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Adusei-Poku MA, Aboagye JO, Bonney JHK, Odoom JK, Obodai E, Lamptey H, Asante IA, Agyemang S, Oliver-Commey J, Kyei GB, Ampofo WK, Bonney EY. Delayed SARS-COV-2 clearance in infected persons in Ghana. Ghana Med J 2023; 57:97-101. [PMID: 38504750 PMCID: PMC10846654 DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v57i2.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
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. Setting All facilities that submitted clinical specimens to Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis between March to June 2020 were included in the study. Interventions Samples from 480 persons who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR from March to June 2020 at NMIMR and submitted at least two follow-up samples were retrospectively analysed. Individuals with two consecutive negative RT-PCR retesting results were considered to have cleared SARS-CoV-2. Results The median time from the initial positive test to virus clearance was 20 days (IQR: 5-56 days). This was six days longer than the WHO-recommended 14 days, after which infected persons could be de-isolated. Sputum and nasopharyngeal swabs proved more sensitive for detecting viral RNA as the infection progressed. At a significance level of 0.05, age and sex did not seem to influence the time to SARS-CoV-2 clearance. Conclusions The median time to SARS-CoV-2 clearance in this study was 20 days, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infected persons in Ghana take longer to clear the virus. This finding calls for further investigations into whether patients who remain PCR positive continue to be infectious and inform isolation practices in Ghana. Funding The study was supported by the Ministry of Health/ Ghana Health Service through the provision of laboratory supplies, the US Naval Medical Research Unit #3, the World Health Organization, the Jack Ma Foundation and the Virology Department of Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana. Research projects within Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research contributed reagents and laboratory consumables. However, the authors alone are responsible for the contents of this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mildred A Adusei-Poku
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School. College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - James O Aboagye
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph H K Bonney
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - John K Odoom
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evangeline Obodai
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Helena Lamptey
- Immunology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ivy A Asante
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - George B Kyei
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - William K Ampofo
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Y Bonney
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Abana CZY, Kushitor DK, Asigbee TW, Parbie PK, Ishikawa K, Kiyono H, Mizutani T, Siaw S, Ofori SB, Addo-Tetebo G, Ansong MRD, Williams M, Morton S, Danquah G, Matano T, Ampofo WK, Bonney EY. Community based multi-disease health screening as an opportunity for early detection of HIV cases and linking them to care. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1051. [PMID: 37264375 PMCID: PMC10236736 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15948-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
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. Hence, a high proportion of people living with HIV in this region do not know their status. This report describes the implementation of a community based multi-disease health screening (also known as "Know Your Status" -KYS), as part of basic science research, in a way that contributed to achieving public health goals. METHODS A community based multi-disease health screening was conducted in 7 communities within the Eastern region of Ghana between November 2017 and April 2018, to recruit and match HIV seronegative persons to HIV seropositive persons in a case-control HIV gut microbiota study. Health assessments included blood pressure, body mass index, blood sugar, Hepatitis B virus, syphilis, and HIV testing for those who consented. HIV seronegative participants who consented were consecutively enrolled in an ongoing HIV gut microbiota case-control study. Descriptive statistics (percentages) were used to analyze data. RESULTS Out of 738 people screened during the exercise, 700 consented to HIV testing and 23 (3%) were HIV positive. Hepatitis B virus infection was detected in 4% (33/738) and Syphilis in 2% (17/738). Co-infection of HIV and HBV was detected in 4 persons. The HIV prevalence of 3% found in these communities is higher than both the national prevalence of 1.7% and the Eastern Regional prevalence of 2.7 in 2018. CONCLUSION Community based multi-disease health screening, such as the one undertaken in our study could be critical for identifying HIV infected persons from the community and linking them to care. In the case of HIV, it will greatly contribute to achieving the first two 95s and working towards ending AIDS by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Z-Y Abana
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dennis K Kushitor
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Theodore W Asigbee
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Prince K Parbie
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Tokyo, Japan
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Koichi Ishikawa
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kiyono
- Institute of Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Future Medicine Education and Research Organization, Institute for Global Prominent Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Allergy and Vaccines (cMAV), Department of Medicine, Chiba University-University of California San Diego Center for Mucosal Immunology, University of California San Diego, Chiba, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Maclean R D Ansong
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | | | - Tetsuro Matano
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Tokyo, Japan
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - William K Ampofo
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Y Bonney
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
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Adu B, Bonney JH, Egyir B, Otchere ID, Asare P, Dennis FE, Bonney EY, Akuffo R, Asante IA, Obodai E, Kumordjie S, Appiah-Kubi J, Mohktar Q, Frempong HO, Asiedu-Bekoe F, Adusei-Poku MA, Aboagye JO, Agbodzi B, Yeboah C, Agbenyo SB, Uche PO, Attiku KO, Sekyere BT, Laryea D, Buabeng K, Lamptey H, Ghansah A, Yeboah-Manu D, Anang AK, Ampofo WK, Kyei GB, Odoom JK. SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Evolutionary Dynamics in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:862-865. [PMID: 36958011 PMCID: PMC10045712 DOI: 10.3201/eid2904.221410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Beverly Egyir
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Isaac Darko Otchere
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Prince Asare
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Francis E. Dennis
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Evelyn Yayra Bonney
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Richard Akuffo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Ivy A. Asante
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Evangeline Obodai
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Selassie Kumordjie
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Joyce Appiah-Kubi
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Quaneeta Mohktar
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Hilda Opoku Frempong
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Mildred A. Adusei-Poku
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - James O. Aboagye
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Bright Agbodzi
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Clara Yeboah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Seyram B. Agbenyo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Peace O. Uche
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Keren O. Attiku
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Bernice Twenewaa Sekyere
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Dennis Laryea
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Kwame Buabeng
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Helena Lamptey
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Anita Ghansah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Dorothy Yeboah-Manu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - Abraham K. Anang
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - William K. Ampofo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - George B. Kyei
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
| | - John K. Odoom
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, Legon, Ghana (B. Adu, J.H.K. Bonney, B. Egyir, I.D. Otchere, P. Asare, F.E. Dennis, E.Y. Bonney, R. Akuffo, I.A. Asante, E. Obodai, S. Kumordjie, J. Appiah-Kubi, Q. Mohktar, H. Opoku Frempong, J.O. Aboagye, B. Agbodzi, C. Yeboah, S.B. Agbenyo, P.O. Uche, K.O. Attiku, B. Twenewaa Sekyere, D. Laryea, K. Buabeng, H. Lamptey, A. Ghansah, D. Yeboah-Manu, A.K. Anang, W.K. Ampofo, G.B. Kyei, J.K. Odoom)
- Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana (F. Asiedu-Bekoe)
- University of Ghana Medical School, Accra (M.A. Adusei-Poku)
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, Legon (G.B. Kyei)
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Akowuah KA, Akuffo RA, Boateng AT, Asigbee TW, Bonney JHK, Lamptey H, Adusei-Poku MA, Obodai E, Asante IA, Adjei S, Aboagye JO, Adu-Amankwah S, Partey FD, Kyei GB, Ampofo WK, Odoom JK, Bonney EY. SARS-CoV-2 infections among asymptomatic individuals contributed to COVID-19 cases: A cross-sectional study among prospective air travelers from Ghana. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1035763. [PMID: 36589973 PMCID: PMC9795010 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1035763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
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. Methods The study analyzed the SARS-CoV-2 PCR test data of clients whose purpose for testing was classified as "Travel" at the COVID-19 walk-in test center of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) from July 2020 to July 2021. These individuals requesting tests for travel generally had no clinical symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of testing. Data were processed and analyzed using Microsoft Excel office 16 and STATA version 16. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data on test and demographic characteristics. Results Out of 42,997 samples tested at the center within that period, 28,384 (66.0%) were classified as "Travel" tests. Of these, 1,900 (6.7%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The majority (64.8%) of the "Travel" tests were requested by men. The men recorded a SARS-CoV-2 positivity of 6.9% compared to the 6.4% observed among women. Test requests for SARS-CoV-2 were received from all regions of Ghana, with a majority (83.3%) received from the Greater Accra Region. Although the Eastern region recorded the highest SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate of 8.35%, the Greater Accra region contributed 81% to the total number of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases detected within the period of study. Conclusion Our study found substantial SARS-CoV-2 positivity among asymptomatic individuals who, without the requirement for a negative SARS-CoV-2 result for travel, would have no reason to test. These asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals could have traveled to other countries and unintentionally spread the virus. Our findings call for enhanced tracing and testing of asymptomatic contacts of individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwasi A. Akowuah
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Richard A. Akuffo
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana,Medical and Scientific Research Centre, University of Ghana Medical Centre, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anthony T. Boateng
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Theodore W. Asigbee
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph H. K. Bonney
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Helena Lamptey
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mildred A. Adusei-Poku
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evangeline Obodai
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ivy A. Asante
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Adjei
- Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - James O. Aboagye
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana,Medical and Scientific Research Centre, University of Ghana Medical Centre, Accra, Ghana
| | - Susan Adu-Amankwah
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Frederica D. Partey
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - George B. Kyei
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana,Medical and Scientific Research Centre, University of Ghana Medical Centre, Accra, Ghana
| | - William K. Ampofo
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - John K. Odoom
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Y. Bonney
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana,*Correspondence: Evelyn Y. Bonney
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Tegally H, San JE, Cotten M, Moir M, Tegomoh B, Mboowa G, Martin DP, Baxter C, Lambisia AW, Diallo A, Amoako DG, Diagne MM, Sisay A, Zekri ARN, Gueye AS, Sangare AK, Ouedraogo AS, Sow A, Musa AO, Sesay AK, Abias AG, Elzagheid AI, Lagare A, Kemi AS, Abar AE, Johnson AA, Fowotade A, Oluwapelumi AO, Amuri AA, Juru A, Kandeil A, Mostafa A, Rebai A, Sayed A, Kazeem A, Balde A, Christoffels A, Trotter AJ, Campbell A, Keita AK, Kone A, Bouzid A, Souissi A, Agweyu A, Naguib A, Gutierrez AV, Nkeshimana A, Page AJ, Yadouleton A, Vinze A, Happi AN, Chouikha A, Iranzadeh A, Maharaj A, Batchi-Bouyou AL, Ismail A, Sylverken AA, Goba A, Femi A, Sijuwola AE, Marycelin B, Salako BL, Oderinde BS, Bolajoko B, Diarra B, Herring BL, Tsofa B, Lekana-Douki B, Mvula B, Njanpop-Lafourcade BM, Marondera BT, Khaireh BA, Kouriba B, Adu B, Pool B, McInnis B, Brook C, Williamson C, Nduwimana C, Anscombe C, Pratt CB, Scheepers C, Akoua-Koffi CG, Agoti CN, Mapanguy CM, Loucoubar C, Onwuamah CK, Ihekweazu C, Malaka CN, Peyrefitte C, Grace C, Omoruyi CE, Rafaï CD, Morang’a CM, Erameh C, Lule DB, Bridges DJ, Mukadi-Bamuleka D, Park D, Rasmussen DA, Baker D, Nokes DJ, Ssemwanga D, Tshiabuila D, Amuzu DSY, Goedhals D, Grant DS, Omuoyo DO, Maruapula D, Wanjohi DW, Foster-Nyarko E, Lusamaki EK, Simulundu E, Ong’era EM, Ngabana EN, Abworo EO, Otieno E, Shumba E, Barasa E, Ahmed EB, Ahmed EA, Lokilo E, Mukantwari E, Philomena E, Belarbi E, Simon-Loriere E, Anoh EA, Manuel E, Leendertz F, Taweh FM, Wasfi F, Abdelmoula F, Takawira FT, Derrar F, Ajogbasile FV, Treurnicht F, Onikepe F, Ntoumi F, Muyembe FM, Ragomzingba FEZ, Dratibi FA, Iyanu FA, Mbunsu GK, Thilliez G, Kay GL, Akpede GO, van Zyl GU, Awandare GA, Kpeli GS, Schubert G, Maphalala GP, Ranaivoson HC, Omunakwe HE, Onywera H, Abe H, Karray H, Nansumba H, Triki H, Kadjo HAA, Elgahzaly H, Gumbo H, Mathieu H, Kavunga-Membo H, Smeti I, Olawoye IB, Adetifa IMO, Odia I, Ben Boubaker IB, Mohammad IA, Ssewanyana I, Wurie I, Konstantinus IS, Halatoko JWA, Ayei J, Sonoo J, Makangara JCC, Tamfum JJM, Heraud JM, Shaffer JG, Giandhari J, Musyoki J, Nkurunziza J, Uwanibe JN, Bhiman JN, Yasuda J, Morais J, Kiconco J, Sandi JD, Huddleston J, Odoom JK, Morobe JM, Gyapong JO, Kayiwa JT, Okolie JC, Xavier JS, Gyamfi J, Wamala JF, Bonney JHK, Nyandwi J, Everatt J, Nakaseegu J, Ngoi JM, Namulondo J, Oguzie JU, Andeko JC, Lutwama JJ, Mogga JJH, O’Grady J, Siddle KJ, Victoir K, Adeyemi KT, Tumedi KA, Carvalho KS, Mohammed KS, Dellagi K, Musonda KG, Duedu KO, Fki-Berrajah L, Singh L, Kepler LM, Biscornet L, de Oliveira Martins L, Chabuka L, Olubayo L, Ojok LD, Deng LL, Ochola-Oyier LI, Tyers L, Mine M, Ramuth M, Mastouri M, ElHefnawi M, Mbanne M, Matsheka MI, Kebabonye M, Diop M, Momoh M, Lima Mendonça MDL, Venter M, Paye MF, Faye M, Nyaga MM, Mareka M, Damaris MM, Mburu MW, Mpina MG, Owusu M, Wiley MR, Tatfeng MY, Ayekaba MO, Abouelhoda M, Beloufa MA, Seadawy MG, Khalifa MK, Matobo MM, Kane M, Salou M, Mbulawa MB, Mwenda M, Allam M, Phan MVT, Abid N, Rujeni N, Abuzaid N, Ismael N, Elguindy N, Top NM, Dia N, Mabunda N, Hsiao NY, Silochi NB, Francisco NM, Saasa N, Bbosa N, Murunga N, Gumede N, Wolter N, Sitharam N, Ndodo N, Ajayi NA, Tordo N, Mbhele N, Razanajatovo NH, Iguosadolo N, Mba N, Kingsley OC, Sylvanus O, Femi O, Adewumi OM, Testimony O, Ogunsanya OA, Fakayode O, Ogah OE, Oludayo OE, Faye O, Smith-Lawrence P, Ondoa P, Combe P, Nabisubi P, Semanda P, Oluniyi PE, Arnaldo P, Quashie PK, Okokhere PO, Bejon P, Dussart P, Bester PA, Mbala PK, Kaleebu P, Abechi P, El-Shesheny R, Joseph R, Aziz RK, Essomba RG, Ayivor-Djanie R, Njouom R, Phillips RO, Gorman R, Kingsley RA, Neto Rodrigues RMDESA, Audu RA, Carr RAA, Gargouri S, Masmoudi S, Bootsma S, Sankhe S, Mohamed SI, Femi S, Mhalla S, Hosch S, Kassim SK, Metha S, Trabelsi S, Agwa SH, Mwangi SW, Doumbia S, Makiala-Mandanda S, Aryeetey S, Ahmed SS, Ahmed SM, Elhamoumi S, Moyo S, Lutucuta S, Gaseitsiwe S, Jalloh S, Andriamandimby SF, Oguntope S, Grayo S, Lekana-Douki S, Prosolek S, Ouangraoua S, van Wyk S, Schaffner SF, Kanyerezi S, Ahuka-Mundeke S, Rudder S, Pillay S, Nabadda S, Behillil S, Budiaki SL, van der Werf S, Mashe T, Mohale T, Le-Viet T, Velavan TP, Schindler T, Maponga TG, Bedford T, Anyaneji UJ, Chinedu U, Ramphal U, George UE, Enouf V, Nene V, Gorova V, Roshdy WH, Karim WA, Ampofo WK, Preiser W, Choga WT, Ahmed YA, Ramphal Y, Bediako Y, Naidoo Y, Butera Y, de Laurent ZR, Ouma AEO, von Gottberg A, Githinji G, Moeti M, Tomori O, Sabeti PC, Sall AA, Oyola SO, Tebeje YK, Tessema SK, de Oliveira T, Happi C, Lessells R, Nkengasong J, Wilkinson E. The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance. Science 2022; 378:eabq5358. [PMID: 36108049 PMCID: PMC9529057 DOI: 10.1126/science.abq5358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Investment in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing in Africa over the past year has led to a major increase in the number of sequences that have been generated and used to track the pandemic on the continent, a number that now exceeds 100,000 genomes. Our results show an increase in the number of African countries that are able to sequence domestically and highlight that local sequencing enables faster turnaround times and more-regular routine surveillance. Despite limitations of low testing proportions, findings from this genomic surveillance study underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic and illuminate the distinct dispersal dynamics of variants of concern-particularly Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron-on the continent. Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve while the continent faces many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houriiyah Tegally
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - James E. San
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Matthew Cotten
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Monika Moir
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Bryan Tegomoh
- The Biotechnology Centre of the University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- CDC Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Gerald Mboowa
- Institute of Pathogen Genomics, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Darren P. Martin
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Computational Biology Division, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Baxter
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Amadou Diallo
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Daniel G. Amoako
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Abay Sisay
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abdel-Rahman N. Zekri
- Cancer Biology Department, Virology and Immunology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdou Salam Gueye
- World Health Organization, Africa Region, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Abdoul K. Sangare
- Centre d’Infectiologie Charles Mérieux-Mali (CICM-Mali), Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoul-Salam Ouedraogo
- Bacteriology and Virology Department Souro Sanou University Hospital, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Abdualmoniem O. Musa
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kassala University, Kassala City, Sudan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
- General Administration of Laboratories and Blood Banks, Ministry of Health, Kassala State, Sudan
| | | | - Abe G. Abias
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Juba, Republic of South Sudan
| | | | - Adamou Lagare
- Center for Medical and Sanitary Research (CERMES), Niamey, Niger
| | | | - Aden Elmi Abar
- Laboratoire de la Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale, Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti
| | - Adeniji A. Johnson
- Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adeola Fowotade
- Medical Microbiology and Parasitology Department, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Biorepository Clinical Virology Laboratory, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adeyemi O. Oluwapelumi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
- The Pirbright Institute, Woking, UK
| | - Adrienne A. Amuri
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Agnes Juru
- National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Ahmed Kandeil
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Rebai
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Ahmed Sayed
- Genomics and Epigenomics Program, Research Department CCHE57357, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Akano Kazeem
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Aladje Balde
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular Jean Piaget, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- University Jean Piaget in Guinea-Bissau, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Alan Christoffels
- Institute of Pathogen Genomics, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- SAMRC Bioinformatics Unit, SA Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Allan Campbell
- Central Public Health Reference Laboratories, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Alpha K. Keita
- Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Infectiologie de Guinée (CERFIG), Université de Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
- TransVIHMI, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier University, 34090, Montpellier, France
| | - Amadou Kone
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC), University of Sciences, Techniques and Technology of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amal Bouzid
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Souissi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | | | - Amel Naguib
- Central Public Health Laboratories (CPHL), Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | | | - Anges Yadouleton
- Laboratoire des Fièvres Hémorragiques Virales du Benin, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Anika Vinze
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anise N. Happi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Anissa Chouikha
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar (UTM), Tunis 1002, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory “Virus, Vectors and Hosts: One Health Apporach and Technological Innovation for a Better Health”, LR20IPT02, Pasteur Institute, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Arash Iranzadeh
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Computational Biology Division, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Arisha Maharaj
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Armel L. Batchi-Bouyou
- Fondation Congolaise pour la Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
- Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Arshad Ismail
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Augustina A. Sylverken
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustine Goba
- Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Laboratory, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Ayoade Femi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Ayotunde E. Sijuwola
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Baba Marycelin
- Department of Immunology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1414, Maiduguri, Nigeria
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Babatunde L. Salako
- The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Bamidele S. Oderinde
- Department of Immunology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1414, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Bankole Bolajoko
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Bassirou Diarra
