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Solid waste motor tricycle operators in Kumasi, Ghana, harbour respiratory pathogens; a public health threat

Armoh, Stephen Yaw ; Aryeetey, Sherihane ; Kamasah, Japhet Senyo ; [et al.]

Public Library of Science (PLoS) ; 2023

In: PLOS ONE Vol. 18, No. 4 ( 2023-4-24), p. e0284985-

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In: PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 18, No. 4 ( 2023-4-24), p. e0284985-

Abstract: The use of motor tricycles in transporting municipal solid waste (MSW) within urban and peri-urban towns in Ghana is on the increase. This activity often leads to the introduction of pathogen-containing bioaerosols into the environment, as well as to the tricycle operators. We sought to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of respiratory pathogens among solid waste tricycle operators. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 155 solid waste transporters who use motor tricycles using semi-structured interviews. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from participants and screened for respiratory pathogens using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results Pathogens detected in participants were SARS-CoV-2 (n = 10, 6.5%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 10, 6.5%), constituting an overall prevalence of 12.9% and co-infection rate of 1.3%. The most common self-reported symptoms were cough (n = 67, 43.2%), sore throat (n = 44, 28.4%) and difficulty in breathing (n = 22, 14.2%). Adherence to the use of gloves (n = 117, 75.5%) and nose mask (n = 110, 71.0%) was high. There was a significant association between the detection of respiratory pathogens and the use of gloves, use of more than one PPE and exposure to other pollutants (p 〈 0.05). Individuals who were exposed to “other pollutants” significantly had lower odds of becoming infected with respiratory pathogens (Adj. OR (95% CI): 0.119(0.015,0.938). Conclusion Although prevalence of respiratory pathogens is generally low, strict adherence to PPE use could further reduce its rates to even lower levels. Governmental health institutions and informal solid waste transporters should address challenges related to exposure to pollutants, use of gloves, and multiple PPE.

Type of Medium: Online Resource

ISSN: 1932-6203

URL: Article

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284985

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284985.t001

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284985.t002

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284985.t003

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284985.t004

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284985.s001

Language: English

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Publication Date: 2023

detail.hit.zdb_id: 2267670-3

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Common bacteria in sputum or gastric lavage of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of lower respiratory tract infections

Deberu, Oliver ; Nkrumah, Bernard ; Sylverken, Augustina Angelina ; [et al.]

Pan African Medical Journal ; 2021

In: Pan African Medical Journal Vol. 38 ( 2021)

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In: Pan African Medical Journal, Pan African Medical Journal, Vol. 38 ( 2021)

Type of Medium: Online Resource

ISSN: 1937-8688

URL: Article

DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.38.383.26333

Language: English

Publisher: Pan African Medical Journal

Publication Date: 2021

detail.hit.zdb_id: 2514347-5

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Comparable Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Sputum and Oropharyngeal Swab Samples of Suspected COVID-19 Patients

Akowuah, Emmanuel ; Acheampong, Godfred ; Ayisi-Boateng, Nana Kwame ; [et al.]

MDPI AG ; 2022

In: COVID Vol. 2, No. 7 ( 2022-06-24), p. 858-866

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In: COVID, MDPI AG, Vol. 2, No. 7 ( 2022-06-24), p. 858-866

