Association between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene variants and nitric oxide production in preeclampsia: a case-control study in Ghana.

Evidence suggests that a major cause of PE is endothelial dysfunction emanating from the reduced bioavailability of Nitric oxide (NO). Variants of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene may lead to decreased NO levels. We explored the association between eNOS gene variants and nitric oxide levels among preeclamptic women in the Ghanaian population.

Proficiency Testing of Viral Marker Screening in African Blood Centers - Seven African Countries, 2017.

A 2014 report evaluating accuracy of serologic testing for transfusion-transmissible viruses at African blood center laboratories found sensitivities of 92%, 87%, and 90% for detecting infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), respectively (1). Following substantial investments in national blood transfusion service (NBTS) laboratories, in 2017 investigators tested proficiency at 84 blood center laboratories (29 NBTS and 55 non-NBTS) in seven African countries. A blinded panel of 25 plasma samples was shipped to each participating laboratory for testing with their usual protocols based on rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) (2) and third and fourth generation enzyme immunoassays (EIA-3 and EIA-4).

Paradoxical reactions in Buruli ulcer after initiation of antibiotic therapy: Relationship to bacterial load.

Background: We investigated the relationship between bacterial load in Buruli ulcer (BU) lesions and the development of paradoxical reaction following initiation of antibiotic treatment.

Methods: This was a longitudinal study involving BU patients from June 2013 to June 2017. Fine needle aspirates (FNA) and swab samples were obtained to establish the diagnosis of BU by PCR.

Clinical outcomes of Ghanaian Buruli ulcer patients who defaulted from antimicrobial therapy.

Objectives: Buruli ulcer (BU) is a tropical skin disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium ulcerans, which is currently treated with 8 weeks of streptomycin and rifampicin. The evidence to treat BU for a duration of 8 weeks is limited; a recent retrospective study from Australia suggested that a shorter course of antimicrobial therapy might be equally effective. We studied the outcomes of BU in a cohort of Ghanaian patients who defaulted from treatment and as such received less than 8 weeks of antimicrobial therapy.

Good quality of life in former Buruli ulcer patients with small lesions: long-term follow-up of the BURULICO trial.

Background: Buruli Ulcer is a tropical skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, which, due to scarring and contractures can lead to stigma and functional limitations. However, recent advances in treatment, combined with increased public health efforts have the potential to significantly improve disease outcome.

Objectives: To study the Quality of Life (QoL) of former Buruli Ulcer patients who, in the context of a randomized controlled trial, reported early with small lesions (cross-sectional diameter <10 cm), and received a full course of antibiotic treatment.

Long term streptomycin toxicity in the treatment of Buruli Ulcer: follow-up of participants in the BURULICO drug trial.

Background: Buruli Ulcer (BU) is a tropical infectious skin disease that is currently treated with 8 weeks of intramuscular streptomycin and oral rifampicin. As prolonged streptomycin administration can cause both oto- and nephrotoxicity, we evaluated its long term toxicity by following-up former BU patients that had received either 4 or 8 weeks of streptomycin in addition to other drugs between 2006 and 2008, in the context of a randomized controlled trial.

Methods: Former patients were retrieved in 2012, and oto- and nephrotoxicity were determined by audiometry and serum creatinine levels.