ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Isospora belli in HIV/AIDS and non-HIV/AIDS patients at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi.

Waterborne diseases are very common especially in communities with low environmental and personal hygiene standards. Gryptosporidium and Isospora be/li are opportunistic pathogens implicated in diarrheal diseases in both immunocompetent and imniunoconipromised individuals. The disease is however more severe and protracted in immunocompromised, Human immunodeficiency virus infected persons. In infected persons, Gryptosporidiwn and Isospora beii causes malabsorption, diarrhea (with accompanying fluid loss and dehydration) and substantive weight loss with fatal consequences especially in children and HIV/AIDS patients. C,yptosporidium is particularly highly infectious. Presently, there are no universally effective treatment guidelines for cryptosporidiosis, many potential anticryptosporidial compounds have been complete failure in clinical trials. Isospora be/li has been implicated in traveler’s diarrhea. Isospora be/li however has been found to be sensitive to TrimethoprimSulfamethoxazole. The research at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Kumasi, aimed to investigate and determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidiurn and Isospora belli infection in the community, in HIV/AIDS and Non-HIV patients, in line with the quest for the first-of-its-kind, comprehensive surveillance data and information on the prevalence of Gryptosporidium and Isospora be/li infection, for the effective management of opportunistic Cryptosporidium and Isospora be/li infections in 11W/AIDS patients and for the general control of Gryptosporidium and Isospora be/li outbreak within the community. The modified acid-fast staining protocol (Kinyoun) was used for the demonstration and identification of Cryptosporidium and Isospora beili oocysts in fecal specimens. A generally high Jryptosporidiwn prevalence of 8.2% was recorded among the 413 (both H1V and non-HIV) patients examined at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Kumasi, between Dec.2003-Mar.2004. None of the patients examined tested positive for Isospora belli (an indication of the very low prevalence for this organism within the community). The research finding shows (Jryptosporidiurn is more prevalent in HIV/AIDS patients compared to non-HIV patients. A very high Cryptosporidium prevalence was recorded in diarrheal, symptomatic H1V positive patients (33.3%). Cryptosporidiuin was more prevalent in young children compared to other age groups examined. A trend of decreasing Cryptosporidium prevalence with increasing age was also observed. Strict adherence to preventive measures e.g. drinking boiled or adequately filtered bottled water is strongly recommended for HIV/AIDS patients and young children. More research into the exact role of the host immune system in establishing a disease state is warranted.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of common bacteria isolates and their susceptibility to antibiotics in malnourished children upto 5 years admitted at the maternal and child health hospital in Kejetia, Kumasi, Ghana

Malnutrition in children is the outcome of factors that are concerned poor food quality, insufficient food intake and recurring of infectious diseases. World Health Organization in 2011 estimated that 178 million children were stunted and 115 million children were underweight. Heikki in (2001) stated that the incidence and impact of life threatening bacterial infections in children across Africa have not been quantified and these bacterial infections can result in severe malnutrition. The study was to determine the prevalence of common bacteria isolates in malnourished children who are upto 5 years admitted at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital. Samples of urine, blood and stool were taken from 200 malnourished children alongside with administration of questionnaires. Samples were subjected to laboratory analysis such as culture and sensitivity and biochemical test for identification of bacteria. Out of 200 malnourished children, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) was found in 71.1% and 27.7% were moderately malnourished. Children (65.0%) were marasmic and 35.0% suffered from kwashiorkor. Of the malnourished children, who 63.5% had diarrhoea, 49.5% presented with vomiting and 40.5% presented with fever. Bacteria isolated from urine were Klebsiella sp (43.3%), Escherichia coli (30.0%), Pseudomonas sp (13.3%), Salmonella sp (6.7%), Enterobacter sp (3.3%) and Proteussp (3.3%). For blood samples, Staphylococcus aureus (53.6%) was the highest isolate, followed by Streptococcus sp (25.0%). Out of 38 stool samples, Escherichia coli (42.1%) was the highest isolated species followed by Klebsiella sp (21.1%) and Proteus sp (18.4%). Escherichia coli, Proteus sp, Salmonella sp and Enterobacter sp were resistant to 100% Ceftriaxone. Pseudomonas sp and Salmonella sp were resistant to 100% Ampicillin. Staphylococcus aureus (100%) was resistant to Ampicillin, Gentamicin and Cefuroxime. Streptococcus sp (100%) was susceptible to Gentamicin, 71.4% was susceptible to Azithromycin and 57.1% was vi susceptible to Chloramphenicol. Breastfeeding, complementary feeding, how the child is fed, daily feeding periods, surrounding where food is bought or prepared and storage of feeding tools of malnourished children were found to be factors that predisposed children to malnourishment.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of hearing impairment in the Offinso municipality