Abstract: The accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 through respiratory sampling is critical for the prevention of further transmission and timely initiation of treatment. There is a diverse range of SARS-CoV-2 detection rates in reported studies, with uncertainty regarding the optimal sampling method for COVID-19 diagnosis and monitoring. Oropharyngeal sampling (OPS) is one of the most commonly used methods of respiratory sampling in Ghana and other parts of the world for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA. However, this sampling technique has a number of drawbacks, which include difficulty in obtaining high-quality swab samples, increased risk of infection to healthcare workers, and increased cost from a regular supply of swabs, transport media, and personal protective equipment (PPE). This study, therefore, sought to evaluate the diagnostic performance of sputum specimens in the diagnosis of COVID-19. This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted in two health facilities in Kumasi, Ghana, between April and September 2021. Paired samples (an oropharyngeal swab and sputum) were taken from each recruited patient and run concurrently for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 genes (the N and ORF1ab genes) using RT-qPCR. Of the 317 patients recruited, 50.8% were males, and 60.4% were young adults aged 20–39 years. A significant proportion (65.9%) of the patients did not have any co-morbidity, and the majority were with symptoms; predominantly cough (36.3%), headache (31.5%), general weakness (24.0%), fever (20.2%), and sore throat (16.1%). Being symptomatic (p = 0.003), having comorbidity (p = 0.001), and the reporting facility (p = 0.010) were significantly associated with the COVID-19 status. The sputum samples yielded more COVID-positive, 120/317 (37.9%), as compared to OPS, 83/317 (26.2%). The sputum samples were 85.5% (95% CI, 76.4–91.5) sensitive, 79.1% (95% CI, 73.4–83.7) specific, and with positive and negative predictive values of 59.2% and 93.9%, respectively, when compared with OPS. The overall median of the SARS-CoV-2 viral loads for sputum (3.70 × 103 copies/mL) were significantly higher than in OPS (1.18 × 102 copies/mL) (p = 0.003). Findings from the study suggest self-collected sputum as a useful alternative to OPS for the diagnosis of COVID-19, providing a comparable diagnostic performance and, thereby, easing the uncomfortable process and mitigating risk of aerosol transmission to healthcare workers.

Type of Medium: Online Resource

ISSN: 2673-8112

URL: Article

DOI: 10.3390/covid2070062

Language: English

Publisher: MDPI AG

Publication Date: 2022

detail.hit.zdb_id: 3056217-X

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Correlating WHO COVID-19 interim guideline 2020.5 and testing capacity, accuracy, and logistical challenges in Africa

Mosi, Lydia ; Sylverken, Augustina Angelina ; Oyebola, Kolapo ; [et al.]

Pan African Medical Journal ; 2021

In: Pan African Medical Journal Vol. 39 ( 2021)

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In: Pan African Medical Journal, Pan African Medical Journal, Vol. 39 ( 2021)

Type of Medium: Online Resource

ISSN: 1937-8688

URL: Article

DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.39.89.27522

Language: English

Publisher: Pan African Medical Journal

Publication Date: 2021

detail.hit.zdb_id: 2514347-5

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Epidemiological profile of SARS-CoV-2 among selected regions in Ghana: A cross-sectional retrospective study

Owusu, Michael ; Sylverken, Augustina Angelina ; Ankrah, Sampson Twumasi ; [et al.]

Public Library of Science (PLoS) ; 2020

In: PLOS ONE Vol. 15, No. 12 ( 2020-12-10), p. e0243711-

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In: PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 15, No. 12 ( 2020-12-10), p. e0243711-

Abstract: Global cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, causing havoc to several economies. So far, Ghana has recorded 48,643 confirmed cases with 320 associated deaths. Although summaries of data are usually provided by the Ministry of Health, detailed epidemiological profile of cases are limited. This study sought to describe the socio-demographic features, pattern of COVID-19 spread and the viral load dynamics among subjects residing in northern, middle and part of the southern belt of Ghana. Methods This was a cross-sectional retrospective study that reviewed records of samples collected from February to July, 2020. Respiratory specimens such as sputum, deep-cough saliva and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from suspected COVID-19 subjects in 12 regions of Ghana for laboratory analysis and confirmation by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results A total of 72,434 samples were collected during the review period, with majority of the sampled individuals being females (37,464; 51.9%). The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 identified in the study population was 13.2% [95%CI: 12.9, 13.4). Males were mostly infected (4,897; 51.5%) compared to females. Individuals between the ages 21–30 years recorded the highest number of infections (3,144, 33.4%). Symptomatic subjects had higher viral loads (1479.7 copies/μl; IQR = 40.6–178919) than asymptomatic subjects (49.9; IQR = 5.5–3641.6). There was significant association between gender or age and infection with SARS-CoV-2 (p 〈 0.05). Among all the suspected clinical presentations, anosmia was the strongest predictor of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Adj. OR (95%CI): 24.39 (20.18, 29.49). We observed an average reproductive number of 1.36 with a minimum of 1.28 and maximum of 1.43. The virus trajectory shows a gradual reduction of the virus reproductive number. Conclusion This study has described the epidemiological profile of COVID-19 cases in northern, middle and part of the southern belt of Ghana, with males and younger individuals at greater risk of contracting the disease. Health professionals should be conscious of individuals presenting with anosmia since this was seen as the strongest predictor of virus infection.

