A New Era of Biomedical Research and Development in West Africa

Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research University of Ghana

26th – 28th July 2017

Ghana Biomedical Convention 01 10th Anniversary Celebrations ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Ghana Biomedical Convention (GBC) gratefully acknowledges the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana for the generous use of facilities and equipment.

The Ghana Biomedical Convention (GBC) sincerely thanks Inqaba Biotec and DCL Laboratory Products LTD for their financial contribution to this year's conference.

GBC also acknowledges the President, the Board of Directors, the Scientific Committee and the Local Organizing Committee for putting up this program.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 02 10th Anniversary Celebrations Meeting Schedule

DAY 1 - Wednesday 26th July 2017 6.30 – Registration and Poster Set-up 9.00 – 9.30am Opening Ceremony 9.30 – 10.30am 10th Anniversary Presentation and Awards Ceremony 10.30 – 11.30am Break and Registration 11.30 – 12.30pm Session I – Short talks 12.40 – 1.40pm Session II – Short talks 1.40 – 2.30pm Lunch 2.30 – 4.00pm Poster Viewing and Interaction – Even numbers 4.00 – 4.20pm Vendor Talk 4.20 – 5.30pm Session III – Short talks 5.30 – Poster removal & Socialization

DAY 2 - Thursday 27th July 2017 7.30 – Registration 8.50 – 9.00am Announcements 9.00 – 10.00am Keynote Address: Professor Kim Williamson 10.00 – 10.50am Break 11.00 – 12.00pm Session IV – Short talks 12.10 – 1.10pm Session V – Short talks 1.10 – 2.10pm Lunch 2.10 – 3.40pm Poster Viewing and Interaction – Odd numbers 3.40 – 4.00pm Vendor Talk 4.00 – 5.00pm Session VI – Short talks 5.00 – 5.20pm Break 5.20 – 6.20pm Session VII – Short talks 6.30pm Social Event

Ghana Biomedical Convention 03 10th Anniversary Celebrations DAY 3 FRIDAY 28th July 2017 8.00 – Registration 8.50 – 9.00am Announcements 9.00 – 10.00am Keynote Address: Professor Michael Wilson 10.00 – 10.50am Break 11.00 – 12.00pm Session VIII – Short talks 12.10 – 1.10pm Session IX – Short talks 1.10 – 2.10pm Lunch 2.10 – 3.10pm Session X – Short talks 3.10 – 4.30pm Business Meeting 4.30 Closing Ceremony Board Meeting

Ghana Biomedical Convention 04 10th Anniversary Celebrations

Message from the President

t r e m e n d o u s p r o g r e s s a n d a transformation in innovative biomedical research training through conferences, workshops and student mentorship activities. Our scientists are also dedicated to promoting biomedical science in Ghana to improve public health. The conferences and workshops are carefully coordinated and run in several academic institutions in Ghana. The annual meeting continues to produce a range of capacity building and educational initiatives designed to increase the proportion of researchers in Elvis K Tiburu, President,GBC Ghana engaged in the global biomedical research enterprise. This is achieved Hello and welcome! through the advice of endowed Board We appreciate your visit to our Members, Scientists and Students website. This is the tenth Volunteers. Our support base is friends of anniversary of our flagship the Organization, loyal sponsors around conference, the Ghana Biomedical the globe including the Ghana Convention, sponsored by the Biomedical Research Network (GBRN), Convention for Biomedical a sister organization located in Boston, Research Ghana (CoBReG). The Massachusetts, USA. There are several organization was formed in 2007 activities lining up for the tenth and launched its first conference in anniversary celebration that should make Ghana in 2008. It was formed by it very exciting. seasoned researchers, teachers and healthcare professionals both within and outside Africa. We are very grateful to you for taking the CoBReG's main focus is to bring time to attend our conference. biomedical research scientists around the globe together for the purpose of promoting and Elvis K Tiburu, PhD, CoBReG President conducting innovative research to and HOD, Dept. of Biomedical benefit the African continent. In Engineering, U of Ghana the past ten years we have seen

Ghana Biomedical Convention 0208 10th Anniversary Celebrations Message from the Local Organizing Committee (LOC)

research have also seen tremendous growth due to the ability of the few scientists in these areas to inspire and mentor young talented students to remain in the biomedical sciences despite it not being as financially rewarding as other professions.

This year we want to lay emphasis on the role scientific research and development can play in the socioeconomic and technological advancement of Ghana and West Africa as a whole. It is our hope that we will all recognize the urgent need to scale up and conduct innovative cutting edge research, which can It is with great pleasure that I translate into policy for national development. welcome you all to this year's Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all our G h a n a B i o m e d i c a l distinguished guests for making the time to be with Convention (GBC) Annual us today and throughout the entire conference. Your Conference here at the support and encouragement is very much Noguchi Memorial Institute appreciated. Thank you very much for supporting for Medical Research, our efforts at building this common platform for the University of Ghana. This year dissemination of key scientific data that is urgently also marks 10 years since the inception of GBC and needed for national transformation. therefore is the 10th anniversary celebration GBC. This year's To all 2017 GBC presenters and participants, you are meeting has therefore been very welcome to this year's conference and it is our appropriately themed “A new hope that you will all leave this conference with era of biomedical research and refined ideas and new collaborations that will further development in West Africa”. Biomedical research in Ghana enhance our collective output and impact as research and West Africa as a whole has scientists. witnessed tangible advances over the last few years. This we To participants who are joining us for the first time, believe has been driven in large part by the passion and we warmly welcome you and look forward to seeing perseverance of W. African you at future meetings. We wish you all a very scientists and researchers both at fruitful time of deliberation and exchange at this home and abroad who strive to overcome financial and other year's meeting. challenges that impede the smooth conduct of cutting edge On Behalf of the Local Organizing Committee research in Ghana and beyond. Message from the Scientific Committee Many areas of biomedical

Ghana Biomedical Convention 09 10th Anniversary Celebrations Message from the Scientific Committee

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you once again to our annual Biomedical Convention. Would you believe that it has been 10 years since the first meeting at the Institute of Local Government? From very humble beginnings, we have overcome all obstacles to be this robust organization promoting science and mentoring young scientists in the sub-region. As part of this year's program, we wish to express our sincere gratitude and to our founding fathers and mothers. From an international conference in Europe where the idea was mooted, to the assembly of both the Diaspora and the Ghana teams, the organization of the inaugural and subsequent meetings, we can say we've successfully come a long way. Therefore, unlike progression of the meeting. previous meetings, after the opening ceremony, in Poster presenters can mount place of the first keynote, we will have a 10 year posters on the first day and anniversary ceremony, where selected founding keep them up till the last day of members will give an interesting presentation of the the convention. Participants beginnings and how far we have progressed. Not with even numbers should be trying to take the shine, I leave this aspect to the by their posters during the presenters. poser session and interaction on Wednesday and odd This year is really the 10th anniversary and we had numbers will be on Thursday over a 110 submitted abstracts which is a record. Five during and after lunch. I also abstracts were however rejected for lack of clarity and entreat participants to interact mainly for being below the standard of the meeting. during the breaks and Abstracts were from the African sub region, Europe socialization times to establish and the Americas. They covered a variety of areas collaboration, mentorship and from Biomedical Engineering, Public Health, exchange of ideas scientific or Disability and Clinical Research, Nutrition and Food otherwise. It is my fervent Safety, Plant Medicine and Toxicology, Genomics, hope that this year's meeting Molecular Biology and Biochemistry amongst will be one of the best as we others. I take this moment to thank all members of the expect a large gathering. Scientific Committee who graciously reviewed and Welcome to Accra, welcome scored all abstracts submitted. It will not have been to Noguchi and welcome to possible without your dedication and commitment. GBC 2017. Together let's march on in the name of Due to the number of abstracts and oral presentations science and thank you all for requested, we have increased the number of talks to making this possible. 40 presentations reduced the time slot from 15 to 12 minutes. We are hoping oral presenters will stick On Behalf of the Scientific strictly to the time allocation to enable the successful Committee.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 10 10th Anniversary Celebrations Keynote Speaker – Professor Kim Williamson

Dr. Kim C. Williamson recently joined the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Faculty as a Professor in the Microbiology and Immunology Department. Her primary research interests are malaria immunity and transmission. Specific projects include developing malaria drugs and vaccines as well as studying the basic biology of parasite differentiation in vitro and in vivo in Ghana.

Dr. Williamson's undergraduate degree was in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY and after graduation she worked as a licensed physical therapist for 2 years before further development in the starting graduate school in the Physiology mosquito midgut using Department at Boston University. Her PhD targeted gene disruption. At project demonstrated the association of a GTP- Loyola her laboratory has binding protein with the major chemoattractant continued to be a leader in the receptor on neutrophils (fMLP-receptor). She use of forward and reverse continued her work on the basic biology of genetics to investigate P. GTP-binding proteins as a post-doctoral fellow falciparum transmission, as in the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute well as gametocytocidal drug at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). After development. hearing a seminar by Dr. Louis Miller on malaria she decided to apply her expertise in Recently, a high throughput protein biochemistry to malaria vaccine gametocyte viability assay development and transferred to the Laboratory developed by her laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of was used to screen a large Allergy and Infectious Diseases where she was library of small molecules and the first to clone and express P. falciparum identified several compounds transmission-blocking antigen, Pfs230. She w i t h n a n o m o l a r then identified a region of Pfs230, that induced gametocytocidal activity. transmission-blocking antibodies and after The lead compounds were joining the faculty at Loyola University a l s o f o u n d t o b l o c k Chicago confirmed Pfs230 was required for transmission in the rodent P.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 11 10th Anniversary Celebrations berghei malaria model and are currently being developed as drug candidates in collaboration with chemists at the National Center for Advancing Translational Science.

Her laboratory was also the first to discover a gene required for gametocyte production, Pfgdv1, and the set of genes up regulated in early gametocytes using whole genomic microarray analysis. Dr. Williamson is currently collaborating with Dr. Amoah at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research to extend this finding into the field to identify markers of early gametocyte production before they have matured into infectious stage V gametocytes. Their work will also allow the analysis of host and parasite factors that may contribute to gametocyte production.

Dr. Williamson is also active in the scientific community, serving on the editorial board of Parasitology Research and as member of the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Program Committee, the malERA Refresh Panel, and a National Institutes of Health Study Section.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 12 10th Anniversary Celebrations Keynote Speaker - Professor Michael David Wilson

reviewed the evidence, identified gaps in knowledge and opportunities, and top-level research priorities that if adopted could significantly impact on global health.

Professor Wilson is a Senior Research Advisor for the Lymphatic Support Centre for Africa which is based at Noguchi Institute, a position he has held since 2007. His previous positions included; Deputy Director, West Africa Centre for International Parasite Control from 2005- 2009; Project Coordinator, Japan's Global Professor Michael D. Wilson Parasite Control in West Africa from 1999- is a full Professor of 2004, Head of the Department of Parasitology at the Noguchi Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute Memorial Institute for for Medical Research from 1998-2004; Medical Research, University Research Associate, Department of of Ghana. He was the Deputy Entomology, Wageningen Agricultural Director of the Institute from University, The Netherlands from 1993- 2004-2009. In 2009 to 2011 1994; and Consultant Entomologist, and in the position of a WHO/Onchocerciasis Control Programme, scientist at the WHO Special in West Africa (OCP), Ouagadougou, Programme for Research and Burkina Faso from 1983-1988. Training in Tropical Diseases He graduated from University of Ghana in ( T D R ) i n G e n e v a , 1975 with BSc (Hons) degree in Switzerland, he was involved Entomology, an MSc in Medical in setting up the 10 Diseases Parasitology from the London School of Reference Groups (DRGs) of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 1979, e x p e r t s i n M a l a r i a , and PhD in Biological Sciences from helminthiasis, Dengue and University of Salford, UK in 1994. haemorrhagic fevers of importance, Leishmaniasis He was the project leader of an international among others. The DRGs consortium of scientists who established

Ghana Biomedical Convention 13 10th Anniversary Celebrations that eliminating onchocerciasis through the eradication of the blackfly Simulium damnosum from the island of Bioko (formerly Fernando Po), Equatorial Guinea was feasible. The resulting operational strategy implemented by the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control from 2003 to 2005, was successful and since then the island of Bioko has been certified free of blackflies. He has held several research grants including Climate Change and Impact on Onchocerciasis in the Black Volta River Basin, funded by DFID/IDRC, and Epidemiology and Molecular Mechanisms of Anthelminthic Treatment Failure in Kintampo North Municipality, Ghana funded by National Institutes of Health, USA. His recent initiative titled the Noguchi Institute Initiative for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Elimination (NIINE), has received funding from NIH, USA.

He has served on several international committees including the Advisory Committee, Mebendazole Donation Initiative - a global initiative by Johnson and Johnson Inc., USA in its formative years, as a soil-transmitted helminthiasis control expert (2005-2009), a Member of TDR Scientific Working Group on Onchocerciasis, WHO/TDR Scientific Working Group on Insect Vectors and Human Health and presently a member of Ghana Onchocerciasis Expert Committee.

Professor Wilson has over 120 publications in peer-reviewed journals and has mentored and supervised over 50 graduate students and researchers during his 22 years tenure at the Noguchi Institute.

He is passionate about developing the careers of biomedical scientists in the African environment and thinking out of the box regarding infectious disease control strategies, in which regard he was instrumental in the setting up of the postdoctoral fellowship programme at the Noguchi Institute funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 14 10th Anniversary Celebrations Meeting Schedule

DAY 1 - Wednesday 26th July 2017

6.30 – Registration and poster setup

9:00 – 9.30 am OPENING SESSION Chairs: Elvis Tiburu and Winfried Amoaku

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Dr. Linda E. Amoah (5 minutes) LOC Chair

Dr. Elvis K. Tiburu (5 minutes) President, Ghana Biomedical Convention

Professor Kwadwo A. Koram (5 minutes) Director, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research

Representative of the Pro-Vice Chancellor Research, Innovation and Development University of Ghana

Rev. Prof. Patrick F. Ayeh-Kumi (5 minutes) Provost, College of Health Sciences

Professor Daniel K. Asiedu (5 minutes) Provost, College of Basic and Applied Sciences

10th Anniversary Presentations and Awards Ceremony

9.30 – 10.30am George Acquaah-Mensah Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Worcester, USA Elsie Effah Kaufmann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Ghana Solomon Ofori-Acquah School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences University of Ghana

Ghana Biomedical Convention 15 10th Anniversary Celebrations 10.30 – 11.30am Break

11.30 – 1.40pm Short Talks I & II - Genomics and Molecular Biology Chairs: Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi & Patrick Amoateng

11.30 – 11.45am Georgina Djameh Parasitology Department, NMIMR, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana Molecular diagnosis and genotype analysis of Cryptosporidium sp., Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba sp. in diarrhoeal stool from children aged less than 12 years in Ghana [3]

11.45 – 12.00pm George Acquaah-Mensah Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Breast Tumor Biology Differences between Black Africans and Caucasians: Molecular Subtype and Gene Expression Regulation [4]

12.00 – 12.15pm Pheonah Badu West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra Autopsy characterization of lung microbiome of HIV- positive patients in a tertiary referral hospital in Ghana [5]

12.15 – 12.30pm Selassie L. Ameke West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra Genotypic Diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from Southern Volta, Ghana[6]

12.30 – 12.40pm Chairs: Mohamed Mutocheluh & Stephen Osei-Wusu

12.40 – 12.55pm Prince Asare Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, High recent transmission rate found among Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains circulating in an urban setting in Ghana [7]

Ghana Biomedical Convention 16 10th Anniversary Celebrations 12.55 – 1.10pm Priscilla Akyaw West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra Determining the Prevalence and Association of G6PD Deficiency with Chronic Kidney Disease [8]

1.10 – 1.25pm Musah Osei West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra Acquisition of dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) mutations, K540E and A581G, drive copy number variations of GTP Cyclohydrolase 1 (gch1) gene in Ghanaian Plasmodium falciparum field isolates [9]

1.25 – 1.40pm Patrick Adu College of Health and Allied Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana Imiquimod, A TLR7 Ligand, Induces CCR2-Mediated Egress Of Haematopoietic Progenitor Cells From The Bone Marrow In C57BL/6 Mice [10]

1.40 – 2.30pm Lunch

2.00 – 4.00pm Poster Viewing and Discussion (Even Numbers) 4.00 – 4.30pm Vendor Talk Chair: Anthony Afum-Adjei Awuah Christian Adabor Inqaba Biotec, Africa's Genomics Company

4.30 – 5.30pm Short Talks III – Bioinformatics and Biomedical Engineering Chairs: Samuel Kwoufie & Nashirudeen Abdul Mumuni

4.30 – 4.45pm Courage Adobor Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana Computational Prediction of Novel Therapeutic Entities against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis [11]

Ghana Biomedical Convention 17 10th Anniversary Celebrations 4.45 – 5.00pm Emmanuel Diabor Deparment of Biomedical Engineering, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana Mechanical characterization of different varieties of isolated single and “thick-core” cassava fibres for possible biomedical engineering application. [12]

5.00 – 5.15pm Emmanuel Broni Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana Computational Drug Design: Identifying Potential Drugs for Onchocerciasis via Wolbachia Surface Protein [13]

5.15 – 5.30pm Aygapong Odame Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra Proteochemometric Modeling Method for Predicting Bioactivity Relations between Hookworm Related Receptors and Ligands [14]

DAY 2 - Thursday 27th July 2017 7.30 – Registration

8.50 – 9.00am Announcements

KEYNOTE ADDRESS Chair: Dr. Elsie Effah Kaufmann

9.00 – 10.00am Kim Williamson Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Malaria no more? [1]

10.00 – 11.00am Break

Ghana Biomedical Convention 18 10th Anniversary Celebrations 11.00 – 1.10am Short talks IV & V - Biochemistry, Chemistry & Toxicology Chairs: Nana Baah Pepra-Ameyaw & Akwasi Ayanful

11.00 – 11.15am Ama Larbi Graduate Program in Immunology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts Production of IgG autoantibody requires expression of activation-induced deaminase in early- developing B cells in a mouse model of SLE [15]

11.15 – 11.30am Mawuli Agbale Department of Biochemistry, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana Modulating Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of Alpha Helical Antimicrobial Peptides against Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae [16]

