ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic resistance, phylogenetic grouping and virulence potential of Escherichia coli isolated from clinical and environmental samples from the Cape Coast metropolis of the central region of Ghana

The genetic diversity of Escherichia coli isolated from clinical and environmental samples from Cape Coast was studied. Bacterial isolation and identification was carried out using standard biochemical tests and confirmed using Analytical Profile Index (API) 20 E kits. All test E. coli isolates were screened for their susceptibility to 16 antibiotics, followed by a screening for extended spectrum ƒÀ-lactamase (ESBL) production. DNA was extracted from all tests E. coli isolates and PCR assays were performed to determine the prevalence of ESBL genes - blaTEM and blaSHV, the molecular phylogeny and the virulence potential of the E. coli isolates. In all 389 E. coli isolates were obtained comprising 261 from clinical and 128 from environmental samples. All 389 E. coli isolates were sensitive to imipenem whereas the least percentage sensitivity was recorded when all E. coli isolates were screened against ampicillin. The percentage sensitivity of the isolates recovered from environmental samples to the 16 antibiotics was higher than that of clinical isolates except for nalidixic acid, aztreonam and amikacin where isolates of environmental origin recorded lower percentages of sensitivity. Also 29.88 % of the test E. coli isolated from clinical samples and 12.50 % from environmental samples were phenotypically confirmed as ESBL producers. Furthermore, 42.91 % of clinical isolates and 11.72 % of the environmental isolates respectively belonged to group B2. Also 27.20 % and 26.05 % of clinical isolates belonged to group A and D respectively while the environmental isolates recorded 53.13 % and 35.16 % respectively belonging to group A and D. In addition, 3.83 % of the environmental isolates and none of the clinical isolates were found to belong to group B1. E. coli isolates recovered from stool samples recorded the highest percentages of enterotoxigenic E. coli, enteropathogenic E. coli, enteroaggregative E. coli and enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, while E. coli isolates recovered from urine recorded the highest percentage of uropathogenic E. coli.

Source: UCC
Antibiotic sensitivity profiles and resistant genes of staphylococcus aureus isolated from the nasopharynx of children in cape coast, Ghana

Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium with global significance, is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality, sparking considerable interest in understanding its interaction with humans. As a significant opportunistic pathogen, it can cause mild and severe infections. Up to 50% of individuals may asymptomatically carry S. aureus in their anterior nares, serving as a reservoir for contact transmission and endogenous infections. Children, especially those in overcrowded school and preschool environments, play a crucial role in the community dispersal of S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains. Unfortunately, treating staphylococcal infections has become challenging due to multiple drug resistance (MDR). This research, conducted in Cape Coast, Ghana, aims to assess the carriage rate and antibiotic resistance profiles of S. aureus isolated from 880 nasopharyngeal samples from children. Results showed a carriage rate of 16.5%, with age being a significant risk factor. Of the isolates, 37.2% exhibited MDR, including 29.7% methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Molecular analyses revealed genotypic-phenotypic correlations for antibiotic resistance, and specific resistance genes were identified. These findings provide critical data on S. aureus carriage in children and inform empirical treatment approaches for S. aureus infections. The study emphasizes the importance of prudent antibiotic use in combating antibiotic resistance.

Source: UCC
Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Raw Meat and Ghanaian Coin Currencies at Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana: The Public Health Implication

