patients who visited the Diabetes and Renal Disease Clinics at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Manhyia District Hospital, and Suntreso Government Hospital all in Ghana from November 2019 to February 2020.

Diagnostic capacity, and predictive values of rapid diagnostic tests for accurate diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum in febrile children in Asante-Akim, Ghana.

Background: This study seeks to compare the performance of HRP2 (First Response) and pLDH/HRP2 (Combo) RDTs for falciparum malaria against microscopy and PCR in acutely ill febrile children at presentation and follow-up.

Methods: This is an interventional study that recruited children < 5 years who reported to health facilities with a history of fever within the past 72 h or a documented axillary temperature of 37.5 °C.

Targeted community based interventions improved malaria management competencies in rural Ghana.

Background: Malaria is one of the most challenging public health concerns in the developing world. To address its impact in endemic regions, several interventions are implemented by stakeholders. The Affordable Medicine Facility-malaria (AMFm) is an example of such interventions.

Insights into the Affordable Medicines Facility-malaria in Ghana: the role of caregivers and licensed chemical sellers in four regions.

Background: The Affordable Medicine Facility-malaria (AMFm) was an innovative global financing mechanism for the provision of quality-assured artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) across both the private and public health sectors in eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluated the effectiveness of AMFm subsidies in increasing access to ACT in Ghana and documented malaria management practices at the household and community levels during the implementation of the AMFm.

Methods: This study, conducted in four regions in Ghana between January, 2011 to December, 2012, employed cross-sectional mixed-methods design that included qualitative and quantitative elements, specifically household surveys, focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews.