Increased ShTAL1 IgE responses post-Praziquantel treatment may be associated with a reduced risk to re-infection in a Ghanaian S. haematobium-endemic community.

Background: Evidence from recent studies in Schistosoma mansoni-endemic areas show an age-associated immunity that is positively correlated with IgE titres to Schistosoma mansoni-specific tegumental allergen-like protein 1 (SmTAL1). The structural homology between SmTAL1 and the S. haematobium-specific TAL1 (ShTAL1) has been verified, yet it remains unclear whether similar age- and immune-associated trends characterize ShTAL1.

Diagnostic performance of an ultrasensitive HRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic test kit used in surveys of afebrile people living in Southern Ghana.

Background: The Alere™ Malaria Ag P.f Ultra-sensitive RDT (UsmRDT) kit is an HRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) with enhanced sensitivity relative to the SD Bioline Malaria Ag P.f RDT (mRDT) kit.

Asymptomatic carriage of Plasmodium falciparum by individuals with variant blood groups and haemoglobin genotypes in southern Ghana.

Background: The ABO and the Rhesus blood group systems, as well as various abnormal haemoglobin (Hb) variants (haemoglobinopathies) are known to influence malaria parasite carriage and disease severity in individuals living in malaria endemic areas. This study identified the blood group and Hb variant distribution and Plasmodium falciparum infection status of afebrile individuals living in southern Ghana.

Methods: Afebrile participants were recruited from Obom (358) in the Greater Accra Region and Ewim (100) and Simiw (329) in the Central Region of Ghana.

Assessment of dual schistosome infection prevalence from urine in an endemic community of Ghana by molecular diagnostic approach.

Schistosomiasis is an important Neglected Tropical Disease caused by blood parasites called schistosomes. In sub-Saharan Africa, two major human schistosomes, namely and , often occur sympatrically and is responsible for almost 90% of the affected 290 million people worldwide. We have utilized a highly sensitive and specific assay by amplifying species-specific cell-free repeat DNA fragments by polymerase chain reaction to detect either single or dual schistosome infection from a single urine sample from a broad age group.

Point of care diagnosis of multiple schistosome parasites: Species-specific DNA detection in urine by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).

Schistosomes are easily transmitted and high chance of repeat infection, so if control strategies based on targeted mass drug administration (MDA) are to succeed it is essential to have a test that is sensitive, accurate and simple to use. It is known and regularly demonstrated that praziquantel does not always eliminate an infection so in spite of the successes of control programs a residual of the reservoir survives to re-infect snails. The issue of diagnostic sensitivity becomes more critical in the assessment of program effectiveness.

Detection of parasite-specific DNA in urine sediment obtained by filtration differentiates between single and mixed infections of Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium from endemic areas in Ghana.

Differential diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium, which often occur sympatrically in Africa, requires both urine and stool and the procedures are low in sensitivity. The standard diagnostic tests, such as Kato-Katz (KK) for S.

Ultrasound verification of bladder damage is associated with known biomarkers of bladder cancer in adults chronically infected with Schistosoma haematobium in Ghana.

Long-term infection with urinary schistosomiasis has been associated with development of bladder cancer. However, bladder cancer is difficult to diagnose without invasive measures such as cystoscopy, thus there is little information on the epidemiological extent of the problem. Studies have been either case-control studies or case examinations in different geographical areas, estimating a schistosome-associated bladder cancer incidence of 3-4 cases per 100,000.