Introduction: The emergence and upsurge of multiple antibiotic resistant (MDR) Enterobacteriaceae in the environment is a cause of concern as this can result in an outbreak and spread to healthcare settings. MDR Enterobacteriaceae have been associated with high morbidity and mortality due to delay in selecting and delivering active therapy in time. Aims & Objectives: The study was conducted to investigate the level of contamination of raw meat and Ghanaian coins in circulation at Cape Coast Metropolis. In all, 10 raw meat were sampled each from chevron and beef from Kotokuraba market, and 400 Ghanaian coin currencies retrieved from food vendors, students, transport operators and banks were used in this study. Methods & Materials: The Enterobacteriaceae species isolated were tested for their susceptibility to Ampicillin, Tetracycline (TET), Gentamicin (GEN), Cotrimoxazole (COT), Cefuroxime (CRX), Cefixime (CXM), Cefotaxime (CTX), Penicillin (PEN), Cloxacillin (CXC), Erythromycin (ERY) and Amikacin (AMK) antibiotics using Mueller-Hinton agar antibiotic diffusion technique. Of the isolated Enterobacteriaceae, 30% and 62% from chevron and beef respectively and 14.17%, 13.75% and 10.63% from food vendors, students and transport operators respectively showed resistance to some of the antibiotics tested. Results & Discussions: 8.6% of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from chevon were resistant to CRXr-CHLr-AMPr-COTr-GEMr and 15.5% of CRXi-CHLi-AMPr- TETr-COTr from beef. 40.0% of E. coli isolated from coin currencies were resistant to CRXr-CHLr-AMPr-TETr-CTXr, 50.0% of Enterobacter spp to CRXr-CHLr-AMPr-TETr-CTXr, 16.67% of Proteus spp to CRXi-CHLi-AMPr-TETr-AMKi, 40% Pseudomonas spp to CRXr-AMPr-TETr- AMKi and 100% of Enterobacter spp to CRXr-AMPr-TETi-CTXr. Conclusion: The multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates from circulating Ghanaian coins and raw meats in the Cape Coast metropolis is an indication of an impending danger which requires immediate attention to prevent a possible outbreak and spread from the society to the hospital setting.

Source: UCC
Antibiotics utilization and farmers’ knowledge of its effects on soil ecosystem in the coastal drylands of Ghana

Background There is paucity of information on antibiotics utilization amongst farmers, factors associated with administration of antibiotics and farmers’ knowledge of the effects of antibiotics on the soil ecosystem in Ghana. Methods A cross sectional quantitative survey across three coastal regions of Ghana was undertaken amongst poultry and livestock farmers. Six hundred respondents were selected from five districts each across the three regions. Pretested and structured questionnaire were used to collect data through face to face interview. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Factors associated with antibiotic administration were determined using binary multiple logistic regression at p�0.05. Results Out of the 600 farmers, 95% administered antibiotics and 84% bought antibiotics over-thecounter without prescription. Approximately 9% of antibiotic administration was carried out by veterinary officers, and the remaining, 91% based on farmer’s experience. Approximately 93% had access to antibiotics without any difficulty. Withdrawal period was always observed by only 16% of farmers. Majority (74%) of farmers never had education on antibiotics and none of the farmers screened manure for the antibiotic residuals. Years of farming, income status, level of education of farmers, type of animal kept, access to extension services, registration with farmers’ association, employing veterinary services, location of farm, system of production, education on antibiotics and access to antibiotics positively and significantly predicted the administration of antibiotics by farmers. Majority of farmers had inadequate knowledge of the effects of antibiotics on soil ecosystem with mean score ranging between 2.87±0.60 and 2.98±0.7 on a scale of 5.0 Conclusion The study exposed the poor practices regarding antibiotic use and also inadequate knowledge on its effect on the soil ecosystem amongst farmers in Ghana. This calls for development of strategies to increase awareness on antibiotics because its misuse can negatively impact human, animals, environment and impact food security

Source: UCC
Antibody responses to two new Lactococcus lactis‑produced recombinant Pfs48/45 and Pfs230 proteins increase with age in malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana

Background: Recent advances in malaria control efforts have led to an increased number of national malaria control programmes implementing pre-elimination measures and demonstrated the need to develop new tools to track and control malaria transmission. Key to understanding transmission is monitoring the prevalence and immune response against the sexual stages of the parasite, known as gametocytes, which are responsible for transmission. Sexual-stage specific antigens, Pfs230 and Pfs48/45, have been identified and shown to be targets for transmission blocking antibodies, but they have been difficult to produce recombinantly in the absence of a fusion partner. Methods: Regions of Pfs48/45 and Pfs230 known to contain transmission blocking epitopes, 6C and C0, respectively, were produced in a Lactococcus lactis expression system and used in enzyme linked immunosorbent assays to determine the seroreactivity of 95 malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana. Results: Pfs48/45.6C and Pfs230.C0 were successfully produced in L. lactis in the absence of a fusion partner using a simplified purification scheme. Seroprevalence for L. lactis-produced Pfs48/45.6C and Pfs230.C0 in the study population was 74.7 and 72.8%, respectively.