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC), University of Sciences, Techniques and Technology of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Belinda L. Herring
- World Health Organization, Africa Region, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Bernard Lekana-Douki
- Centre Interdisciplinaires de Recherches Medicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
- Département de Parasitologie-Mycologie Université des Sciences de la Santé (USS), Libreville, Gabon
| | - Bernard Mvula
- National HIV Reference Laboratory, Community Health Sciences Unit, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | | | - Bouh Abdi Khaireh
- National Medical and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti
- Africa CDC, Rapid Responder, Team Djibouti, Djibouti, Djibouti
| | - Bourema Kouriba
- Centre d’Infectiologie Charles Mérieux-Mali (CICM-Mali), Bamako, Mali
| | - Bright Adu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Brigitte Pool
- Seychelles Public Health Laboratory, Public Health Authority, Ministry of Health Seychelles, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Bronwyn McInnis
- Cancer Biology Department, Virology and Immunology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Cara Brook
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Carolyn Williamson
- Division of Medical Virology, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Catherine Anscombe
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Cathrine Scheepers
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
- SAMRC Antibody Immunity Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Chantal G. Akoua-Koffi
- CHU de Bouaké, Laboratoire/Unité de Diagnostic des Virus des Fièvres Hémorragiques et Virus Émergents, Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire
- UFR Sciences Médicales, Universite Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Charles N. Agoti
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Chastel M. Mapanguy
- Fondation Congolaise pour la Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
- Faculty of Science and Techniques, University Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Chika K. Onwuamah
- Centre for Human Virology and Genomics, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Chikwe Ihekweazu
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Christian N. Malaka
- Laboratoire des Arbovirus, Fièvres Hémorragiques virales, Virus Emergents et Zoonoses, Institut Pasteur de Bangui, Bangui, Central African Republic
| | | | - Chukwa Grace
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Chukwuma E. Omoruyi
- Medical Microbiology and Parasitology Department, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Biorepository Clinical Virology Laboratory, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Clotaire D. Rafaï
- Le Laboratoire National de Biologie Clinique et de Santé Publique (LNBCSP), Bangui, Central African Republic
| | - Collins M. Morang’a
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Cyril Erameh
- Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
| | - Daniel B. Lule
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Daniel Mukadi-Bamuleka
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Danny Park
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David A. Rasmussen
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | - David J. Nokes
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- School of Life Sciences and Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Deogratius Ssemwanga
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Derek Tshiabuila
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Dominic S. Y. Amuzu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dominique Goedhals
- PathCare Vermaak, Pretoria, South Africa and Division of Virology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Donald S. Grant
- Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Laboratory, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Dorcas Maruapula
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership and Botswana Harvard HIV Reference Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Dorcas W. Wanjohi
- Institute of Pathogen Genomics, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Eddy K. Lusamaki
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- TransVIHMI, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier University, 34090, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Edith N. Ngabana
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Edward O. Abworo
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edward Otieno
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Edwin Shumba
- African Society for Laboratory Medicine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Edwine Barasa
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - El Bara Ahmed
- INRSP, Nouakchott, Mauritania
- Faculté de Médecine de Nouakchott, Nouakchott, Mauritani
| | - Elhadi A. Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Emmanuel Lokilo
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Eromon Philomena
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Etilé A. Anoh
- CHU de Bouaké, Laboratoire/Unité de Diagnostic des Virus des Fièvres Hémorragiques et Virus Émergents, Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Eusebio Manuel
- Direcção Nacional da Saúde Pública, Ministério da Saúde, Luanda, Angola
| | | | - Fahn M. Taweh
- National Public Health Reference Laboratory–National Public Health Institute of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Fares Wasfi
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar (UTM), Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Abdelmoula
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | | | - Fawzi Derrar
- National Influenza Centre, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Fehintola V. Ajogbasile
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Florette Treurnicht
- Department of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Folarin Onikepe
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Francine Ntoumi
- Fondation Congolaise pour la Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Francisca M. Muyembe
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Fred A. Dratibi
- WHO Int Comoros, Moroni, Union of Comoros
- World Health Organization, Africa Region, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Fred-Akintunwa Iyanu
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Gabriel K. Mbunsu
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | | | - George O. Akpede
- Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
| | - Gert U. van Zyl
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gordon A. Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Grace S. Kpeli
- UHAS COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | | | - Gugu P. Maphalala
- Ministry of Health, COVID-19 Testing Laboratory, Mbabane, Kingdom of Eswatini
| | | | - Hannah E. Omunakwe
- Satellite Molecular Laboratory, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Harris Onywera
- Institute of Pathogen Genomics, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Haruka Abe
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hela Karray
- CHU Habib Bourguiba, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | | | - Henda Triki
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar (UTM), Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | | | - Hesham Elgahzaly
- Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams Research Institute (MASRI), Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hlanai Gumbo
- National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Hota Mathieu
- Doctoral School of Technical and Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology and Human Health, N’Djamena, Chad
| | - Hugo Kavunga-Membo
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Ibtihel Smeti
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Idowu B. Olawoye
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Ifedayo M. O. Adetifa
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ikponmwosa Odia
- Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
| | - Ilhem Boutiba Ben Boubaker
- Charles Nicolle Hospital, Laboratory of Microbiology, National Influenza Center, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Research Laboratory LR99ES09, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Iluoreh Ahmed Mohammad
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | | | - Isatta Wurie
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Science, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | | | - James Ayei
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Juba, Republic of South Sudan
| | - Janaki Sonoo
- Virology/Molecular Biology Department, Central Health Laboratory, Victoria Hospital, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Port Louis, Mauritius
| | - Jean-Claude C. Makangara
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean-Jacques M. Tamfum
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean-Michel Heraud
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Jeffrey G. Shaffer
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jennifer Giandhari
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | - Jessica N. Uwanibe
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Jinal N. Bhiman
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jiro Yasuda
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Joana Morais
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e Imunológica, Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (National Institute for Health Research), Luanda, Angola
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Agostinho Neto, Luanda, Angola
| | | | - John D. Sandi
- Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Laboratory, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - John Huddleston
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John K. Odoom
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - John O. Gyapong
- UHAS COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - John T. Kayiwa
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Johnson C. Okolie
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Joicymara S. Xavier
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Unaí, Brazil
| | - Jones Gyamfi
- UHAS COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | | | - Joseph H. K. Bonney
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Joseph Nyandwi
- National Institute of Public Health, Bujumbura, Burundi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Burundi, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Josie Everatt
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Joyce M. Ngoi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Judith U. Oguzie
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Julia C. Andeko
- Centre Interdisciplinaires de Recherches Medicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | | | | | | | - Katherine J. Siddle
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Kayode T. Adeyemi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Kefentse A. Tumedi
- Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | | | | | - Kwabena O. Duedu
- UHAS COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | - Lamia Fki-Berrajah
- CHU Habib Bourguiba, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Lavanya Singh
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lenora M. Kepler
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Leon Biscornet
- Seychelles Public Health Laboratory, Public Health Authority, Ministry of Health Seychelles, Victoria, Seychelles
| | | | | | - Luicer Olubayo
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Computational Biology Division, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lul Deng Ojok
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Juba, Republic of South Sudan
| | - Lul Lojok Deng
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Juba, Republic of South Sudan
| | | | - Lynn Tyers
- Division of Medical Virology, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Madisa Mine
- National Health Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Magalutcheemee Ramuth
- Virology/Molecular Biology Department, Central Health Laboratory, Victoria Hospital, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Port Louis, Mauritius
| | - Maha Mastouri
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biologically Active Substances (LR99ES27), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University Hospital of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Mahmoud ElHefnawi
- Biomedical Informatics and Chemoinformatics Group, Informatics and Systems Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maimouna Mbanne
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Mamadou Diop
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Mambu Momoh
- Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Laboratory, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Marietjie Venter
- Zoonotic Arbo and Respiratory Virus Program, Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marietou F. Paye
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Martin Faye
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Martin M. Nyaga
- Next Generation Sequencing Unit and Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | | | - Matoke-Muhia Damaris
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Maximillian G. Mpina
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones de Baney, Baney, Equatorial Guinea
- Ifakara Health Insitute, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Michael Owusu
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael R. Wiley
- University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, USA
- PraesensBio, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Mirabeau Y. Tatfeng
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
| | | | - Mohamed Abouelhoda
- Systems and Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohamed G. Seadawy
- Biological Prevention Department, Ministry of Defence, Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | | | | | - Mouhamed Kane
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | | | - Mushal Allam
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - My V. T. Phan
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Nabil Abid
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biologically Active Substances (LR99ES27), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- High Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, Rue Taher Haddad 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Nadine Rujeni
- Rwanda National Joint Task Force COVID-19, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda
- School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Nadir Abuzaid
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Omdurman Islamic University, Sudan
| | - Nalia Ismael
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Marracuene, Mozambique
| | | | | | - Ndongo Dia
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Nédio Mabunda
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Marracuene, Mozambique
| | - Nei-yuan Hsiao
- Division of Medical Virology, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Ngiambudulu M. Francisco
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e Imunológica, Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (National Institute for Health Research), Luanda, Angola
| | - Ngonda Saasa
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nicholas Bbosa
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Nicksy Gumede
- World Health Organization, Africa Region, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Nicole Wolter
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nikita Sitharam
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Nnaemeka Ndodo
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Nnennaya A. Ajayi
- Internal Medicine Department, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Noël Tordo
- Institut Pasteur de Guinée, Conarky, Guinea
| | - Nokuzola Mbhele
- Division of Medical Virology, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Nosamiefan Iguosadolo
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Nwando Mba
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Ojide C. Kingsley
- Virology Laboratory, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Okogbenin Sylvanus
- Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
| | - Oladiji Femi
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences. College of Health Sciences. University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Olubusuyi M. Adewumi
- Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olumade Testimony
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Olusola A. Ogunsanya
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Oluwatosin Fakayode
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Onwe E. Ogah
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Ope-Ewe Oludayo
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Ousmane Faye
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Pascale Ondoa
- African Society for Laboratory Medicine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Patricia Nabisubi
- The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences, The Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Immunology and Molecular Biology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Paul E. Oluniyi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Paulo Arnaldo
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Marracuene, Mozambique
| | - Peter Kojo Quashie
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Peter O. Okokhere
- Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Philip Bejon
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Philippe Dussart
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Phillip A. Bester
- Division of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service and University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Placide K. Mbala
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Pontiano Kaleebu
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Priscilla Abechi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Rabeh El-Shesheny
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
- Infectious Hazards Preparedness, World Health Organization, Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rageema Joseph
- Division of Medical Virology, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ramy Karam Aziz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Microbiology and Immunology Research Program, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - René G. Essomba
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Public Health of Cameroon, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Reuben Ayivor-Djanie
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- UHAS COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | - Richard Njouom
- Virology Service, Centre Pasteur of Cameroun, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Richard O. Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richmond Gorman
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Rosa Maria D. E. S. A. Neto Rodrigues
- Coordenadora da rede do Diagnóstico Tuberculose/HIV/COVID-19 na Instituição - Laboratório Nacional de Referência da Tuberculose em São Tomé e Príncipe, São Tomé, São Tomé and Principe
- Ponto focal para Melhoria da qualidade dos Laboratórios (SLIPTA) ao nível de São Tomé e Príncipe, São Tomé, São Tomé and Principe
| | - Rosemary A. Audu
- The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Rosina A. A. Carr
- UHAS COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | - Saba Gargouri
- CHU Habib Bourguiba, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Saber Masmoudi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | | | - Safietou Sankhe
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Saibu Femi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Salma Mhalla
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Research Laboratory LR99ES09, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Salome Hosch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Samar Kamal Kassim
- Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams Research Institute (MASRI), Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samar Metha
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sameh Trabelsi
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Lab, LR16SP02, National Center of Pharmacovigilance, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sara Hassan Agwa
- Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams Research Institute (MASRI), Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sarah Wambui Mwangi
- Institute of Pathogen Genomics, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Seydou Doumbia
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC), University of Sciences, Techniques and Technology of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sheila Makiala-Mandanda
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Sherihane Aryeetey
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | - Siham Elhamoumi
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership and Botswana Harvard HIV Reference Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Silvia Lutucuta
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e Imunológica, Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (National Institute for Health Research), Luanda, Angola
| | - Simani Gaseitsiwe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership and Botswana Harvard HIV Reference Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simbirie Jalloh
- Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Laboratory, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Sobajo Oguntope
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | | | - Sonia Lekana-Douki
- Centre Interdisciplinaires de Recherches Medicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | | | - Soumeya Ouangraoua
- Centre MURAZ, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- National Institute of Public Health of Burkina Faso (INSP/BF), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Stephanie van Wyk
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Stephen F. Schaffner
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stephen Kanyerezi
- The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences, The Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Immunology and Molecular Biology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Steve Ahuka-Mundeke
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Sureshnee Pillay
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Susan Nabadda
- Central Public Health Laboratories (CPHL), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sylvie Behillil
- National Reference Center for Respiratory Viruses, Molecular Genetics of RNA Viruses, UMR 3569 CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Sylvie van der Werf
- National Reference Center for Respiratory Viruses, Molecular Genetics of RNA Viruses, UMR 3569 CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Tapfumanei Mashe
- National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Harare, Zimbabwe
- World Health Organization, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Thabo Mohale
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tobias Schindler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones de Baney, Baney, Equatorial Guinea
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tongai G. Maponga
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Trevor Bedford
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ugochukwu J. Anyaneji
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ugwu Chinedu
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Upasana Ramphal
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Sub-Saharan African Network For TB/HIV Research Excellence (SANTHE), Durban, South Africa
| | - Uwem E. George
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Vincent Enouf
- National Reference Center for Respiratory Viruses, Molecular Genetics of RNA Viruses, UMR 3569 CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Vishvanath Nene
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Vivianne Gorova
- World Health Organization, WHO Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
- Med24 Medical Centre, Ruwa, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Wasim Abdul Karim
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - William K. Ampofo
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Wolfgang Preiser
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wonderful T. Choga
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership and Botswana Harvard HIV Reference Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yahaya Ali Ahmed
- World Health Organization, Africa Region, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Yajna Ramphal
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Yaw Bediako
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Yemaachi Biotech, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yeshnee Naidoo
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Yvan Butera