The current research reports the prevalence of hearing impairment in the Offinso Municipality. A cross-sectional research designed to recruit 600 respondents from three (3) suburbs of the municipality was used in the data collection. The purpose of the study was to determine the occurrence of hearing impairment among the sample population at a given point in time, which will then be used to determine the prevalence of hearing impairment in the Municipality. The procedure adopted included interviews, questionnaires, and physical examination. Of the 600 respondents, 135 (representing 23%) were diagnosed as having significant hearing impairments with prevalence rate of 0.225. There were more hearing impaired men than women. Majority of the respondents had mild hearing loss. The occurrence of conductive hearing impairment was more than other types of hearing impairment. Noise and presbycusis, were the major causes of sensorineural hearing impairment. The frequent causes of hearing impairment were ear wax, otitis media, and noise induce factors as in the case of machine operators such as corn mill operators and chain saw operators. These findings have significant implications on the need of resource development for prevention and rehabilitation.

Source: KNUST
The prevalence of Hepatitis B and/or Hepatitis C virus (HBV and/or HCV) co-infection among HIV-infected pregnant women

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection(s) among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a growing problem. Liver disease resulting from hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus infection has become one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality among persons living with HIV worldwide. Co-infections are known to increase the risk of vertical transmission of these viruses. Various research works have provided varying information on the prevalence and risk factors for HBV and/or HCV co-infection among pregnant women. Very little information on this subject exists in Ghana. Aims This study sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with HBV and/or HCV co-infection among HIV infected pregnant women. It also sought to investigate the immunological and virological characteristics associated with the co-infection and the use of antiretroviral drugs among the HIV-infected participants. Methods This study was conducted at the antiretroviral therapy and antenatal clinics of the St. Elizabeth Hospital, Hwidiem and the Holy Family Hospital Techiman in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana between May 2012 and May 2013. A total of 124 participants including 74 HIV-infected, and 50 HIV-negative, pregnant women were enrolled. The full blood count and the CD4 count of eligible participants were determined using Sysmex KX N21 haematology analyzer (Japan) and BD Facs Count analyzer (USA) respectively. The hepatitis B profile and anti-HCV status of participants were determined using Wondfo Biotech test-kits. The HIV-I viral load of the HIV positive participants was determined close to the time of delivery using COBAS® AmpliPrep/COBAS® TaqMan Analyzer (USA). Results The prevalence of HBV infection among the HIV-infected participants was higher than observed among the HIV-negative participants (14.9% vrs 10%). However, the prevalence of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) was lower among the HIV-infected pregnant women as compared to their HIV-negative counterparts (4.1% vrs 12%). None of the participants had a triple infection of HIV/HBV/HCV. There was no significant difference between the co-infection status and the baseline CD4 count as well as the HIV-1 viral load close to the time of delivery. However, persons who were diagnosed of HIV-infection in the third trimester of pregnancy were significantly at risk of having high HIV viral load close to the time of delivery (p= 0.009). HBeAg positivity was associated with severe immunosuppression (mean CD4=185± 10). HIV/HBV co-infected participants were significantly less likely to seroconvert from HBeAg to anti-HBe (p= 0.003). Conclusion HIV/HBV and HIV/HCV co-infections are high among HIV-infected pregnant women. Making ARVs available alone may not lead to the desired results. Priority must be given to early diagnosis and initiation of ARV prophylaxis for HIV infected pregnant women.