Type of Medium: Online Resource

ISSN: 1932-6203

URL: Article

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243711

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243711.g001

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243711.g002

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243711.g003

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243711.g004

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243711.t001

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243711.t002

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243711.s001

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243711.s002

Language: English

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Publication Date: 2020

detail.hit.zdb_id: 2267670-3

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Aetiology of viral hepatitis among jaundiced patients presenting to a tertiary hospital in Ghana

Owusu, Michael ; Bonney, Joseph Kofi ; Annan, Augustina Angelina ; [et al.]

Public Library of Science (PLoS) ; 2018

In: PLOS ONE Vol. 13, No. 9 ( 2018-9-12), p. e0203699-

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In: PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 13, No. 9 ( 2018-9-12), p. e0203699-

Type of Medium: Online Resource

ISSN: 1932-6203

URL: Article

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203699

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203699.g001

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203699.t001

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203699.t002

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203699.t003

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203699.t004

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203699.t005

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203699.t006

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203699.s001

Language: English

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Publication Date: 2018

detail.hit.zdb_id: 2267670-3

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Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of oral and rectal microbiota of non‐human primate species in Ghana: A threat to human health

Adade, Eugene ; Tawiah, Patrick Ofori ; Roos, Christian ; [et al.]

Wiley ; 2023

In: Veterinary Medicine and Science

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In: Veterinary Medicine and Science, Wiley

Abstract: The potential for the transfer of zoonotic diseases, including bacteria between human and non‐human primates (NHPs), is expected to rise. It is posited that NHPs that live in close contact with humans serve as sentinels and reservoirs for antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. Objectives The objective was to characterize the oral and rectal bacteria in Ghanaian NHPs and profile the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated bacteria. Methods Oral and rectal swabs were obtained from 40 immobilized wild and captive NHPs from 7 locations in Ghana. Standard bacteriological procedures were used in the isolation, preliminary identification, automated characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) of bacteria using the Vitek 2 Compact system. Results Gram‐negative bacteria dominated isolates from the rectal swabs ( n = 76, 85.4%), whereas Gram‐positive bacteria were more common in the oral swabs ( n = 41, 82%). Staphylococcus haemolyticus ( n = 7, 14%) was the most occurring bacterial species isolated from the oral swabs, whereas Escherichia coli ( n = 32, 36%) dominated bacteria isolates from rectal swabs. Enterobacter spp. had the highest (39%) average phenotypic resistance to antimicrobials that were used for AST, whereas a trend of high resistance was recorded against norfloxacin, Ampicillin and Tetracycline in Gram‐negative bacteria. Similarly, among Gram‐positive bacteria, Staphylococcus spp. had the highest (25%) average phenotypic resistance to antimicrobials used for AST, and a trend of high resistance was recorded against penicillin G and oxacillin. Conclusions This study has established that apparently healthy NHPs that live in anthropized environments in Ghana harbour zoonotic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria.