11.30 – 11.45am Rebecca Yeboah Dept. of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, U niversity of Ghana, The Influence of Archeological Clay Material on Cell Viability [17]

11.45 – 12.00pm Cosmos Ogbu College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria Comparative Response of Randombred and Inbred Wister Albino Rats to the Ulcerogenic Effect of Indomethacin [18]

12.00 – 12.10pm Break Chairs: Kofi Baffuor-Awuah Owusu & Chidiebere Uchendu

12.10 – 12.25pm Phyllis Owusu Adjei Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana Celecoxib prevents hyperlipidemia and impairment of liver function associated with heated coconut oil consumption in Sprague-Dawley rats [19]

Ghana Biomedical Convention 19 10th Anniversary Celebrations 12.25 – 12.40pm AY Adenkola Global Development Lab, USAID, Washington, DC USA Assessment of Some Oxidative Stress Parameters in Arsenic-Induced Poisoning and the Ameliorative Effect of Chromolaena Odorata In Wistar Rats [20]

12.40 – 12.55pm Diana Asandem Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) Efficiency of Omnigene Sputum (OMS) as a transport and decontamination reagent [21]

12.55 – 1.10pm Felix Ansah Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana Prevalence of chloroquine and antifolate drug resistance point mutations in Plasmodium falciparum field isolates from four areas in Ghana [22]

1.10– 2.10pm Lunch

1.40 – 3.40pm Poster Viewing and Discussion (Odd Numbers)

3.40 – 4.10pm Vendor Talk

Chair: Linda Amoah, DCL Laboratory Products Ltd Ernest Antwi Boasiako 4.10 – 6.20pm Short Talks VI & VII – Plant Medicine Chairs: Elvis Tiburu & Cosmos Ogbu

4.10 – 4.25pm Joseph Sampson Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, KNUST, Kumasi Hepatoprotective Evaluation of Hydroethanolic Extract of Acalypha Inferno [23]

Ghana Biomedical Convention 20 10th Anniversary Celebrations 4.25 – 4.40pm Patrick Amoateng Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Anticonvulsant Activity of Synedrella Nodiflora in Experimental Models of Epileps [24]

4.40 – 4.55pm Jasmine Dowuona Dept. of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, KNUST, Kumasi Phytochemical Constituents, Antioxidants and Total Phenolic Profile of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Stem and Leaves of Acalypha Inferno [25]

4.55 – 5.10pm Sylvenus Aguree Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi Assessing the Antimicrobial Activities of the Stem Bark of Heisteria Parvifolia [26]

5.10 – 5.20pm Chairs: Mohammed Mutocheluh & Martins Ekor

5.20 – 5.35pm Georgina Djameh Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana-Legon, Accra, Ghana Mechanistic Studies of Three Novel Tetracyclic Iridoids Isolates of Morinda Lucinda Benth on Trypanosome Flagella Attachment Zone Proteins [27]

5.35 – 5.50pm Owusu KBA Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 581, Legon, Ghana Anti-microbial activities of selected Ghanaian medicinal plants and four structurally similar anti- protozoan compounds isolated from Morinda lucida and Alnus japonica against susceptible and multi- drug resistant bacteria [28] 5.50 – 6.05pm Mabel Tettey Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra

Ghana Biomedical Convention 21 10th Anniversary Celebrations Drug Discovery for Schistosomiasis: In-vitro Investigations into Cercaricidal Activity of Ghanaian Medicinal Crude Plant Extracts [29]

6.05 – 6.20pm Daniel Boamah Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong. Post Office Box 73, Mampong, Akuapem

Drug discovery: In vitro evaluation of extracts from medicinal plant Balanites aegyptiaca (Linn) Del for anti-Schistosoma cercarial properties [30]

6.30pm Social Event

DAY 3 - Friday 28th July 2017

7.30 – Registration

8.50 – 9.00am Announcements

KEYNOTE ADDRESS Chair: Winfried Amoaku

9.00 – 10.00am Michael Wilson Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research Health is Wealth: The 'Raison d'Etre' to Control Diseases of Poverty in sub-Saharan Africa [2]

10.00 – 11.00am Break

11.00 – 1.10pm Short talks VIII & IX – Clinical Research & Public Health Chairs: Patrick Amoateng and Vera Essuman

11.00 – 11.15am Abdulkadir Magashi Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria. Human Papillomavirus 16/18 Infection among Women attending Specialist Hospitals in Kano, Nigeria [31]

Ghana Biomedical Convention 22 10th Anniversary Celebrations 11.15 – 11.30am Akwasi Anyanful Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana Descriptive Epidemiology of breast cancer distribution patterns in Ghana for enhancing early detection and treatment [32] 11.30 – 11.45am Winfried Amoaku Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK Improving vision in patients with irreversible central vision loss through eccentric retinal neuro-cellular synopsis activation with oculomotor exercises. [33] 11.45 – 12.00pm Faustus Azerigyik Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra Ssu rRNA Gene-Based Polymerase Chain Reaction Detection of Entamoeba Histolytica and Entamoeba Moshkovskii from Diarrhoeal Stools sampled from Children in Ghana [34]

12.00 – 12.10pm Chairs: Victor Nuvor and Peter Ehizibolo

12.10 – 12.25pm Samuel Victor Nuvor Department of Microbiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana Higher Sensitivity but Less Specificity of Elispot in Determining NK Cells Interferon Gamma Secretion in HIV Infected Patients in The Gambia [35]

12.25 – 12.40pm Vera Essuman Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu An investigation of Ocular Complications in Ghanaians with kidney diseases associated with Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Sickle Cell Disease, HIV and other causes -preliminary results [36]

Ghana Biomedical Convention 23 10th Anniversary Celebrations 12.40 – 12.55pm Peter Ehizibolo Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria Enhanced Treatment of Trypanosoma congolense Infection in Wistar Rats using Quinapyramine Sulphate and Aluminium Phosphate [37] 12.55 – 1.10pm Sandra Baffuor-Awuah Dept. of Theoretical and Applied Biology, KNUST, Kumasi; 2Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, KNUST, Kumasi Malaria vector resistance profiling in Kumasi, Ghana [38] 1.10– 2.10pm Lunch

Short talks X – Dsability & Public Health Chairs: Joslin Dogbe & Isaac Owusu

2.10 – 2.25pm Sascha Beutler Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA The World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist – Patient outcome, challenges and lessons [39]

2.25 – 2.40pm K. Kankam Sarpomaa Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Screening and Early Detection of Hearing Impairment among Children in Kumasi Metropolis: A Focus on Services and Associated Challenges [40]

2.40 – 2.55pm Alberta Nadutey Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 24 10th Anniversary Celebrations Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices among Disabled Adolescents: The Role of Caregivers in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area [41]

2.55 – 3.10pm Natasha Annan Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana Perceptions of Men in the Accra Metropolis on Selecting Disabled Women as Marriage Partners [42]

3.10 –4.30pm Business Meeting

4.30 CLOSING CEREMONY AND FAREWELL Outgoing and Incoming Presidents

Official End of Conference Board Meeting

Ghana Biomedical Convention 25 10th Anniversary Celebrations [#1] Malaria No More?

Kim Williamson

Over the last ten years malaria control efforts have successfully reduced malaria mortality more than 50% in Ghana; from 20/100,000 people in 2007 to <8/100,000 in 2015. This rapid decline is impressive and leads to optimism for elimination campaigns, but the game is not over. In fact, despite improved mortality the number of malaria cases in Ghana has actually increased in the past 5 years, from < 50/1,000 in 2011 to > 150/1,000 in 2015. This increase in cases makes the lower death rate in 2015 more significant, but also provides a warning that the parasite is alive and well and cannot be forgotten. New, more effective strategies are still needed to control both disease and transmission, as well as the large silent reservoir provided by asymptomatic infections. In collaboration with Dr. Amoah at Noguchi, our recent data from Cape Coast demonstrate that the majority of malaria patients have both circulating ring-stage parasites that are committed to gametocyte production and mature stage V gametocytes, which if unchecked would allow continuous malaria transmission for weeks. We are currently investigating the factors associated with high gametocyte production to define markers of infectivity before the development of mature gametocytes. To more directly facilitate transmission-blocking drug development, we developed several easy assays to assess gametocyte viability using any lab or field isolate and did a high-throughput screen for gametocytocidal molecules. I will discuss our work optimizing the hits to identify drug targets as well as enhance efficacy and safety in collaboration with chemists at the National Institutes of Health. Although drugs are useful tools, ultimately an effective vaccine is needed for sustainable eradication efforts and we are also continuing our work evaluating the human/parasite interaction to identify new vaccine candidates. Studies include profiling transmission- blocking antibodies and antigens using flow cytometry and protein microarrays. The next important step is to translate our findings to practical approaches to actually eliminate malaria.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 26 10th Anniversary Celebrations [#2] Health is Wealth: The 'Raison d'Etre' to Control Diseases of Poverty in sub-Saharan Africa

Michael David Wilson

Several countries in sub-Saharan Africa gained independence more than five decades ago and despite several efforts involving huge investments, are still classified as developing countries. The history of the developed world has many health intervention programmes that have dramatically changed the socio- economic well-being of their people but a few in the recent history of Africa. The argument has been made for a paradigm shift in development policies that prioritizes health. The basic tenets includes sound science education, enhanced biomedical research and focussed health interventions that have cascading effects to speed up development. These principles are emphasized by the sound education provided by Professor Dennis William Ewer (Head of Zoology Department, UG, 1963-1973) that 'armed' the author to contribute to successful developmental programmes in Africa, including the research that led to the acceptable use of ivermectin for human onchocerciasis control, and the elimination of onchocerciasis through the eradication of Simulium damnosum vectors from the island of Bioko, Equatorial Guinea. Current research aimed at elucidating the transmission and pathogenesis of BU and the search for new drugs for STH control will also be presented. To conclude, there is evidence that the returns of investments in biomedical research are good, and that sound science education, research training, collaboration and networking, and health interventions strategies that are drawn from the experiences of the developed world should form the basis for achieving accelerated socio-economic development of sub-Saharan African countries.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 27 10th Anniversary Celebrations #3 Molecular diagnosis and genotype analysis of Cryptosporidium sp., Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba sp. in diarrhoeal stool from children aged less than 12 years in Ghana

G. I. Djameh1, I. Ayi1, S. K. Botchie1, A. A. Faustus1, E. K. Dumashie1, M. Ohashi1.2 and N. Ohta2 1Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon. 2Section of Environmental Parasitology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo- ku, Tokyo- Japan. Email: [email protected]

Diarrhoeal diseases are common among children in developing countries including Ghana. These are caused by several etiological agents including viruses, bacteria and parasites. Parasites that are mostly implicated include Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba spp. In Ghana, research into diarrhoeal diseases in children has focused on viral isolation. This study aimed at detecting and genotyping Cryptosporidium sp., G. lamblia and Entamoeba sp. from diarrhoeal stool samples from children < 12 years old. Genomic DNA was extracted from 249 stool samples and subjected to PCR amplification. PCR-RFLP of the 18S rRNA gene was employed for the sub- typing of Cryptosporidium isolates. Giardia lamblia-positives were characterized by multilocus genotyping of SSU rDNA, gdh and tpi genes of the parasite. Detection and differential diagnosis of Entamoeba species was done by nested PCR. The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection among study participants was 66.67%. Overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp., G. lamblia and Entamoeba sp. were 30.9%, 13.25% and 22.58% respectively. Genotyping of Cryptosporidium sp. revealed 36/77 as C. hominis, 25/77 as C. parvum, C. andersoni (2/77), C. meleagridis (1/77) and C. baileyi (1/77). For G. lamblia, 10 out of 13 were identified as assemblage BIII whilst one each was identified as assemblages AII and BIV respectively. Entamoeba isolates were 36/249 E. histolytica and 25/249 E. moshkovskii 5 of which were E. histolytica/E. moshkovskii mixed infections. This is the first report of C. andersoni, C. meleagridis, C. baileyi, E. moshkovskii, G. lamblia assemblage AII, BIII and BIV in humans in Ghana. Our results suggest that cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis and amoebiasis represent a significant burden in Ghana and of public concern that need urgent attention.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 28 10th Anniversary Celebrations Genomics and Molecular Biology

Ghana Biomedical Convention 29 10th Anniversary Celebrations #4 Breast Tumor Biology Differences between Black Africans and Caucasians: Molecular Subtype and Gene Expression Regulation

George K. Acquaah-Mensah,

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Email: [email protected]

Black African breast cancer patients tend to have more aggressive tumor biology compared to Caucasians. The molecular underpinnings of this widely reported phenomenon have not been clearly defined. In this study, gene expression profiles of patients derived from the two racial groupings were examined for their molecular sub-type compositions and gene expression regulation. Out of breast invasive carcinoma samples, RNASeq version 2 as well as miRSeq data derived from 181 Caucasian (not Hispanic or Latino) and 87 Black/African-American (not Hispanic or Latino) patients were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA). They were subsequently processed using the TGCA Assembler. Our analyses, using the PAM50 algorithm, confirmed that Blacks are more likely than Whites to have the more aggressive basal-like molecular subtype of breast cancer. Several key microRNAs, known for their involvement in the regulation of the expression of key genes in tumorigenesis were expressed differently between the two groups. As an example, the tumor suppressing microRNA hsa-let-7a, which targets the proto- oncogene c-MYC in renal cell carcinoma cell lines has suppressed expression in breast cancer samples from Blacks. In addition, a Transcriptional Regulatory Network (TRN) was learned from the gene expression data using the Algorithm for the Reconstruction of Accurate Cellular Networks. Further, the Virtual Inference of Protein-activity by Enriched Regulon analysis algorithm was used to identify master regulators driving the differences in the gene expression profiles between the two groups. Results of Gene Set Enrichment Analyses showed several Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor- (AHR-) containing sets, such as one associated with hormone therapy resistance, enriched in Caucasians. Gene expression of oxidative stress response regulator NFE2L2 [Nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like 2], which codes for NRF2, and associated gene sets were notably suppressed among Blacks. A cell immortalization signature was enriched in breast cancer samples obtained from Blacks. Thus, diminished response to oxidative stress in Blacks may be essential to clarifying the more aggressive molecular tumor phenotype reported.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 30 10th Anniversary Celebrations #5 Autopsy characterization of lung microbiome of HIV-positive patients in a tertiary referral hospital in Ghana

Pheonah Badu 1,2, Solomon Edward Quayson3, Stephen Osei-Wusu2, Moses Lorenzo Akyeh2, Isaac Darko Otchere2, Samuel Yaw Aboagye 2, Afua Darkwah Abrahams3 and Dorothy Yeboah-Manu2 1 2 West Africa Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research 3 (NMIMR), University of Ghana. Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences (SBAHS), University of Ghana Pulmonary infections are the underlying cause of high morbidity and mortality amongst HIV infected persons. Notwithstanding, there is limited data on pulmonary co-infecting pathogens and their susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics. Thus, we sought to characterize the lung microbiome of post- mortem biopsy samples of HIV/AIDS patients in Ghana. We examined 102 lung biopsies from HIV/AIDS decedents from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana for mycobacteria, other bacteria, fungi and viruses. The techniques utilized included; culture, Gram/ZN staining, MALDI-TOF Mass spectrometry and PCR. The drug susceptibility pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) isolates and other bacteria were subsequently determined using Genotype MTBDRplus and disc diffusion assays respectively. We retrieved clinical data for 86 cases: 42(48.8%) males and 42(48.8%) females with their mean ages of 40.4(±10.6) and 37.1(±11.5) respectively. HIV type was defined in 39(45.3%) cases and co-infections with TB, pneumonia, oesophageal candidiasis and/or cryptococcal disease occurred in 12(14.3%) cases. From the mycobacterial cultures, 25 MTBC, 5 M. abscessus and 1 Nocardia farcinica were identified. Drug susceptibility testing of the MTBC isolates showed 1 isoniazid and 3 rifampicin mono-resistance. Other bacteria isolated were 217(83.8%) with Enterococcus species(61), Staphylococcus species(35), Escherichia coli(28) and Klebsiella pneumoniae(23) predominating. Of the 217, 75 Gram-negatives and 117 Gram-positives were profiled for drug sensitivity. Gram-negative isolates were most susceptible to cefoxitin and gentamicin(45.3% each) but highly resistant to cefuroxime sodium(84.0%). The Gram-positives were fairly susceptibility to levofloxacin(58.0%) but highly resistant to oxacillin(81.2%). Nine cultivable fungi; Candida species(6), Cryptococcus neoformans(1), Pichia occidentalis(1) and Yarrowia lipolytica(1) were identified whereas PCR detected 10 Pneumocystis jiroveci. Viruses detected in the samples included Cytomegalovirus(59), Parainfluenza-2(1) and enterovirus(1).We showed that Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Mycobacteria species, K. pneumoniae, Pneumocystis jiroveci and Cytomegalovirus are the most common co-infecting lung pathogens in HIV/AIDS patients with Gram- negative bacteria exhibiting the highest antibiotic resistanc

Ghana Biomedical Convention 31 10th Anniversary Celebrations #6 Genotypic Diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from Southern Volta, Ghana

Selassie L. Ameke 1, 2, Adwoa Asante-Poku1, 2, Prince Asare1,2 ,Stephen Osei- Wusu2 , Doris A. Boampong2 ,Portia A. Morgan2, Isaac Darko Otchere2, Dorothy Yeboah-Manu2

1West Africa Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, 2Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana.