- Rwanda National Joint Task Force COVID-19, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, GIGA Research Institute, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI)
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
- The Biotechnology Centre of the University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- CDC Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Lincoln, NE, USA
- Institute of Pathogen Genomics, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Computational Biology Division, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Cancer Biology Department, Virology and Immunology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- World Health Organization, Africa Region, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
- Centre d’Infectiologie Charles Mérieux-Mali (CICM-Mali), Bamako, Mali
- Bacteriology and Virology Department Souro Sanou University Hospital, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- West African Health Organisation, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kassala University, Kassala City, Sudan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
- General Administration of Laboratories and Blood Banks, Ministry of Health, Kassala State, Sudan
- MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Fajara, Gambia
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Juba, Republic of South Sudan
- Libyan Biotechnology Research Center, Tripoli, Libya
- Center for Medical and Sanitary Research (CERMES), Niamey, Niger
- The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Laboratoire de la Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale, Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti
- Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Medical Microbiology and Parasitology Department, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Biorepository Clinical Virology Laboratory, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
- The Pirbright Institute, Woking, UK
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Genomics and Epigenomics Program, Research Department CCHE57357, Cairo, Egypt
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular Jean Piaget, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- University Jean Piaget in Guinea-Bissau, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- SAMRC Bioinformatics Unit, SA Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, UK
- Central Public Health Reference Laboratories, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Infectiologie de Guinée (CERFIG), Université de Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
- TransVIHMI, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier University, 34090, Montpellier, France
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC), University of Sciences, Techniques and Technology of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Central Public Health Laboratories (CPHL), Cairo, Egypt
- National Institute of Public Health, Bujumbura, Burundi
- Laboratoire des Fièvres Hémorragiques Virales du Benin, Cotonou, Benin
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, WHO Reference Laboratory for Poliomyelitis and Measles in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar (UTM), Tunis 1002, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory “Virus, Vectors and Hosts: One Health Apporach and Technological Innovation for a Better Health”, LR20IPT02, Pasteur Institute, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
- Fondation Congolaise pour la Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
- Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Laboratory, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Immunology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1414, Maiduguri, Nigeria
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
- Centre Interdisciplinaires de Recherches Medicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
- Département de Parasitologie-Mycologie Université des Sciences de la Santé (USS), Libreville, Gabon
- National HIV Reference Laboratory, Community Health Sciences Unit, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
- African Society for Laboratory Medicine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- National Medical and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti
- Africa CDC, Rapid Responder, Team Djibouti, Djibouti, Djibouti
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
- Seychelles Public Health Laboratory, Public Health Authority, Ministry of Health Seychelles, Victoria, Seychelles
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Cape Town, South Africa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE, USA
- SAMRC Antibody Immunity Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- CHU de Bouaké, Laboratoire/Unité de Diagnostic des Virus des Fièvres Hémorragiques et Virus Émergents, Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire
- UFR Sciences Médicales, Universite Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire
- School of Public Health, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
- Faculty of Science and Techniques, University Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
- Centre for Human Virology and Genomics, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
- Laboratoire des Arbovirus, Fièvres Hémorragiques virales, Virus Emergents et Zoonoses, Institut Pasteur de Bangui, Bangui, Central African Republic
- Le Laboratoire National de Biologie Clinique et de Santé Publique (LNBCSP), Bangui, Central African Republic
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
- PATH, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- School of Life Sciences and Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- PathCare Vermaak, Pretoria, South Africa and Division of Virology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership and Botswana Harvard HIV Reference Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
- INRSP, Nouakchott, Mauritania
- Faculté de Médecine de Nouakchott, Nouakchott, Mauritani
- Rwanda National Reference Laboratory, Kigali, Rwanda
- Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
- G5 Evolutionary Genomics of RNA Viruses, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Direcção Nacional da Saúde Pública, Ministério da Saúde, Luanda, Angola
- National Public Health Reference Laboratory–National Public Health Institute of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
- Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- National Influenza Centre, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie, Algiers, Algeria
- Department of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Ministère de Santé Publique et de la Solidarité Nationale, Ndjamena, Chad
- WHO Int Comoros, Moroni, Union of Comoros
- World Health Organization, Africa Region, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
- UHAS COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
- Ministry of Health, COVID-19 Testing Laboratory, Mbabane, Kingdom of Eswatini
- Satellite Molecular Laboratory, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- CHU Habib Bourguiba, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Central Public Health Laboratories (CPHL), Kampala, Uganda
- Institut Pasteur de Côte d’Ivoire, Departement des Virus Epidemiques, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams Research Institute (MASRI), Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Doctoral School of Technical and Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology and Human Health, N’Djamena, Chad
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Charles Nicolle Hospital, Laboratory of Microbiology, National Influenza Center, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Research Laboratory LR99ES09, Tunis, Tunisia
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Science, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Namibia Institute of Pathology, Windhoek, Namibia
- National Institute of Hygiene, Lomé, Togo
- Virology/Molecular Biology Department, Central Health Laboratory, Victoria Hospital, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Port Louis, Mauritius
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- WHO Burundi, Gitega, Burundi
- Grupo de Investigação Microbiana e Imunológica, Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (National Institute for Health Research), Luanda, Angola
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Agostinho Neto, Luanda, Angola
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Unaí, Brazil
- WHO South Sudan, Juba, South Sudan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Burundi, Bujumbura, Burundi
- Pasteur Network, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation, Gaborone, Botswana
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Pública, Praia, Cape Verde
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
- Public Health Institute of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- National Health Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biologically Active Substances (LR99ES27), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University Hospital of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Biomedical Informatics and Chemoinformatics Group, Informatics and Systems Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
- Ministry of Health and Wellness, Gaborone, Botswana
- Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- Zoonotic Arbo and Respiratory Virus Program, Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Next Generation Sequencing Unit and Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- National Reference Laboratory Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones de Baney, Baney, Equatorial Guinea
- Ifakara Health Insitute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- PraesensBio, Lincoln, NE, USA
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
- Systems and Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Biological Prevention Department, Ministry of Defence, Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
- Molecular Pathology Lab, Children’s Cancer Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
- Laboratoire Biolim FSS/Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- High Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, Rue Taher Haddad 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
- Rwanda National Joint Task Force COVID-19, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda
- School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Omdurman Islamic University, Sudan
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS), Marracuene, Mozambique
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Internal Medicine Department, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
- Institut Pasteur de Guinée, Conarky, Guinea
- Virology Laboratory, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences. College of Health Sciences. University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
- Mayotte Hospital Center, Mayotte, France
- The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences, The Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Immunology and Molecular Biology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
- Division of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service and University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Infectious Hazards Preparedness, World Health Organization, Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Microbiology and Immunology Research Program, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
- National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Public Health of Cameroon, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Virology Service, Centre Pasteur of Cameroun, Yaounde, Cameroon
- Coordenadora da rede do Diagnóstico Tuberculose/HIV/COVID-19 na Instituição - Laboratório Nacional de Referência da Tuberculose em São Tomé e Príncipe, São Tomé, São Tomé and Principe
- Ponto focal para Melhoria da qualidade dos Laboratórios (SLIPTA) ao nível de São Tomé e Príncipe, São Tomé, São Tomé and Principe
- National Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL), Mogadishu, Somalia
- Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Lab, LR16SP02, National Center of Pharmacovigilance, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Centre MURAZ, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- National Institute of Public Health of Burkina Faso (INSP/BF), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- National Reference Center for Respiratory Viruses, Molecular Genetics of RNA Viruses, UMR 3569 CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- World Health Organization, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Sub-Saharan African Network For TB/HIV Research Excellence (SANTHE), Durban, South Africa
- World Health Organization, WHO Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
- Med24 Medical Centre, Ruwa, Zimbabwe
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Yemaachi Biotech, Accra, Ghana
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, GIGA Research Institute, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ahmed E. O. Ouma
- Institute of Pathogen Genomics, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Anne von Gottberg
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - George Githinji
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Matshidiso Moeti
- World Health Organization, Africa Region, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Oyewale Tomori
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Pardis C. Sabeti
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amadou A. Sall
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Samuel O. Oyola
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Yenew K. Tebeje
- Institute of Pathogen Genomics, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sofonias K. Tessema
- Institute of Pathogen Genomics, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christian Happi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Richard Lessells
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - John Nkengasong
- Institute of Pathogen Genomics, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eduan Wilkinson
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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6
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Arjarquah AK, Obodai E, Anie HA, Osei MA, Odoom JK, Bonney JHK, Behene E, Kotey EN, Aboagye J, Nyarko SO, Bentum J, Yeboah C, Kumordjie S, Agbodzi B, Attiku K, Mawuli G, Letizia A, Ampofo WK, Quaye O. Occurrence of influenza and bacterial infections in cancer patients receiving radiotherapy in Ghana. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271877. [PMID: 35881575 PMCID: PMC9321433 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Influenza co-infection with bacteria is a leading cause of influenza-related deaths and severe respiratory infections, especially among high-risk groups like cancer patients undergoing treatment. However, acute respiratory infection (ARI)-like symptoms developed by upper-torso cancer (UTC) patients receiving radiotherapy are considered as side-effects of the radiation. Hence influenza and bacterial pathogens implicated in ARI are not investigated. Methods This prospective cohort study examined 85 in-patients with upper-torso cancers undergoing radiotherapy at the National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre (NRONMC) of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra, Ghana. Eligible patients who consented were recruited into the study from September 2018 to April 2019. Influenza viruses A and B in addition to the following bacteria species Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis and Staphylococcus aureus were detected from oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swab specimens collected at three different time points. Presence of respiratory pathogens were investigated by influenza virus isolation in cell culture, bacterial culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next generation sequencing (NGS) assays. Results Of the 85 eligible participants enrolled into the study, 87% were females. Participants were 17 to 77 years old, with a median age of 49 years. Most of the participants (88%) enrolled had at least one pathogen present. The most prevalent pathogen was N. meningitidis (63.4%), followed by H. influenzae (48.8%), Influenza viruses A and B (32.9%), S. pneumoniae (32.9%) and S. aureus (12.2%). Approximately, 65% of these participants developed ARI-like symptoms. Participants with previous episodes of ARI, did not live alone, HNC and total radiation less than 50 Gy were significantly associated with ARI. All treatment forms were also significantly associated with ARI. Conclusion Data generated from the study suggests that ARI-like symptoms observed among UTC patients receiving radiotherapy in Ghana, could be due to influenza and bacterial single and co-infections in addition to risk factors and not solely the side-effects of radiation as perceived. These findings will be prime importance for diagnosis, prevention, treatment and control for cancer patients who present with such episodes during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustina K. Arjarquah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (DBCMB), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
- Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), New Tafo—Akim, Ghana
- * E-mail: (EO); (AKA)
| | - Evangeline Obodai
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
- * E-mail: (EO); (AKA)
| | - Hannah Ayettey Anie
- National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre (NRONMC), Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Michael Aning Osei
- National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre (NRONMC), Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - John Kofi Odoom
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - Joseph H. K. Bonney
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - Eric Behene
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (US-NAMRU 3), Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Erasmus N. Kotey
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - James Aboagye
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - Stephen O. Nyarko
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - Jeannette Bentum
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (US-NAMRU 3), Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Clara Yeboah
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (US-NAMRU 3), Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Selassie Kumordjie
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (US-NAMRU 3), Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bright Agbodzi
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (US-NAMRU 3), Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Keren Attiku
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - Gifty Mawuli
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - Andrew Letizia
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (US-NAMRU 3), Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - William K. Ampofo
- College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana-Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Legon, Ghana
| | - Osbourne Quaye
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (DBCMB), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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7
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Nii-Trebi NI, Matsuoka S, Kawana-Tachikawa A, Bonney EY, Abana CZ, Ofori SB, Mizutani T, Ishizaka A, Shiino T, Ohashi J, Naruse TK, Kimura A, Kiyono H, Ishikawa K, Ampofo WK, Matano T. Super high-resolution single-molecule sequence-based typing of HLA class I alleles in HIV-1 infected individuals in Ghana. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269390. [PMID: 35653364 PMCID: PMC9162337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
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. In the present study, to obtain accurate HLA typing data for analysis of HLA association with disease progression in HIV-1 infection in West African populations, HLA class I (HLA-A, -B, and -C) four-digit allele typing was performed in treatment-naïve HIV-1 infected individuals in Ghana (n = 324) by a super high-resolution single-molecule sequence-based typing (SS-SBT) using next-generation sequencing. Comparison of the SS-SBT-based data with those obtained by a conventional sequencing-based typing (SBT) revealed incorrect assignment of several alleles by SBT. Indeed, HLA-A*23:17, HLA-B*07:06, HLA-C*07:18, and HLA-C*18:02 whose allele frequencies were 2.5%, 0.9%, 4.3%, and 3.7%, respectively, were not determined by SBT. Several HLA alleles were associated with clinical markers, viral load and CD4+ T-cell count. Of note, the impact of HLA-B*57:03 and HLA-B*58:01, known as protective alleles against HIV-1 subtype B and C infection, on clinical markers was not observed in our cohort. This study for the first time presents SS-SBT-based four-digit typing data on HLA-A, -B, and -C alleles in Ghana, describing impact of HLA on viral load and CD4 count in HIV-1 infection. Accumulation of these data would facilitate high-resolution HLA genotyping, contributing to our understanding of the HIV-1 and host HLA interaction in Ghana, West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas I. Nii-Trebi
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Saori Matsuoka
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ai Kawana-Tachikawa
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Evelyn Y. Bonney
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Christopher Z. Abana
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sampson B. Ofori
- Department of Medicine, Koforidua Government Hospital, Eastern Region, Ghana
| | | | - Aya Ishizaka
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Teiichiro Shiino
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Ohashi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taeko K. Naruse
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Molecular Pathogenesis, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akinori Kimura
- Department of Molecular Pathogenesis, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kiyono
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Future Medicine Education and Research Organization, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- CU-UCSD Center for Mucosal Immunology, Allergy and Vaccines, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Koichi Ishikawa
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - William K. Ampofo
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- * E-mail: (WKA); (TM)
| | - Tetsuro Matano
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail: (WKA); (TM)
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8
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Morang'a CM, Ngoi JM, Gyamfi J, Amuzu DSY, Nuertey BD, Soglo PM, Appiah V, Asante IA, Owusu-Oduro P, Armoo S, Adu-Gyasi D, Amoako N, Oliver-Commey J, Owusu M, Sylverken A, Fenteng ED, M'cormack VV, Tei-Maya F, Quansah EB, Ayivor-Djanie R, Amoako EK, Ogbe IT, Yemi BK, Osei-Wusu I, Mettle DNA, Saiid S, Tapela K, Dzabeng F, Magnussen V, Quaye J, Opurum PC, Carr RA, Ababio PT, Abass AK, Akoriyea SK, Amoako E, Kumi-Ansah F, Boakye OD, Mibut DK, Odoom T, Ofori-Boadu L, Allegye-Cudjoe E, Dassah S, Asoala V, Asante KP, Phillips RO, Osei-Atweneboana MY, Gyapong JO, Kuma-Aboagye P, Ampofo WK, Duedu KO, Ndam NT, Bediako Y, Quashie PK, Amenga-Etego LN, Awandare GA. Genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Ghana from 2020-2021. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2494. [PMID: 35523782 PMCID: PMC9076825 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30219-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
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. The data show that initial local transmission was dominated by B.1.1 lineage, but the second wave was overwhelmingly driven by the Alpha variant. Subsequently, an unheralded variant under monitoring, B.1.1.318, dominated transmission from April to June 2021 before being displaced by Delta variants, which were introduced into community transmission in May 2021. Mutational analysis indicated that variants that took hold in Ghana harboured transmission enhancing and immune escape spike substitutions. The observed rapid viral evolution demonstrates the potential for emergence of novel variants with greater mutational fitness as observed in other parts of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collins M Morang'a
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joyce M Ngoi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jones Gyamfi
- University of Health and Allied Sciences COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, Ho, Ghana
| | - Dominic S Y Amuzu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Benjamin D Nuertey
- Tamale Teaching Hospital Intensive Care Unit, Ghana Health Service, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Philip M Soglo
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Vincent Appiah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ivy A Asante
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Samuel Armoo
- Biomedical and Public Health Research Unit, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dennis Adu-Gyasi