Type of Medium: Online Resource

ISSN: 2053-1095 , 2053-1095

URL: Article

DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1271

Language: English

Publisher: Wiley

Publication Date: 2023

detail.hit.zdb_id: 2819409-3

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Molecular characterization of interactions between the D614G variant of SARS-CoV-2 S-protein and neutralizing antibodies: A computational approach

Kwarteng, Alexander ; Asiedu, Ebenezer ; Sylverken, Augustina Angelina ; [et al.]

Elsevier BV ; 2021

In: Infection, Genetics and Evolution Vol. 91 ( 2021-07), p. 104815-

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In: Infection, Genetics and Evolution, Elsevier BV, Vol. 91 ( 2021-07), p. 104815-

Type of Medium: Online Resource

ISSN: 1567-1348

URL: Article

DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104815

Language: English

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Publication Date: 2021

detail.hit.zdb_id: 2057622-5

SSG: 12

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Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in northern Ghana: insights from whole-genome sequencing

Sylverken, Augustina Angelina ; El-Duah, Philip ; Owusu, Michael ; [et al.]

Springer Science and Business Media LLC ; 2021

In: Archives of Virology Vol. 166, No. 5 ( 2021-05), p. 1385-1393

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In: Archives of Virology, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Vol. 166, No. 5 ( 2021-05), p. 1385-1393

Type of Medium: Online Resource

ISSN: 0304-8608 , 1432-8798

URL: Article

DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-04986-3

Language: English

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Publication Date: 2021

detail.hit.zdb_id: 1458460-8

SSG: 12

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The burden of drug resistance tuberculosis in Ghana; results of the First National Survey

Sylverken, Augustina Angelina ; Kwarteng, Alexander ; Twumasi-Ankrah, Sampson ; [et al.]

Public Library of Science (PLoS) ; 2021

In: PLOS ONE Vol. 16, No. 6 ( 2021-6-10), p. e0252819-

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In: PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 16, No. 6 ( 2021-6-10), p. e0252819-

Abstract: Resistance to Tuberculosis drugs has become a major threat to the control of tuberculosis (TB) globally. We conducted the first nation-wide drug resistance survey to investigate the level and pattern of resistance to first-line TB drugs among newly and previously treated sputum smear-positive TB cases. We also evaluated associations between potential risk factors and TB drug resistance. Using the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on conducting national TB surveys, we selected study participants from 33 health facilities from across the country, grouped into 29 clusters, and included them into the survey. Between April 2016 and June 2017, a total of 927 patients (859 new and 68 previously treated) were enrolled in the survey. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) isolates were successfully cultured from 598 (65.5%) patient samples and underwent DST, 550 from newly diagnosed and 48 from previously treated patients. The proportion of patients who showed resistance to any of the TB drugs tested was 25.2% (95% CI; 21.8–28.9). The most frequent resistance was to Streptomycin (STR) (12.3%), followed by Isoniazid (INH) (10.4%), with Rifampicin (RIF), showing the least resistance of 2.4%. Resistance to Isoniazid and Rifampicin (multi-drug resistance) was found in 19 (3.2%; 95% CI: 1.9–4.9) isolates. Prevalence of multidrug resistance was 7 (1.3%; 95% CI: 0.5–2.6) among newly diagnosed and 12 (25.0%; 95% CI: 13.6–39.6) among previously treated patients. At both univariate and multivariate analysis, MDR-TB was positively associated with previous history of TB treatment (OR = 5.09, 95% CI: 1.75–14.75, p = 0.003); (OR = 5.41, 95% CI: 1.69–17.30, p = 0.004). The higher levels of MDR-TB and overall resistance to any TB drug among previously treated patients raises concerns about adherence to treatment. This calls for strengthening existing TB programme measures to ensure a system for adequately testing and monitoring TB drug resistance.

Type of Medium: Online Resource

ISSN: 1932-6203

URL: Article

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252819

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252819.g001

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252819.t001

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252819.t002

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252819.t003

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252819.s001

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252819.s002

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252819.s003

Language: English

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Publication Date: 2021

detail.hit.zdb_id: 2267670-3

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