Clinical and microbiological predictors of healing in Buruli ulcer disease.

Introduction: Wound measurements are relevant in monitoring the rate of healing (RoH) and may predict time to healing. Predicting the time to healing can help improve the management of Buruli ulcer. We examine three methods for the determination of RoH and their use as predictors of time to healing.

Role and capacity needs of community based surveillance volunteers in the integrated management of skin neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs): a qualitative study from central Ghana.

Background: Community Based Surveillance Volunteers (CBSVs) have been instrumental in the management of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) but a concern that their services in scale up programmes may be affected due to high attrition rates has been widely acknowledged. We explored the roles and capacity needs of existing CBSVs to inform for a successful integrated NTD management programme in Ghana and similar contexts.

Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews with 50 CBSVs, 21 Community Nurses, 4 Disease control officers, 7 skin NTD researchers, 2 skin NTD patients and a Director of District Health Services in Central Ghana.

Multi-centric evaluation of Biomeme Franklin Mobile qPCR for rapid detection of Mycobacterium ulcerans in clinical specimens.

The gold standard for detection of Mycobacterium ulcerans is PCR due to its high accuracy in confirmation of suspected cases. But the available PCR assays are designed for standard size thermocyclers which are immobile and suited for reference laboratories often located long distances from endemic communities. This makes it a challenge to obtain immediate results for patient management.

Barriers to Buruli ulcer treatment completion in the Ashanti and Central Regions, Ghana.

Background: Buruli ulcer is a chronic ulcerating skin condition, with the highest burden found in Central and West Africa where it disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations. Treatment is demanding, comprising eight-weeks of daily antibiotics, regular wound care and possible surgical intervention. Treatment completion is key to optimising outcomes, however the degree of and barriers to this are not well understood.

Evaluating the Contribution of spp. and to Pulmonary Infections among HIV and Non-HIV Patients at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of human mortality particularly in association with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). spp. has emerged as an opportunistic infection especially in HIV patients.