Due to their phylogeographical nature, data on strain diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) isolates in a given locality is important for inclusion of dominant strain in development of control tools. We therefore determined the phylogenetic population structure of MTBC isolates from the southern part of Volta region, which has never been done. Sputum samples were cultured and the obtained mycobacterial isolates confirmed as MTBC by PCR amplification of IS6110. The MTBCs were then genotyped by spoligotyping and their drug susceptibility profiles determined based on line probe assay using GenoTypeMTBDRplus. Associations between the different phylogenetic lineages of MTBC, demographic and epidemiological factors were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Out of the 103 MTBC isolates analyzed, 73(70.87 %), 16(15.53 %), 7(6.79%), 3(2.91%), 1(0.97 %) and 1(0.97) were Lineage 4, Lineage 5, Lineage 6, Lineage 2, Lineage 3 and Lineage 1 respectively with 2(1.94%) unidentified. Among the Lineage 4 isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis sensu stricto (MTBss), 49(47.57 %) belonged to Cameroon sub-lineage. The remaining 24 Lineage 4 isolates were subdivided into 6 sub-lineages as follows: Ghana (N=18, 17.48 %), Haarlem (N=2, 1.94%), Uganda I (N=1, 0.97%), EAI (N=1, 0.97%), LAM (N=1, 0.97%), X (N=1, 0.97%) and Unidentified (N=2, 1.94%). Allowing for other demographic and epidemiological variables, we found significant geospatial localization of Mycobacterium africanum (Maf) within the Ho municipality compared to Ketu-South/Aflao (p-value= 0.0356, CI=0.0144 - 0.4136). The proportion of Maf (31.7%) identified from the Ho municipality was found to be higher, suggestive of Maf localization. The (OR=2.24, CI=0.11-44.91), suggests higher risk of multi drug resistance infection for MTBss than Maf. This study confirms the importance of M. africanum lineages in Ghana and should be considered in the development of new diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 32 10th Anniversary Celebrations #7 High recent transmission rate found among Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains circulating in an urban setting in Ghana

P. Asare1,2,3, A. Asante-Poku1, D. A. Prah1, I. D. Otchere1, S. Osei-Wusu1, S. Borrell4, A. Forson5, G. Adjapong6, K. A. Koram1, S. Gagneux4 and D. Yeboah- Manu1,2

1Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, 2West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, 3Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, 4Department of Chest Diseases, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Korle-bu, Accra, Ghana, 5Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, 6Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong E-mail: [email protected]

Knowledge of the transmission pattern of the different circulating Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) strains needed for an effective tuberculosis (TB) control in Ghana has not been critically assessed. This study therefore sought to conduct a population-based molecular epidemiological study in East Mamprusi district (Rural) and Accra Metro (Urban) to assess recent TB transmission patterns. Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates obtained from clinically diagnosed pulmonary TB patients within the period August, 2012 to December, 2015, were confirmed as members of the MTBC using PCR targeting the insertion sequence IS6110 and/or spoligotyping. Isolates were further subjected to the standard 15-loci mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit - variable number of tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) typing for clustered isolates. Molecular clustering analysis was performed with the aid of the miru- vntrplus online tool and bionumerics software after which we run logistic regression models to identify possible factors associated with recent TB transmission. We included 2,309 TB isolates for clustering analysis and identified 1,082 (46·9%) singletons identified with each of the remaining 1,227 (53·1%) isolates belonging to one of 276 clustered cases (clustering range; 2 – 35). A greater number of cases (2,108; 91·3%) were from the urban setting as compared to the rural setting (201; 8·7%). The overall recent transmission rate across the country was estimated to be 41·2%. Compared to the rural setting, we found a significantly higher recent TB transmission occurring in the urban setting (Urban: 42% vs. Rural: 10% clustering, p-value < 0·001). From this study, we also identified that each year increase in age is significantly associated with an approximately 1% (CI: 0·13 – 2·00, p=0·007) decrease in the odds of a TB patient being part of a recent transmission event. Our findings indicate possible unsuspected TB outbreaks and recommends intensifying awareness.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 33 10th Anniversary Celebrations #8 Determining the Prevalence and Association of G6PD Deficiency with Chronic Kidney Disease

Akyaw A. Priscilla *1, 2, 3, Kubi Ernestine 1,2,3c, Mensah Barbara 2,3c , Agyemang Karikari N.Y 2,3c, Awandare Gordon 1 , Ghansah Anita 1,2.3, Dwomoah Adu 2,3c

1West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana Legon. 2Noguchi Memorial institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana, Legon. 3H3Africa Kidney Disease Research Network. Email: [email protected] Variants in the human Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) and the Human non-Muscle Myosin (MYH9) genes are associated with the risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in people of West African decent, but not all individuals with the mutations develop CKD in their lifetime. We sought to determine the prevalence of G6PD variant A- in CKD patients of unknown etiology and also determine whether G6PD variant A- could be a risk factor or interact with APOL1 and MYH9 gene variants in increasing the risk of developing CKD in the West African region. Two hundred blood samples from CKD patients of unknown etiology from Ghana and Nigeria were genotyped using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) following PCR amplification of the region of the G6PD gene that carries these mutations. A total of 183 samples were genotyped for G6PD variants 202 and 376. Out of this, 94 were deficient for variant 202 (69 homozygous and 25 heterozygous) representing 46.6% of the population analyzed, whilst 67 were deficient for 376 (19 homozygous and 48 heterozygous) representing 45.6%. It was also observed that 25% of the samples were heterozygous for both of the SNPs which indicates that a significant number of patients with CKD of unknown etiology may have developed the disease as a result of chronic renal failure. Using the logistic regression model adjusting for age and sex, it was observed that homozygous deficient individuals are almost 5 times (4.7535) more likely to develop CKD of unknown etiology as compared to the wild type population and was statistically significant (P< 3.93E-3). The odds of a heterozygous individual developing CKD of unknown etiology was found to be less than 1(0.8456) when compared to the wild type group. This indicates that having only one copy of the deficient allele seems to confer a protective effect on CKD unknown etiology, even though this was not statistically significant based on our sample size (p<0.5802). It also shows that G6PD variant A- could be a likely risk factor that contributes to the development of CKD of unknown etiology. Work is on-going to determine the association of G6PD variants A with CKD of unknown etiology and also to determine if G6PD variants interact with APOL1 and MYH9 variants in increasing the risk of CKD of unknown etiology. This study is the first of its kind to be conducted in an African population by Africans which supports the hypothesis that gene- environment and/or gene–gene interactions may initiate kidney disease in genetically susceptible individuals.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 34 10th Anniversary Celebrations #9 Acquisition of dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) mutations, K540E and A581G, drive copy number variations of GTP Cyclohydrolase 1 (gch1) gene in Ghanaian Plasmodium falciparum field isolates Musah Osei, Neils B. Quashie, Gordon A. Awandare & Nancy O. Quashie Email: [email protected]

As part of the malaria control measures in Ghana, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is used as an Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPTp) among pregnant women and now as a seasonal chemoprophylaxis (SMC) in children on pilot basis. However, resistance has been reported in the country and this is as a result of point mutations in the dhps and dhfr (dihydrofolate reductase) genes, the targets of the SP. There is also an evidence of amplification of GTP cyclohydrolase 1(gch1) gene which codes for the first enzyme in the parasite denovo folate pathway, amongst parasites which harbor the highest SP resistance point mutation (164L) in South East Asia. These point mutations make the parasites less fit, but the acquisition of multiple copies of the gch1 gene may compensate for this fitness cost. This study sought to determine the prevalence and effects of Pfgch1 copy number variations (CNV) on SP resistance amongst field isolates in Ghana. Two hundred and two blood samples collected from children aged 14 years and below with uncomplicated malaria presenting at health centres from Accra, Kintampo, Cape coast, and Navrongo were used in this study. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to estimate the copy numbers. The Pfdhps and Pfdhfr regions were PCR amplified and directly sequenced. Ninety three percent (92.6%) and 7.4% of the parasite isolates harbored single and double copies of the gch1 gene respectively. Duplication of gch1 gene was independent of the different study sites (P=0.696). Point mutations at dhfr59R (P=0.026), dhfr108N (P<0.001), dhfr108T (P<0.001) and dhps43G (P=0.02) were found to be associated with the study sites. However, there were no point mutations observed at codons 164L, 50R and 163T as reported elsewhere. For correlation between the mutations and gch1 CNV, only mutations at dhps540E (P=0.001), and dhps581G (P=0.002) were found to be significant. The findings from this study revealed that mutations at dhps540E and dhps581G strongly correlated with double gch1 gene, implying that gch1 may compensate for the fitness cost in parasites harboring these mutations. Continuous monitoring of gch1, dhfr & dhps genes and also further studies to discover component drugs that can inhibit the gch1 gene product are required

Ghana Biomedical Convention 35 10th Anniversary Celebrations #10 Imiquimod, A TLR7 Ligand, Induces CCR2-Mediated Egress Of Haematopoietic Progenitor Cells From The Bone Marrow In C57BL/6 Mice.

Patrick Adu1, Kamil Kranc2 , Gerard J. Graham3

1College of Health and Allied Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. 2Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburg. Edinburg, UK. 3Institute of Immunity, Infection & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK Email: [email protected], [email protected]

There is a high cellular turnover in the haematopoietic system necessitating that new cells are continuously produced to replace senescent ones. Haematopoietic stem cells are endowed with life-long self-renewal and differentiation capabilities to produce series of multipotent progenitors and mature haematopoietic cells to meet this demand. In adults, haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) generally occupy a unique microenvironment in the bone marrow called the niche. However, recent findings have shown that approximately 0.06% of HSPCs circulate between bone marrow and the periphery in steady state. These migrating HSPCs retain their stem and progenitor functions unless a change in peripheral environment is detected. There is mounting evidence that HSPCs express type I and II interferon receptors as well as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), implicating a direct HSPCs response to inflammation and infection. The capacity of HSPCs to directly respond to infection and inflammation is demonstrated in models of bacterial infection using LPS injection that significantly increases numbers of circulating HSPCs. However, the underlying mechanism is not clearly understood. Using phorbol ester (sterile inflammation) and imiquimod (TLR7 ligand) in skin inflammation models, we investigated the effects of peripheral inflammation on HSPC in C57BL/6 mice. We employed colony-forming assay, quantitative PCR on isolated progenitors, gene-knockout mice and flow cytometric analyses to assess the effects of these topical inflammation models on HSPC compartment in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. We provide evidence that topical inflammation models mobilized HSPC from the bone marrow to the periphery. Interestingly, the topical imiquimod inflammation model required functional chemokine receptor 2 (Ccr2) for HSPC mobilisation in contrast to systemic LPS or phorbol ester, which were Ccr2-independent. Furthermore, dermal inflammation was necessary for imiquimod-mediated HSPC mobilization, as subcutaneously administered imiquimod did not significantly mobilized HSPC. We propose that, in addition to the established CXCR4-CXCL12 axis that regulates HSPC trafficking in steady states, the inflammatory chemokine- chemokine receptor axes may also be crucial in modulating HSPC functions during infection and inflammation.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 36 10th Anniversary Celebrations Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Bioengineering

Ghana Biomedical Convention 37 10th Anniversary Celebrations #11 Computational Prediction of Novel Therapeutic Entities against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

C. Adobor1, E. Quansah1, J. Bentil1, M. Ampadu1, S. K. Kwofie1

1Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana Email: [email protected]

The current standard of medications used to treat tuberculosis has significant limitations since there is reduction in the efficacy of first line drugs and the closure of pH mediated outer membrane protein (OmpATb) has been implicated. OmpATb which is located on the cell envelop of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis reduces the uptake of hydrophilic drugs. This has prompted the search for new leads including natural products and other therapeutic agents for the development of more efficient anti–tubercular drugs. This project sought to identify new compounds originating from natural products and also to predict potential peptides for the design of novel therapeutic entities using OmpATb as a target receptor and putative antigen. Additionally, epitopes were predicted for the development of immunotherapeutic agents due to the virulence factor of the OmpATb receptor. A total of 6394 natural product compounds obtained from ZINC database with 831 originating from Africa were virtually screened against the target receptor. Epitope predictions were made based on specificity of peptide sequences for HLA binders for sub-Saharan Africa which accounted for 95% population coverage. Consequently, four potential lead compounds and two nanomer epitopes have been predicted. The computationally predicted anti–tubercular leads and potential immunotherapeutic agents could be validated in a pre-clinical trial

Ghana Biomedical Convention 38 10th Anniversary Celebrations #12 Mechanical characterization of different varieties of isolated single and “thick-core” cassava fibres for possible biomedical engineering application.

Emmanuel Diabor1,2, Dr. Elsie Effah Kaufmann1 and Prof. Paul Funkenbusch2

1Deparment of Biomedical Engineering, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana 2Mechanical Engineering Department, University of University of Rochester, NY, USA

The industrial extraction of cassava starch yields larger quantities of cassava bagasse which contains considerable amount of starch and cellulosic fibres. Cassava bagasse and its extracted cellulose fibres have seen frequent application mostly in the packaging industry as reinforcement material in composite development, however, the mechanical properties of the individual cassava cellulose single fibres have not been examined. The purpose of this study was to determine the tensile strength, stiffness and elongation to failure of individual single and thick-core cassava fibres from different botanical sources. Three different varieties of cassava (IITA-TMS - GAEC – 160004, IITA-TMS - GAEC – 160006, and Afisiafi) tagged in this study as ID4, ID6 and AF, respectively were used in this study. Non-treated single cassava fibres were tested according to ASTM C1557-14 under direct tension using MTS Alliance RT/50 equipped at strain rate of 1 mm/min. The cross-sectional area of the fractured regions of the fibres were determined using optical microscopy method. Results showed that tensile strength, Young's modulus and strain at break decreased in magnitude as the gauge length was increased. Results also showed that there was no significant difference between the mechanical performance of the single and thick-core fibres observed among the different cassava varieties. Overall, the different varieties of cassava fibre recorded similar mechanical properties with ID4 fibre presenting the highest average tensile strength of 7.19±4.26 MPa and highest elastic modulus of 365.433±222.29 MPa. These results show that cassava fibre has a considerable mechanical strength and stiffness that can be used as reinforcement biomaterial to improve the mechanical integrity of tissue engineering polymer scaffolds.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 39 10th Anniversary Celebrations #13 Computational Drug Design: Identifying Potential Drugs for Onchocerciasis via Wolbachia Surface Protein.

E. Broni1, D. Adoboe1, J. Nsoh1, F. U. Yunus1, S. K. Kwofie1

1Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana Email: [email protected]

Onchocerciasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus, which is transmitted through the bites of infected black fly of the genus Simulium. Onchocerca volvulus harbors Wolbachia, which causes onchocerciasis. Drugs in existence for treating onchocerciasis are designed only to target the microfilariae in skin so that the disease does not progress, leaving the adult filariae. There is therefore the need to discover new drugs for the treatment of the disease. Recently, Computer Aided Drug Design (CADD) strategies have been applied successfully in the drug development processes. Herein present comprehensive structure-based drug design strategies employed in the elucidation of potential novel Wolbachia inhibitors. Since the crystal structure of Wolbachia surface protein has not been solved, the aim of this work was to predict possible 3D structures and further identify possible natural product leads from Africa. The protein sequence was retrieved from UniProtKB and its structure was predicted by I-TASSER and also modelled using Easy Modeller 4.0. Twenty-one (21) and twenty-three (23) ligands from AfroDb, a database containing natural products originating from Africa, successfully docked into the generated models using Modeller and I-TASSER, respectively. Amongst the leads compounds identified, one belongs to the catechin family. The catechin family has been found recently to be potential drugs for onchocerca-related diseases. The predicted lead compounds and structures can augment existing efforts geared towards finding effective therapeutic interventions.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 40 10th Anniversary Celebrations Proteochemometric Modeling Method for Predicting Bioactivity Relations between Hookworm Related Receptors and Ligands

A. Odame1, S. K. Kwofie1 & M. D. Wilson2

1Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; 2Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 581, Legon, Ghana

Email: [email protected]

Even though, albendazole and mebendazole are used as therapeutic drugs for hookworm infections, there are concerns about drug resistance and low efficacy. This necessitates the need to develop robust and efficient hookworm specific computational tools to support existing efforts toward identification of novel drugs. Proteochemometric (PCM) modelling is a computational technique that can be employed to elucidate the bioactivity relations between hookworm related targets and multiple ligands. We have developed a PCM-based Support Vector Machine (SVM) approach for predicting the bioactivity relations between hookworm-related receptors and small, drug-like molecules. The bioactivity datasets used for training of the SVM algorithm was obtained from BindingDB, a freely available database comprising affinity datasets pertaining to drugs and targets. The algorithm allows the prediction of the likelihood of interactions based on confidence scores between the query datasets, comprising ligands in SMILES format and protein sequences of targets. The algorithm has been implemented successfully to predict potential lead compounds for hookworm infections.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 41 10th Anniversary Celebrations Chemistry, Biochemistry and Toxicology

#15 Production of IgG autoantibody requires expression of activation- induced deaminase in early-developing B cells in a mouse model of SLE

Benjamin R. Umiker1,2, Gabrielle McDonald2,3, Amma Larbi1,2, Carlos O. Medina4, Elias Hobeika5,7, Michael Reth5,6,7 and Thereza Imanishi-Kari1,2,3

1Graduate Program in Immunology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA, 2Department of Integrative Physiology and Pathobiology, Sackler School of Graduate. Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. 3Graduate Program in Genetics, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts. University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. 4Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. 5 Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology, Freiburg, Germany. 6BIOSS Centre for Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. 7Department of Molecular Immunology, Biology III, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Germany

Email: [email protected]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of pathogenic IgG antinuclear antibodies. Pathogenic IgG autoantibody production requires B-cell activation, leading to the production of activation-induced deaminase(AID) and class switching of IgM genes to IgG. To understand how and when B cells are activated to produce these IgG autoantibodies, we studied cells from 564Igi, a mouse model of SLE. 564Igi mice develop a disease profile closely resembling that found in human SLE patients, including the presence of IgG antinucleic acid Abs. We have generated 564Igi mice that conditionally express an activation-induced cytidine deaminase transgene (Aicdatg), either in all B cells or only in mature B cells. Here, we show that classswitched pathogenic IgG autoantibodies were produced only in 564Igi mice in which AID was functional in early-developing B cells, resulting in loss of tolerance. Furthermore, we show that the absence of AID in early-developing B cells also results in increased production of self- reactive IgM, indicating that AID, through somatic hypermutation, contributes to tolerance. Our results suggest that the pathophysiology of clinical SLE might also be dependent on AID expression in early-developing B cells.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 42 10th Anniversary Celebrations #16 Modulating Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of Alpha Helical Antimicrobial Peptides against Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae

Mawuli C. Agbale1,3; Isaac Galyuon1, Justice K. Sarfo1, Octavio L. Franco2,3

1Department of Biochemistry, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. 2Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brasil. 3S-Inova, Pos- Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Catolica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil.

