Cellular immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and clinical presentation in individuals exposed to endemic malaria.

Ghana and other parts of West Africa have experienced lower COVID-19 mortality rates than other regions. This phenomenon has been hypothesized to be associated with previous exposure to infections such as malaria. This study investigated the immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the influence of previous malaria exposure.

Lassa fever research priorities: towards effective medical countermeasures by the end of the decade.

In 2016, WHO designated Lassa fever a priority disease for epidemic preparedness as part of the WHO Blueprint for Action to Prevent Epidemics. One aspect of preparedness is to promote development of effective medical countermeasures (ie, diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines) against Lassa fever. Diagnostic testing for Lassa fever has important limitations and key advancements are needed to ensure rapid and accurate diagnosis.

Delayed SARS-COV-2 clearance in infected persons in Ghana.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the duration of SARS-CoV-2 clearance in persons in Ghana. The research question was whether the duration of virus clearance in Ghana matched the 14 days recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO); this had direct implications for transmission, which was key in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design: This was a retrospective analytical study.

Corrigendum: Decreased influenza activity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana, 2020.

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Longitudinal analysis of microbiome composition in Ghanaians living with HIV-1.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 1 infection is known to cause gut microbiota dysbiosis. Among the causes is the direct infection of HIV-1 in gut-resident CD4 T cells, causing a cascade of phenomena resulting in the instability of the gut mucosa. The effect of HIV infection on gut microbiome dysbiosis remains unresolved despite antiretroviral therapy.

Pre-vaccination seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the Volta Region, Ghana.

Objectives: Before administration of the first dose of the AstraZeneca 2019 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to selected prioritized groups in the Volta regional capital of Ghana, we determined the pre-vaccination status of prospective recipients and established the baseline exposure status 1 year after the first case was reported.

Methods: After informed consent, blood samples were collected for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (Ig) M/IgG antibodies using rapid diagnostic test kits. A total of 409 individuals (mean age 27 years) consented and participated in the study, comprising 70% students and others were health staff and educators who presented themselves for vaccination.

Decreased influenza activity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana, 2020.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on influenza activity globally. In this study, we analyzed trends of influenza activity in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using active prospective influenza surveillance data from 29 sentinel sites.

Estimating prevalence and modelling correlates of HIV test positivity among female sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, transgender people and prison inmates in Sierra Leone, 2021.

Key populations (KPs) are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection and efforts to prevent HIV infections among KPs have been less successful, largely due to existing laws and legislation that classify the groups as illegal. Understanding the HIV infection pathway and the burden of HIV infection among Female Sex Workers (FSWs), Transgender people (TG), Men who have sex with Men (MSM), People who Inject Drugs (PWID), and Prison Inmates (PIs) is critical to combatting the HIV epidemic globally. This study aims to estimate HIV prevalence and model the risk factors of HIV positivity rate among the aforementioned KPs in Sierra Leone.

Repurposing an integrated national influenza platform for genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Ghana: a molecular epidemiological analysis.

Background: Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and guiding public health decisions, but the capacity for SARS-CoV-2 testing and sequencing in Africa is low. We integrated SARS-CoV-2 surveillance into an existing influenza surveillance network with the aim of providing insights into SARS-CoV-2 transmission and genomics in Ghana.

Methods: In this molecular epidemiological analysis, which is part of a wider multifaceted prospective observational study, we collected national SARS-CoV-2 test data from 35 sites across 16 regions in Ghana from Sept 1, 2020, to Nov 30, 2021, via the Ghanaian integrated influenza and SARS-CoV-2 surveillance network.

Community based multi-disease health screening as an opportunity for early detection of HIV cases and linking them to care.

Background: The 95-95-95 UNAIDS global strategy was adapted to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. The target is based on the premise that early detection of HIV-infected persons and linking them to treatment regardless of their CD4 counts will lead to sustained viral suppression. HIV testing strategies to increase uptake of testing in Western and Central Africa remain inadequate.

Epidemiology of influenza in Ghana, 2011 to 2019.

Influenza virus is an important contributor to acute respiratory illnesses and is estimated to cause up to 650,000 respiratory deaths each year. Ghana recorded influenza viruses as far back as 1918 when the Spanish influenza pandemic led to the death of >100,000 people in a population of 4 million at the time. An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) among poultry in Ghana in 2007, led to the establishment of virological surveillance for influenza-like illness (ILI) by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR).

SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Evolutionary Dynamics in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana.

To assess dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Greater Accra Region, Ghana, we analyzed SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences from persons in the community and returning from international travel. The Accra Metropolitan District was a major origin of virus spread to other districts and should be a primary focus for interventions against future infectious disease outbreaks.

