Publications by authors named "Wellington Owusu"
In low-resource settings with high tuberculosis (TB) burdens, lack of rapid diagnostic methods for detection and differentiation of complex (MTBC) is a major challenge affecting TB management. This study utilized comparative genomic analyses of MTBC lineages; , Lineages 5/6 and to identify lineage-specific genes. Primers were designed for the development of a Multiplex PCR assay which was successful in differentiating the MTBC lineages.
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- The study addresses the low effectiveness of current antihelminthic treatments by exploring endobacteria as an alternative treatment target, showing that depleting these bacteria can reduce microfilariae (MF) in filarial infections.
- In a randomized trial with 202 participants in Ghana, researchers compared doxycycline treatment (200 mg/day for 6 weeks) for immediate versus delayed groups, monitoring MF levels over 24 months.
- Results indicated that the early treatment group saw significant MF reduction from a median of 138 at baseline to 0 by month 12, while the delayed group showed a slower decline; by month 24, both groups reached an MF level of 0, confirming that doxycycline
Background: Buruli ulcer disease (BUD), caused by Mycobacterium (M.) ulcerans, is the third most common mycobacterial disease after tuberculosis and leprosy. BUD causes necrotic skin lesions and is a significant problem for health care in the affected countries.
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- The study investigated the prevalence of Mansonella perstans infection in various districts of Ghana and the diversity of potential Culicoides vectors.
- An overall prevalence of 32% was observed, with some communities showing up to 75% infection rates, highlighting the disease's significance in the area.
- The research identified several species of Culicoides, with Culicoides inornatipennis being the most likely vector for transmission, but further evidence is needed to confirm this relationship.
With the booming street food industry in the developing world there is an urgent need to ensure food vendors adhere to hygienic practices to protect public health. This study assessed the adherence to food hygiene practices by food vendors in educational institutions in Konongo, Ghana. Structured questionnaires, extensive observation and interviews were used for the study involving 60 food vendors from 20 basic schools.
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