Source: UCC
Antibody responses to two new Lactococcus lactis‑produced recombinant Pfs48/45 and Pfs230 proteins increase with age in malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana

Background: Recent advances in malaria control efforts have led to an increased number of national malaria control programmes implementing pre-elimination measures and demonstrated the need to develop new tools to track and control malaria transmission. Key to understanding transmission is monitoring the prevalence and immune response against the sexual stages of the parasite, known as gametocytes, which are responsible for transmission. Sexual-stage specific antigens, Pfs230 and Pfs48/45, have been identified and shown to be targets for transmission blocking anti- bodies, but they have been difficult to produce recombinantly in the absence of a fusion partner. Methods: Regions of Pfs48/45 and Pfs230 known to contain transmission blocking epitopes, 6C and C0, respectively, were produced in a Lactococcus lactis expression system and used in enzyme linked immunosorbent assays to deter- mine the seroreactivity of 95 malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana. Results: Pfs48/45.6C and Pfs230.C0 were successfully produced in L. lactis in the absence of a fusion partner using a simplified purification scheme. Seroprevalence for L. lactis-produced Pfs48/45.6C and Pfs230.C0 in the study popula- tion was 74.7 and 72.8%, respectively. Conclusions: A significant age-dependent increase in antibody titers was observed, which suggests a vaccine tar- geting these antigens could be boosted during a natural infection in the field.

Source: UCC
Anticonvulsant activity of Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich) Engl. hydroethanolic leaf extract in mice: The role of excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmission and nitric oxide pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich) Engl. is a plant used for managing various diseases including central nervous system disorders. Aim of the study: This study explored the anticonvulsant activity of P. microcarpa hydroethanolic leaf extract (PME) as well as possible mechanism(s) of action in animal models. Methods: Eﬀects of PME was assessed in electroconvulsive (the maximal electroshock and 6-Hz seizures) and chemoconvulsive (pentylenetetrazole-, picrotoxin-, isoniazid-, 4-aminopyridine-, and strychnine-induced seizures) models of epilepsy. In addition, eﬀect of the extract on the nitric oxide pathway and GABAA receptor complex was evaluated. Results: The extract (30, 100 and 300 mg kg−1, p.o.) signiﬁcantly delayed the onset as well as decreased the duration and frequency of pentylenetetrazole-, picrotoxin- and strychnine-induced seizures. In addition, PME pre-treatment signiﬁcantly improved survival in the 4-aminopyridine- and isoniazid-induced seizure tests. Furthermore, the extract protected against 6-Hz psychomotor seizures but had no eﬀect in the maximal electroshock test. The anticonvulsant eﬀect of PME (100 mg kg−1, p.o.) was also reversed by pre-treatment with ﬂumazenil, L-arginine or sildenaﬁl. However, L-NAME or methylene blue (MB) augmented its eﬀect. Conclusion: Results show that PME has anticonvulsant activity and may probably be aﬀecting GABAergic, glycinergic, NMDA, K+ channels and nitric oxide-cGMP pathways to exert its eﬀect.

Source: UCC
Anticonvulsant activity of Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich) Engl. hydroethanolic leaf extract in mice: The role of excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmission and nitric oxide pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich) Engl. is a plant used for managing various diseases including central nervous system disorders. Aim of the study: This study explored the anticonvulsant activity of P. microcarpa hydroethanolic leaf extract (PME) as well as possible mechanism(s) of action in animal models. Methods: Effects of PME was assessed in electroconvulsive (the maximal electroshock and 6-Hz seizures) and chemoconvulsive (pentylenetetrazole-, picrotoxin-, isoniazid-, 4-aminopyridine-, and strychnine-induced seizures) models of epilepsy. In addition, effect of the extract on the nitric oxide pathway and GABAA receptor complex was evaluated. Results: The extract (30, 100 and 300 mg kg-1, p.o.) significantly delayed the onset as well as decreased the duration and frequency of pentylenetetrazole-, picrotoxin- and strychnine-induced seizures. In addition, PME pre-treatment significantly improved survival in the 4-aminopyridine- and isoniazid-induced seizure tests. Furthermore, the extract protected against 6-Hz psychomotor seizures but had no effect in the maximal electroshock test. The anticonvulsant effect of PME (100 mg kg-1, p.o.) was also reversed by pre-treatment with flumazenil, L-arginine or sildenafil. However, L-NAME or methylene blue (MB) augmented its effect. Conclusion: Results show that PME has anticonvulsant activity and may probably be affecting GABAergic, glycinergic, NMDA, K+ channels and nitric oxide-cGMP pathways to exert its effect.