Email: [email protected] The importance of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in the fight against drug- resistant microbes has become an active area of study. Unlike conventional antibiotics, AMPs employ a complex set of killing mechanisms which enable them to circumvent bacterial resistance. Even more exciting is the application of the amino-terminal copper and nickel (ATCUN) to modulate the bioactivity of AMPs. We tested this hypothesis by synthesizing ATCUN-modified analogs of two ? ?helical membrane-active peptides CM15 (KWKLFKKIGAVLKVL- NH2) and citropin1.1 (GLFDVIKKVASVIGGL-NH2). Each peptide was modified with the Gly-Gly-His and Val-Iso-His ATCUN motifs and their bioactivities tested against a battery of clinically relevant bacteria. We also investigated their antibiofilm activity alone and in combination with various conventional antibiotics such as meropenem, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim and streptomycin. Our data indicates that ATCUN modification improves the bioactivity of CM15 especially against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC1825971) and enhances synergy with meropenem in inhibition of biofilm formation by carbapenem-resistant E. coli (KPC1812446). Furthermore, the Val-Iso-His variants were 4 and 8 times more active than the Gly-Gly-His analog and unmodified CM15 respectively. Unexpectedly, ATCUN modification of Citropin1.1 led to a drastic reduction in both antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity indicating that the technique was highly discriminatory. We conclude that effectiveness of this strategy is highly dependent on the type of alpha-helical peptide selected for modification and the sequence of amino acids in the ATCUN motif. Based on our study we recommend more structural-activity relationship studies to identify key features that favor enhancement of AMP activity upon ATCUN modification.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 43 10th Anniversary Celebrations #17 The Influence of Archeological Clay Material on Cell Viability

1R. Yeboah, 1P.K. Arthur, 2E.K. Tiburu.

1Dept. of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, 2 Dept. of Biomedical engineering, University of Ghana.

E-mail: [email protected]

The chemical and surface characteristics of biomaterials such as clay can modify cell behavior at different levels. Cell processes including proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation, are directly affected by substrate interaction through adherence or entrapment on porous materials. Nanoparticle-modified surfaces therefore present a new model for exploring the effects of surface interaction on cell behavior and function. Here, archeological clay material (Arch), retrieved in context, indicating medical practices implication was excavated from Komaland in the Northern Region. Biophysical characterization using X-ray diffraction revealed that the clay is a chamosite with lattice parameters of a=15.11 Ao, b=7.92 Ao and c=7.21 Ao with an external surface area of 14.8 m²/g and a micropore volume of 0.021 cm3/g. The clay was experimented on various cell lines as a test of its prehistoric medical practices. Arch was tested against yeast cells (Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and mycobacterium (Mycobacterium smegmatis) to correlate material surface chemistry to cell functions. The effect of Arch on cell proliferation was observed as a function of color change using the alamar blue assay. Cell morphology was analyzed by Ziehl-Neelson and Gram staining techniques. The activity of selected antimicrobials was also investigated using the disc diffusion method. There was increase in the proliferation of the organisms at 5ug/ul concentration of Arch. The presence of Arch did not affect cell wall lipids of S. cerevisiae but affected that of C. albicans at that concentration. There was no effect on cell membrane carbohydrates in both organisms. Also, the activities of selected antibacterial against an erythromycin resistant strain of M. smegmatis were increased. Since there is an elevated interest in recent times to explore past human practices involving the use of clay to cure certain disease states of our times, the current results reveal the potential utility of clay materials in studying cell behavior.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 44 10th Anniversary Celebrations #18 Comparative Response of Randombred and Inbred Wister Albino Rats to the Alcerogenic Effect of Indomethacin

Ogbu, C. C., G. Daniel-Igwe, and S. O. Onoja

College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. Email: [email protected]

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of two generations of inbreeding on the response of albino rats to the ulcerogenic effect of indomethacin. A total of 144 rats (age: 12 to 14 weeks) belonging to two generations (G) and breeding groups (36/group) were used for the study. The animals in each group were shared into three treatments: 10, 20, and 40mg/kg b.w. of indomethacin per os and then fasted of food (48h) and water (2h) prior to treatment. The rats were sacrificed 2h post treatment and the stomach recovered for evaluation of ulcer lesion and gastric acidity. Ulcer lesions were scored as 0.0 (no ulcers or normal mucosa), 1.0 for superficial (spot) ulcers, 2.0 for band (streak) ulcer, 3.0 for deep ulcer, and 4.0 for perforation ulcer. Ulcer index (UI) and gastric acidity (GA) were compared between doses of indomethacin for breeding groups within, and between generations, and for sex of rat within breeding groups and generations.

Result showed significant (p<0.05) effect of dose on UI in G1 randombred rats, and GA in G1 inbred and G2 rats. Effect of sex was significant (p<0.05) especially in G1 inbred rats. Rats belonging to G2 generation had higher UI but lower GA than G1 rats. Breeding groups did not differ significantly (p>0.05) in UI and GA within generations however, G2 inbred rats had significantly (p<0.05) higher UI and lower GA than G1 randombred group. Correlation analysis showed positive but insignificant (p>0.05) association between dose of indomethacin and GA, and between GA and UI. It was concluded that inbreeding enhances the sensitivity of albino rats to toxic effects of indomethacin. Thus inbred rather than randombred rats could be better materials in assessing the toxicity of pharmacuetical, and chemical agents.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 45 10th Anniversary Celebrations #19 Celecoxib prevents hyperlipidemia and impairment of liver function associated with heated coconut oil consumption in Sprague-Dawley rats

Ekor, M., Owusu Agyei, P.E., Obese, E., Yahaya, E. S., Biney, R.P., Antwi- Adjei, M. Henneh, I.T., Ayande, G.P. and Ofosuhene, G.

Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana Email: [email protected]

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases with an accompanied increased mortality. Our previous study demonstrated the ability of celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, to lower plasma cholesterol in rats with CCl4 – mediated acute hepatic injury. The present study investigated the potential therapeutic benefit of celecoxib in hyperlipidemia in rats devoid of liver injury induced by a hepatotoxin. Hyperlipidemia was induced by administration of Virgin Coconut Oil® subjected to deep heating in five frying episodes. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats (170-250 g) were assigned into six groups (n=6 rats/group). Rats in groups 1 and 2 received physiological saline (10 ml/kg) and unheated coconut oil (uHCO, 10 ml/kg) respectively while groups 3 to 6 received heated coconut oil (HCO, 10 ml/kg) for 60 days. Rats in groups 3 to 6 were treated for 15 days, beginning from the 46th day, with either physiological saline (10 ml/kg), atorvastatin (25 mg/kg), celecoxib (5 mg/kg) or celecoxib (10 mg/kg) up to the 60th day. After an overnight fast on the 61st day, animals were weighed, fasting blood sugar determined and then sacrificed by decapitation. Lipid profile and liver function parameters of HCO-fed rats revealed development of hyperlipidemia and impairment of hepatic function respectively when compared with rats that received uHCO and saline. Celecoxib ameliorated the hyperlipidemia associated with HCO consumption as evident by the significantly (P<0.05) lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein in the celecoxib-treated rats when compared with HCO-fed rats that received saline. Celecoxib also reduced (P<0.05) alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and liver weight of hyperlipidemic rats. These effects of celecoxib were comparable to that of atorvastatin (25 mg/kg). Other parameters including TNF-α and IL-6 did not change significantly between the various groups. The results suggest that celecoxib possesses hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 46 10th Anniversary Celebrations #20 Assessment of Some Oxidative Stress Parameters in Arsenic-Induced Poisoning and the Ameliorative Effect of Chromolaena Odorata in Wistar Rats A. Y. Adenkola*2, E. O. Ola-Davies1, A. J. Umosen2

1Dept. of Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 2Dept. of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria E-mail: [email protected]

This study evaluated the ameliorative potential of ethanol leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata against arsenic-induced toxicity in wistar rats. Twenty rats were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each; Groups A was administered C. odorata extract alone (100 mg/kg body weight), Groups B was administered 100 mg/kg of extract and 2.5 mg/kg NaAsO2, Group C (negative control) received 0.2 ml of diluted propylene glycol (the vehicle) while Group D

(positive control) was administered with 2.5mg/kg NaAsO2. All administration were done by gavage consecutively for 30 days. We then evaluated haematological (packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), leucocyte cell counts and its differential), malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, catalase activity as well as erythrocyte osmotic fragility using standard method. Phytochemical screening of C. odorata revealed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and phenols. Exposure to arsenic resulted in significant reductions (p < 0.05) in values of PCV, Hb, RBC count and elevation in relative lymphocyte count. Alterations in leucocyte and neutrophil counts were also statistically significant (p < 0.05). Arsenic exposure significantly increased (p < 0.05) MDA values and reduced catalase activity. The fragiligram also shifted towards left with the highest significant (p < 0.05) values observed in group D in all concentration of sodium chloride indicating high percentage haemolysis while the lowest values was obtained in group A. C. odorata significantly (p < 0.05) restored the PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MDA and catalase to normal values as well as reduced percentage haemolysis. Our findings suggest that C. odorata possesses remarkable ameliorative potentials against arsenic- induced toxicity.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 47 10th Anniversary Celebrations #21 Efficiency of Omnigene Sputum (OMS) as a transport and decontamination reagent

Asandem Asema Diana1,2, Osei – Wusu Stephen1, Danso Emelia1, Prince Asare1, Otchere Darko Isaac1, Asante-Poku Adwoa1, and D. Yeboah – Manu1

1Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), 2West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) E-mail: [email protected]

We evaluated the digesting and decontaminating performance of Omnigene Sputum Reagent (OMS), a recently formulated reagent, which decontaminates sputum samples while in transit and eliminates the need for cold chain, using N- Acetyl-L-Cysteine-sodium hydroxide (NALC – NaOH) as a control. Samples were decontaminated with respective methods, then smears prepared for microscopy and mycobacterial isolation was done by culturing on Lowenstein Jensen media in duplicates, after decontamination. The compatibility of the OMS reagent for molecular analysis was determined by using the remaining sediments for Xpert MTB/RIF analysis. Isolated mycobacteria were identified using IS6110 and hsp65 PCR. The positivity, negativity and contaminating rates were then computed. A total of 376 tubes were cultured for each of the two decontamination treatments. Prior to decontamination, 95% of the sputum samples had bacterial growth on blood agar. The main contaminants identified include Streptococcus sp. (27/94, 28%), Pseudomonas sp. (12/94, 13%), and Staphylococcus sp. (19/94, 8%). Subsequent blood agar cultures showed that 5/94 (5%) and 6/94 (6%) of the samples still contained contaminants after OMS and NALC – NaOH treatment respectively. Out of the 94 smears made after each treatment, 82% (77) and 91% (86) were AFB positive for OMS and NALC treatment respectively. There was an 80% agreement (Cohen's kappa) between both methods for AFB positivity. Difference in culture positivity was not statistically significant (p = 0.500); 228/376 (61%) and 235/376 (63%) cultures were positive after OMS and NALC-NaOH decontamination respectively. The proportion of contaminated culture tubes was significantly higher (p = 0.0000) with NALC–NaOH decontamination 68/376 (18%) compared to OMS 26/376 (7%). All forty-five sputum-smear positive samples analyzed by Xpert MTB/RIF assay were positive after each treatment. Our findings indicate that OMS works well as a transport and decontaminating reagent and will be suitable for use in a resource limited setting such as Ghana.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 48 10th Anniversary Celebrations #22 Prevalence of chloroquine and antifolate drug resistance point mutations in Plasmodium falciparum field isolates from four areas in Ghana

Felix Ansah1, James Abugri1, 6, Nicholas Amoako1, Bismarck Dinko2, Kwaku Poku Asante3, Lucas Amenga-Etego4, David J. Conway5, and Gordon A. Awandare1

1Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana; 2School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences; 3Kintampo Health Research Centre; 4Navrongo Health Research Centre, 5Pathogen Molecular Biology Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, 6Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale Email: [email protected] The increasing prevalence of chloroquine (CQ) and antifolate drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains led to the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) as first-line drug for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Ghana in 2005. However, antifolate drugs are still used for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy and for seasonal malaria chemotherapy in infancy (IPTp/i). To investigate the prevalence of molecular markers associated with chloroquine and antifolate drug resistance in Ghana, we tested for the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in some putative genes that have been implicated in antimalarial drug resistance in clinical isolates obtained from four geographically distinct regions using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The overall prevalence of the pfcrt 76T mutants was 8.8%, whereas pfmdr1 86Y and 184F polymorphisms were 10.3% and 64.7%, respectively. Majority of the isolates harboured the mutant pfdhfr 51I, 59R and 108N alleles at frequencies of 85.6%, 83.1% and 89.8%, respectively. Pfdhps 437G and 540E were also observed to be 92.2%, and 0.7%, respectively. A large proportion of the isolates harboured the

I51R59N108/G437 quadruple point mutations (63.2%) while 4.8% only had the pfdhfr

I51R59N108 haplotype. We observed no significant difference across the four study sites for all the SNPs (P > 0.05) except for pfdhfr 51I and pfdhps 437G, which were both higher in Accra and Hohoe compared to Kintampo and Navrongo. Comparison of the present results to published data shows a significant reduction in the prevalence of CQ-associated point mutations but an increase in the point mutations that mediate sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine resistance after 8 years of CQ withdrawal. The observed relatively low prevalence of the pfcrt 76T and pfmdr1 86Y genotypes may be attributable to the re-expansion of the wildtype genotype as a result of chloroquine withdrawal, whereas the high prevalence of pfdhfr and pfdhps point mutations may be due the continuous use of antifolate drugs for intermittent prevention treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) and as prophylaxis in infancy.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 49 10th Anniversary Celebrations #23 Hepatoprotective Evaluation of Hydroethanolic Extract of Acalypha Inferno J.E. Sampson, J.J. Tofah and C. Larbie

Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, KNUST, Kumasi

E-mail: [email protected]

Liver diseases pose a major challenge to health care professionals and also the pharmaceutical industry. The available synthetic drugs for managing liver conditions are not only inadequate, inaccessible and unaffordable but may possibly cause further damage to the liver. Hence, herbal drugs, having achieved successful widespread use as alternate medicine gives avenue to the exploration of phytotherapy. Thus the study sought to evaluate hepatoprotective activity of hydroethanolic extract of Acalypha inferno (AIE) on carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in rats. Liver damage was induced by oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (1 ml/kg in 1:1 v/v olive oil) to rat models after pre- treatment with AIE at 100 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg/kg body weight with Silymarin (70 mg/kg) as standard drug. Extract was administered for 7 days with concurrent administration of CCl4 on day 2 and 3. Hepatoprotective effect was elucidated by considering the activity of serum marker enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT), bilirubin (total and direct), cholesterol and triglycerides. The activity of the marker enzymes ALP and ALT registered significant increases

(545.57±33.41U/L and 65.90±4.56 U/L respectively) in CCl4 treated rats. Extract significantly reduced ALT levels at all doses; 500 (43.50±10.01 U/L), 250 mg/kg (42.03±5.23 U/L) and 100 mg/kg (36.00±3.58 U/L) groups close to normal levels, an indication of possible healing of hepatic parenchyma and regeneration of damaged hepatocytes induced by AIE. Reduction in levels of both total and indirect bilirubin in treated groups compared with CCl4 group points to restoration of liver function and reversal of possible jaundice development. Acalypha inferno at dose 500mg/kg significantly restored liver function towards normal levels comparing better with Silymarin control. The results indicate that leaves of A. inferno possess hepatoprotective ability due to its high radical scavenging activity.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 50 10th Anniversary Celebrations Plant Medicine

Ghana Biomedical Convention 51 10th Anniversary Celebrations #23 Hepatoprotective Evaluation of Hydroethanolic Extract of Acalypha Inferno

J.E. Sampson, J.J. Tofah and C. Larbie

Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, KNUST, Kumasi E-mail: [email protected]

Liver diseases pose a major challenge to health care professionals and also the pharmaceutical industry. The available synthetic drugs for managing liver conditions are not only inadequate, inaccessible and unaffordable but may possibly cause further damage to the liver. Hence, herbal drugs, having achieved successful widespread use as alternate medicine gives avenue to the exploration of phytotherapy. Thus the study sought to evaluate hepatoprotective activity of hydroethanolic extract of Acalypha inferno (AIE) on carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in rats. Liver damage was induced by oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (1 ml/kg in 1:1 v/v olive oil) to rat models after pre- treatment with AIE at 100 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg/kg body weight with Silymarin (70 mg/kg) as standard drug. Extract was administered for 7 days with concurrent administration of CCl4 on day 2 and 3. Hepatoprotective effect was elucidated by considering the activity of serum marker enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT), bilirubin (total and direct), cholesterol and triglycerides. The activity of the marker enzymes ALP and ALT registered significant increases

(545.57±33.41U/L and 65.90±4.56 U/L respectively) in CCl4 treated rats. Extract significantly reduced ALT levels at all doses; 500 (43.50±10.01 U/L), 250 mg/kg (42.03±5.23 U/L) and 100 mg/kg (36.00±3.58 U/L) groups close to normal levels, an indication of possible healing of hepatic parenchyma and regeneration of damaged hepatocytes induced by AIE. Reduction in levels of both total and indirect bilirubin in treated groups compared with CCl4 group points to restoration of liver function and reversal of possible jaundice development. Acalypha inferno at dose 500mg/kg significantly restored liver function towards normal levels comparing better with Silymarin control. The results indicate that leaves of A. inferno possess hepatoprotective ability due to its high radical scavenging activity.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 52 10th Anniversary Celebrations #24 Anticonvulsant Activity of Synedrella Nodiflora in Experimental Models of Epilepsy

P. Amoateng1*, E. Woode2, S.B. Kombian3

1Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. 2Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. 3Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait

Email: [email protected]

The plant Synedrella nodiflora (L) Gaertn is traditionally used by some Ghanaian communities to treat epilepsy. To determine if this use has merit, we studied the anticonvulsant and other neuropharmacological effects of a hydro- ethanolic extract of the whole plant using murine models. The anticonvulsant effect of the extract (100-1000 mg/kg) was tested on the pentylenetetrazole-, picrotoxin-, and pilocarpine-induced seizure models and PTZ-kindling in mice/rats. The effect of the extract was also tested on motor coordination using the rota-rod. The results obtained revealed that the extract possesses anticonvulsant effects in all the experimental models of seizures tested as it significantly reduced the latencies to myoclonic jerks and seizures as well as seizure duration and the percentage severity. The extract was also found to cause motor incoordination at the higher dose of 1000 mg/kg. In summary, the hydro- ethanolic extract of the whole plant of Synedrella nodiflora possesses anticonvulsant effects, possibly through an interaction with GABAergic transmission and antioxidant mechanisms and muscle relaxant effects. These findings thus provide scientific evidence in support of the traditional use of the plant in the management of epilepsy.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 53 10th Anniversary Celebrations #25 Phytochemical Constituents, Antioxidants and Total Phenolic Profile of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Stem and Leaves of Acalypha Inferno.