SARS-CoV-2 infections among asymptomatic individuals contributed to COVID-19 cases: A cross-sectional study among prospective air travelers from Ghana.

Background: The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by asymptomatic individuals has been reported since the early stages of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in various parts of the world. However, there are limited data regarding SARS-CoV-2 among asymptomatic individuals in Ghana. The aim of the study was to use test data of prospective travelers from Ghana as a proxy to estimate the contribution of asymptomatic cases to the spread of COVID-19.

Effect of antipyretics on performance of influenza surveillance in Ghana.

Background: The World Health Organization's case definition for influenza-like illness (ILI) includes a measured temperature of ≥38°C. We conducted this study to assess the effect of antipyretics on performance of ILI surveillance in Ghana.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two districts of Ghana from September 2013 to May 2014.

Strengthening surveillance in Ghana against public health emergencies of international concern.

Among western African countries, the Republic of Ghana has maintained an economic growth rate of 5% since the 1980s and is now categorized as a middle-income country. However, as with other developing countries, Ghana still has challenges in the effective implementation of surveillance for infectious diseases. Facing public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC), it is crucial to establish a reliable sample transportation system to the referral laboratory.

Probing SARS-CoV-2-positive plasma to identify potential factors correlating with mild COVID-19 in Ghana, West Africa.

Background: West Africa has recorded a relatively higher proportion of asymptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases than the rest of the world, and West Africa-specific host factors could play a role in this discrepancy. Here, we assessed the association between COVID-19 severity among Ghanaians with their immune profiles and ABO blood groups.

Methods: Plasma samples were obtained from Ghanaians PCR-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-positive individuals.

Molecular characterization of haemagglutinin genes of influenza B viruses circulating in Ghana during 2016 and 2017.

Recent reports of haemagglutinin antigen (HA) mismatch between vaccine composition strains and circulating strains, have led to renewed interest in influenza B viruses. Additionally, there are concerns about resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors in new influenza B isolates. To assess the potential impact in Ghana, we characterized the lineages of influenza B viruses that circulated in Ghana between 2016 and 2017 from different regions of the country: Southern, Northern and Central Ghana.

High-level resistance to non-nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitor based first-line antiretroviral therapy in Ghana; A 2017 study.

Expanding access to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a major tool for management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. However, rising levels of HIV drug-resistance have significantly hampered the anticipated success of ART in persons living with HIV (PLWH), particularly those from Africa. Though great strides have been made in Ghana toward achieving the UNAIDS "95-95-95" target, a substantial number of PLWH receiving ART have not attained viral suppression.

Super high-resolution single-molecule sequence-based typing of HLA class I alleles in HIV-1 infected individuals in Ghana.

Polymorphisms in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I loci are known to have a great impact on disease progression in HIV-1 infection. Prevailing HIV-1 subtypes and HLA genotype distribution are different all over the world, and the HIV-1 and host HLA interaction could be specific to individual areas. Data on the HIV-1 and HLA interaction have been accumulated in HIV-1 subtype B- and C-predominant populations but not fully obtained in West Africa where HIV-1 subtype CRF02_AG is predominant.

Genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Ghana from 2020-2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the fastest evolving pandemics in recent history. As such, the SARS-CoV-2 viral evolution needs to be continuously tracked. This study sequenced 1123 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from patient isolates (121 from arriving travellers and 1002 from communities) to track the molecular evolution and spatio-temporal dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 variants in Ghana.

Phylogenetic and genetic characterization of influenza A H9N2 viruses isolated from backyard poultry in selected farms in Ghana.

Introduction: Avian influenza viruses (AIV) cause significant economic losses to poultry farmers worldwide. These viruses have the ability to spread rapidly, infect entire poultry flocks, and can pose a threat to human health. The National Influenza Centre (NIC) at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in collaboration with the Ghana Armed forces (GAF) and the U.

Surveillance for potentially zoonotic viruses in rodent and bat populations and behavioral risk in an agricultural settlement in Ghana.

Background: In Ghana, the conversion of land to agriculture, especially across the vegetative belt has resulted in fragmented forest landscapes with increased interactions among humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.

Methods: We investigated viruses in bats and rodents, key reservoir hosts for zoonotic viral pathogens, in a small agricultural community in the vegetation belt of Ghana. We also administered questionnaires among the local community members to learn more about people's awareness and perceptions of zoonotic disease risks and the environmental factors and types of activities in which they engage that might influence pathogen transmission from wildlife.

Data management during COVID-19 outbreak response in Ghana: a reference laboratory perspective on key issues and measures.

Unlabelled: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is an important subject for global health. Ghana experienced low-moderate transmission of the disease when the first case was detected in March 12, 2020 until the middle of July when the number of cases begun to drop. By August 24, 2020, the country's total number of confirmed cases stood at 43,622, with 263 deaths.