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo North Municipality, Ghana
| | - Nicholas Amoako
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo North Municipality, Ghana
| | | | - Michael Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Augustina Sylverken
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Edward D Fenteng
- Accra Veterinary Laboratory, Veterinary Services Directorate, Accra, Ghana
| | - Violette V M'cormack
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Frederick Tei-Maya
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evelyn B Quansah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Reuben Ayivor-Djanie
- University of Health and Allied Sciences COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, Ho, Ghana
| | - Enock K Amoako
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac T Ogbe
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bright K Yemi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Israel Osei-Wusu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Deborah N A Mettle
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samirah Saiid
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kesego Tapela
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Francis Dzabeng
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Vanessa Magnussen
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jerry Quaye
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Precious C Opurum
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Rosina A Carr
- University of Health and Allied Sciences COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, Ho, Ghana
| | - Patrick T Ababio
- Accra Veterinary Laboratory, Veterinary Services Directorate, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abdul-Karim Abass
- Tamale Public Health and Reference Laboratory, Ghana Health Service, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Samuel K Akoriyea
- Institutional Care Division (ICD), Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emmanuella Amoako
- Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana Health Service, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Oliver D Boakye
- Takoradi Veterinary Services Department, Ghana Health Service, Takoradi, Ghana
| | - Dam K Mibut
- Tamale Teaching Hospital Intensive Care Unit, Ghana Health Service, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Theophilus Odoom
- Takoradi Veterinary Services Department, Ghana Health Service, Takoradi, Ghana
| | | | - Emmanuel Allegye-Cudjoe
- Pong-Tamale Central Veterinary Laboratory, National Veterinary Services Directorate, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Sylvester Dassah
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Victor Asoala
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Kwaku P Asante
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo North Municipality, Ghana
| | - Richard O Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Mike Y Osei-Atweneboana
- Biomedical and Public Health Research Unit, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Accra, Ghana
| | - John O Gyapong
- University of Health and Allied Sciences COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, Ho, Ghana
| | | | - William K Ampofo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwabena O Duedu
- University of Health and Allied Sciences COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, Ho, Ghana
| | - Nicaise T Ndam
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Marseille, France
| | - Yaw Bediako
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Yemaachi Biotechnology, Accra, Ghana
| | - Peter K Quashie
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Lucas N Amenga-Etego
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
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9
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Adu B, Bonney JKH, Odoom JK, Bonney EYA, Obodai E, Asante IA, Aboagye J, Adusei-Poku MA, Lartey L, Asiedu EK, Ampofo WK, Kyei GB. SARS-CoV-2 detection among international air travellers to Ghana during mandatory quarantine. Ghana Med J 2022; 55:48-50. [PMID: 35233114 PMCID: PMC8853690 DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v55i2s.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 detection among international travellers to Ghana during mandatory quarantine. Design A retrospective cross-sectional study. Setting Air travellers to Ghana on 21st and 22nd March 2020. Participants On 21st and 22nd March 2020, a total of 1,030 returning international travellers were mandatorily quarantined in 15 different hotels in Accra and tested for SARS-CoV-2. All of these persons were included in the study. Main outcome measure Positivity for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction. Results The initial testing at the beginning of quarantine found 79 (7.7%) individuals to be positive for SARS-CoV-2. In the exit screening after 12 to 13 days of quarantine, it was discovered that 26 of those who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 in the initial screening subsequently tested positive. Conclusions Ghana likely averted an early community spread of COVID-19 through the proactive approach to quarantine international travellers during the early phase of the pandemic. Funding None
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Affiliation(s)
- Bright Adu
- Immunology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph K H Bonney
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - John K Odoom
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Y A Bonney
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evangeline Obodai
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ivy A Asante
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - James Aboagye
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mildred A Adusei-Poku
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School. College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. PO Box GP 4236, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lawrence Lartey
- Disease Surveillance Department, Ghana Health Service, Private Mail Bag, Ministries, Accra. Ghana
| | - Ernest K Asiedu
- National Quality Management Unit, Ministry of Health, P.O.Box M 44, Ministries, Accra, Ghana
| | - William K Ampofo
- Immunology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - George B Kyei
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, USA
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10
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Obodai E, Kyei GB, Aboagye J, Bonney EY, Asante IA, Bonney JKH, Adusei-Poku M, Lamptey H, Adu B, Kenu E, Koram KA, Ampofo WK, Odoom JK. Data management during COVID-19 outbreak response in Ghana: a reference laboratory perspective on key issues and measures. Ghana Med J 2022; 55:51-55. [PMID: 35233115 PMCID: PMC8853698 DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v55i2s.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
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. By the same time, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) of the University of Ghana, the primary testing centre for COVID-19, had tested 285,501 with 28,878 confirmed cases. Due to database gaps, there were initial challenges with timely reporting and feedback to stakeholders during the peak surveillance period. The gaps resulted from mismatches between samples and their accompanying case investigation forms, samples without case investigation forms and vice versa, huge data entry requirements, and delayed test results. However, a revamp in data management procedures, and systems helped to improve the turnaround time for reporting results to all interested parties and partners. Additionally, inconsistencies such as multiple entries and discrepant patient-sample information were resolved by introducing a barcoding electronic capture system. Here, we describe the main challenges with COVID-19 data management and analysis in the laboratory and recommend measures for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangeline Obodai
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - George B Kyei
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110
| | - James Aboagye
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Y Bonney
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ivy A Asante
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph K H Bonney
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mildred Adusei-Poku
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School. College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. PO Box GP 4236, Accra, Ghana
| | - Helena Lamptey
- Immunology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bright Adu
- Immunology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ernest Kenu
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo A Koram
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - William K Ampofo
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - John K Odoom
- Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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11
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Quansah DNK, Asante IA, Bonney EY, Obodai E, Adusei-Poku MA, Aboagye J, Adu-Amankwah S, Adjei S, Akuffo R, Lamptey H, B. Kyei G, Odoom JK, Ampofo WK, Bonney JHK. Contribution of the Advanced Research Laboratories at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) to SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Ghana. Health (London) 2022. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2022.141010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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12
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Wilkinson E, Giovanetti M, Tegally H, San JE, Lessells R, Cuadros D, Martin DP, Rasmussen DA, Zekri ARN, Sangare AK, Ouedraogo AS, Sesay AK, Priscilla A, Kemi AS, Olubusuyi AM, Oluwapelumi AOO, Hammami A, Amuri AA, Sayed A, Ouma AEO, Elargoubi A, Ajayi NA, Victoria AF, Kazeem A, George A, Trotter AJ, Yahaya AA, Keita AK, Diallo A, Kone A, Souissi A, Chtourou A, Gutierrez AV, Page AJ, Vinze A, Iranzadeh A, Lambisia A, Ismail A, Rosemary A, Sylverken A, Femi A, Ibrahimi A, Marycelin B, Oderinde BS, Bolajoko B, Dhaala B, Herring BL, Njanpop-Lafourcade BM, Kleinhans B, McInnis B, Tegomoh B, Brook C, Pratt CB, Scheepers C, Akoua-Koffi CG, Agoti CN, Peyrefitte C, Daubenberger C, Morang’a CM, Nokes DJ, Amoako DG, Bugembe DL, Park D, Baker D, Doolabh D, Ssemwanga D, Tshiabuila D, Bassirou D, Amuzu DSY, Goedhals D, Omuoyo DO, Maruapula D, Foster-Nyarko E, Lusamaki EK, Simulundu E, Ong’era EM, Ngabana EN, Shumba E, El Fahime E, Lokilo E, Mukantwari E, Philomena E, Belarbi E, Simon-Loriere E, Anoh EA, Leendertz F, Ajili F, Enoch FO, Wasfi F, Abdelmoula F, Mosha FS, Takawira FT, Derrar F, Bouzid F, Onikepe F, Adeola F, Muyembe FM, Tanser F, Dratibi FA, Mbunsu GK, Thilliez G, Kay GL, Githinji G, van Zyl G, Awandare GA, Schubert G, Maphalala GP, Ranaivoson HC, Lemriss H, Anise H, Abe H, Karray HH, Nansumba H, Elgahzaly HA, Gumbo H, Smeti I, Ayed IB, Odia I, Ben Boubaker IB, Gaaloul I, Gazy I, Mudau I, Ssewanyana I, Konstantinus I, Lekana-Douk JB, Makangara JCC, Tamfum JJM, Heraud JM, Shaffer JG, Giandhari J, Li J, Yasuda J, Mends JQ, Kiconco J, Morobe JM, Gyapong JO, Okolie JC, Kayiwa JT, Edwards JA, Gyamfi J, Farah J, Nakaseegu J, Ngoi JM, Namulondo J, Andeko JC, Lutwama JJ, O’Grady J, Siddle K, Adeyemi KT, Tumedi KA, Said KM, Hae-Young K, Duedu KO, Belyamani L, Fki-Berrajah L, Singh L, Martins LDO, Tyers L, Ramuth M, Mastouri M, Aouni M, el Hefnawi M, Matsheka MI, Kebabonye M, Diop M, Turki M, Paye M, Nyaga MM, Mareka M, Damaris MM, Mburu MW, Mpina M, Nwando M, Owusu M, Wiley MR, Youtchou MT, Ayekaba MO, Abouelhoda M, Seadawy MG, Khalifa MK, Sekhele M, Ouadghiri M, Diagne MM, Mwenda M, Allam M, Phan MVT, Abid N, Touil N, Rujeni N, Kharrat N, Ismael N, Dia N, Mabunda N, Hsiao NY, Silochi NB, Nsenga N, Gumede N, Mulder N, Ndodo N, Razanajatovo NH, Iguosadolo N, Judith O, Kingsley OC, Sylvanus O, Peter O, Femi O, Idowu O, Testimony O, Chukwuma OE, Ogah OE, Onwuamah CK, Cyril O, Faye O, Tomori O, Ondoa P, Combe P, Semanda P, Oluniyi PE, Arnaldo P, Quashie PK, Dussart P, Bester PA, Mbala PK, Ayivor-Djanie R, Njouom R, Phillips RO, Gorman R, Kingsley RA, Carr RAA, El Kabbaj S, Gargouri S, Masmoudi S, Sankhe S, Lawal SB, Kassim S, Trabelsi S, Metha S, Kammoun S, Lemriss S, Agwa SHA, Calvignac-Spencer S, Schaffner SF, Doumbia S, Mandanda SM, Aryeetey S, Ahmed SS, Elhamoumi S, Andriamandimby S, Tope S, Lekana-Douki S, Prosolek S, Ouangraoua S, Mundeke SA, Rudder S, Panji S, Pillay S, Engelbrecht S, Nabadda S, Behillil S, Budiaki SL, van der Werf S, Mashe T, Aanniz T, Mohale T, Le-Viet T, Schindler T, Anyaneji UJ, Chinedu U, Ramphal U, Jessica U, George U, Fonseca V, Enouf V, Gorova V, Roshdy WH, Ampofo WK, Preiser W, Choga WT, Bediako Y, Naidoo Y, Butera Y, de Laurent ZR, Sall AA, Rebai A, von Gottberg A, Kouriba B, Williamson C, Bridges DJ, Chikwe I, Bhiman JN, Mine M, Cotten M, Moyo S, Gaseitsiwe S, Saasa N, Sabeti PC, Kaleebu P, Tebeje YK, Tessema SK, Happi C, Nkengasong J, de Oliveira T. A year of genomic surveillance reveals how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic unfolded in Africa. Science 2021; 374:423-431. [PMID: 34672751 PMCID: PMC7613315 DOI: 10.1126/science.abj4336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The progression of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in Africa has so far been heterogeneous, and the full impact is not yet well understood. In this study, we describe the genomic epidemiology using a dataset of 8746 genomes from 33 African countries and two overseas territories. We show that the epidemics in most countries were initiated by importations predominantly from Europe, which diminished after the early introduction of international travel restrictions. As the pandemic progressed, ongoing transmission in many countries and increasing mobility led to the emergence and spread within the continent of many variants of concern and interest, such as B.1.351, B.1.525, A.23.1, and C.1.1. Although distorted by low sampling numbers and blind spots, the findings highlight that Africa must not be left behind in the global pandemic response, otherwise it could become a source for new variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduan Wilkinson
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Laboratorio de Flavivirus, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Houriiyah Tegally
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - James E. San
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Richard Lessells
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Diego Cuadros
- Department of Geography and GIS, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Darren P. Martin
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Computational Biology Division, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David A. Rasmussen
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Abdel-Rahman N. Zekri
- Cancer Biology Department, Virology and Immunology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt
| | - Abdoul K. Sangare
- Centre d’Infectiologie Charles Mérieux-Mali (CICM-Mali), Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoul-Salam Ouedraogo
- Bacteriology and Virology Department Souro Sanou University Hospital, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Abechi Priscilla
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Adedotun-Sulaiman Kemi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | | | - Adeyemi O. O. Oluwapelumi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Adnène Hammami
- CHU Habib Bourguiba, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine of sFax, University of sFax, sFax, Tunisia
| | - Adrienne A. Amuri
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Ahmad Sayed
- Genomics Research Program, Children’s Cancer Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E. O. Ouma
- Institute of Pathogen Genomics, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Aida Elargoubi
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biological Active Substances (LR99ES27), Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University Hospital of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Nnennaya A. Ajayi
- Internal Medicine Department, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Ajogbasile F. Victoria
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Akano Kazeem
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Ali A. Yahaya
- World Health Organization, Africa Region, Brazzaville Congo
| | - Alpha K. Keita
- Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Infectiologie de Guinée (CERFIG), Université de Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
- TransVIHMI, Montpellier University/IRD/INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Amadou Diallo
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Amadou Kone
- Mali-University Clinical Research Center (UCRC), Bamako, Mali
| | - Amal Souissi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Amel Chtourou
- CHU Habib Bourguiba, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine of sFax, University of sFax, sFax, Tunisia
| | | | | | - Anika Vinze
- Broad Insitute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Arash Iranzadeh
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Computational Biology Division, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Arnold Lambisia
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme/KEMRI-CGMR-C, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Arshad Ismail
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Audu Rosemary
- The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Ayoade Femi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Azeddine Ibrahimi
- Medical Biotechnology Laboratory, Rabat Medical and Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Baba Marycelin
- Department of Immunology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1414, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Bamidele S. Oderinde
- Department of Immunology, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1414, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Bankole Bolajoko
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Bronwyn Kleinhans
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bronwyn McInnis
- Cancer Biology Department, Virology and Immunology Unit, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt
| | - Bryan Tegomoh
- The Biotechnology Center of the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon and CDC Foundation, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Cara Brook
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Cathrine Scheepers
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
- Antibody Immunity Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Chantal G. Akoua-Koffi
- CHU de Bouaké, Laboratoire/Unité de Diagnostic des Virus des Fièvres Hémorragiques et Virus Émergents, Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Charles N. Agoti
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme/KEMRI-CGMR-C, Kilifi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Collins M. Morang’a
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - D. James Nokes
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme/KEMRI-CGMR-C, Kilifi, Kenya
- School of Life Sciences and Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Daniel G. Amoako
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Danny Park
- Broad Insitute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Deelan Doolabh
- Division of Medical Virology, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Deogratius Ssemwanga
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Derek Tshiabuila
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Diarra Bassirou
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Dominic S. Y. Amuzu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dominique Goedhals
- Division of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service and University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | | | - Dorcas Maruapula
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership and Botswana Harvard HIV Reference Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Eddy K. Lusamaki
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Disease Control, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Edith N. Ngabana
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Edwin Shumba
- African Society for Laboratory Medicine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Elmostafa El Fahime
- Functional Genomic Platform/National Centre for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST), Rabat, Morocco
| | - Emmanuel Lokilo
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Eromon Philomena
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Etilé A. Anoh
- CHU de Bouaké, Laboratoire/Unité de Diagnostic des Virus des Fièvres Hémorragiques et Virus Émergents, Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire
| | | | - Faida Ajili
- Research Unit of Autoimmune Diseases UR17DN02, Military Hospital of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Fakayode O. Enoch
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Fares Wasfi
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Abdelmoula
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | | | | | - Fawzi Derrar
- National Influenza Centre, Viral Respiratory Laboratory, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Feriel Bouzid
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Folarin Onikepe
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Fowotade Adeola
- Medical Microbiology and Parasitology Department, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Francisca M. Muyembe
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Frank Tanser
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Gabriel K. Mbunsu
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | | | - George Githinji
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme/KEMRI-CGMR-C, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Gert van Zyl
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gordon A. Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Gugu P. Maphalala
- Institution and Department, Ministry Of Health, COVID-19 Testing Laboratory, Mbabane, Kingdom of Eswatini
| | | | - Hajar Lemriss
- Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, High Institute of Health Sciences, Hassan 1st University, Settat, Morocco
| | - Happi Anise
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Haruka Abe
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hela H. Karray
- CHU Habib Bourguiba, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine of sFax, University of sFax, sFax, Tunisia
| | | | - Hesham A. Elgahzaly
- Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams Research institute (MASRI), Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hlanai Gumbo
- National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Ibtihel Smeti
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Ikhlas B. Ayed
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | | | - Ilhem Boutiba Ben Boubaker
- Charles Nicolle Hospital, Laboratory of Microbiology, National Influenza Center, 1006 Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biological Active Substances (LR99ES27), Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Imed Gaaloul
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biological Active Substances (LR99ES27), Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Inbal Gazy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Innocent Mudau
- Division of Medical Virology, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Jean B. Lekana-Douk
- Centre Interdisciplinaires de Recherches Medicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Jean-Claude C. Makangara
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean-Jacques M. Tamfum
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean-Michel Heraud
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Jeffrey G. Shaffer
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jennifer Giandhari
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jingjing Li
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jiro Yasuda
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Joana Q. Mends
- UHAS COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | | | - John M. Morobe
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme/KEMRI-CGMR-C, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - John O. Gyapong
- UHAS COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Johnson C. Okolie
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - John T. Kayiwa
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Johnathan A. Edwards
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jones Gyamfi
- UHAS COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | | | | | - Joyce M. Ngoi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Julia C. Andeko
- Centre Interdisciplinaires de Recherches Medicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | | | | | | | - Kayode T. Adeyemi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Kefentse A. Tumedi
- Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Khadija M. Said