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of hepatitis D virus infection in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Hepatitis D virus (also known as hepatitis delta virus) can establish a persistent infection in people with chronic hepatitis B, leading to accelerated progression of liver disease. In sub-Saharan Africa, where HBsAg prevalence is higher than 8%, hepatitis D virus might represent an important additive cause of chronic liver disease. We aimed to establish the prevalence of hepatitis D virus among HBsAg-positive populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods We systematically reviewed studies of hepatitis D virus prevalence among HBsAg-positive populations in sub-Saharan Africa. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for papers published between Jan 1, 1995, and Aug 30, 2016, in which patient selection criteria and geographical setting were described. Search strings included sub- Saharan Africa, the countries therein, and permutations of hepatitis D virus. Cohort data were also added from HIVpositive populations in Malawi and Ghana. Populations undergoing assessment in liver disease clinics and those sampled from other populations (defined as general populations) were analysed. We did a meta-analysis with a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model to calculate a pooled estimate of hepatitis D virus seroprevalence. Findings Of 374 studies identified by our search, 30 were included in our study, only eight of which included detection of hepatitis D virus RNA among anti-hepatitis D virus seropositive participants. In west Africa, the pooled seroprevalence of hepatitis D virus was 7·33% (95% CI 3·55–12·20) in general populations and 9·57% (2·31–20·43) in liver-disease populations. In central Africa, seroprevalence was 25·64% (12·09–42·00) in general populations and 37·77% (12·13–67·54) in liver-disease populations. In east and southern Africa, seroprevalence was 0·05% (0·00–1·78) in general populations. The odds ratio for anti-hepatitis D virus detection among HBsAg-positive patients with liver fibrosis or hepatocellular carcinoma was 5·24 (95% CI 2·74–10·01; p<0·0001) relative to asymptomatic controls. Interpretation Findings suggest localised clusters of hepatitis D virus endemicity across sub-Saharan Africa. Epidemiological data are needed from southern and east Africa, and from patients with established liver disease. Further studies should aim to define the reliability of hepatitis D virus testing methods, identify risk factors for transmission, and characterise the natural history of the infection in the region. Funding Wellcome Trust, Royal Society. Copyright © The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and retinopathy among diabetic patients attending diabetes clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

To determine the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and retinopathy among diabetic patients, blood levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high and low density lipoproteins, glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting blood sugar, potassium and sodium were estimated. Also blood pressure, body mass index and ophthalmologic examination for retinopathy were done on the patients. These were about 152 previously diagnosed diabetic patients (both type I and type II) who attend Diabetic Clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. The controls for this study were made up of 111 healthy adults. The prevalence of hypertension among the diabetic patients was 37%. About 5.2% was found to have diabetic retinopathy. Dyslipidaemia was also encountered. 14.5% had raised total cholesterol, 12% had raised triglycerides. Abnormalities of HDL and LDL were common. 73% had low HDL whilst 34% had high LDL. These results have implications for future cardiovascular risk in Ghanaian diabetic patients.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of Hypertensive Disorders, Associated Risk Factors and Effect of Specific Organ Function among Adolescents in Some Selected Senior High Schools in Ashanti Region of Ghana