J. N. N. Dowuona, J. J. Tofah, D. Torkornoo and C. Larbie

1Dept. of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, KNUST, Kumasi E-mail: [email protected]

Acalypha inferno is an ornamental plant which has been shown to be a phytoremediator of zinc. Other species of this genus used traditionally have been proven to possess pharmacologically active constituents. The study sought to evaluate the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and the phytochemical constituents of Acalypha inferno (AI). This study focused on the raw samples, extracts as well as various fractions. Phytochemical constituents, DPPH scavenging activity and total phenolic content (TPC) were analyzed using standard methods. FTIR, UV-VIS spectrophotometry and GC-MS were used to identify functional groups and major constituents. Heavy metals in the plant were evaluated. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of triterpenoids, sterols, alkaloids coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides and hydrolysable tannins. The TPC of the AI leaf extract was 1.818 ± 0.062 mg/ml with an EC50 value of 0.03995 ± 0.00084 mg/ml. The TPC of the AI stem extract was 0.670 ± 0.061 mg/ml with EC50 value of 0.14339 ± 0.01745 mg/ml. The standard ascorbic acid had an EC50 value of 0.12441 ± 0.0222 mg/ml. The UV- VIS showed the wavelengths at which each sample absorbs maximally. The FTIR results revealed the presence of alcohols, amines, aromatic compounds, amides, carboxylic acids, esters and alkynes. Iron and zinc were also detected. The GC-MS also revealed compounds like digitoxin, hexadecanethiol, glyoxylic acid and butyric acid. Acalypha inferno is rich in antioxidants, total phenols and bioactive compounds, hence it is a potential therapeutic agent.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 54 10th Anniversary Celebrations #26 Assessing the Antimicrobial Activities of the Stem Bark of Heisteria Parvifolia

Sylvenus Aguree & Asare-Nkansah Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi Email: [email protected]

Nature in its own way has provided possible drug agents for millions of years and lead number of orthodox medicines from natural products of which many are based on medicinal plants. The aim of this study was to assess the antimicrobial potentials of Heisteria parvifolia. The stem bark of Heisteria parvifolia was harvested from some farm lands at Manpong and authenticated at the department of Pharmacognosy, faculty of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, KNUST. The sample were washed and dried under shade for 16 days, milled and the phytochemical constituents extracted using petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol in terms of increasing polarities. The phytochemical screening of the extracts gave positive results for tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, reducing sugars, Anthraquinones, saponins and terpenoids and the antimicrobial activities tested using agar well diffusion method. The methanolic extract shows activities against streptococcus, candida albicans, proteus vulgaris, salmonella typhi, pseudomonas, klebsiella, staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Neisseria gonorrhoea and E. faecalis at zones of inhibitions of 10.23mm, 11.45mm, 14.50mm, 12.20mm, 13.56mm, 10.30mm, 11.87mm, 12.00mm, 9.45mm and 10.34mm respectively while the ethyl acetate extracts shows zones of inhibitions of 6.54mm, 9.34mm, 9.54mm, 10.30mm, 4.50mm, 3.42mm, 6.15mm, 11.30mm, 5.86mm and 8.45mm respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the extracts was conducted on the methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts. The extracts concentrations prepared range from 2.5µg/ mL to 20µg/mL with the methanolic extract showing activities at concentrations of 2.5µg/ mL against proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, pseudomonas, staphylococcus aureus and candida albicans and at 5.0µg/mL against streptococcus while there was no visible growth at a concentration of 10.0µg/mL against Neisseria gonorrhea, E.feacalis and klebsiella. The ethyl acetate on the other hand did not show much activities after the extract concentration was reduced, it lowest concentration at which activities was observed was at 5.0µg/mL against salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli and at 10.0µg/mL against E. faecalis and proteus vulgaris. The MIC results shows that the methanolic extract possess promising antimicrobial activities at the lowest concentrations against selective micro-organisms than the ethyl acetate extract which upon reducing the concentrations did not show much activities against most of the micro-organisms used with ciprofloxacin as the standard drug.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 55 10th Anniversary Celebrations #27 Mechanistic Studies of Three Novel Tetracyclic Iridoids Isolates of Morinda Lucinda Benth on Trypanosome Flagella Attachment Zone Proteins G. I. Djameh1, T. Uto.3, M. F. Ayertey4, Amoa-Bosompem1, T. Tetteh, A. A. Faustus1, S. K. Botchie1, A. N. Antwi, K. O. Baffour-Awuah, A. K. D. Kwofie1.2, Appiah4, N. H. Tung.3, Y. Shoyama3, I. Ayi1, S. Iwanaga2, N. Ohta2 and M. Ohashi1.2

1Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana-Legon, Accra, GHANA. 2Environmental Parasitology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN. 3Nagasaki International University, Sasebo, Nagasaki, JAPAN. 4Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong, GHANA Email: [email protected]

Searching for anti-trypanosomal agents from medicinal plants has become the new direction in the research and pharmaceutical industries as natural products are generally perceived as relatively safer. We previously identified the in vitro anti-trypanosome activities of three novel tetracyclic iridoids; ML-2-3,

Molucidin and ML-F52, isolated from Morinda lucida with IC50 values of 3.75uM, 1.27uM and 0.43uM, respectively. Immunohistochemistry study showed that both compounds significantly suppressed the expression of Para- flagellum Rod protein PFR-2, which proceeded to the events of cell cycle alteration and apoptosis induction. Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed the severe phenotype of the flagella detached from the body of the parasite. In this study we further investigated other protein markers of flagella attachment zone; CC2D (Coiled-coil 2-domain containing protein) and KMP-11 (Kinetoplastid membrane protein) to clarify in detail of the effect on parasite flagellum. The results showed that ML-2-3 and ML-F52 caused multinucleated phenotype with significant suppression of CC2D protein. KMP-11 was also suppressed by the treatment of both ML-2-3 and ML-F52, suggesting that novel tetracyclic iridoids, ML-2-3 and ML-F52 might drastically inhibit the development and function of parasite flagellum through the suppression of multiple flagellum marker proteins. Overall our data indicated that ML-2-3 and ML-F52 could be promising leads compounds for the developments of new therapeutics for trypanosomiasis.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 56 10th Anniversary Celebrations #28 Anti-microbial activities of selected Ghanaian medicinal plants and four structurally similar anti-protozoan compounds isolated from Morinda lucida and Alnus japonica against susceptible and multi-drug resistant bacteria Owusu K. B-A.1, Antwi A. N.1, Amoa-Bosompem M.1,2, Boafoa N. W.1, Ayertey F.4, Ablordey A.1, Tung N. H.3, Uto T.3, Appiah A. A. 4, Shoyama Y.3, Egyir B.1, Ohta N.2 and Ohashi M.1,2

1Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 581, Legon, Ghana. 2Section of Environmental Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan. 3Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, 2825-7 Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo, Nagasaki 859- 3298, Japan. 4 Centre for Plant Medicine Research, P. O. Box 73, Mampong - Akuapem, Ghana Email: [email protected]

The increasing resistance to antibacterial drugs has made the search for new antibiotics, especially from natural source, a necessity. Amongst the many resistant strains, Methicillin -resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been a threat to medical breakthrough for some decades. MRSA has shown resistance to a wide range of microbial agents with only few studies on the strains conducted in Africa. The first part of this study was to identify the Ghanaian medicinal plants possessing anti-microbial activities against 7 standard strains of bacteria. The 50% ethanoic extracts from 92 Ghanaian medicinal plants selected have been screened against 2 Gram-positive and 5 Gram-negative bacteria; Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Shigella flexneri. In addition, we have also investigated antimicrobial activity of 4 purified compounds isolated from Morinda lucida and Alnus japonica. MIC of the test agents was determined qualitatively using the colour changes in dye while the IC50 of the test agents were calculated from absorbance. MBCs of active extracts and compounds were also determined. The results showed that 12 out of 92 plant extracts showed certain activity against standard bacteria strains. Among the compounds tested, Oregonin had broad spectrum of activity against both Gram-positive and negative standard strains, while the remaining three had a narrow spectrum of activity against only the Gram- positive bacteria. As the second part of the study, we investigated the activity of the compounds against 28 MRSA isolates from clinical and non-clinical sources in Ghana. Oregonin was the most active compound against all 28 isolates of MRSA with a least MIC of 100µM and a least MBC of 400µM; 19 isolates had

IC50<100µM. The promising antibacterial effect of Oregonin makes it a potential candidate in the search for future antibiotics.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 57 10th Anniversary Celebrations #29 Drug Discovery for Schistosomiasis: In-vitro Investigations into Cercaricidal Activity of Ghanaian Medicinal Crude Plant Extracts

Mabel D. Tettey1, William K. Anyan1, Irene Ayi1, Mitsuko Ohashi1,2, Daniel A. Boakye1, Nobuo Ohta2

1Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra. 2Section of Environmental Parasitology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan Email: [email protected]

Schistosomiasis, one of the most important parasitic infections in humans occurs in many tropical and subtropical countries. Currently, the control of schistosomiasis is solely by a single drug, praziquantel, which is effective against adult worms but not the cercariae, schistosomulae and even juvenile schistosome worms. The sole reliance on praziquantel will only reduce morbidity but allow for infection, growth and development of parasites to adult worms to cause severe pathologies. There is therefore the urgent need to discover and develop new alternative drugs for treatment of parasite stage infective to man as well as other stages of the parasite. This study aimed at determining the cercaricidal activity of Ghanaian medicinal plant extracts in vitro using microscopy. Sixty (60) Ghanaian medicinal plant extracts were each serially diluted to obtain concentrations ranging from 31.25µg/ml to 1000µg/ml. Schistosoma mansoni cercariae were exposed to each extract concentrations in a 24 well plate and observed using an inverted microscope at specific time points. Five (5) out of the 60 Ghanaian medicinal plant extracts (CVP002A, CVP006B, CVP005A, CVP017B and CVP071A) exhibited good cercaricidal activity within 60 minutes and had IC50 values of 47.77µg/ml, 66.84µg/ml, 24.23µg/ml, 72.94µg/ml and 5.959µg/ml respectively. Of the five extracts, CVP071A showed the best cercaricidal activity, exhibiting 100% mortality within 15min for concentrations ranging from 125µg/ml to 1000µg/ml. This calls for investigation of CVP071A as the first line extract for topical formulation using animal model. Also, further studies on CVP071A and the other four (4) extracts for activity against other stages of the schistosome parasite are necessary.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 58 10th Anniversary Celebrations #30 Drug discovery: In vitro evaluation of extracts from medicinal plant Balanites aegyptiaca (Linn) Del for anti-Schistosoma cercarial properties

D. Yirenya-Tawiah1, D. Boamah2*, D. Nukpezah1, C. Gordon1, W.K. Anyan3, M. Ofosuhene3 and K.M. Bosompem3

1Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies. University of Ghana, Legon. Post Office Box 209, Legon, Ghana. 2Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong. Post Office Box 73, Mampong, Akuapem, Ghana. 3Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. University of Ghana, Legon. Post Office Box Lg 581, Legon, Ghana E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

Schistosomiasis in endemic communities continues to affect several populations, so that in 2013 at least 261 million people required preventive treatment, which is the main means of control. This situation calls for urgent and comprehensive control of schistosomiasis, which includes the prevention of skin penetration by the cercaria. Currently, there is limited information on formulations from orthodox or herbal medicine that is topically applied for such prevention. As part of the Volta River Re-optimization Project in Ghana, the need for developing a topical anti-Schistosomal product from medicinal plants was identified. This product, if successfully developed and used by endemic communities, would contribute to the reduction of schistosomiasis. This work aimed at exploring the anti-cercarial properties of stem bark extracts obtained from Balanites aegyptiaca and assessing the efficacy of topical formulation from these extracts in preventing schistosomal cercariae skin penetration. Three crude (aqueous, 70% and 99.9%) extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca were prepared using maceration, rotary evaporation and freeze-drying techniques. The extracts were tested for anti-cercarial, anti-proliferation and cytotoxic activities by in vitro assays. A preliminary topical formulation was prepared and tested for anti-penetrant properties using the mouse skin model. The major findings were that the crude extracts demonstrated considerable anti- schistosomal activity by killing the cercariae within 5 to 36 min depending on the extract concentration. The 99.9% ethanol extract showed the highest anti- proliferative activity against MCF-7 and CHANG cell growth but was weak on

PC-3 with IC50 values of 31.76, 26.57 and >1000 µg/ml, respectively. The formulations derived from the 99.9% ethanol extract (EE10 and EE8) and aqueous extracts (QE10 and QE8) showed remarkable anti-skin-penetrant properties in mice. This suggests that the products could be useful in preventing cercariae penetration. Further studies are needed to isolate the active compounds as well as pre-clinical and clinical evaluations of the final products.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 59 10th Anniversary Celebrations #31 Human Papillomavirus 16/18 Infection among Women attending Specialist Hospitals in Kano, Nigeria

Magashi, A M 1 and Tijjani, U S 2

1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria. 2Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria.

Email: [email protected]

Human Papillomavirus infection is the major etiological factor in cancer of the uterine cervix, which is the commonest gynecological malignancy and the second most frequent cancer among Nigerian women. Screening for early premalignant lesions (dysplasia) by cervical smears and HPV tests are effective preventive measures. This study therefore endeavors to evaluate the occurrence of these precancerous lesions among women in Kano, by means of cervical (Pap) smears and HPV 16/18 test. This study was conducted in three government hospitals in Kano metropolis - Aminu Kano teaching hospital (AKTH), Murtala Muhammad specialist hospital (MMSH) and Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital (MAWSH). A total of 300 cervical smears were collected and evaluated by means of cytological examination for dysplasia and DNA assay (RT-PCR) for HPV types 16 and 18. Only 3.7% of cervical smears were dysplastic, mostly (60%) among women over 60 years (p = 0.011 at 95%CI). Six (27.3%) of the twenty-two samples (11 dysplastic smears, 11 normal smears) analyzed for HPV 16/18 were positive for the infection. Two thirds of the positive samples (4/6) were dysplastic smears. Three of the 6 HPV positive smears were positive for HPV16, two for HPV18 and 1 for both HPV16 & 18. Multiparous women above 30 years of age, with more than one sexual partners (40%) and abnormal vaginal discharge (44.4%) were more likely to be infected with HPV infection.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 60 10th Anniversary Celebrations Clinical Research and Public Health

Ghana Biomedical Convention 61 10th Anniversary Celebrations #32 Descriptive Epidemiology of breast cancer distribution patterns in Ghana for enhancing early detection and treatment

Frank Naku Ghartey Jnr1, Akwasi Anyanful2, Sebastian Eliason3, Saanid Mohammed Adamu1, Samuel Debrah4

1Department of Chemical Pathology, 2Department of Medical Biochemistry, 3Department of Community Medicine, 4Department of Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast. Ghana

Email: [email protected]

Nearly 70% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ghana are in advanced stages of the disease due especially to low awareness, resulting in limited treatment success and high death rate. With limited epidemiological studies on breast cancer in Ghana, the aim of this study is to assess and understand the pattern of breast cancer distribution for enhancing early detection and treatment. We randomly selected and screened 3000 women for clinical palpable breast lumps and used univariate and bivariate analysis for description and exploration of variables respectively, in relation to incidence of breast cancer. We diagnosed 23 (0.76%) breast cancer cases out of 194 (6.46%) participants with clinically palpable breast lumps. Seventeen out of this 23 (0.56%) were pre-menopausal (<46.6 years) with 7 (0.23%) being below 35 years. With an overall breast cancer incidence of 0.76% in this study, our observation that about 30% of these cancer cases were below 35 years may indicate a possible shift of cancer burden to women in their early thirties in Ghana. These results suggest an age adjustment for breast cancer screening to early-twenties for Ghanaian women and show the necessity of a nationwide breast cancer screening to understand completely the pattern of breast cancer distribution in Ghana.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 62 10th Anniversary Celebrations #33 Improving vision in patients with irreversible central vision loss through eccentric retinal neuro-cellular synopsis activation with oculomotor exercises.

W. M. Amoaku, M. U. Morales

Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK.

E-mail: [email protected]

Patients with pathologies affecting the macula may irreversibly lose their central vision, and develop eccentric viewing, usually with unstable fixation. Fixation stability (FS) can be improved in the eccentric retina, creating new cellular synopsis in a group of healthy photoreceptors using Microperimetry systems with Biofeedback Training (BFT) technology. BFT consists of asking patients to perform ocular movements towards a specific direction which corresponds to an area of functional photoreceptors, while biofeedback audio signal aids patients in the oculomotor process. This research examines the possibility of improving VA by adopting an optimum eccentric fixation with biofeedback training technology in microperimetry systems. Twenty patients (mean age = 72.5 yrs) with central vision loss, unstable fixation, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) worse than LogMAR 0.3, were recruited for BFT with the MAIA microperimetry (Centervue, Italy) to determine fixation stability and light sensitivity in the central 30° of the retina. BFT was performed over the area with best threshold sensitivity during twelve weekly sessions of 10 minutes. BCVA and FS was used to evaluate outcomes. In 15 patients, mean FS improved from 42.1% (SD = 22.6) to 58.3% (SD = 30.8) and mean VA improved from 1.3 LogMAR (SD = 0.57) to 1.0 LogMAR (SD = 0.6). In 5 patients, mean FS slightly worsened from 49.8% (SD = 22.19) to 45.8% (SD = 31.0). Whilst mean VA did not change (1.4±0.6 to 1.4±0.8 LogMAR).