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme/KEMRI-CGMR-C, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Kim Hae-Young
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Kwabena O. Duedu
- UHAS COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Lahcen Belyamani
- Medical Biotechnology Laboratory, Rabat Medical and Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Lamia Fki-Berrajah
- CHU Habib Bourguiba, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine of sFax, University of sFax, sFax, Tunisia
| | - Lavanya Singh
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Lynn Tyers
- Division of Medical Virology, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Magalutcheemee Ramuth
- Virology/Molecular Biology Department, Central Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Mauritius
| | - Maha Mastouri
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biological Active Substances (LR99ES27), Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University Hospital of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Mahjoub Aouni
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biological Active Substances (LR99ES27), Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Mahmoud el Hefnawi
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo Egypt
| | | | | | - Mamadou Diop
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Manel Turki
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Marietou Paye
- Broad Insitute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Martin M. Nyaga
- Next Generation Sequencing Unit and Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | | | - Matoke-Muhia Damaris
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maureen W. Mburu
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme/KEMRI-CGMR-C, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Maximillian Mpina
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones de Baney, Baney, Equatorial Guinea
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mba Nwando
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Michael Owusu
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Mirabeau T. Youtchou
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
| | | | - Mohamed Abouelhoda
- Systems and Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed G. Seadawy
- Biological Prevention Department, Main Chemical Laboratories, Egypt Army, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Mooko Sekhele
- National Reference Laboratory Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Mouna Ouadghiri
- Medical Biotechnology Laboratory, Rabat Medical and Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | | | | | - Mushal Allam
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - My V. T. Phan
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Nabil Abid
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biological Active Substances (LR99ES27), Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Department of Biotechnology, High Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, BP-66, 2020 Ariana-Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Touil
- Genomic Center for Human Pathologies (GENOPATH), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Nadine Rujeni
- Rwanda National Joint Task Force COVID-19, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda
- School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Najla Kharrat
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Nalia Ismael
- Instituto Nacional de Saude (INS), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Ndongo Dia
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Nedio Mabunda
- Instituto Nacional de Saude (INS), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Nei-yuan Hsiao
- Division of Medical Virology, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Ngoy Nsenga
- World Health Organization, Africa Region, Brazzaville Congo
| | - Nicksy Gumede
- World Health Organization, Africa Region, Brazzaville Congo
| | - Nicola Mulder
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, IDM, CIDRI Africa Wellcome Trust Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Nosamiefan Iguosadolo
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Oguzie Judith
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Ojide C. Kingsley
- Virology Laboratory, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Oladiji Femi
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Olawoye Idowu
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Olumade Testimony
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Omoruyi E. Chukwuma
- Medical Microbiology and Parasitology Department, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Onwe E. Ogah
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Chika K. Onwuamah
- The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Centre for Human Virology and Genomics, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Ousmane Faye
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Oyewale Tomori
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Pascale Ondoa
- African Society for Laboratory Medicine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Paul E. Oluniyi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Paulo Arnaldo
- Instituto Nacional de Saude (INS), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Peter K. Quashie
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Philippe Dussart
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Phillip A. Bester
- Division of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service and University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Placide K. Mbala
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Reuben Ayivor-Djanie
- UHAS COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Richard Njouom
- Virology Service, Centre Pasteur of Cameroun, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Richard O. Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richmond Gorman
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Rosina A. A. Carr
- UHAS COVID-19 Testing and Research Centre, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Saâd El Kabbaj
- Laboratoire de Recherche et d’Analyses Médicales de la Gendarmerie Royale, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Saba Gargouri
- CHU Habib Bourguiba, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine of sFax, University of sFax, sFax, Tunisia
| | - Saber Masmoudi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Safietou Sankhe
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Salako B. Lawal
- The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Samar Kassim
- Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams Research institute (MASRI), Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sameh Trabelsi
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Lab, LR16SP02, National Center of Pharmacovigilance, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Samar Metha
- Broad Insitute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sami Kammoun
- CHU Hedi Chaker Sfax, Service de Pneumologie, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sanaâ Lemriss
- Laboratoire de Recherche et d’Analyses Médicales de la Gendarmerie Royale, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Sara H. A. Agwa
- Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams Research institute (MASRI), Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Seydou Doumbia
- Mali-University Clinical Research Center (UCRC), Bamako, Mali
| | - Sheila M. Mandanda
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | | | | | | | - Sobajo Tope
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Sonia Lekana-Douki
- Centre Interdisciplinaires de Recherches Medicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | | | - Soumeya Ouangraoua
- Centre MURAZ, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- National Institute of Public Health of Burkina Faso (INSP/BF), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Steve A. Mundeke
- Pathogen Sequencing Lab, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Sumir Panji
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, IDM, CIDRI Africa Wellcome Trust Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sureshnee Pillay
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Susan Engelbrecht
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Susan Nabadda
- Central Public Health Laboratories (CPHL), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sylvie Behillil
- National Reference Center for Respiratory Viruses, Molecular Genetics of RNA Viruses, UMR 3569 CNRS, University of Paris, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Sylvie van der Werf
- National Reference Center for Respiratory Viruses, Molecular Genetics of RNA Viruses, UMR 3569 CNRS, University of Paris, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Tarik Aanniz
- Medical Biotechnology Laboratory, Rabat Medical and Pharmacy School, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Thabo Mohale
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Tobias Schindler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones de Baney, Baney, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Ugochukwu J. Anyaneji
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ugwu Chinedu
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Upasana Ramphal
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Sub-Saharan African Network For TB/HIV Research Excellence (SANTHE), Durban, South Africa
| | - Uwanibe Jessica
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Uwem George
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Vagner Fonseca
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Coordenação Geral de Laboratórios de Saúde Pública/Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Vincent Enouf
- National Reference Center for Respiratory Viruses, Molecular Genetics of RNA Viruses, UMR 3569 CNRS, University of Paris, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Vivianne Gorova
- World Health Organization, WHO Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
- Med24 Medical Centre, Ruwa, Zimbabwe
| | | | - William K. Ampofo
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Wolfgang Preiser
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wonderful T. Choga
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership and Botswana Harvard HIV Reference Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yaw Bediako
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yeshnee Naidoo
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Yvan Butera
- Rwanda National Joint Task Force COVID-19, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, GIGA Research Institute, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Amadou A. Sall
- Virology Department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ahmed Rebai
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Anne von Gottberg
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bourema Kouriba
- Bacteriology and Virology Department Souro Sanou University Hospital, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Carolyn Williamson
- Division of Medical Virology, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Jinal N. Bhiman
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Madisa Mine
- National Health Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Matthew Cotten
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership and Botswana Harvard HIV Reference Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simani Gaseitsiwe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership and Botswana Harvard HIV Reference Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ngonda Saasa
- University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Disease Control, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | - Yenew K. Tebeje
- Institute of Pathogen Genomics, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sofonias K. Tessema
- Institute of Pathogen Genomics, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Christian Happi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - John Nkengasong
- Institute of Pathogen Genomics, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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13
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Sarkodie B, Asiedu-Bekoe F, O. Laryea D, K. Ampofo W, O. Phillips R, Samba A, Aboagye DC, Nsiah-Asare A, Asamoah-Baah A, Odame E, Ohene SA, A. Amoako Y, Kuma-Aboagye P. Overview of preparedness and response to COVID-19 in Ghana. Ghana Med J 2021; 55:38-47. [PMID: 35233113 PMCID: PMC8853692 DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v55i2s.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Ghana is part of an ongoing pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first two cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Ghana on 12th March 2020. COVID-19 was consequently declared a Public Health Emergency of National Concern, triggering several response actions, including enhanced surveillance, case detection, case management and contact tracing, closure of borders, suspension of international flights, ban on social gatherings and closure of schools. Preparedness and response plans were activated for implementation at the national, regional, district and community levels. Ghana's Strategic approaches were to limit and stop the importation of cases; detect and contain cases early; expand infrastructure, logistics and capacity to provide quality healthcare for the sick; minimise disruption to social and economic life and increase the domestic capacity of all sectors to deal with existing and future shocks. The health sector strategic frame focused on testing, treatment, and tracking. As of 31st December 2020, a total of 535,168 cases, including 335 deaths (CFR: 0.61%), have been confirmed with 53,928 recoveries and 905 active cases. All the regions have reported cases, with Greater Accra reporting the highest number. The response actions in Ghana have seen high-level political commitment, appropriate and timely decisions, and a careful balance of public health interventions with economic and socio-cultural dynamics. Efforts are ongoing to intensify non-pharmaceutical interventions, sustain the gains made so far and introduce COVID-19 vaccines to reduce the public health burden of the disease in Ghana
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Quashie PK, Mutungi JK, Dzabeng F, Oduro-Mensah D, Opurum PC, Tapela K, Udoakang AJ, Asante I, Paemka L, Kumi-Ansah F, Quaye O, Amoako E, Armah R, Kilba C, Boateng NA, Ofori M, Kyei GB, Bediako Y, Ndam N, Abugri J, Ansah P, Ampofo WK, Mutapi F, Awandare GA. Trends of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody prevalence in selected regions across Ghana. Wellcome Open Res 2021. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16890.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We set out to estimate the community-level exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Ghana. Methods: Phased seroprevalence studies of 2729 participants at selected locations across Ghana were conducted. Phase I (August 2020) sampled 1305 individuals at major markets/lorry stations, shopping malls, hospitals and research institutions involved in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) work. The study utilized a lateral flow rapid diagnostic test (RDT) which detected IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Results: During Phase I, 252/1305 (19%) tested positive for IgM or IgG or both. Exposure was significantly higher at markets/lorry stations (26.9%) compared to malls (9.4%), with 41–60-year group demonstrating highest seropositivity (27.2%). Exposure was higher in participants with no formal education (26.2%) than those with tertiary education (13.1%); and higher in informally employed workers (24.0%) than those in the formal sector (15.0%). Results from phases II and III, in October and December 2020 respectively, implied either reduced transmissions or loss of antibody expression in some participants. The Upper East region showed the lowest seropositivity (2%). Phase IV, in February 2021, showed doubled seropositivity in the upper income bracket (26.2%) since August 2020, reflective of Ghana’s second wave of symptomatic COVID-19 cases. This suggested that high transmission rates had overcome the initial socioeconomic stratification of exposure risk. Reflective of second wave hospitalisation trends, the 21-40 age group demonstrated modal seropositivity (24.9) in Phase IV whilst 40-60 years and 60+ previously demonstrated highest prevalence. Conclusions: Overall, the data indicates higher COVID-19 seroprevalence than officially acknowledged, likely implying a considerably lower-case fatality rate than the current national figure of 0.84%. The data also suggests that COVID-19 is predominantly asymptomatic COVID-19 in Ghana. The observed trends mimic clinical trends of infection and imply that the methodology used was appropriate.
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15
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Asante IA, Adusei-Poku M, Bonney HK, Bonney EY, Odoom JK, Obodai E, Aboagye J, Kotey EN, Nyarko S, Boatemaa L, Magnusen V, Lamptey H, Kyei GB, Ampofo WK. Molecular diagnosis for the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2: lessons learnt from the Ghana experience. Ghana Med J 2021; 54:77-85. [PMID: 33976445 PMCID: PMC8087367 DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v54i4s.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 is currently causing a worldwide pandemic. The first cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were recorded in Ghana on March 12, 2020. Since then, the country has been combatting countrywide community spread. This report describes how the Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) is supporting the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to diagnose infections with this virus in Ghana. Methods The National Influenza Centre (NIC) in the Virology Department of the NMIMR, adopted real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) assays for the diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 in January 2020. Samples from suspected cases and contact tracing across Ghana were received and processed for SARS-CoV-2. Samples were ‘pooled’ to enable simultaneous batch testing of samples without reduced sensitivity. Outcomes From February 3 to August 21, the NMIMR processed 283 946 (10%) samples. Highest number of cases were reported in June when the GHS embarked on targeted contact tracing which led to an increase in number of samples processed daily, peaking at over 7,000 samples daily. There were several issues to overcome including rapid consumption of reagents and consumables. Testing however continued successfully due to revised procedures, additional equipment and improved pipeline of laboratory supplies. Test results are now provided within 24 to 48 hours of sample submission enabling more effective response and containment. Conclusion Following the identification of the first cases of SARS-CoV-2infection by the NMIMR, the Institute has trained other centres and supported the ramping up of molecular testing capacity in Ghana. This provides a blueprint to enable Ghana to mitigate further epidemics and pandemics. Funding The laboratory work was supported with materials from the Ghana Health Service Ministry of Health, the US Naval Medical Research Unit #3, the World Health Organization, the Jack Ma Foundation and the University of Ghana Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. Other research projects hosted by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research contributed reagents and laboratory consumables. The funders had no role in the preparation of this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy A Asante
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Mildred Adusei-Poku
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Humphrey K Bonney
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Y Bonney
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - John K Odoom
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Evangeline Obodai
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - James Aboagye
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Erasmus N Kotey
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Stephen Nyarko
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Linda Boatemaa
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Vanessa Magnusen
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - Helena Lamptey
- Department of Immunology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - George B Kyei
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
| | - William K Ampofo
- Department of Virology, University of Ghana, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Ghana
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16
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Ngoi JM, Quashie PK, Morang'a CM, Bonney JHK, Amuzu DSY, Kumordjie S, Asante IA, Bonney EY, Eshun M, Boatemaa L, Magnusen V, Kotey EN, Ndam NT, Tei-Maya F, Arjarquah AK, Obodai E, Otchere ID, Bediako Y, Mutungi JK, Amenga-Etego LN, Odoom JK, Anang AK, Kyei GB, Adu B, Ampofo WK, Awandare GA. Genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 reveals local viral evolution in Ghana. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:960-970. [PMID: 33325750 PMCID: PMC7746953 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220975351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The confirmed case fatality rate for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Ghana has dropped from a peak of 2% in March to be consistently below 1% since May 2020. Globally, case fatality rates have been linked to the strains/clades of circulating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) within a specific country. Here we present 46 whole genomes of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in Ghana, from two separate sequencing batches: 15 isolates from the early epidemic (March 12-April 1 2020) and 31 from later time-points ( 25-27 May 2020). Sequencing was carried out on an Illumina MiSeq system following an amplicon-based enrichment for SARS-CoV-2 cDNA. After genome assembly and quality control processes, phylogenetic analysis showed that the first batch of 15 genomes clustered into five clades: 19A, 19B, 20A, 20B, and 20C, whereas the second batch of 31 genomes clustered to only three clades 19B, 20A, and 20B. The imported cases (6/46) mapped to circulating viruses in their countries of origin, namely, India, Hungary, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. All genomes mapped to the original Wuhan strain with high similarity (99.5-99.8%). All imported strains mapped to the European superclade A, whereas 5/9 locally infected individuals harbored the B4 clade, from the East Asian superclade B. Ghana appears to have 19B and 20B as the two largest circulating clades based on our sequence analyses. In line with global reports, the D614G linked viruses seem to be predominating. Comparison of Ghanaian SARS-CoV-2 genomes with global genomes indicates that Ghanaian strains have not diverged significantly from circulating strains commonly imported into Africa. The low level of diversity in our genomes may indicate lower levels of transmission, even for D614G viruses, which is consistent with the relatively low levels of infection reported in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce M Ngoi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Peter K Quashie
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Collins M Morang'a
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Joseph HK Bonney
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Dominic SY Amuzu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Selassie Kumordjie
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Ivy A Asante
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Y Bonney
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Miriam Eshun
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Linda Boatemaa
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Vanessa Magnusen
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Erasmus N Kotey
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Nicaise T Ndam
- Mère et Enfant en Milieu Tropical, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université de Paris, Paris F-75006, France
| | - Frederick Tei-Maya
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Augustina K Arjarquah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Evangeline Obodai
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Isaac D Otchere
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Yaw Bediako
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Joe K Mutungi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Lucas N Amenga-Etego
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - John K Odoom
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Abraham K Anang
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - George B Kyei
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Bright Adu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - William K Ampofo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, GH 0233, Ghana