Hypertension in adolescents has become an emerging health problem across the globe. The main objective of the study was to examine the prevalence of hypertension among 14-19 year-old adolescents, associated risk factors and effect on specific organ function. A multi stage sampling method was used to select 909 adolescents from three senior high schools (in three districts in the Ashanti Region of Ghana). A follow -up study was conducted on 142 who had raised blood pressure levels. Anthropometrics and blood pressure levels were measured with recommended instruments. Physical activity and dietary intake were assessed, through questionnaires. Blood samples of participants were also taken to assess their biochemical data. Data was analysed using the SPSS version 20. Pearson correlations were used to find out the associations between variables in the population. The study revealed a prevalence rate of 9.1% hypertension and 24.8% pre-hypertension. This prevalence of hypertension was significant when compared between selected schools. Males recorded a higher prevalence than females, 10.6% were hypertensive with 46.6% and 42.6% as pre-hypertensives and normotensives respectively. The data showed 81.6% of mothers of participants to be self-employed. The results also revealed a very low activity profile, 72.73% of participants with high blood pressure are not active whereas 40.32% and 59.97% of nomotensives and pre-hypertensive were also not active. This majority of the adolescent population were not physically active and this might have caused the prevalence of hypertension. Hematological indices were assessed to find out if there is any presence of anaemia or inflammation of the study subjects. The results showed that MCV had weak inverse association with systolic and diastolic blood pressures (r=-.230, r=-.183), MCHC had a weak direct relationship with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (r= .171, r=.256). RDW-SD had weak inverse association with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. P-LCR had a weak inverse association between systolic and diastolic blood pressure (r=-.185, r=-.167). Despite the prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension among adolescent population in the study, it had not caused any dysfunction in kidney, cardiovascular and liver. Hence, appropriate diet and lifestyle management are needed to prevent early and/or future complication of hypertension among adolescents.

Source: KNUST
The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and their association with the t-cell cd4 + counts of hiv/aids infected patients in Kumasi

Intestinal parasitic co-infections with HIV, if left untreated appear to speed up the progression of the HIV infection. However, to date, there have been very few studies conducted in quite resource limited settings to determine the interaction of intestinal parasitic co-infection with HIV/AIDS, especially in places where HIV/AIDS management largely depends on CD4 + T-lymphocyte cell counts and WHO clinical staging. The study evaluated the prevalence of intestinal parasite infection in HIV/AIDS infected individuals and its effect on the immune status, using their T-cell CD4 + count as a parameter. Stool and blood samples were collected from 855 HIV infected patients and 100 HIV negative individuals, between January, 2012 and February, 2013. Each stool sample was preserved in Sodium acetate, Acetic acid and Formalin solution (SAF) within 30 minutes of collection. This was later analysed at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into tropical medicine (KCCR) laboratory, using the Formol ethyl acetate concentration technique and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in accordance with the standard protocol. There was a 20.3% prevalence of intestinal parasites among the study individuals. Endolimax nana recorded the highest prevalence of 6.6%, followed by Entamoeba coli with 4.9% and Balantidium coli recorded the lowest prevalence of 0.1% for the formol-ethyl aecetate concentration technique. The PCR technique focused on Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum. Of the four parasites Entamoeba dispar recorded the highest prevalence of 10.4% and E. histolytica, recorded the lowest prevalence of 1.6%. Interestingly, for the intestinal helminths, only hookworm was found with a prevalence of 0.2%. There was no significant relation between the CD4 T-cell counts of the study individuals and the intestinal parasites detected, except for C. parvum, which was recorded in individuals with T-cell CD4 + counts, below 200 cells/mm 3 .

