Department of Biomedical & Forensic Sciences

Genetic characterization of Plasmodium SPP and putative antimalarial drug resistant markers in the Central Region of Ghana

2024-09-02T13:27:26Z

Genetic characterization of Plasmodium SPP and putative antimalarial drug resistant markers in the Central Region of Ghana Dakorah, Mavis Puopelle BACKGROUND: Malaria eradication is hampered by the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum, antimalarial resistance, and eco-geographical distinctions. The Central Region of Ghana harbours different ecological zones which may drive genetic diversity and influence resistance patterns in malaria infections. AIM: To investigate the genetic characteristics of Plasmodium species and putative Antimalarial drug resistant markers in the Central region. METHOD: This was a cross sectional study involving 3993 samples collected during the dry and wet seasons from selected health facilities within the Forest and Coastal zones of the Central region. Bivariate analysis determined the association of malaria with independent variables. Selective whole genome amplicon sequencing (sWGA) assay was used to characterise 522 malariapositive samples. RESULTS: Malaria prevalence was 61.8% by rapid diagnostic test and 61.1% by microscopy. Infection were associated with ecological zones (p<0.001) and seasons (p<0.001). Genomic analysis showed evidence of mixed P. falciparum, P. vivax, and P. malariae -(0.4%) amidst a high P. falciparum (98.9%) prevalence. Infections were mostly polyclonal (55.5%), ranging from one to six clones. Resistant haplotypes recorded were Pfcrt CVIET (0.5%), Pfmdr1 NFD (44%), Pfdhfr triple mutation (N51I, C59R, S108N)-76.6%, Pfdhps SGKAA (32.8%), and Pfdhps SGEAA (0.3%), and Pfkelch13 gene (48%). CONCLUSION: Malaria was prevalent in all districts and influenced by ecogeographic factors among others. Resistance was observed in all antimalarials studied. Multifaceted yet targeted interventions are required all year round for effective malaria control. xxii, 303p:, ill.

Identification of the Vector and Leishmania Species in Endemic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Communities in the Ho Municipality

2024-08-26T17:04:30Z

Identification of the Vector and Leishmania Species in Endemic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Communities in the Ho Municipality Doe, Edna Dzifa Leishmaniasis is a parasitic neglected tropical disease which is caused by protozoan parasites. These parasites are transmitted by the bite of infected female sand flies (vectors) that feed on blood. Monitoring of these sand flies is significant for leishmaniasis control. This study assessed the relationship of species of sand flies, Leishniania spp. and human host in endemic communities of the Ho Municipality. Structured questionnaires were administered to individuals in the selected endemic communities. Sand flies were collected, and morphologically identified using Centre for Disease Control light and sticky paper traps and taxonomic keys respectively. Cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene was used to confirm the sand flies that were morphologically identified. Initial PCR amplification of cytochrome b and mincircle genes were carried out. DNA sequencing was carried out to identify blood meal source and Leishniania DNA in sand flies. A phylogenetic tree was constructed and a pairwise heat map was generated to examine the patterns of relatedness/ similarity amongst the Leishmania spp. detected. The results obtained from the knowledge, attitude and practice analysis showed that 88.29% of the study participants had a reasonable knowledge of the disease and its local name. The study participants were of the view that the disease was mainly treated with a particular type of herb - Hyptis suaveolens (L) Poit. Eleven different species of sand flies were morphologically identified. Of the female sand flies species identified, 23.14% had taken a blood meal. DNA sequencing results indicated that four of the female sand flies had fed on house mouse {Mils nuiscuhts) and human blood. It can be concluded that L. major, L. amazonensis and L. donovani were identified as the possible parasites circulating in the endemic communities. ii, ill: 163

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine as Intermittent Preventive Treatment For Malaria In Pregnancy In Selected Health Facilities In Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana

2024-07-12T11:31:05Z

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine as Intermittent Preventive Treatment For Malaria In Pregnancy In Selected Health Facilities In Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana Afutu, Leslie Larry Malaria in pregnancy still remains a huge public health problem in most parts of Africa and Asia-Pacific. The use of Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine as intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy (SP -IPTp) in endemic regions of the world has reduced the burden of malaria in pregnancy and minimized the consequences of malaria to both mother and the foetus. However, there have been reports of wide-spread mutations, especially in eastern and some parts of southern Africa, in the dhfr and dhps genes, which confer to the Plasmodium parasite, resistance to pyrimethamine and sulphadoxine respectively. This, coupled with the general preponderance of substandard anti-malaria drugs on the African market, threatens the success of SP-IPTp. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sulphadoxine and pyrimethamine as IPTp in three selected health facilities in Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis of the western region of Ghana. SP was found to be efficacious in clearing parasitaemia amongst parasitaemic yet asymptomatic pregnant women in the face of high prevalence (71.4%) of dhfi" triple mutations Nl08, 151 and R59. The quintuple mutation, known to confirm high-grade resistance to the parasites was found in only two (2) isolates in nonpregnant attendants at the general outpatient department. There was no association between number of SP doses taken, the use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) and maternal anaemia. Higher doses of SP, ITN usage, but not parity, reduced the risk of both placental parasitaemia and low birth weight. The SP tablets in used were found to be of good quality having a USP of 95.3% and 92.8% and dissolution of95.2% and 83.03% for sulphadoxine and pyrimethamine respectively. This study therefore found the SP tablets in use as IPTp to be of good quality and effective in the face of high prevalence of dhfr triple mutations. ii, ill: 267

Host and parasite genetic factors that affect plasmodium falciparum gametocytogenesis and malaria transmission in southern Ghana

2023-03-16T09:38:31Z

Host and parasite genetic factors that affect plasmodium falciparum gametocytogenesis and malaria transmission in southern Ghana Ayanful-Torgby, Ruth Several factors affect gametocyte production and are proposed to vary in different endemic settings and seasons. The current study assessed gametocyte production rates in P. Falciparum isolates from malaria patients in ex vivo assays. Effect of host (G6PD, HBB and ABO blood groups) and parasite (msp2 and Pfg377 diversity, and drug resistant strains) factors on gametocyte prevalence were assessed in asymptomatic infections. Study participants were children aged one to twelve years living in Obom and Cape Coast. In an ex vivo assay, 54% of the P. Falciparum isolates produced gametocytes by day three with the mean production rate of less than I%. High P. Falciparum prevalence was observed, in up to 60% and 86% of children harbouring the parasites at microscopic and submicroscopic levels respectively. The parasite prevalence in Obom exhibited an extensive seasonal variation (P < 0.001) in microscopic and submicroscopic infections. Neither HBB, G6DP variants nor any of the ABO blood groups was associated with gametocyte prevalence; but participants with heterozygous or homozygous hbc had more gametocytes than the other HBB genotypes. Low P. Falciparum sexual and asexual diversities (MOI 3%) were observed. Low frequencies (2.1%) of Kl 3 (C469C and A558S) mutant parasite strains were recorded. Plasmodium falciparum infections with both the mutant and wild type drug resistant strains also had msp2 dimorphic alleles and this will result in the formation of new parasite strains in the Anopheles vector for onward transmission. xv