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Deletsu SD, Maina EK, Quaye O, Ampofo WK, Awandare GA, Bonney EY. High resistance to reverse transcriptase inhibitors among persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype circulating recombinant form 02_AG in Ghana and on antiretroviral therapy. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e18777. [PMID: 32049783 PMCID: PMC7035011 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000018777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study sought to determine the dominant circulating human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype and associated drug resistance mutations in Ghana.This cross-sectional study was conducted with archived samples collected from patients who received care at 2 hospitals in Ghana from 2014 to 2016. Blood samples were earlier processed into plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells and stored at -80 °C. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted from the archived plasma. Two HIV-1 genes; protease and reverse transcriptase, were amplified, sequenced using gene-specific primers and analyzed for subtype and drug resistance mutations using the Stanford HIV Database.Of 16 patient samples successfully sequenced, we identified the predominance of HIV-1 subtype CRF02_AG (11/16, 68%). Subtypes G (2/16, 13%), dual CRF02_AG/G (2/16, 13%), and CRF01_AE (1/16, 6%) were also observed. Major nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance mutations, M184I/V, D67N, T215F, and K70R/E were found. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance mutations, K103N, Y181C, V90I, F227L, and V106A were also prevalent. Additionally, and at a lower level, protease inhibitor (PI)-resistance mutations, M46I, I54 V, V82A, L90 M, and I471 V, were also present in the sequences from antiretroviral therapy (ART)-experienced individuals. Two NRTI-associated drug resistance mutations (DRMs) (D67N and T69N) were present in sequences from 1 ART-naive individual.HIV-1 subtype CRF02_AG was most frequently detected in this study thus confirming earlier reports of dominance of this subtype in the West-African sub-region and Ghana in particular. The detection of these drug resistance mutations in individuals on first-line regimen composed of NRTI and NNRTI is an indication of prolonged drug exposure without viral load monitoring. Routine viral load monitoring is necessary for early detection of virologic failure and drug resistance testing will inform appropriate choice of regimens for such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selase D. Deletsu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
| | - Edward K. Maina
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Osbourne Quaye
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
| | - William K. Ampofo
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - Gordon A. Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
| | - Evelyn Y. Bonney
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
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18
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Adusei-Poku MA, Matsuoka S, Bonney EY, Abana CZ, Duker EO, Nii-Trebi NI, Ofori SB, Mizutani T, Ishizaka A, Shiino T, Kawana-Tachikawa A, Ishikawa K, Ampofo WK, Matano T. Human Leukocyte Antigen-Associated HIV-1 CRF02_AG gag and vif Polymorphisms in Ghana. Jpn J Infect Dis 2019; 72:374-380. [PMID: 31257246 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2019.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infections, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses targeting human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted viral epitopes exert strong suppressive pressure on viral replication and frequently select for mutations resulting in viral escape from CTL recognition. Numerous data on these HLA-associated mutations in HIV-1 subtypes B and C have been amassed with few reports described in other subtypes. In the present study, we investigated the HLA-associated mutations in HIV-1 subtype CRF02_AG prevailing in Ghana, Western Africa. We determined viral gag sequences in 246 out of 324 HIV-1-infected Ghanaians. Phylogeny analysis revealed that 200 (81.3%) individuals were infected with HIV-1 CRF02_AG. Full gag and vif sequences were obtained from 199 and 138, respectively, out of the 200 individuals infected with CRF02_AG and subjected to determination of HLA-associated mutations. The analysis found HLA-associated HIV-1 CRF02_AG non-synonymous polymorphisms at 19 sites; 13 in gag and six in vif, including those that were newly determined. Generation of this data is an important contribution to our understanding of HIV-1 CRF02_AG and host T cell interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mildred A Adusei-Poku
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University.,AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Saori Matsuoka
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Evelyn Y Bonney
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana
| | - Christopher Z Abana
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana
| | - Ewurabena O Duker
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana
| | - Nicholas I Nii-Trebi
- School of Biomedical and Allied Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana
| | | | | | - Aya Ishizaka
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo
| | | | - Ai Kawana-Tachikawa
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University.,AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo
| | - Koichi Ishikawa
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - William K Ampofo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana
| | - Tetsuro Matano
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University.,AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo
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Kubi JA, Mutocheluh M, Bonney JHK, Ampofo WK, Odoom JK. Molecular detection of enterovirus D68 among children with acute respiratory tract infection in Ghana. Afr J Lab Med 2019; 8:732. [PMID: 31309045 PMCID: PMC6620485 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v8i1.732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute respiratory tract infections of viral origin remain a leading cause of morbidity, mortality and economic loss regardless of age or gender. A small number of acute respiratory tract infection cases caused by enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) have been reported regularly to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since 1987 by countries in North America, Europe and Asia. However, in 2014 and 2015, the number of reported confirmed EV-D68 infections was much greater than in previous years. The National Influenza Centre (NIC), Ghana carries out surveillance of respiratory infections, focusing on those caused by influenza virus; however, there is inadequate information on other viruses causing respiratory infections in Ghana, including EV-D68. Objectives To investigate the association of EV-D68 with Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) in Ghana. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study which involved archived human respiratory specimens stored at –80 °C at the NIC from 2014 to 2015. Using a random sampling method, oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs from patients with SARI and ILI that were negative by real-time PCR for human influenza viruses were screened for EV-D68 using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Results Enterovirus D68 was detected in 4 (2.2%) out of 182 SARI samples tested. EV-D68 was detected in children younger than 5 years (4 – 100% of positives) and was not detected in children older than 5 years. Enterovirus D68 was detected more frequently in SARI cases (3%) than in ILI cases (1.2%). Conclusion This study has shown for the first time the presence of EV-D68 in acute respiratory infections in Ghana. The results confirmed minimal EV-D68 circulation in the Ghanaian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce A Kubi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medical Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mohamed Mutocheluh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medical Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Joseph H K Bonney
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - William K Ampofo
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - John K Odoom
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Nimo-Paintsil SC, Fichet-Calvet E, Borremans B, Letizia AG, Mohareb E, Bonney JHK, Obiri-Danso K, Ampofo WK, Schoepp RJ, Kronmann KC. Correction: Rodent-borne infections in rural Ghanaian farming communities. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218271. [PMID: 31170261 PMCID: PMC6553859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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21
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Nimo-Paintsil SC, Fichet-Calvet E, Borremans B, Letizia AG, Mohareb E, Bonney JHK, Obiri-Danso K, Ampofo WK, Schoepp RJ, Kronmann KC. Rodent-borne infections in rural Ghanaian farming communities. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215224. [PMID: 31017931 PMCID: PMC6481813 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodents serve as reservoirs and/or vectors for several human infections of high morbidity and mortality in the tropics. Population growth and demographic shifts over the years have increased contact with these mammals, thereby increasing opportunities for disease transmission. In Africa, the burden of rodent-borne diseases is not well described. To investigate human seroprevalence of selected rodent-borne pathogens, sera from 657 healthy adults in ten rural communities in Ghana were analyzed. An in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to Lassa virus was positive in 34 (5%) of the human samples. Using commercial kits, antibodies to hantavirus serotypes, Puumala and Dobrava, and Leptospira bacteria were detected in 11%, 12% and 21% of the human samples, respectively. Forty percent of residents in rural farming communities in Ghana have measurable antibodies to at least one of the rodent-borne pathogens tested, including antibodies to viral hemorrhagic fever viruses. The high seroprevalence found in rural Ghana to rodent-borne pathogens associated with both sporadic cases and larger disease outbreaks will help define disease threats and inform public health policy to reduce disease burden in underserved populations and deter larger outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley C. Nimo-Paintsil
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit Number 3, Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Benny Borremans
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Andrew G. Letizia
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit Number 3, Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emad Mohareb
- Department of Virology, United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Joseph H. K. Bonney
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - William K. Ampofo
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Randal J. Schoepp
- Diagnostic Systems Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Karl C. Kronmann
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit Number 3, Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Internal Medicine, Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia, United States of America
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22
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Abana CZ, Sagoe KW, Bonney EY, Maina EK, Aziati ID, Agbosu E, Mawuli G, Styer LM, Ishikawa K, Brandful JA, Ampofo WK. Drug resistance mutations and viral load in human immunodeficiency virus type 2 and dual HIV-1/HIV-2 infected patients in Ghana. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e14313. [PMID: 30732150 PMCID: PMC6380870 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000014313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) and drug resistance studies worldwide have focused almost exclusively on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). As a result, there is limited information on ART and drug resistance in HIV-2 patients. In Ghana, the HIV epidemic is characterized by the domination of HIV-1, with cocirculating HIV-2. We, therefore, sought to determine viral load and drug resistance mutations in HIV-2 patients to inform the clinical management of such individuals in Ghana.We used purposive sampling to collect blood from 16 consented patients, confirmed as HIV-2 or HIV-1/2 dual infections by serology. A 2-step real-time RT-PCR assay was used to determine plasma HIV-2 RNA viral loads. For drug resistance testing, nucleic acids were extracted from plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The reverse transcriptase and protease genes of HIV-2 were amplified, sequenced and analyzed for drug resistance mutations and HIV-2 group.HIV-2 viral load was detected in 9 of 16 patients. Six of these had quantifiable viral loads (range: 2.62-5.45 log IU/mL) while 3 had viral loads below the limit of quantification. Sequences were generated from 7 out of 16 samples. Five of these were classified as HIV-2 group B and 2 as HIV-2 group A. HIV-2 drug resistance mutations (M184V, K65R, Y115F) were identified in 1 patient.This study is the first to report HIV-2 viral load and drug resistance mutations in HIV-2 strains from Ghana. The results indicate the need for continuous monitoring of drug resistance among HIV-2- infected patients to improve their clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Z. Abana
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences
| | - Kwamena W.C. Sagoe
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Y. Bonney
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences
| | - Edward K. Maina
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya
| | - Ishmael D. Aziati
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences
- Virology Department, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
| | - Esinam Agbosu
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences
| | - Gifty Mawuli
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences
| | - Linda M. Styer
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY
| | - Koichi Ishikawa
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, NIID, Tokyo, Japan
| | - James A.M. Brandful
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences
| | - William K. Ampofo
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences
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23
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Martin-Odoom A, Adiku T, Delgado E, Lartey M, Ampofo WK. Occurrence of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance among Drug-naïve pregnant women in selected HIV-care centres in Ghana. Ghana Med J 2018; 51:20-23. [PMID: 28959068 DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v51i1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to antiretroviral therapy in Ghana has been scaled up across the country over the last decade. This study sought to determine the occurrence of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance in pregnant HIV-1 positive women yet to initiate antiretroviral therapy at selected HIV Care Centres in Ghana. METHODS Plasma specimens from twenty-six (26) HIV seropositive pregnant women who were less than 28weeks pregnant with their first pregnancy and ART naïve were collected from selected HIV care centres in three (3) regions in Ghana. Genotypic testing was done for the reverse transcriptase gene and the sequences generated were analyzed for HIV-1 drug resistance mutations using the Stanford University HIV Drug Resistance Database. RESULTS Resistance mutations associated with the reverse transcriptase gene were detected in 4 (15.4%) of the participants. At least one major drug resistance mutation in the reverse transcriptase gene was found in 3 (11.5%) of the women. CONCLUSION The detection of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance in this drug-naïve group in two regional HIV care sites is an indication of the need for renewed action in monitoring the emergence of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance in Ghana. FUNDING None declared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Martin-Odoom
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical & Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana
| | - Theophilus Adiku
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana
| | - Elena Delgado
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Department, Patogenia Viral/Uni of Biology and Variability of HIV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra. de Majadahonda a Pozuelo, Km. 228220 Majadahonda (Madrid) Spain
| | - Margaret Lartey
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana
| | - William K Ampofo
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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24
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Awini EA, Bonney JHK, Frimpong JA, Ampofo WK, Koram KA. Information gaps in surveillance data and effects on the Ghanaian response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Ghana Med J 2017; 51:115-119. [DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v51i3.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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25
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Burimuah V, Ampofo WK, Awumbila B, Yebuah N, Emikpe BO, Tasiame W, Folitse RD. THE EVALUATION OF DOMESTIC DUCKS AS POTENTIAL RESERVOIR OF AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS IN POST HPAI H5N1 OUTBREAK AREA, SUNYANI MUNICIPALITY, BRONG AHAFO REGION OF GHANA. Afr J Infect Dis 2017; 10:134-145. [PMID: 28480449 PMCID: PMC5411989 DOI: 10.21010/ajid.v10i2.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Avian influenza (AI) is an important zoonotic disease responsible for significant losses in most sub-Saharan countries. However, the role of poultry other than chicken in the epidemiology of the disease, especially after the first AI outbreak in Ghana, has not been fully elucidated. The obiective of this study is to determine whether the AI virus infection that was reported in the area in May 2007 was circulating silently in ducks in nine randomly selected farms in the Sunyani Municipality, Ghana. Materials and Methods: The sample size was calculated using Epi info version 3.4.1 at 95% confidence level, absolute precision of 5% and assuming 0.5 prevalence of Avian Influenza A virus in ducks. Samples collection was done simultaneously with questionnaire administration to farmers. A total of 526 samples made up of 384 cloacal swabs and 142 feather tissues from ducks from a commercial duck farm, seven backyard holdings and one live birds market in six randomly selected communities in the Sunyani Municipality, Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. The samples were processed and subjected to Influenza Type A Matrix Gene analysis using RRT-PCR. Results: All the 526 samples subiected to Influenza Type A Matrix Gene analysis using RRT-PCR were negative for Influenza Type A viruses. However, it was observed that bio-security practices which are keys to reintroduction of the virus in the area were not adhered to in 89 % of the sites investigated. Our finding also revealed that only the commercial farm investigated in this study complied with fifteen (78.9%) of the nineteen different farm practices observed. Conclusion: Though AI was not detected in the ducks sampled, there is the need for continuous surveillance and education of stakeholders on standard bio-security and farm management practices in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitus Burimuah
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - W K Ampofo
- Noguchi Memorial Inst. for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana
| | - B Awumbila
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - N Yebuah
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra Ghana
| | - B O Emikpe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - W Tasiame
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - R D Folitse
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
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26
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Bonney JH, Nyarko EO, Ohene SA, Amankwa J, Ametepi RK, Nimo-Paintsil SC, Sarkodie B, Agbenohevi P, Adjabeng M, Kyei NN, Bel-Nono S, Ampofo WK. Molecular confirmation of Lassa fever imported into Ghana. Afr J Lab Med 2016; 5:288. [PMID: 28879105 PMCID: PMC5436394 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v5i1.288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent reports have shown an expansion of Lassa virus from the area where it was first isolated in Nigeria to other areas of West Africa. Two Ghanaian soldiers on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia were taken ill with viral haemorrhagic fever syndrome following the death of a sick colleague and were referred to a military hospital in Accra, Ghana, in May 2013. Blood samples from the soldiers and five asymptomatic close contacts were subjected to laboratory investigations. OBJECTIVE We report the results of these investigations to highlight the importance of molecular diagnostic applications and the need for heightened awareness about Lassa fever in West Africa. METHODS We used molecular assays on sera from the two patients to identify the causative organism. Upon detection of positive signals for Lassa virus ribonucleic material by two different polymerase chain reaction assays, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed. RESULTS The presence of Lassa virus in the soldiers' blood samples was shown by L-gene segment homology to be the Macenta and las803792 strains previously isolated in Liberia, with close relationships then confirmed by phylogenetic tree construction. The five asymptomatic close contacts were negative for Lassa virus. CONCLUSIONS The Lassa virus strains identified in the two Ghanaian soldiers had molecular epidemiological links to strains from Liberia. Lassa virus was probably responsible for the outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever in the military camp. These data confirm Lassa fever endemicity in West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H.K. Bonney
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Sally-Ann Ohene
- World Health Organization Ghana Country Office, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph Amankwa
- Disease Surveillance Department, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - Badu Sarkodie
- Disease Surveillance Department, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Michael Adjabeng
- Disease Surveillance Department, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - William K. Ampofo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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Maina EK, Abana CZ, Bukusi EA, Sedegah M, Lartey M, Ampofo WK. Plasma concentrations of transforming growth factor beta 1 in non-progressive HIV-1 infection correlates with markers of disease progression. Cytokine 2016; 81:109-16. [PMID: 26986868 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection shows variable rate of disease progression. The underlying biological and molecular mechanisms involved in determining progression of HIV infection are not fully understood. The aims of this study were to determine plasma concentrations of active TGF β 1, Th1 and Th2 cytokines in patients with non-progressive and those with progressive HIV-1 infection, as well as to determine if there is an association of these cytokines to disease progression. In a cross-sectional study of 61 HIV-1 infected individuals categorized according to disease progression as having non-progressive HIV-1 infection (n=14) and progressive infection (n=47), plasma levels of active TGF β 1, INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-12p70 and IL-13 were compared with HIV uninfected healthy controls (n=12). Plasma concentration of these cytokines was measured using a highly sensitive luminex200 XMAP assay. Pearson correlation test was used to assess the correlation of cytokines with CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, CD4:CD8 ratio and plasma HIV-1 RNA in the different study groups. Plasma concentrations of TGF β 1 and IL-10 were significantly decreased while IL-1β, IL-12p70 and TNF-α were increased in patients with non-progressive HIV-1 infection compared to patients with progressive infection. Plasma levels of TGF β 1 and IL-10 showed an inverse correlation with CD8+ T cell counts and CD4:CD8 ratios in patients with non-progressive HIV-1 infection, while plasma HIV-1 RNA positively correlated with CD4+ T cell counts. Plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12p70 and IL-13 positively correlated with CD4+ T cell counts and inversely correlated with plasma HIV-1 RNA, CD8+ T cell count and CD4:CD8 ratio in patients with non-progressive infection. The correlation of cytokines to the state of T-lymphocyte and plasma HIV-1 RNA found in this study may provide insight into the role of cytokines in both progressive and non-progressive HIV-1 infection. Additionally, these findings may have implications for systemic cytokine-based therapies in HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward K Maina
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, Ghana; Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya.