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C viral infections among children and adults presenting with hepatic disease at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Viral hepatitis may be the cause of infection among children and adults presenting with hepatic disease. The present study sought to establish the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C viral infections among children and adults presenting with hepatic disease at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). A cross section of 155 patients were recruited from November 2015 to April 2016. Blood samples were collected for the determination of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies. Socio-demographic data and clinical information were also collected using structured questionnaires. The HBV profile of HBsAg-positive participants was then determined. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel spread sheet and GraphPad Prism. Results: Of the 155 patients recruited, 71 were HBsAg positive, 18 were anti-HCV positive and 4 were both HBV/HCV coinfected. Among the 71 HBsAg positive patients, the prevalence of chronic hepatitis was 66.20%. This was followed by liver cirrhosis, HCC and acute liver failure with a prevalence of 32.39%, 16.90% and 2.82% respectively. In addition to this, among the 18 anti-HCV positive patients, the prevalence of chronic hepatitis was 50%, followed by liver cirrhosis (38.89%), HCC (11.11%) and acute liver failure (11.11%). With the HBV/HCV coinfected patients, the prevalence of chronic hepatitis was 3.37%. This was followed by both liver cirrhosis and HCC with a prevalence of 1.12% each. Conclusion: Hepatic diseases were associated with HBV and HCV infections with the most prevalent being chronic hepatitis. Information about the transmission, prevention and awareness of hepatic diseases should be strengthened by giving health education.

Source: KNUST
The prevalence of luteal phase defect among infertile women

Normal endometrial receptivity is essential for the establishment of any pregnancy and its evaluation is thus considered a basic goal in the assessment of female infertility. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of luteal phase defect (LPD) among infertile women, and LPD’s association with age and type of infertility. Mid-luteal endometrial biopsies were taken from eighty (80) infertile women attending clinics at the gynaecology units of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Magazine Clinic and the Bomso Specialist Hospital all in Kumasi and ten fertile women as control using dilatation and curettage and then processed the samples for light microscopy. The results show that 65.0% of the biopsies of the infertile women were normal in development hence their infertility could be due to other factors. In 35.0% of the biopsies the endometrial development was out-of-phase and therefore suggestive of a defective luteal phase which may lead to a non-receptive endometrium during the implantation window. There was no significant difference when LPD was analyzed according to age (p=0.472) as well as type of infertility (p = 0.157) suggesting that ageing and type of infertility was not associated with LPD.

Source: KNUST
Prevalence of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) at the Brong Ahafo Regional Hospital (Barh), Sunyani

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are associated with higher risk of mortality and greater costs to the health-care system, however there is paucity of data on its prevalence in Ghana, and especially in the Brong Ahafo region. This research was aimed at determining the prevalence of MRSA at the Brong Ahafo Regional Hospital (BARH) and to identify sites within the hospital which may be prone to MRSA infection or transmission. In all, three hundred and twenty-seven (327) participants were recruited for the study, including outpatients, visitors, hospital personnel and some inpatients. This comprised of one hundred and twenty-four (124) males and two hundred and three (203) females. The participant population was stratified into two main groups; Group 1 included patients and visitors from the main OPD and the various clinics, and Group 2 comprised inpatients, hospital staff, and visitors attending to patients at the Wards and other departments. Nasal swab samples were obtained and inoculated on mannitol salt agar and suspected S. aureus colonies were confirmed through morphological and biochemical tests. Cefoxitin disc diffusion test was carried out to identify the methicillin resistant strains. The Oxoid Penicillin binding protein (PBP2′) latex agglutination test kit was used to confirm the production of the mecA gene product, penicillin binding protein 2a (PBP2a). The study revealed a prevalence of 8.0% at the hospital and 47.3% of the S. aureus isolates were resistant while 52.7% were susceptible. A comparison between the genders did not show any significant difference in prevalence (p = 0.6273). No significance difference was found in the prevalence between the adult and children age groups (p = 0.3712). It was however revealed that sample sites including the main outpatient department (OPD) and the various clinics recorded a significantly higher MRSA prevalence of 10.5% compared to the 1.1% prevalence recorded at the wards and other departments which included laboratory, pharmacy, radiology, administration, and other areas (p = 0.0052). It was therefore necessary to establish better equipped hand washing areas at vantage areas around the hospital as prescribed by the WHO. It is also important that appropriate hygienic practices are instilled in all hospital personnel, patients and visitors to the hospital through continuous education in order to forestall any future outbreak.

Source: KNUST