Ghana Biomedical Convention 63 10th Anniversary Celebrations #34 Ssu rRNA Gene-Based Polymerase Chain Reaction Detection of Entamoeba Histolytica and Entamoeba Moshkovskii from Diarrhoeal Stools sampled from Children in Ghana

F.A. Azerigyik1, I. Ayi1G.I. Djameh1, S.K. Botchie1, M. Amoa-Bosompem1, 2, J. Agyapong1, M. Ohashi1,2 and Nobuo Ohta2

1Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra. 2Environmental Parasitology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, JAPAN Email: [email protected]

It has become progressively perceptible over the past decade that species which can cause intestinal amoebiasis are in fact any of the following three, Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii. Entamoeba histolytica is classified as the most pathogenic or cytotoxic parasite due to itsability to destroy human tissues, whilst E. dispar and E. moshkovskii have always been viewed as non-pathogenic. There have been recent reports of sporadic cases of human infection with E. moshkovskii and E. dispar implicating them in diarrhea cases in young children in Bangladesh which necessitates an urgent attention to these ''non-pathogenic'' species. A pilot study among healthy primary school children in Ada-Foah in 2010 recorded E. histolytica sero-prevalence of 52.5%. This study therefore set out to determine the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in children reporting to clinics in Ghana with diarrhoea. The study involved 144 children reporting with diarrhoea to selected health facilities in 3 regions in Ghana. Diarrheal stools collected from the children (aged < 2 to 9 years) after informed consent from parents were subjected to small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene-based PCR with generic and species-specific primers for E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii. Fifty-eight samples were positive for Entamoeba spp (40.3%), of which the prevalent species detected wasE. histolytica (32; 55.2%) relative to E. moshkovskii (26; 44.8%) in patients. Six samples were mixed infections of E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii (10.3%). This present study reports for the first time detected E. moshkovskii in diarrhoeal cases in children in Ghana. Further investigations which include detection of Entamoeba dispar and the clinical impact of E. moshkovskii are on-going. This will confirm or otherwisethe pathogenic potentialof E. moshkovskii in epidemiological studies for better management of amoebiasis

Ghana Biomedical Convention 64 10th Anniversary Celebrations #35 Higher Sensitivity but Less Specificity of Elispot in Determining NK Cells Interferon Gamma Secretion in HIV Infected Patients in The Gambia Samuel Victor Nuvor1,2*, Hilton Whittle 1,4, Assan Jaye 1,5, Sarah Rowland-Jones 1,3.

1MRC Laboratories, Fajara, PO Box 273, Banjul, The Gambia. 2School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. 3MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford,UK. 4London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK. 5Hopital A. Le Dantec, Laboratoire de Bacteriologie Virologie (LBV), Universite Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD), D a k a r , Senegal Email: [email protected]

Since the beginning of the HIV epidemics several efforts have been made to understand the virological and immunological responses to infection. Interferon gamma secretion (IFN) of NK cells were compared using ELISPOT and flow cytometry. Fifteen millilitres of blood were collected from 90 HIV-1 and 90 HIV-2 subjects classified into 3 categories according to their CD4 count: high (>500 cells/ul), medium (200-500cells/ul) and low (<200cells/ul) with 30 subjects each during their usual clinic visits and 50 healthy HIV-negative subjects. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated from blood and IFN release, surface and intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) of NK cells were measured using NK sensitive cell line (K562) as target cells by Elispot assay and Flow cytometry. The statistical analysis of these parameters was done using Graphpad prism. Similar levels of IFN- secretion were noted in both infections by ELISPOT but was significantly higher in uninfected control than in both HIV-1 and HIV-2 infected patients at high, medium and low CD4 strata (p<0.05) There was a significant higher NK cells secreting IFN- in HIV-2 than in HIV-1 subjects with high CD4 T cell count >500cells/ul (P<0.04) by ICS which declined and was similar to HIV-1 at medium and lower CD4 T cell count. IFN-γ secreting levels among the HIV infectious groups were differentiated by ICS which were not identified in ELISPOT assay. NK cells activity is much effective at high CD4 counts in HIV-2 infected individuals and the may be reflected in their long term progression to disease.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 65 10th Anniversary Celebrations #36 An investigation of Ocular Complications in Ghanaians with kidney diseases associated with Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Sickle Cell Disease, HIV and other causes -preliminary results.

V. A. Essuman,1 I. Z. Braimah,1 N. N. Tagoe2 I. D.B. Ofori- Adjei,2 B. Abaidoo,1 D. Adu,3 C. Osafo,3 Mate- Kole,3 V. Boimah,3 T. A. Ndanu,4 W. M. K. Amoaku.5

¹Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, ² Eye Department, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, 3 Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Ghana, 4 Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Ghana. 5Div of Ophthalmology and Vis Sciences, Eye and ENT Centre, University Hospital, QMC Nottingham NG72UH Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Kidney diseases are becoming important health problem in sub-Saharan Africa due to increasing prevalence of risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and obesity. These risk factors, together with smoking and aging, are shared by both chronic kidney and eye diseases. To the best of our knowledge there is limited data on ocular complications in people with kidney diseases in sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana. This cross- sectional hospital-based study was used to estimate prevalence and characteristics of retinopathy and other ocular complications of kidney diseases associated with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sickle cell disease (SCD), HIV and other causes in Ghanaians attending the Renal Unit of the Department of Medicine, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana, from November 2014 to February 2017. All patients had full ocular examinations with fundus photography. Data on 180 subjects were analysed. Their ages ranged from 16 to 76 years, mean age of 50.62 (13.50) years. Ninety-nine (55%) were female. Hypertension with chronic kidney disease (CKD) had the highest prevalence of retinopathy 37 (46.3%), followed by hypertension without CKD in 14 (17.5%), diabetes with CKD in 9 (11.3%), diabetes without CKD in 8 (10.0%), and 3 (3.7%) each in HIV with and without CKD and SCD with and without CKD. Prevalence of retinopathy is highest in hypertensive kidney disease. Inclusion of larger sample size may provide more robust information on the ocular complications with or without visual loss, and their association with CKD and the aforementioned risk factors.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 66 10th Anniversary Celebrations #37 Enhanced Treatment of Trypanosomacongolense Infection in Wistar Rats using Quinapyramine Sulphate and Aluminium Phosphate

Ehizibolo O. Peter1, Karaye P. Gloria2, Kadima B. Kwem 3, Lawal A. Idris4, Aliu O. Yusuf1.

1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. 2Department of Entomology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Nigeria. 3Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. 4Department of Entomology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Email: [email protected]

Quinapyramine sulphate (QS) has been used to treat trypanosomiasis in livestock. The drug was withdrawn from market due to problem of resistance and toxicity in cattle. Present study was undertaken to explore new therapeutic regimens with aim of improving efficacy of the drug at lower dose. Clinical, haematological and serum biochemical parameters were used to evaluate efficacy of this combination in 25 Wistar rats infected with Trypanosoma congolense, divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Infected groups treated with QS and AlPO4 had parasite clearance in peripheral circulation, but relapse ensued one week later in group treated with QS alone. Rats in infected not treated group all died. Survival rate was 100% in QS and AlPO4 group. A significant difference (p < 0.0001) in body weight was observed between treated groups. No significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in daily rectal temperature in treated groups. Rectal temperature normalized in QS and AlPO4 as compared to

QS, AlPO4 alone and infected and untreated groups. Anaemia, an indication of severity of infection was measured. Packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration reduced during infection, but increased progressively after treatment in QS and AlPO4 group, indicating anaemia amelioration. White blood cell counts revealed no significant difference (p < 0.05). However, leucocytosis due to lymphocytosis was observed in QS and AlPO4 group. This reveals ability of combination to enhance immune response as AlPO4 have ability to stimulate immune response and prime immune system. There was decrease in serum biochemistry such as alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphate in QS and AlPO4 group alone. The study reveals complete parasite clearance without relapse, temperature normalization, anaemia amelioration and normal serum biochemistry in group administered QS and

AlPO4. Therefore, AlPO4 known for its immunostimulatory ability may be a good therapeutic adjunct to QS at a lower dose in T. congolense infection.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 67 10th Anniversary Celebrations #38 Malaria vector resistance profiling in Kumasi, Ghana

Sandra Baffour-Awuah1,2*, Augustina A. Annan1,2, Oumou Maiga-Ascofare1,3, Priscilla Adjei-Kusi1, Ellis Owusu-Dabo1,4 and Kwasi Obiri-Danso2

1Dept. of Theoretical and Applied Biology, KNUST, Kumasi; 2Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, KNUST, Kumasi; 3Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), Kumasi, Ghana; 4School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana.

Anopheles transmitting malaria alongside other mosquito-vector borne diseases contributes immensely to a slower paced economic growth in a nation. Vector control remains pivotal in global malaria control efforts which utilises insecticiding in most adult control programs. Notwithstanding, malaria vectors have reported resistance to several of the World Health Organization recommended insecticides. The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence of resistance in Anopheles species to all commonly used insecticides. Resistance in Anopheles mosquitoes were assessed by conducting WHO susceptibility tube assay test to all the four major recommended classes of insecticides by collecting wild Anopheles larvae sampled from several communities in Asokwa sub metropolis where the study was conducted. Surviving adults from these larvae were then subjected to the World Health Organization approved susceptibility tests and characterization of knock down resistance and acetylcholinesterase mutant genes. Anopheles gambiae sensu lato were resistant to all the major classes of insecticides except the organophosphates. Of the 619 Anopheles species sampled for insecticide resistance testing 537 (87%) were identified as An. gambiae s. s. which was contrarily, the specie with the lowest kdr mutant gene of 61%. Kdr mutation was detected at a frequency of 91% among the An. coluzzii. Pirimiphose-methyl (0.25%), an organophosphate was the most effective insecticide against Anopheles. Since the An. gambiae s. l. was resistant to majority of insecticides, it behoves on government, the Ghana Health Service and National Malaria Control Programme to take necessary steps to implement an additional control tool to strengthen existing ones.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 68 10th Anniversary Celebrations Disability Studies and Pubic Health

Ghana Biomedical Convention 69 10th Anniversary Celebrations #39 The World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist – Patient outcome, challenges and lessons

Sascha Beutler

Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

E-mail: [email protected]

Every year over 234 million operations are carried out worldwide. Over 7 million people worldwide will suffer complications; one million of these people will die as a result. Around half of these complications are potentially preventable. In 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Second Global Patient Safety Challenge, Safe Surgery Saves Lives. The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist was created. It was designed for a global population and is equally applicable in middle-and low-income countries as it is in high- income countries. Over the last ten years, ample studies have shown that the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, when properly implemented, can achieve up to 40% reduction in complications and mortality. Some of these data will be discussed in this presentation. The implementation is not associated with additional cost. On the contrary, it is often cost saving. The real challenge to its implementation is the resistance from operating teams to adapt to a changing safety and communication culture. The checklist has been introduced to some institutions in Ghana, e.g. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Tamale Teaching Hospital. However, endorsement by professional societies in Ghana and the Ghana Health Service are lacking. Checklists are long accepted standard in aviation and high-risk industries to address human errors. Given the evidence of their value in healthcare we now all have the obligation to work towards the implementation of checklists in patient care.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 70 10th Anniversary Celebrations #40 Screening and Early Detection of Hearing Impairment among Children in Kumasi Metropolis: A Focus on Services and Associated Challenges

K. Kankam Sarpomaa1, I. Owusu1, Y. Enuameh1, A.K. Edusei1

1Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

E-mail: [email protected]

Hearing plays a key role in learning to talk. Speech and hearing enables interpersonal relationship to develop and thrive, and further affect the education achievement, mental health and quality of life. The key solutions to hearing impairment in infants are early detection, reliable diagnosis and timely intervention. As a result of this, the Ghana's Disability Law (Act 715), provides for the periodic screening of children in order to detect, prevent and manage disability. Nevertheless, cases of hearing loss especially among children seem to be on the rise. This study therefore sought to identify the nature of screening and early detection of hearing impairment services provided in the Kumasi metropolis and assess the challenges associated with the provision of these services. The study was qualitative and descriptive in design. The respondents included 15 professionals working in the audiology units of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and the Suntreso Government Hospital all located within the Kumasi Metropolis. Data was collected by means of interview guide and analysed through thematic content analysis. Findings indicated that services provided in relation to early detection of hearing impairment among children included Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs), pure tone testing, behavioural assessment and school outreach programs. Among the challenges included inadequate personnel, tools and equipment; financial constraints, funding and poor patronage of services. There is the need to train more audiologists, provide enough funding as well as tools and equipment and create awareness about the need to access these services in a more beneficial way.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 71 10th Anniversary Celebrations #41 Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices among Disabled Adolescents: The Role of Caregivers in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area

A. Nadutey1, E. Acheampong1, I. Owusu1, W.K Mprah1

1Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Email: [email protected]

Effective menstrual hygiene management is vital to the health, well-being, dignity, empowerment, mobility and productivity of females. Particularly, menstrual hygiene related problems in girls with disabilities are often unique as they may be unable to cooperate with daily hygiene routines relating to safe practices. The onset of menstruation for the adolescent girl with disability can represent a challenging dilemma for both the girls and caregivers. Several restrictions including isolation of the menstruating girls begin with the arrival of menarche resulting in reinforced negative attitudes towards the phenomenon. This study aims to identify menstrual hygiene management practices and the role of caregivers in ensuring effective practices among female adolescents with disability in Kumasi. An explorative, qualitative approach was employed. Thirty six (36) respondents comprising eighteen (18) female adolescents with disability (6 hearing, 6 visually and 6 physically impaired) and their respective caregivers were purposively selected. Qualitative methods including interview guides and focus group discussions were held with the blind, deaf and physically disabled adolescent females. The data was tape-recorded and later transcribed and analyzed using thematic approach. The practice of sanitary pad use and satisfactory cleaning of body and external genitalia were recorded. It was noted that restrictions relating to religious affiliation, tradition, food and recreation during menstruation were practiced. As revealed by the study, the role of caregivers cover provision of information and training on sanitary pad use, ability to identify physical and emotional changes during menstruating times, providing sanitary materials and support when necessary. It is recommended that the Ministry of Health should extend reproductive health programs to include persons with disability to give them the accurate information about menstruation and other issues relating to reproductive health to parents who happen to be key informants and/or caregivers to the female child on this issue.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 72 10th Anniversary Celebrations #42 Perceptions of Men in the Accra Metropolis on Selecting Disabled Women as Marriage Partners

N. Annang1, I. Owusu1, W.K Mprah1, J.A. Dogbe1

1Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. E-mail: [email protected]

Marriage is considered a very important social institution globally due to its function as a source of companionship and procreation. However, disabled persons, especially women encounter several challenges in finding marriage partners and ensuring the stability of their marriages. This could be due to wrongly-held notion of disability being equated to inability. This study assessed factors that would be considered by men in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana in selecting disabled women as marriage partners. It also assessed respondents views on post-nuptial occurrence of disability. The study was descriptive in design and quantitative in approach. A convenience sampling method was used to select 200 respondents made up of 118 non-disabled men and 82 disabled men. Data was analysed statistically and presented in frequencies and percentages. Results showed that most men (>80 % from both groups of respondents) held the view that disabled women should never be prevented from getting married and taking care of their children. 77.4% of disabled men would consider a disabled woman as a marriage partner while 44.8% of non-disabled men would do same. Among the impairment groups, women with hearing impairment (37.9) were the most favoured for marriage by non-disabled men while albinos (80%) were more preferred by disabled men. In the event of selecting a disabled woman as a wife, love (88.8%), education (83.6%) and secured job (63.8%) would be most considered by non-disabled men while disabled men would consider love (88%), secured job (85%) and functional independence (82.1%). Most participants (>75% from both groups) would not consider divorcing their wives in situations of post-nuptial occurrence of disability. The study recommends that policies targeting disabled women focus on providing higher educational attainments levels as this has the potential of securing them well-paid jobs and making them functionally independent.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 73 10th Anniversary Celebrations Vendor Talk 1 Inqaba Biotec, Africa's Genomics Company

C.B, Adabor2, O. Preisig1, 2, L.A. Aroworamimo2

1 inqaba biotec South Africa; 2 inqaba biotec West Africa E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Inqaba Biotechnical Industries (Pty) Ltd, trading as inqaba biotec West Africa Ltd in Sub-Saharan Africa, is a unique South African Genomics company that was established in 2002, from an idea that was conceptualized in 2000. Inqaba is Xhosa for "rare and precious" and this pays homage to our South African origin. In 2010 the Kenyan subsidiary, Inqaba Biotec East Africa Ltd, was opened in Nairobi and currently, a similar entity in West Africa, inqaba biotec West Africa (IBWA) has started operations in West Africa with its head office in IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria and a branch office in IITA, Accra Ghana with our regional Director Mr Christian Adabor Badu coordinating the businesses in Ghana. IBWA recognise the importance of promoting life science research and applications in this part of Africa and Living up to our Mantra ''Africa's Genomics Company'', IBWA aims to provide genomics products and services to researchers in the West African region (Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.) to facilitate the ultimate aim of offering unparalleled support and logistics to our customers in the fields of Genomics as part of our contributions to further develop science and technology in the Sub- Saharan Africa. In order to achieve these, we have partnered with world leaders in the field including New England Biolabs, Eppendorf, IKA, Seegene, Zymo research, Treff Plastics, Thermo Scientific, CLC Bio, etc. Our partnership with these companies make us a ''one stop shop'' for life science needs committing ourselves to providing the best handling of genomic services to our customers in Africa and pride ourselves in our high quality products promptly delivered at competitive prices.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 74 10th Anniversary Celebrations Vendor Talk 2 DCL Laboratory Product Ltd. rnest Antwi Boasiako [email protected]

DCL Laboratory Products Ltd is the leading provider of clinical laboratory solutions in West Africa. We are a major distributor of Clinical diagnostic equipment, research instruments, reagents and consumables as well as instrument installation, user training, quality control and maintenance services. We ensure that only the best and most cost-effective solutions are available to healthcare professionals and research institutions that need them. Our drive for excellence is rooted in a solid background built on years of training and experience in laboratory systems. Our products cover all areas of laboratory including Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Histopathology, Immunology, Molecular Biology and Scientific research. We are all about everything laboratory, we represent some of the major manufacturers in the industry and some of those include: Diatron- Hematology, Elitech group- Clinical Chemistry, SLEE- Histopathology, Cepheid- Molecular Diagnostics, Hemonetics- Blood Banking, MEDICA, R-Biopharm etc. At DCL Laboratory Products, we design, build and equip new laboratories for clinical, academic and research use while supplying the associated instruments and consumables. As part of our deliverables, we also install and train the end- user on the proper operation of any equipment we supply, including such machines supplied through third party vendors.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 75 10th Anniversary Celebrations #2 Identifying Novel Natural Product-derived Inhibitors of the Hepatitis C Virus NS5B Polymerase