| | - C Z Abana
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, Ghana
| | - E A Bukusi
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya
| | - M Sedegah
- Malaria Program, Naval Medical Research Centre, USA
| | - M Lartey
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine & Dentistry, CHS, University of Ghana, Ghana
| | - W K Ampofo
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, Ghana
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28
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Ampofo WK, Azziz-Baumgartner E, Bashir U, Cox NJ, Fasce R, Giovanni M, Grohmann G, Huang S, Katz J, Mironenko A, Mokhtari-Azad T, Sasono PM, Rahman M, Sawanpanyalert P, Siqueira M, Waddell AL, Waiboci L, Wood J, Zhang W, Ziegler T. Strengthening the influenza vaccine virus selection and development process: Report of the 3rd WHO Informal Consultation for Improving Influenza Vaccine Virus Selection held at WHO headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland, 1-3 April 2014. Vaccine 2015; 33:4368-82. [PMID: 26148877 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.06.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite long-recognized challenges and constraints associated with their updating and manufacture, influenza vaccines remain at the heart of public health preparedness and response efforts against both seasonal and potentially pandemic influenza viruses. Globally coordinated virological and epidemiological surveillance is the foundation of the influenza vaccine virus selection and development process. Although national influenza surveillance and reporting capabilities are being strengthened and expanded, sustaining and building upon recent gains has become a major challenge. Strengthening the vaccine virus selection process additionally requires the continuation of initiatives to improve the timeliness and representativeness of influenza viruses shared by countries for detailed analysis by the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). Efforts are also continuing at the national, regional, and global levels to better understand the dynamics of influenza transmission in both temperate and tropical regions. Improved understanding of the degree of influenza seasonality in tropical countries of the world should allow for the strengthening of national vaccination policies and use of the most appropriate available vaccines. There remain a number of limitations and difficulties associated with the use of HAI assays for the antigenic characterization and selection of influenza vaccine viruses by WHOCCs. Current approaches to improving the situation include the more-optimal use of HAI and other assays; improved understanding of the data produced by neutralization assays; and increased standardization of serological testing methods. A number of new technologies and associated tools have the potential to revolutionize influenza surveillance and response activities. These include the increasingly routine use of whole genome next-generation sequencing and other high-throughput approaches. Such approaches could not only become key elements in outbreak investigations but could drive a new surveillance paradigm. However, despite the advances made, significant challenges will need to be addressed before next-generation technologies become routine, particularly in low-resource settings. Emerging approaches and techniques such as synthetic genomics, systems genetics, systems biology and mathematical modelling are capable of generating potentially huge volumes of highly complex and diverse datasets. Harnessing the currently theoretical benefits of such bioinformatics ("big data") concepts for the influenza vaccine virus selection and development process will depend upon further advances in data generation, integration, analysis and dissemination. Over the last decade, growing awareness of influenza as an important global public health issue has been coupled to ever-increasing demands from the global community for more-equitable access to effective and affordable influenza vaccines. The current influenza vaccine landscape continues to be dominated by egg-based inactivated and live attenuated vaccines, with a small number of cell-based and recombinant vaccines. Successfully completing each step in the annual influenza vaccine manufacturing cycle will continue to rely upon timely and regular communication between the WHO GISRS, manufacturers and regulatory authorities. While the pipeline of influenza vaccines appears to be moving towards a variety of niche products in the near term, it is apparent that the ultimate aim remains the development of effective "universal" influenza vaccines that offer longer-lasting immunity against a broad range of influenza A subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Uzma Bashir
- National Institute of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nancy J Cox
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rodrigo Fasce
- Public Health Institute of Chile, National Influenza Center, Chile
| | | | - Gary Grohmann
- Therapeutics Goods Administration, Symonston, Australia
| | - Sue Huang
- National Influenza Center, Upper Hutt, New Zealand
| | - Jackie Katz
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mahmudur Rahman
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | | | | | - John Wood
- Formerly National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), Potters Bar, UK
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland.
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Gellin BG, Ampofo WK. Seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccine: demand, supply and vaccine availability. Vaccine 2014; 32:7037-9. [PMID: 25444824 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.10.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce G Gellin
- National Vaccine Program Office, US Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC 20201, United States.
| | - William K Ampofo
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Ampofo WK, Baylor N, Cobey S, Cox NJ, Daves S, Edwards S, Ferguson N, Grohmann G, Hay A, Katz J, Kullabutr K, Lambert L, Levandowski R, Mishra AC, Monto A, Siqueira M, Tashiro M, Waddell AL, Wairagkar N, Wood J, Zambon M, Zhang W. Improving influenza vaccine virus selection: report of a WHO informal consultation held at WHO headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland, 14-16 June 2010. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2014; 7 Suppl 2:52-53. [PMID: 24034484 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Laar AK, Grant FE, Addo Y, Soyiri I, Nkansah B, Abugri J, Laar AS, Ampofo WK, Tuakli JM, Quakyi IA. Predictors of fetal anemia and cord blood malaria parasitemia among newborns of HIV-positive mothers. BMC Res Notes 2013; 6:350. [PMID: 24007344 PMCID: PMC3844504 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-6-350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria and HIV infections during pregnancy can individually or jointly unleash or confound pregnancy outcomes. Two of the probable outcomes are fetal anemia and cord blood malaria parasitemia. We determined clinical and demographic factors associated with fetal anemia and cord blood malaria parasitemia in newborns of HIV-positive women from two districts in Ghana. Results We enrolled 1,154 antenatal attendees (443 HIV-positive and 711 HIV-negative) of which 66% were prospectively followed up at delivery. Maternal malaria parasitemia, and anemia rates among HIV+ participants at enrolment were 20.3% and 78.7% respectively, and 12.8% and 51.6% among HIV- participants. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used to study associations. Prevalence of fetal anemia (cord hemoglobin level < 12.5 g/dL) and cord parasitemia (presence of P. falciparum in cord blood at delivery) were 57.3% and 24.4% respectively. Factors found to be associated with fetal anemia were maternal malaria parasitemia and maternal anemia. Infant cord hemoglobin status at delivery was positively and significantly associated with maternal hemoglobin and gestational age whilst female gender of infant was negatively associated with cord hemoglobin status. Maternal malaria parasitemia status at recruitment and female gender of infant were positively associated with infant cord malaria parasitemia status. Conclusions Our data show that newborns of women infected with HIV and/or malaria are at increased risk of anemia and also cord blood malaria parasitemia. Prevention of malaria infection during pregnancy may reduce the incidence of both adverse perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos K Laar
- Department of Population, Family, & Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Box LG 13, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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Nii-Trebi NI, Ibe S, Barnor JS, Ishikawa K, Brandful JAM, Ofori SB, Yamaoka S, Ampofo WK, Sugiura W. HIV-1 drug-resistance surveillance among treatment-experienced and -naïve patients after the implementation of antiretroviral therapy in Ghana. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71972. [PMID: 23977189 PMCID: PMC3747072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Limited HIV-1 drug-resistance surveillance has been carried out in Ghana since the implementation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study sought to provide data on the profile of HIV-1 drug resistance in ART-experienced and newly diagnosed individuals in Ghana. Methods Samples were collected from 101 HIV-1-infected patients (32 ART-experienced cases with virological failure and 69 newly diagnosed ART-naïve cases, including 11 children), in Koforidua, Eastern region of Ghana, from February 2009 to January 2010. The pol gene sequences were analyzed by in-house HIV-1 drug-resistance testing. Results The most prevalent HIV-1 subtype was CRF02_AG (66.3%, 67/101) followed by unique recombinant forms (25.7%, 26/101). Among 31 ART-experienced adults, 22 (71.0%) possessed at least one drug-resistance mutation, and 14 (45.2%) had two-class-resistance to nucleoside and non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors used in their first ART regimen. Importantly, the number of accumulated mutations clearly correlated with the duration of ART. The most prevalent mutation was lamivudine-resistance M184V (n = 12, 38.7%) followed by efavirenz/nevirapine-resistance K103N (n = 9, 29.0%), and zidovudine/stavudine-resistance T215Y/F (n = 6, 19.4%). Within the viral protease, the major nelfinavir-resistance mutation L90M was found in one case. No transmitted HIV-1 drug-resistance mutation was found in 59 ART-naïve adults, but K103N and G190S mutations were observed in one ART-naïve child. Conclusions Despite expanding accessibility to ART in Eastern Ghana, the prevalence of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance presently appears to be low. As ART provision with limited options is scaled up nationwide in Ghana, careful monitoring of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas I Nii-Trebi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Ampofo WK, Al Busaidy S, Cox NJ, Giovanni M, Hay A, Huang S, Inglis S, Katz J, Mokhtari-Azad T, Peiris M, Savy V, Sawanpanyalert P, Venter M, Waddell AL, Wickramasinghe G, Zhang W, Ziegler T. Strengthening the influenza vaccine virus selection and development process: outcome of the 2nd WHO Informal Consultation for Improving Influenza Vaccine Virus Selection held at the Centre International de Conférences (CICG) Geneva, Switzerland, 7 to 9 December 2011. Vaccine 2013; 31:3209-21. [PMID: 23685246 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Bonney JHK, Kronmann KC, Lindan CP, Asante IA, Parbie P, Aboagye J, Amankwah J, Odoom JK, Adjabeng M, Nzussouo NT, Ahadzie L, Barthel RV, Cornelius C, Amofah G, Oyofo B, Ampofo WK. Virological surveillance of influenza-like illness among children in Ghana, 2008-2010. J Infect Dis 2013; 206 Suppl 1:S108-13. [PMID: 23169955 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jis577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global annual attack rate for influenza is estimated to be 10%-20% in children, although limited information exists for Africa. In 2007, Ghana initiated influenza surveillance by routine monitoring of acute respiratory illness to obtain data on circulating strains. We describe influenza surveillance in children <11 years old who had influenza-like illness (ILI) from January 2008 to December 2010. METHODS Oropharyngeal swabs from pediatric outpatients with ILI attending any of 22 health facilities across the country were submitted. We tested swabs for influenza virus using molecular assays, virus isolation, and hemagglutination assays. RESULTS Of the 2810 swabs, 636 (23%) were positive for influenza virus. The percentage of positives by gender was similar. The proportion of ILI cases positive for influenza increased with age from 11% (31/275) in infants (aged 0-1 years) to 31% (377/1219) among children aged 5-10 years (P < .001). The majority of cases were influenza A (90%), of which 60% were influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. In all 3 years, influenza activity appeared slightly higher during May through July. CONCLUSIONS During the 3 years of influenza surveillance in Ghana, children aged <11 years bore a high burden of influenza-associated ILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H K Bonney
- Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Odoom JK, Bel-Nono S, Rodgers D, Agbenohevi PG, Dafeamekpor CK, Sowa RML, Danso F, Tettey R, Suu-Ire R, Bonney JHK, Asante IA, Aboagye J, Abana CZY, Frimpong JA, Kronmann KC, Oyofo BA, Ampofo WK. Troop education and avian influenza surveillance in military barracks in Ghana, 2011. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:957. [PMID: 23137234 PMCID: PMC3534292 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza A viruses that cause highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) also infect humans. In many developing countries such as Ghana, poultry and humans live in close proximity in both the general and military populations, increasing risk for the spread of HPAI from birds to humans. Respiratory infections such as influenza are especially prone to rapid spread among military populations living in close quarters such as barracks making this a key population for targeted avian influenza surveillance and public health education. METHOD Twelve military barracks situated in the coastal, tropical rain forest and northern savannah belts of the country were visited and the troops and their families educated on pandemic avian influenza. Attendants at each site was obtained from the attendance sheet provided for registration. The seminars focused on zoonotic diseases, influenza surveillance, pathogenesis of avian influenza, prevention of emerging infections and biosecurity. To help direct public health policies, a questionnaire was used to collect information on animal populations and handling practices from 102 households in the military barracks. Cloacal and tracheal samples were taken from 680 domestic and domesticated wild birds and analysed for influenza A using molecular methods for virus detection. RESULTS Of the 1028 participants that took part in the seminars, 668 (65%) showed good knowledge of pandemic avian influenza and the risks associated with its infection. Even though no evidence of the presence of avian influenza (AI) infection was found in the 680 domestic and wild birds sampled, biosecurity in the households surveyed was very poor. CONCLUSION Active surveillance revealed that there was no AI circulation in the military barracks in April 2011. Though participants demonstrated good knowledge of pandemic avian influenza, biosecurity practices were minimal. Sustained educational programs are needed to further strengthen avian influenza surveillance and prevention in military barracks.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Kofi Odoom
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Ampofo WK, Baylor N, Cobey S, Cox NJ, Daves S, Edwards S, Ferguson N, Grohmann G, Hay A, Katz J, Kullabutr K, Lambert L, Levandowski R, Mishra AC, Monto A, Siqueira M, Tashiro M, Waddell AL, Wairagkar N, Wood J, Zambon M, Zhang W. Improving influenza vaccine virus selection: report of a WHO informal consultation held at WHO headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland, 14-16 June 2010. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2011; 6:142-52, e1-5. [PMID: 21819547 PMCID: PMC4954460 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-2659.2011.00277.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
• For almost 60 years, the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) has been the key player in monitoring the evolution and spread of influenza viruses and recommending the strains to be used in human influenza vaccines. The GISRS has also worked to continually monitor and assess the risk posed by potential pandemic viruses and to guide appropriate public health responses. • The expanded and enhanced role of the GISRS following the adoption of the International Health Regulations (2005), recognition of the continuing threat posed by avian H5N1 and the aftermath of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic provide an opportune time to critically review the process by which influenza vaccine viruses are selected. In addition to identifying potential areas for improvement, such a review will also help to promote greater appreciation by the wider influenza and policy-making community of the complexity of influenza vaccine virus selection. • The selection process is highly coordinated and involves continual year-round integration of virological data and epidemiological information by National Influenza Centres (NICs), thorough antigenic and genetic characterization of viruses by WHO Collaborating Centres (WHOCCs) as part of selecting suitable candidate vaccine viruses, and the preparation of suitable reassortants and corresponding reagents for vaccine standardization by WHO Essential Regulatory Laboratories (ERLs). • Ensuring the optimal effectiveness of vaccines has been assisted in recent years by advances in molecular diagnosis and the availability of more extensive genetic sequence data. However, there remain a number of challenging constraints including variations in the assays used, the possibility of complications resulting from non-antigenic changes, the limited availability of suitable vaccine viruses and the requirement for recommendations to be made up to a year in advance of the peak of influenza season because of production constraints. • Effective collaboration and coordination between human and animal influenza networks is increasingly recognized as an essential requirement for the improved integration of data on animal and human viruses, the identification of unusual influenza A viruses infecting human, the evaluation of pandemic risk and the selection of candidate viruses for pandemic vaccines. • Training workshops, assessments and donations have led to significant increases in trained laboratory personnel and equipment with resulting expansion in both geographical surveillance coverage and in the capacities of NICs and other laboratories. This has resulted in a significant increase in the volume of information reported to WHO on the spread, intensity and impact of influenza. In addition, initiatives such as the WHO Shipment Fund Project have facilitated the timely sharing of clinical specimens and virus isolates and contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of the global distribution and temporal circulation of different viruses. It will be important to sustain and build upon the gains made in these and other areas. • Although the haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay is likely to remain the assay of choice for the antigenic characterization of viruses in the foreseeable future, alternative assays - for example based upon advanced recombinant DNA and protein technologies - may be more adaptable to automation. Other technologies such as microtitre neuraminidase inhibition assays may also have significant implications for both vaccine virus selection and vaccine development. • Microneutralization assays provide an important adjunct to the HAI assay in virus antigenic characterization. Improvements in the use and potential automation of such assays should facilitate large-scale serological studies, while other advanced techniques such as epitope mapping should allow for a more accurate assessment of the quality of a protective immune response and aid the development of additional criteria for measuring immunity. • Standardized seroepidemiological surveys to assess the impact of influenza in a population could help to establish well-characterized banks of age-stratified representative sera as a national, regional and global resource, while providing direct evidence of the specific benefits of vaccination. • Advances in high-throughput genetic sequencing coupled with advanced bioinformatics tools, together with more X-ray crystallographic data, should accelerate understanding of the genetic and phenotypic changes that underlie virus evolution and more specifically help to predict the influence of amino acid changes on virus antigenicity. • Complex mathematical modelling techniques are increasingly being used to gain insights into the evolution and epidemiology of influenza viruses. However, their value in predicting the timing and nature of future antigenic and genetic changes is likely to be limited at present. The application of simpler non-mechanistic statistical algorithms, such as those already used as the basis of antigenic cartography, and phylogenetic modelling are more likely to be useful in facilitating vaccine virus selection and in aiding assessment of the pandemic potential of avian and other animal influenza viruses. • The adoption of alternative vaccine technologies - such as live-attenuated, quadrivalent or non-HA-based vaccines - has significant implications for vaccine virus selection, as well as for vaccine regulatory and manufacturing processes. Recent collaboration between the GISRS and vaccine manufacturers has resulted in the increased availability of egg isolates and high-growth reassortants for vaccine production, the development of qualified cell cultures and the investigation of alternative methods of vaccine potency testing. WHO will continue to support these and other efforts to increase the reliability and timeliness of the global influenza vaccine supply. • The WHO GISRS and its partners are continually working to identify improvements, harness new technologies and strengthen and sustain collaboration. WHO will continue in its central role of coordinating worldwide expertise to meet the increasing public health need for influenza vaccines and will support efforts to improve the vaccine virus selection process, including through the convening of periodic international consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