Source: UCC
Anticonvulsant Effect of Antiaris toxicaria (Pers.) Lesch. (Moraceae) Aqueous Extract in Rodents

Antiaris toxicaria (Moraceae) was evaluated for anticonvulsant activity in rodents. Animal models used include maximal electroshock test (MEST); pentylenetetrazole-induced (PTZ) convulsions; picrotoxin-induced (PCT) convulsions; strychnine- (STR-) and 4-aminopyridine-induced convulsions. Increase in latency to seizures as well as reduction in duration and frequency of seizures indicated anticonvulsant activity. The extract was more effective in all models used except the maximal electroshock test and strychnine-induced convulsions. Antiaris toxicaria aqueous extract (200, 400, and 800 mg kg−1 ) significantly (𝑃 < 0.05 − 0.01) shortened the duration of convulsions in PTZ- and PCT-induced seizures. Delay in the onset of convulsions in the two tests was significant (𝑃 < 0.001). Reduction in the frequency of seizures was also significant (𝑃 < 0.05 − 0.001) in both tests. Antiaris further delayed the onset of seizures in 4-aminopyridine model while producing 75% protection against death in mice. Diazepam (0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg kg−1 ), carbamazepine (3, 10, and 30 mg kg−1 ), and sodium valproate (100–400 mg kg−1 ) were used as reference anticonvulsant drugs for various models. Flumazenil blocked the effect of the extract in the PTZ test significantly suggesting that Antiaris toxicaria may be acting by enhancing the effects of the GABAergic system. Antiaris toxicaria aqueous extract therefore possesses anticonvulsant activity.

Source: UCC
Antidepressant Effects of Mallotus oppositifolius in Acute Murine Models

Objective. Hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Mallotus oppositifolius (MOE), a plant used for CNS conditions in Ghana, was investigated for acute antidepressant effects in the forced swimming (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST). Results. In both FST and TST, MOE (10, 30, and 100 mg kg−1 ) significantly decreased immobility periods and frequencies. A 3-day pretreatment with 200 mg kg−1 , i.p., para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor, reversed the decline in immobility and the increase of swimming score induced by MOE in the modified FST. Pretreatment with reserpine alone (1 mg kg−1 ), 𝛼- methyldopa alone (400 mg kg−1 , i.p.), or a combination of both drugs failed to reverse the decline in immobility or the increase in swimming score caused by the extract in the modified FST. The extract potentiated the frequency of head twitch responses induced by 5-hydroxytryptamine. Pretreatment with d-serine (600 mg kg−1 , i.p.), glycine/NMDA agonist, abolished the behavioural effects of MOE while d-cycloserine (2.5 mg kg−1 , i.p.), a glycine/NMDA partial agonist, potentiated it in both TST and modified FST. Conclusion. The extract exhibited antidepressant effects in mice which is mediated by enhancement of serotoninergic neurotransmission and inhibition of glycine/NMDA receptor activation.

Source: UCC
Antidepressant-like effect of Albizia zygia root extract in murine models

Background: Albizia zygia (DC.) J.F. Macbr. (Leguminosae) has been used to treat mental disorders in traditional African medicine. Nonetheless, there is limited scientific evidence to justify its present use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidepressant activity of the hydroethanolic extract of A. zygia roots (AZE) in murine models. Methods: AZE was evaluated in the tail suspension test, forced swim test, and the repeated open-space swim test of depression. In order to elucidate the mechanisms of action, the activity of AZE was re-evaluated after treating mice with selective inhibitors of monoamine biosynthesis. The potential of AZE to influence spontaneous locomotion was also examined. Results: AZE (100–1000 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the immobility time of mice in the tail suspension and forced swim tests (at least p < 0.05). In the repeated open-space swim test, AZE reduced the immobility time (at least p < 0.05) while concomitantly increasing the distance swam by mice (p < 0.01). However, the antidepressant-like activity of AZE was attenuated by α-methyl-para-tyrosine and reserpine (p < 0.0001) but not para-chlorophenylalanine. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that AZE possesses antidepressant-like properties and support the traditional use of AZE for the treatment of depression.