J. Teye1, F. E. Agamah1, & S. K. Kwofie1,

1Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana Email: [email protected]

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is the causative organism for hepatitis C infections. The virial infections lead to chronic liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis, fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Globally, about 170 million people are affected by hepatitis C with the highest infection rates recorded in Africa and Asia. The standard care of treatment is accompanied by side effects and limited efficacy. There is an urgent need to identify novel drugs with enhanced efficacy and decreased adverse reactions. The HCV NS5B polymerase has been identified as a potential target for the development of hepatitis C therapeutic compounds. The NS5B protein (65 kDa) is the viral RNA dependent RNA polymerase and plays a major role in the replication of the viral RNA. Even though, the nucleotide analog Sofosbuvir, a novel NS5B inhibitor has been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infections, it is very expensive and has to be used in combination with other drugs to maximize its efficacy. Interestingly, HCV genotype 3 is predominant in poor countries and Sofosbuvir-based treatment for genotype 3 related infection is exorbitant and beyond the reach of the majority of the population. Affordable natural product compounds originating from Africa could contribute to ameliorating the cost burden of the treatments. Since natural products possess structural and physicochemical properties different from synthetic therapeutic agents, this project virtually screened natural product library against the NS5B protein with the aim of identifying lead compounds with better efficacy and less toxicity. Virtual screening is a computer-aided drug design technique which allows efficient docking of large compound library against drug targets. Natural product-derived lead compounds have been identified as potential inhibitors of NS5B and are currently undergoing in silico pharmacological and bioactivity profiling.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 76 10th Anniversary Celebrations Posters

Ghana Biomedical Convention 77 10th Anniversary Celebrations #3 Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase in Clinical Isolates of Escherichia Coli and Klebsiella Pneumoniae from the Tamale Teaching Hospital

F.K.M Tetteh1, J.A. Opintan1, A. Ablordey2, N. Obeng-Nkrumah1

1Dept. of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra. 2Bacteriology Dept., Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra E-mail: [email protected]

Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are pathogens of significant public health interest to which new antibiotics therapies are urgently needed. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of ESBLs in clinical isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae from patients attending the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH). A total of 140 isolates of E. coli (83.6%; n=117) and K. pneumoniae (16.4%; n=23) were cultured from clinical specimens of consenting patients. Antimicrobial susceptibility were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Screening and confirmation for ESBL-producing phenotypes among the clinical isolates were performed according to the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI, 2012). Escherichia coli and K. pneumoniae positive for ESBL phenotype were examined for the presence of TEM, SHV and CTX-M genes. Sixty two (44.3%) of the 140 isolates phenotypically expressed ESBLs. Of these, 83.9% (n=52) were E. coli and 16.1% (n=10) were K. pneumoniae isolates. The proportion of ESBL-producing isolates were found to be relatively higher in adults (15-65 years) than in neonates (< 28 days) [p=0.14]. Majority of the isolates showed high percentage resistance to ampicillin (96%) and tetracycline (89%), but relatively low resistance for amikacin (36%). None of the isolates were resistant to meropenem. The ESBL-producers were multidrug resistant compared to non- ESBL-producers (23%, n=14/62 versus 18%, n=14/78; p=0.573). Overall,

74.2% (n=46/62) of the ESBL genotypes expressed BlaCTX-M-1 genes followed by

62.9% (n=39/62) BlaTEM and 16.1% (n=10/62) BlaSHV. Two (3.2%) isolates had both TEM and SHV genes, 29 (46.8%) harbored TEM and CTX-M-1, 2 (3.2%) had SHV and CTXM-1, whiles 4 (6.5%) harbored all three genes. None expressed genes for CTX-M 2 and CTX-M 9. In univariate comparisons, patients who reported their previous medication as having being prescribed by a Physician and those who reportedly completed their previous medication were more likely to be infected by ESBL organisms. The study showed high ESBL positive E. coli and K. pneumoniae, mostly CTX-M-1 producers in Tamale Teaching Hospital. Routine laboratory ESBL detection is warranted.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 78 10th Anniversary Celebrations #4 Constraints and Strength of Control of Animal Trypanosomiasis in Nigeria

Ehizibolo O. Peter1 Karaye P. Gloria2, Kadima B. Kwem 3and Aliu O. Yusuf1

1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. 2Department of Entomology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Nigeria. 3Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Email: [email protected] Since the discovery of trypanosome parasites two main acceptable broad strategies have been employed in Africa in the control of trypanosomiasis in the field. These strategies include: the use of chemotherapeutic agents such as trypanocides on infected animals and control of vectors transmitting trypanosome parasites using both chemical and/or mechanical means. However, in general, the chemotherapeutic approach is much more widely used than the control of vector, because it is easier to kill the trypanosomes than the flies. In Africa alone, over 25-30 million doses of trypanocides are used yearly as chemotherapy of trypanosome infection in animals. Chemotherapy on a wide scale requires a thorough knowledge of the prevalent trypanosomes and their sensitivity to drugs. Unfortunately, the development of new anti-trypanocides has made little or no progress. More so, the increasing problem of trypanocidal drug resistant is a great constraint to livestock production and a setback in the control of the disease in Africa. While, the problems of drug resistance have encouraged much research into alternative methods of disease control, for such methods to be successful, it will have to be used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Therefore, it becomes imperative that efforts should be enhanced to improve control of the disease using available trypanocides. Furthermore, vector control, an integral part of integrated approach of trypanosome control should be enhanced. All of the available methods used in the control of trypanosomiasis have its own strength and constraints. A combination of immune stimulating agents and trypanocides and/or chemoprophylaxis against the disease and chemical control of the vector may greatly improve trypanosome control. Where drug resistance is a constraint, efforts should be geared towards vector control and/or the use of trypanotolerant breeds of livestock.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 79 10th Anniversary Celebrations #5 Effect of a Pharmacist's Intervention on the Incidence and Pattern of Drug Therapy Problems at a Primary Healthcare Centre in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria

*N. Bello1, B. B. Maiha1, S. Mohammed1 and S.N. Abdu-Aguye1

1Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected],

Drug therapy problems (DTPs) are actual or potential events associated with the use of medicines that can significantly interfere with patient outcomes. Even though there is inadequate data, the DTP burden is hypothesized to be worse in low & middle-income countries like Nigeria due to weak health systems and shortages of trained health care personnel. The aim of this study was thus to describe the frequency and types of drug therapy problems (DTPs) occurring at Kurna Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) in Kano state, Nigeria& assess the effect of a pharmacists' intervention targeted at prescribers to reduce the occurrence of these DTPs. The study was prospective and carried out in 2 phases from April-June 2016. During the first phase, the prescriptions of 400 randomly sampled outpatients visiting the PHC were assessed and DTPs identified & classified using the standard DRP-Registration Form V5.01 (PCNE Classification). Based on the results obtained from the first phase, an intervention using Information, Education and Communication (I.E.C) materials was then carried out. Impact of this intervention was measured via pre and post prescriber knowledge tests and 200 randomly sampled prescriptions after the intervention. Out of the 400 prescriptions initially sampled, 75% had one or more DTPs. These included 138 potential drug interactions (30.7%) and presence of contraindication to drug (usually pregnancy/breastfeeding) 57 (12.7%). Major causes of these DTPs were inappropriate drug selection 196 (45.9%) and pharmacokinetic problems 146 (34.2%). After the intervention, the number of prescriptions with DTPs reduced to 5%. During the prescriber knowledge pre-test, the average number of questions answered correctly was 4.30±0.52, this rose to 7.35±0.55 after the intervention showing a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.001). While the occurrence of DTPs at the PHC was high in this study, the intervention significantly decreased the number of

Ghana Biomedical Convention 80 10th Anniversary Celebrations #6 Effect of Reheated Oil on Serum Lipid and Histological Changes of the Liver of Sprague Dawley Rats and Possible Treatment with Venonia Amagdalina

1Precious Barnes & 2Asante Dubious 1Dept. of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. 2Dept. of Forensic Science, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Sunflower oil is a non-volatile oil expressed from sunflower seed. It is a mixture of polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats with low unsaturated fat levels of oleic acid and linoleic acid. It is considered as a potent modulator of lipid profile and reduction of cardiovascular disease. The effect of ingestion of heated and reheated sunflower oil on lipid and histological alterations and the effectiveness treatment with methanolic extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaves was investigated with Sprague dawley rats. The rats were divided into 4 groups, the first group fed with fresh sunflower oil, the second group fed with heated sunflower oil, the third group fed with reheated sunflower oil and the fourth group fed with only rat chow for 30 days. After thirty days, some of the rats were dissected and their livers were harvested and blood samples were taken. The remaining rats were grouped into two, based on the dose of Vernonia amygdalina administered that is low dose group (50mg/kg) and high dose group (250mg/kg). After fourteen days of administering the extract, the rats were dissected and their livers were harvested and blood was taken. After this, the histopathological and biochemical analysis were made. There was hyperdyslipedemia in rats feed with heated and reheated sunflower oil with the amount of cholesterol to be 11.7mmol/Land 14.6mmol/L respectively. The amount of cholesterol was significant with p-value of 0.006 compared with the control group. The amount of triglyceride was also high for both heated and reheated oil with the amount of 8.8mmol/L and 9.0mmol/L respectively which was statistically significant compared with the control group (p-value- 0.005).The histological study of the liver showed severe degeneration of the hepatocytes, severe accumulation of fats, disruption and constriction of the sinusoids, destruction of kupffer cells and necrosis of the hepatocytes. After the treatment with the extract, these conditions were still present in the fresh, reheated and heated induced liver treated with the low dose of the extract. The heated and reheated sunflower oil induced liver showed severe levels of fatty change, necrosis and Kupffer cell destruction. After treatment with the extract, the high dose of the extract was more potent than the low dose. In the high dose of the extract, there was regeneration and mild activation of the kuppfer cells and sinusoids became dilated and there was reduction of necrosis, fatty accumulation. Repeated heated sunflower oil causes the production of free radicals, leading to oxidation and lipid peroxidation. It also causes deposition of fats on the liver and therefore cause dyslipidemia. The extracts very effective in ameliorating the effect.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 81 10th Anniversary Celebrations #7 Serological indication of Dengue and Chikungunya virus infections in Ghana

D. Pratt1, E. Agbosu1, S. Yamaoka2, J. S. Barnor1, T. Hayashi2, E. Ido2, J.H.K.Bonney1

1 Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, 2 Department of Virology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan Email: [email protected]

Dengue Virus (DENV) and Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV) are globally important causes of human disease which constitute part of the known arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses). These viral agents co-circulate with overlapping clinical symptoms in endemic areas. In Ghana there is a dearth of data on DENV and CHIKV contrary to what pertains in other parts of the world. Thus, the study seeks to identify and characterize DENV and CHIKV and other endemic arboviruses in selected health facilities in Ghana. Whole blood collected from eligible patients was investigated for immunological markers, IgM and IgG by ELISA as well as the detection and amplification of viral nucleic acids if present. From April 2016 to March, 2017, 513 clinical specimens were collected of which 60% were females. Of the samples collected, 22.7% and 53.7% had anti-DENV IgM and IgG antibodies respectively while 14.3% and 32.4% had anti-CHIKV IgM and IgG antibodies respectively. No viral RNA has been detected for both viruses by RT-PCR. Most clinical samples were received from the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. The proportion of anti-DENV IgM positives in the Ashanti region was 10 times higher than in the Greater Accra region while anti-DENV IgG positives was 3 times higher in Greater Accra region. There are significant differences in the abundance ratio of anti-CHIKV IgM and IgG antibodies between the two regions. These data indicate exposure to DENV and CHIKV and suggest possible circulation of these and other arboviruses in the country which may be contributing to febrile illnesses. There is the need for a nationwide surveillance to identify the overall prevalence of DENV and CHIKV infections.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 82 10th Anniversary Celebrations #8 Variations in exposure to P. falciparum parasites in high transmission settings can be predicted by antibodies against asexual stage antigen MSP3.

F. K. Acquah1, A. Oppong1, J. Abankwa1, R. Ayanful-Torgby1 and L. E. Amoah1

1Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana E-mail: [email protected]

During a malaria infection, exposure of the human host to both the asexual parasite may lead to immune responses that may be protective and prevent the development of high parasitaemia and its associated clinical symptoms as well as the sexual forms of the parasite that may block the onward transmission of malaria. This study aimed at examining the dynamics of naturally acquired immune responses against both asexual and sexual forms of P. falciparum in asymptomatic Ghanaian children living in two communities with varying malaria transmission intensities prior to the peak malaria transmission season. School children aged between 6 and 12 years were recruited from Obom and Cape-Coast and enrolled in a four-month longitudinal survey. Finger-pricked blood from the children were spotted onto filter paper as well as used to prepare thick and thin blood films. P. falciparum parasite prevalence was determined by microscopy and PCR. Antibodies eluted from the filter papers were used in an ELISA to access anti-Pfs230 (sexual stage) and anti-MSP3 (asexual stage) antibody levels. Malaria parasites prevalence throughout the study was higher in the high transmission area. Variations in MSP3 antibody seroprevalence correlated positively with parasite prevalence estimated by microscopy in both transmission settings but antibodies against Pfs230 correlated only with variations in submicroscopic parasite prevalence in the low transmission setting. The findings suggest that while MSP3 anti body levels are better at estimating P. falciparum parasite exposure in high transmission settings, anti- Pfs230 antibody levels are best at low transmission settings.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 83 10th Anniversary Celebrations # 9 Selection of Ribozyme-based Aptamers for Early Diagnosis of Buruli Ulcer 1,2Samuel A. Sakyi*, 1 Samuel Yaw Aboagye, 1Isaac Darko Otchere, Albert Liao3, Thomas G. Caltagirone and 1, 4 Dorothy Yeboah-Manu

1Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, 2Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana, 3Aptagen LLC, Jacobus, Pennsylvania, PA, USA.4Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana.

Buruli Ulcer Disease (BUD) is a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. It is characterized by destruction of skin and soft tissues with the formation of large ulcers on body extremities. BUD is often diagnosed late and methods for confirmation are unavailable outside reference laboratories. Mycolactone is the virulence factor responsible for the pathology of BUD. It is found at every stage of the disease and a useful marker for diagnosis. However, the non-immunogenic nature of mycolactone has impeded diagnosis based on anti-mycolactone. The advent of antibiotic therapy makes early diagnosis of BUD important to prevent the effects of the disease. Aptamers, a novel sensitive and specific class of detection molecules, has hitherto not been raised against mycolactone. Aptamers were selected by SELEX process against target mycolactone over counter-target of cellular protein extract. Each selection round was followed by reverse transcription to generate cDNA, library amplification through PCR, and regeneration of the RNA library by transcription. After 7 rounds of selection, parallel assessment was done and clones were sequenced. Bioinformatics analysis identified candidate aptamers. To assess their binding affinity and specificity to mycolactone and other bacteria, aptamers were screened using isothermal titration calorimetry and enzyme linked oligonucleotide assay (ELONA) and evaluated using samples from 40 BUD patients with PCR and microscopy as standard methods. Cutoff-points were evaluated using ROC curve analysis. Five aptamers were identified to significantly bind to mycolactone of which three were able to distinguish between mycolactone producing mycobacteria species and other bacteria whilst two others also bounded significantly to mycobacterium smegmatis. Their dissociation constant were in the micro- molar range. The aptamer-based assay had sensitivities between 0.0% and 50.0% and specificity of 100%. Ribozyme based RNA aptamers specifically binds to mycolactone and can serve as a diagnostic tool for early diagnosis of BUD.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 84 10th Anniversary Celebrations # 10 Temperature and pH Sensitive Agarose-Zeolite Hydrogels with Enhanced Swelling and Mechanical Properties

H. N. A. Fleischer1, R. A. Viade1, G. Manu2, J. Zhuang3, 4 H. Wadsworth and E. K. Tiburu1

1 Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra. 2 Dept. of Material Science and Engineering, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra. 3 Collage of Staten Island, Cuny, USA. 4 Dept. of Material Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech. USA.

E-mail: [email protected]

Hydrogels are three-dimensional polymer networks that are capable of absorbing/retaining large amounts of water within their pore structures. Their soft consistency, biocompatibility and biodegradability allow them to closely simulate natural living tissues and organs. In order to broaden the applications of hydrogels, they are cross linked with other biopolymers, such as collagen, gelatin, agarose and chitosan. Research is widely available on chitosan-agarose, chitosan-zeolite, and chitosan-gelatin nanocomposites among others. However, there is scanty information available on agarose-zeolite nanocomposites. In this work, Zeolite Na-LSX was synthesized using local kaolin whiles controlling variables such as temperature, aging, mode of crystallization, crystallization time as well as pH conditions, to obtain pure crystalline zeolite material. The synthetic zeolite formed was then used as a template to produce nanocomposites of different morphologies with different amounts of agarose to form a hydrogel. The nanocomposites were characterized using biophysical methods and the utility of the hydrogel in various biomedical applications were investigated. The results showed that the different amounts of agarose infer unique properties to the hydrogel in terms of pore size, swelling ability and mechanical strength.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 85 10th Anniversary Celebrations #11 Investigating the Colloidal Stability of Zeolite-Polymer Nanocomposites

T. Y. A. Essel1, G. A. Brown1, A. A. Dellor1, D. D. Morrison1, H. N. A. Fleischer1, R. A. Viade1, E. O. Aidoo2, H. Wadsworth3 and E. K. Tiburu1,

1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra. 2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Liberec, Czech Republic. 3Department of Material Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech. USA

Email: [email protected]

Colloidal systems are uniformly distributed particles in a medium. The stability of a colloid is necessary to ensure that a higher concentration of the solute is in the solvent for a long period of time. This is facilitated when there is repulsion between the solute particles causing then to remain in suspension. From literature, nanoparticles functionalized with certain polymers improve their potential as stable colloidal systems. Kaolin is a white clay that is chemically inert, nonabrasive and possesses a number of characteristics that make it desirable for biomedical application. Synthetic zeolite nanoparticles from kaolin have low colloidal stability. In this studies, synthetic zeolite from kaolin was functionalized using polymers such as gelatin and chitosan. Aspirin was entrapped in both the raw zeolite as well as functionalized zeolites to serve as a probe. Absorbance values were measured over a period of 6 hours with a UV- VIS spectrophotometer. This was done to monitor their stability. In descending order, the nanocomposite with the relatively high and stable absorbance values were Zeolite/gelatin, followed by zeolite/gelatin/chitosan, zeolite/chitosan, unfunctionalized zeolite. The zeolites functionalized with gelatin and chitosan, proved to enhance the stability of the synthetic raw zeolites (more particles in suspension). This was further confirmed when SEM images showed that the nanocomposites, zeolite/gelatin and zeolite/gelatin/chitosan had more evenly spread out particles with relatively small size than the zeolite and zeolite/chitosan nanocomposite which were agglomerated and therefore would settle faster than the former. Following these results, it implies that these zeolite nanocomposites have the potential as suitable drug delivery systems to avoid rapid clearance by Mononuclear Phagocytic System (MPS).