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- National Influenza Centre, Accra, Ghana
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Heeregrave EJ, Ampofo WK, Tetteh JKA, Ofori M, Ofori SB, Shah AS, Pollakis G, Paxton WA. Generation of HIV-1 primary isolates representative of plasma variants using the U87.CD4 cell line. J Virol Methods 2010; 169:341-50. [PMID: 20705104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2010.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Revised: 07/28/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In order to obtain HIV-1 primary isolates in settings with limited access to donor PBMCs, a culture method was developed where patient PBMCs infected with HIV-1 were cultured together with U87.CD4 cells. Using this non-laborious method, it is possible to harvest virus solely on the basis of syncytia formation and circumventing monitoring of viral replication by CA-p24 ELISA. Primary isolates from 23 out of 33 patients (70%) were isolated successfully. From PCR amplification and sequencing of the V1V5 region of the viral gp120 envelope gene, primary isolates were compared with variants obtained from plasma and PBMCs of 13 patients. The primary isolates of seven patients (54%) resembled closely the plasma viral quasispecies, whereas different variants were isolated from the other patients (46%). Three patients harboured a dual infection, while this remained unnoticed from sequencing the plasma or PBMC compartment. The primary isolates were highly infectious for TZM-bl cells and could infect CD4-enriched lymphocytes. This study demonstrates that it is possible to grow viral isolates using a non-laborious and simple method. These isolates may be used in the field for studies on antiretroviral therapy or for vaccine trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin J Heeregrave
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Center of Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ampofo WK. Current Status of HIV/AIDS Treatment, Care and Support Services in Ghana. Ghana Med J 2009; 43:142-143. [PMID: 21326992 PMCID: PMC2956368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- William K Ampofo
- Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana E-mail:
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Adjei AA, Armah HB, Gbagbo F, Ampofo WK, Boamah I, Adu-Gyamfi C, Asare I, Hesse IFA, Mensah G. Correlates of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis infections among prison inmates and officers in Ghana: A national multicenter study. BMC Infect Dis 2008; 8:33. [PMID: 18328097 PMCID: PMC2311310 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-8-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2007] [Accepted: 03/07/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prisons are known to be high-risk environments for the spread of bloodborne and sexually transmitted infections. Prison officers are considered to have an intermittent exposure potential to bloodborne infectious diseases on the job, however there has been no studies on the prevalence of these infections in prison officers in Ghana. Methods A national multicenter cross-sectional study was undertaken on correlates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis infections in sample of prison inmates and officers from eight of ten regional central prisons in Ghana. A total of 1366 inmates and 445 officers were enrolled between May 2004 and December 2005. Subjects completed personal risk-factor questionnaire and provided blood specimens for unlinked anonymous testing for presence of antibodies to HIV, HCV and Treponema pallidum; and surface antigen of HBV (HBsAg). These data were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate techniques. Results Almost 18% (1336) of 7652 eligible inmates and 21% (445) of 2139 eligible officers in eight study prisons took part. Median ages of inmates and officers were 36.5 years (range 16–84) and 38.1 years (range 25–59), respectively. Among inmates, HIV seroprevalence was 5.9%, syphilis seroprevalence was 16.5%, and 25.5% had HBsAg. Among officers tested, HIV seroprevalence was 4.9%, HCV seroprevalence was 18.7%, syphilis seroprevalence was 7.9%, and 11.7% had HBsAg. Independent determinants for HIV, HBV and syphilis infections among inmates were age between 17–46, being unmarried, being illiterate, female gender, being incarcerated for longer than median time served of 36 months, history of homosexuality, history of intravenous drug use, history of sharing syringes and drug paraphernalia, history of participation in paid sexual activity, and history of sexually transmitted diseases. Independent determinants for HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis infections among officers were age between 25–46, fale gender, being unmarried, being employed in prison service for longer than median duration of employment of 10 years, and history of sexually transmitted diseases. Conclusion The comparably higher prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis in prison inmates and officers in Ghana suggests probable occupational related transmission. The implementation of infection control practices and risk reduction programs targeted at prison inmates and officers in Ghana is urgently required to address this substantial exposure risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Adjei
- Department of Pathology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
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Adjei AA, Armah HB, Gbagbo F, Ampofo WK, Quaye IKE, Hesse IFA, Mensah G. Correlates of hepatitis C virus infection among incarcerated Ghanaians: a national multicentre study. J Med Microbiol 2007; 56:391-397. [PMID: 17314372 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.46859-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A national multicentre cross-sectional study was undertaken on the correlates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a sample of inmates from eight Ghanaian prisons. A total of 1366 inmates from eight of the ten regional central prisons in Ghana were enrolled between May 2004 and December 2005. Subjects voluntarily completed a risk-factor questionnaire and provided blood specimens for unlinked anonymous testing for the presence of antibodies to HCV. These data were analysed using both univariate and multivariate techniques. The median age of participants was 36.5 years (range 16-84 years). Of the 1366 inmates tested, HCV seroprevalence was 18.7%. On multivariate analysis, the independent determinants of HCV infection were being incarcerated for longer than the median time served of 36 months [odds ratio (OR) 5.8; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 5.0-6.9], history of intravenous drug use (OR 4.5; 95% CI 3.8-5.4) and homosexuality (OR 3.1; 95% CI 2.5-3.9). Consistent with similar studies worldwide, the prevalence of HCV in prison inmates was higher than the general population in Ghana, suggesting probable transmission in prisons in Ghana through intravenous drug use and unsafe sexual behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Adjei
- Department of Pathology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Henry B Armah
- Department of Pathology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Foster Gbagbo
- Department of Pathology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - William K Ampofo
- Virology Unit, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac K E Quaye
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ian F A Hesse
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - George Mensah
- Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
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Adjei AA, Armah HB, Gbagbo F, Ampofo WK, Quaye IKE, Hesse IFA, Mensah G. Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and syphilis among prison inmates and officers at Nsawam and Accra, Ghana. J Med Microbiol 2006; 55:593-597. [PMID: 16585647 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.46414-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the high prevalence of blood-borne viral infections and syphilis in correctional facilities has been well documented globally, such data are sparse from Africa, and there has been no such data from Ghana. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis among prison inmates and officers at prisons in Nsawan and Accra, Ghana. Prisoners and officers in 3 of the 46 prisons in Ghana were surveyed from May 2004 to May 2005. Subjects voluntarily completed a risk-factor questionnaire and provided blood specimens for unlinked anonymous testing for the presence of antibodies to HIV, HCV and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, and the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBsAg). Almost 16% (3770) of the total of 23,980 prison inmates in Ghana were eligible, and 281 (7.5%) of those eligible took part, whilst almost 23% (1120) of the total of 4910 prison officers were eligible, and 82 (7.3%) of those eligible took part. For the 281 inmates tested, HIV seroprevalence was 19.2%, 17.4% had HBsAg, HCV seroprevalence was 19.2% and reactive syphilis serology was noted in 11%. For the 82 officers tested, HIV seroprevalence was 8.5%, 3.7% had HBsAg, HCV seroprevalence was 23.2% and reactive syphilis serology was noted in 4.9%. The data indicate a higher prevalence of HIV and HCV in correctional facilities (both prison inmates and officers) than in the general population in Ghana, suggesting their probable transmission in prisons in Ghana through intravenous drug use, unsafe sexual behaviour and tattooing as pertains to prisons worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henry B Armah
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - William K Ampofo
- Virology Unit, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Ishikawa K, Janssens W, Banor JS, Shinno T, Piedade J, Sata T, Ampofo WK, Brandful JA, Koyanagi Y, Yamamoto N, Canas-Ferreira WF, Adu-Sarkodie Y, Kurata T. Genetic analysis of HIV type 2 from Ghana and Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2001; 17:1661-3. [PMID: 11779354 DOI: 10.1089/088922201753342077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The phylogenetic variability of part of the long terminal repeat (LTR) region of HIV-2 strains isolated in 1995 from five individuals residing in Bissau, the capital city of Guinea-Bissau, and collected from seven persons from Kumasi, Ghana in 1996-1997, was analyzed. All Guinean samples and all but one Ghanaian sample clustered with HIV-2 subtype A. One Ghanaian sample (14%) was classified as HIV-2 subtype B. This study adds to previous reports on HIV-2 subtype distribution in West Africa indicating local prevalence of HIV-2 subtype B in Ivory Coast and neighboring Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ishikawa
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.
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Aidoo S, Ampofo WK, Brandful JA, Nuvor SV, Ansah JK, Nii-Trebi N, Barnor JS, Apeagyei F, Sata T, Ofori-Adjei D, Ishikawa K. Suitability of a rapid immunochromatographic test for detection of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus in Ghana, West Africa. J Clin Microbiol 2001; 39:2572-5. [PMID: 11427570 PMCID: PMC88186 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.39.7.2572-2575.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In West African countries such as Ghana, efficient human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is a priority in the fight against AIDS. A new immunochromatographic rapid test, Determine HIV-1/2 (Abbott Diagnostics, North Chicago, Ill.), that detects antibodies against HIV type 1 (HIV-1) and/or HIV-2 was evaluated using Ghanaian blood samples. Two hundred four serum and/or plasma specimens were tested. HIV screening was done by a particle agglutination test and confirmed by a Western blot (WB) test as the "gold standard." The results revealed 125 HIV-seropositive AIDS patients, 75 HIV-seronegative healthy individuals, and 4 individuals for whom the HIV-1 result was indeterminate. The results obtained by the Determine HIV-1/2 assay and Diagnostic HIV SPOT (Genelabs), which is currently widely used in many districts in Ghana, were compared with those of the WB test, excluding the four HIV-1-indeterminate samples. The sensitivity of the Determine HIV-1/2 assay was 100%, compared with 98.0% for the HIV SPOT assay. The specificity was 100% for both tests. Determine HIV-1/2 is a single-step assay and was found to be rapid and easy to perform without any special equipment. It was highly sensitive and specific. The kit can be applied without electricity and water supplies, making it suitable for the detection of HIV antibodies especially in the rural areas of Ghana, West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Aidoo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana
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Nuvor SV, Katano H, Ampofo WK, Barnor JS, Sata T. Higher prevalence of antibodies to human herpesvirus 8 in HIV-infected individuals than in the general population in Ghana, West Africa. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2001; 20:362-4. [PMID: 11453603 DOI: 10.1007/s100960100517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S V Nuvor
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
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45
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Brandful JA, Apeagyei FA, Ampofo WK, Adu-Sarkodie Y, Ansah JE, Nuvor V, Aidoo S, Ishikawa K, Sata T, Yamamoto N, Yamazaki S. Relationship between immunoclinical status and prevalence of viral sexually transmitted diseases among human immunodeficiency virus-1 seropositive patients in Ghana. Viral Immunol 1999; 12:131-7. [PMID: 10413359 DOI: 10.1089/vim.1999.12.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In view of the strong association between the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), we screened 182 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infected patients over a 15-month period for serological markers to previously encountered or current STDs, most of viral etiology. The relationship between their immunological and clinical status and the prevalence of STDs was assessed and compared with that of 88 HIV-seronegative patients. Hepatitis B virus and Treponema pallidum were the most frequently occurring pathogens in both HIV-1-infected and HIV-seronegative patients. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was also observed in both groups, but no HIV-seronegative patient was infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). The Centers for Disease Control clinical staging of A1 through C3, representing asymptomatic to severe AIDS conditions, was observed in HIV-1 patients with or without STDs. A mean CD4 count of 288 cells per microliter (95% CI of 237-340 cells per microliter) in HIV-1 patients was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that in HIV-seronegative individuals with 1019 cells per microliter (95% CI of 924-1115 cells per microliter), irrespective of whether subjects in either group had previous or current STDs. The mean CD4 count of patients with a single infection from HIV-1 was not significantly different (P = 0.36) from that of HIV-1 patients with multiple infections. HIV-1 infection alone appears to be responsible for the marked immunodeficiency status of seropositive patients observed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Brandful
- Virology Unit, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana, Legon
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Ampofo WK, Koyanagi Y, Brandful J, Ishikawa K, Yamamoto N. Seroreactivity clarification and viral load quantitation in HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections in Ghana. J Med Dent Sci 1999; 46:53-62. [PMID: 12160214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
In Ghana, West Africa, the prevalence of dual HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections remains to be clarified, and HIV viral load measurement is yet to be established. Conventional assays for HIV-1 RNA measurements have been limited specifically to HIV-1 subtype B, preventing their utilization for Ghana where HIV-1 subtypes A, D and G are prevalent. Therefore, we set out to distinguish the types of HIV infection existing in Ghana so as to determine the extent of actual dual infections, and to measure plasma HIV-1 RNA. Blood samples were collected from 563 sick and healthy Ghanaians who visited hospitals in 1996 and 1997. After T cells were counted, HIV antibody was screened and confirmed by six different commercial assays and one in-house test. Nested PCR was then used to verify HIV-1 and HIV-2 presence by type-specific primers. Plasma HIV-1 RNA was measured by an improved commercial RT-PCR assay, sensitive to all HIV-1 group M subtypes. HIV-1 alone (89%) clearly dominated over HIV-2 alone (2%), and HIV-1 and HIV-2 dual infections were found in 9%. Valid viral load measurements were obtained on test plasma representing the main HIV-1 subtype (A) prevailing in Ghana. A high amount of HIV-1 RNA (5.9 mean log10 RNA copies/ml) was observed in the typical stages of HIV infection represented by groups of CD44 cell counts. We have clarified the seroprevalence of HIV-1 and HIV-2 amongst HIV seropositives, and the high viral load of HIV-1 reflects its influence on AIDS in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- W K Ampofo
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
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47
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Brandful JA, Ampofo WK, Janssens W, Adu-Sarkodie Y, Apeagyei F, Anyomi F, Aidoo S, Yamamoto N, Ishikawa K, Sata T, Kurata T. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis of HIV type 1 strains from southern Ghana. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 1998; 14:815-9. [PMID: 9643383 DOI: 10.1089/aid.1998.14.815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J A Brandful
- Virology Unit, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon
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48
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Brandful JA, Ampofo WK, Apeagyei FA, Asare-Bediako K, Osei-Kwasi M. Predominance of HIV-1 among patients with AIDS and AIDS-related complex in Ghana. East Afr Med J 1997; 74:17-20. [PMID: 9145571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We determined the prevalence of HIV among AIDS and AIDS-Related Complex (ARC) patients seen within one year in two hospitals in southern Ghana. Subjects were screened by an ELISA procedure for anti-HIV antibodies. Specific identification of the HIV type was done with a particle agglutination (PA) kit. All PA-determined dual specimens were then confirmed by Western blotting and Pepti-Lav 1/2 monoepitope kit. Virus isolation was attempted from symptomatic patients by co-culturing patient peripheral blood monocyte cells (PBMCs) and CD4+ cell lines. PBMCs and HIV isolates were characterised by PCR. By ELISA, 43.5% of the subjects (253) had anti-HIV antibodies. Of these, 61 (24%) were HIV-1 positive and 42 (18.6%) were dually reactive by PA. However, only 19% were confirmed as true dually-infected cases by western blotting and Pepti-Lav through all 42 samples were HIV-1 positive on the two tests. No subject was infected with HIV-2 alone. Three viruses were isolated. By PCR two of them had both HIV-1 and HIV-2 proviral sequences while the third virus was HIV-1 only. HIV-1 prevalence now predominates over HIV-2 implying a switch in the HIV infection pattern in Ghana. Furthermore mixed infections exist. The predominance of HIV-1 infection in Ghana may indicate a similar trend in other parts of West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Brandful
- Virology Unit, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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Osei-Kwasi M, Afari EA, Mimura K, Obeng-Ansah I, Ampofo WK, Nkrumah FK. Randomized, controlled trial of trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (Sabin) starting at birth in Ghana. Bull World Health Organ 1995; 73:41-6. [PMID: 7704924 PMCID: PMC2486589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy of the schedule currently recommended for immunization with trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (TOPV) (i.e., at birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks after birth), we randomly assigned 452 infants into test (231 infants) and control (221 infants) groups. The test group received TOPV as currently recommended, and the dose at birth was omitted for the control group. At 10, 14, and 18 weeks of age, the levels of poliovirus neutralizing antibodies as well as seroconversion rates were consistently higher for the test group than for the control group. The final seroconversion rates against poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 were 83.5%, 91% and 83%, respectively, for the test group and 75%, 83.2%, and 79.1%, respectively, for the control group. The TOPV immunization schedule starting at birth therefore produced better results. Seroconversion rates as well as antibody levels were highest in infants with low maternal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Osei-Kwasi
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon
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