Source: UCC
Antidepressant-like Properties of Antiaris Toxicaria Aqueous Extract

Background: Depression is a global burden whose therapy is plagued with inconsistent effi cacy. Hence, the need for the discovery of newer therapies. Methods: In this study, Antiaris toxicaria extract (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg, p.o.), was evaluated for antidepressant activity using behavioral tests battery particularly the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). In order to investigate its mechanism of action, animals groups were pretreated with α-methyldopa (α-MD), para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), reserpine, D-serine and 5-hydroxytryptophan. Results: It increased the mobility periods and decreased immobility periods signifi cantly in both the FST and the TST when compared to the control group. But the TST showed more promising effect than the FST. Pre-treatment with α-MD reversed the antidepressant property of A. toxicaria aqueous extract as did PCPA, reserpine and reserpine combined with α-MD. The extract increased the number of head twitches produced by 5-hydroxytryptophan confi rming the involvement of serotonin in the antidepressant property and inhibited carbachol-induced contractions on the isolated rat uterus, which was non-competitively antagonized by propranolol. Treatment with D-serine produced no signifi cant increase in the immobility time produced by the extract at the doses studied. This excludes the involvement of N-methyl-d-aspartate in the possible mechanisms of action. Conclusion: A. toxicaria possesses antidepressant-like action in rodents.

Source: UCC
Antidiabetic Effect of Young and Old Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina: A Comparative Study

The young leaves of Vernonia amygdalina are often utilized as vegetable and for medicinal purpose compared to the old leaves. This study was designed to evaluate and compare the antidiabetic effects between ethanolic leaves extracts of old and young V. amygdalina on streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat for four weeks. Preliminary screening of both young and old ethanolic extracts revealed the presence of the same phytochemicals except flavonoids which was only present in the old V. amygdalina. Difference in antioxidant power between the young and old leaf extracts was statistically significant (� < 0.05). Both leaf extracts produced a significant (� < 0.05) antihyperglycaemic efect. Also results from treated rats revealed increasing effect in some haematological parameters. Similarly, the higher dose (300 mg/kg) of both extracts significantly (� < 0.05) reduced serum ALT, AST, and ALP levels as compared to the diabetic control rats. Results also showed signifcant (� < 0.05) decrease in LDL-C and VLDL-C in the extract-treated rats with a corresponding increase in HDL-C, as compared to the diabetic control rats. Moreover histopathological analysis revealed ameliorative efect of pathological insults induced by the STZ in the pancreas, liver, and spleen, most significantly the regeneration of the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in treated rat

Source: UCC
Antiinflammatory properties of betulinic acid and xylopic acid in the carrageenan‐induced pleurisy model of lung inflammation in mice

This study investigated the antiinflammatory properties of betulinic acid (BA) and xylopic acid (XA) extracted from Margaritaria discoidea and Xylopia aethiopica, respectively. M. discoidea and X. aethiopica are plants native in Ghana and the West‐African region and used traditionally to treat different pathologies including inflammatory conditions. The antiinflammatory effect of BA and XA was established by an in vivo assay using the carrageenan‐induced pleural inflammation model in mice. Also, the ability of BA and XA to increase catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione levels and decrease lipid peroxidation level in reactive oxidative assays was assessed. In addition, the ability of XA and BA to prevent potential lung tissue damage was quantified. Pretreatment with BA and XA reduced significantly, signs of inflammation: neutrophil infiltration, oedema, and alveoli septal thickening in carrageenan‐treated lung tissue. Additionally, BA or XA pretreatment lowered the degree of lipid peroxidation in the lung tissue while increasing the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione in vivo. Comparatively, XA was more efficacious than BA in the prevention of lung tissue damage. BA and XA derived from X. aethiopica and M. discoidea possess antiinflammatory and in vivo antioxidant activities in mice pleurisy model. The effect of these compounds gives credence to the traditional use in the management of inflammatory conditions of the airway.

Source: UCC