Ghana Biomedical Convention 86 10th Anniversary Celebrations #12 Development of HPLC Method for the Simultaneous Estimation of Paracetamol/Tramadol Hydrochloride in Fixed-dose Combination Tablets

Monica Mame Soma Nyansa* and Reimmel Kwame Adosraku

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.

Email: [email protected]

Paracetamol and Tramadol hydrochloride is an orally administered fixed-dose combination product indicated for the symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe pain. HPLC was used to develop an analytical method for the simultaneous estimation of tramadol hydrochloride and paracetamol in fixed- dose combination tablets. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a reversed phase C8 column (150mm × 4.6mm, 5µm and 100 Å) using methanol and 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid (50:50 v/v) as the mobile phase. Isocratic elution was employed with PDA detection at a wavelength of 227nm, using caffeine as the internal standard. The method was validated for accuracy, precision, specificity, linearity, limit of detection and limit of quantification according to the ICH guidelines. The mean retention times were found to be 2.133±0.04mins for paracetamol, 3.205±0.04mins for tramadol hydrochloride and 2.624±0.05mins for caffeine. The method was found to be linear within the range of 5-105ppm for paracetamol and 20-120ppm for tramadol hydrochloride with r2 of 0.9974 and 0.9997 for paracetamol and for tramadol hydrochloride respectively. The limit of detection for paracetamol and tramadol hydrochloride were found to be 4.67ppm and 4.01ppm respectively. The limit of quantification for paracetamol and tramadol hydrochloride were also found to be 14.16ppm and 12.17ppm respectively. The developed method had a recovery of 90-110%, showing the accuracy of the method. The method was precise with all percentage RSD for both the intra-day and inter-day precision being ≤ 2. The validated method was successfully used to assay paracetamol/tramadol hydrochloride fixed-dose combination tablets available on the Ghanaian market. The percentage content of paracetamol and tramadol hydrochloride found in both brands of fixed-dose combination products were 95.23±0.08, 100.88±0.02 and 83.82±0.01, 89.58±0.01 respectively. The validated method can be used for routine analysis of paracetamol/tramadol hydrochloride fixed- dose combination tablets.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 87 10th Anniversary Celebrations #13 Peptides from Oliva Sp. show Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity and Anti-Biofilm Capabilities

Edward Ntim Gasu1, Hubert Senanu Ahor1 and Lawrence Sheringham Borquaye1,2

1 Central Laboratory, 2Department of Chemistry; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana.

Lately, pathogenic microbes have developed resistance to most last resort antibiotics. The rate of discovery and development of new therapeutics is declining and has resulted in a drain of the global pharmaceutical pipeline. Antimicrobial peptides have the ability to disrupt cytoplasmic membrane integrity, causing cellular content release leading to cell death, and are rarely resisted. The aquatic (marine) ecosystem, with its vast biological diversity serves as a reservoir of promising leads and drug candidates. We report herein the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm capabilities of crude peptides from Oliva sp. (a marine mollusk). Samples were obtained from Eikwe beach and crude peptides were extracted by selective precipitation. The peptides were tested against nine bacteria and one fungus using the agar diffusion and broth microdilution methods. A microplate method was used to examine time- dependent growth inhibition, and the resistance modulation ability of peptides at sub-MIC concentrations, of some selected antibiotics was examined. The capability of the extract to inhibit P. aeruginosa and C. albicans biofilms, were also investigated. A broad-spectrum activity was observed in general, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the crude peptides ranging from 0.04mg/mL to 2.5mg/mL and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC)/Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was 2.5mg/mL. Synergistic activity of 0.025mg/mL of peptides led to 50-99% reduction in Ciprofloxacin MICs, but an antagonistic effect was observed for Erythromycin. An extensive prolonging of bacteria lag phase (between 0-24h), indicative of microbicidal/micro biostatic action. Biofilm Inhibitory Concentrations (BIC50) were 0.0653 and 0.04257mg/mL for P. aeruginosa and C. albicans respectively. This shows that crude peptides from Oliva sp. possess remarkable antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential which can be further explored.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 88 10th Anniversary Celebrations #14 Nephroprotective Effect of the Hydroethanolic Leaves Extract of Acalypha Inferno L. on Gentamicin- Kidney Damage in Rats

E.A. Anyigbah, J.J. Tofah and C. Larbie Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, KNUST, Kumasi

E-mail: [email protected]

Kidney damage is a health crisis which has finite treatment options and pose psychological, financial and emotional burden worldwide. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside which has been used over the decades as an antibiotic with nephrotoxicity when taken beyond a recommended dosage. Hydroethanolic extract of Acalypha inferno L. (AI) has been shown to be safe and rich in antioxidant phytochemicals. The aim of this study was to assess the nephroprotective effect of AI on gentamicin-induced kidney damage in rats. 24 male wistar albino rats were divided into 6 groups; group 1 being the normal; groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated with 100 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg/kg b. wt orally; group 5 was treated Silymarin (20 mg/kg) and group 6, the gentamicin control. All groups, except the normal were treated with gentamicin (80 mg/kg) for 3 consecutive days (Day 16-18). The experiment was carried out for 21 days. After termination, following an overnight fast, blood samples were taken for haematological and biochemical analysis. The gentamicin group showed the highest serum creatinine level (72.68±9.83 µmol/L) and urea (13.90±1.55 mmol/L) compared to normal group (44.98± 1.40µmol/L and 9.14± 0.30 mmol/L respectively). Extract treatment at 100 mg and 250 mg restored kidney function to near normal. Electrolytes and haematological parameters were all restored to near normal ranges. 100 mg group showed the highest percentage protection. Hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of Acalypha inferno offers protection against gentamicin related kidney damage in animals.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 89 10th Anniversary Celebrations #15 Oral Glucose Tolerance Effects of Aqueous-Ethanolic Extract of Acalypha Inferno on Normo-Glycaemic Rats.

Juliana Oduro, Jesse John Tofah and Christopher Larbie

Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, KNUST, Kumasi E-mail: [email protected]

Glucose tolerance refers to the body's ability to metabolise glucose within a stipulated time interval. Failure of the body to use glucose results in hyperglycaemia and progressively to diabetes. Acalypha inferno (family Euphorbiaceae) is a plant species of Acalypha found widely in the tropics of Africa. The study was aimed at investigating the oral glucose tolerance effects of aqueous-ethanolic extract of Acalypha inferno on normo-glycaemic rats. A 50% hydro-ethanolic extract of the plant was prepared and the oral glucose tolerance ability of the plant was assessed for 14 days in normo-glycaemic rats were at doses 100 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg/kg body weight once daily and glibenclamide (10mg/kg) was used as a standard drug. The effect of treatment on body weight on body weight, OGTT at day 7 and 14, relative organ weights, lipid profile and kidney function were performed. At day 7, FBG level increased from 4.93±0.29 mmol/l to 25.03±0.93 mmol/l after 1 hour and 17.53±4.50 mmol/l after 3 hours in normal group. Extract and drug treated groups prevented such increases at all doses (p<0.001). At day 14, FBG levels increased to 23.23± 1.32 mmol/l after 1 hour. FBG levels were restored to basal levels after 8 hours. There was an increase in body weight from day 0 to 12 in the normal and 100mg group. Total cholesterol increased in the 250 mg group with a significant increase in LDL levels in the 100 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg group compared to the normal. There was no significant difference in relative kidney weight, urea and creatinine levels. The aqueous-ethanolic extract of Acalypha inferno possessed glucose tolerance abilities.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 90 10th Anniversary Celebrations #16 Provision of Sex Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Special Schools in Accra

J.B. Acquah1, I. Owusu1, W.K Mprah1, J. A. Dogbe1

1Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. E-mail: [email protected]

Sex education offers individuals opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills that facilitates making effective decisions concerning sexual health. However, research has shown that the provision of sexual education seems to be limited for individual with intellectual disabilities as compared to their non-disabled peers. As a results of this, individual with intellectual disabilities are at a greater risk of sexual abuse, unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. This study therefore focused investigating the provision of sex education for students with intellectual disabilities at Dzorwulu Special School and Castle Road Special School for the intellectual disabilities in Accra. It specifically focused on the nature of sex education provided, methods employed in teaching and challenges encountered. The study employed an exploratory design with a qualitative approach. A convenience sampling technique was used to select 12 teachers (6 each from the two schools) for interview. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings revealed that the teachers teach the pupils only basic sexual health issues involving personal hygiene and appropriate means of relating with the opposite sex. Methods used in teaching the pupils include pictures, videos and role play. Most respondents indicated that it is a huge challenge providing sex education for pupils with intellectual disability due mainly to inadequate teaching materials, low attention span of students and inability to obtain immediate feedback from pupils due challenges most have with speech. The study found pupils are not exposed to the more important aspects of sexual health education due to limited skill on the part of teachers. It recommends that the Ghana Education Service provide advanced teaching materials for special schools school and organise in-service training programs for the teachers as these will expose them to innovative methods and skills to provide quality sex education for pupils with intellectual disabilities.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 91 10th Anniversary Celebrations #17 Experiences of Disabled Persons in the Justice Delivery System in the Kumasi Metropolis.

G. Owusu1, W.K. Mprah1, I. Owusu1, E. Acheampong1, J. Dogbe1

1Centre for Disability and rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Email: [email protected]

The criminal justice system is established to deliver justice for all persons. However, for disabled persons, access to the criminal justice system is problematic. Negative assumptions and attitudes, coupled with lack of support services often place them in situations where are viewed as not credible or capable to participate in legal proceedings. As a result, many are either denied justice or are faced with unjustifiable delay in the justice delivery system. The objective of this study was to investigate the experience of the disabled persons in the criminal justice system. Among other specific issues this study dealt with was to understand to ascertain the level of knowledge of personnel in the criminal justice system on disability and to identify challenges disabled persons in Kumasi metropolis encounter when accessing services from the criminal justice system. The study which was qualitative employed purposive sampling method to select 20 participants. They included 10 personnel in the criminal justice system (1 lawyers, 4 police officers, 2 judges, and 3 prison officers) and 10 disabled persons (2 deaf persons, 3 blind persons and 5 physically disabled persons. Data were collected using interviews and analysed thematically. Findings established that personnel in the criminal justice system had little knowledge on disability and provisions in the Ghana Disability Law (Act 715). Challenges faced by disabled persons included discrimination, stigmatizations, lack of interpreters and inaccessible physical environment. Most disabled persons also did not have adequate knowledge on the operations of the criminal justice system. The study recommends that, government through the judicial service and in partnership with disabled people organizations educate personnel involved in justice delivery on issues of disability. Also, the socio-physical environments of the justice delivery system must be designed such that disabled persons could equally have access as the non-disabled.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 92 10th Anniversary Celebrations #18 Bioaccessibility of essential trace metals in the bloody cockles using simulated human in vitro digestion technique

H. Kuranchie-Mensah1, S.D. Osae1, Y. Serfor-Armah1, M. Metian2 M. Warnau2

1Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, U. of Ghana, Atomic Campus-Accra. 2IAEA, Environment Laboratories, 4a Quai Antoine Ier, MC-98000, Principality of Monaco, Monaco

E-mail: [email protected]

The study was carried out to determine the bioaccessibility of Mn, Co and Zn in cooked (primarily roasted and boiled) bloody cockles which serve as important traditional food to local residents in Central Region. The bloody cockles with cosmopolitan abundance within the West African coastline were sampled from the Narkwa lagoon in the Central Region of Ghana. Experimental work was achieved based on in vitro technique through a three stage simulated gastrointestinal digestion using artificial digestive juices and radiotracers of the selected metals. The results revealed variable percentages of bioaccessible fractions of metals with the highest occurring for Co (75.37) followed by Mn (51.92%) and Zn (40.54%). The culinary technique used in food preparation slightly influenced the bioaccessibility of the metals which suggest that dietary habits should not be ignored during exposure assessment. Overall, the study provides useful information on dietary intakes of bioaccessible metals in the cockle used as food in Ghana.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 93 10th Anniversary Celebrations #19 Age-Dependent Structure and Immunolocalisation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Olfactory Layers of the African Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus)

C. S. Ibe, E. Ikpegbu, U. C. Nlebedum

Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Michael Okpara university of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria

E-mail: [email protected]

The African grasscutter is a giant rodent, currently proposed as a laboratory model in Nigeria. The present study expounded the structure of the rodent's olfactory bulb, as it advances in age, by a basic neuro-anatomical technique. The study also localised brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the olfactory neurons, by an immunhistochemical technique, using antibody specific to brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Brain samples extracted from neonates on postnatal day 3, juveniles on day 72 and adults on day 450 were utilised. There was a consistent increase in the relative weight of the olfactory bulb with advancement in age, but a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the relative length from 20.81 ± 0.37 on day 3 to 17.75 ± 0.45 on day 72. The concentric lamina organization of the olfactory bulb was evident on day 3, but the glomerular layer was absent. The mean diameters of each glomerulus on days 72 and 450 were 86.82 ± 0.25 µm and 117.14 ± 0.32 µm, respectively. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). Zones of the external plexiform layer were undifferentiated on day 3. Mitral cell lines decreased in number, but increased in size with advancement in age. Brain- derived neurotrophic factor was moderately immunolocalised in the olfactory nerve layer on day 3, but negative on days 72 and 450. Cell bodies of the periglomerular short-axon neurones mildly expressed brain-derived neurotrophic factor on days 72 and 450. In conclusion, the lack of olfactory glomerular layer and reduced thickness of mitral cell layer points to lower olfaction acuity in neonates. Also, the positive immunoreactivity of brain- derived neurotrophic factor in the olfactory nerve layer of the neonates, unlike juveniles and adults, is suggestive of active synaptogenesis expressed by the axons of the neonate olfactory nerve receptors.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 94 10th Anniversary Celebrations #20 Identification of mushrooms using internal transcribed spacer sequencing Theresa Appiah1, Christian Agyare1, Yinggang Luo2

1Microbiology Section, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. 2Center for Natural Products Research, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 416, Chengdu 610041, China Email: [email protected]

Mushrooms have attracted attention and are exploited for food and medicines. Identification of mushrooms is vital in utilizing them for human benefit. DNA markers are quick and reliable tools that are useful in mushroom taxonomy, compared to the morphological identification, which is time consuming, tedious and can be prone to error. The aim of this study was to the identity of six (6) mushrooms using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. The ribosomal DNA-ITS fragments of genomic DNA of six mushrooms were amplified using ITS1 and ITS4 primers. The amplicons were sequenced and data assembled and analyzed using BioEdit. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) search was carried out using the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. The data obtained from the sequence alignment were used to plot a phylogenetic tree using the Neighbor-Joining method in Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA). The nucleotide sequences of the six mushrooms blasted against sequences from GenBank data base revealed that Schizophyllum commune, Trametes elegans, Trametes gibbosa, Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus and Volvariella volvacea matched 100, 100, 99, 98, 98 and 97% Schizophyllum commune strain SCSIO, Trametes elegans isolate BCC23750, Trametes gibbosa strain 391, Ganoderma lucidum strain IMSNU32114, Pleurotus ostreatus strain H-8 and Volvariella volvacea strain OE-55, with accession numbers KX258807.1, FJ372691.1, KC525203.1, AF214467.1, JQ837478.1 and KC142119, respectively. Phylogenetic tree showed close relationship between T. elegans and T. gibbosa, V. volvacea and P. ostreatus. Molecular identification of all the mushrooms corresponded to morphological identification up to species level.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 95 10th Anniversary Celebrations #21 Detection and Molecular Characterization of Intestinal Protozoan Parasites in Non-Diarrhoeal Stools from School Aged Children

S. K.Botchie1, I. Ayi1*, K. Ogasawara2, G. I. Djameh1, F. A.Azerigyik1, M. Amoa-Bosompem1, 2, J. Agyapong1, M. Ohashi1, 2 and N. Ohta2.

1Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon. 2Section of Environmental Parasitology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo- Japan. Emal: [email protected]

Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba spp. are among the most prevalent enteric parasites in Ghana implicated in diarrhoeal cases. However, very few studies in Ghana have focused on the presence of these enteric parasites in non-diarrhoeal individuals. Hence, this study aimed at detecting and characterizing intestinal protozoan parasites in human faecal samples. Eighty-seven non-diarrhoeal faecal samples were obtained from children aged < 12 years in Dorgogbom and Afiadenyigba communities, which lack potable water. The samples were examined microscopically via wet mount (Lugol's iodine) and the modified Ziehl Neelsen Acid-fast method for detection of Giardia lamblia trophozoites and parasitic protozoan oocysts, respectively. Genomic DNA extracted from the faecal samples were subjected to nested PCR-RFLP. Microscopically, 64.4% (56/87) samples tested positive for protozoan parasites oocysts. Cryptosporidium spp prevalence by nested PCR amplification of the SSUrRNA gene was 65/87 (74.7%). Out of the 65 Cryptosporidium spp. DNA positives, 72.3% (47) were successfully characterized as Cryptosporidium hominis and 27.7% (18) as C. parvum. Prevalence of Giardia lamblia by amplification of the SSUrRNA, tpi and gdh genes was 63.2% (55/87). Out of the 55 G. lamblia positives, 32.3% (21) were successfully characterized as assemblages BIII and BIV. Cryptosporidium hominis predominantly infects humans whilst C. parvum is zoonotic. Giardia lamblia sub-assemblage B is also zoonotic. These results give evidence that sharing facilities such as water sources with animals in our communities is of public health concern that needs urgent attention

Ghana Biomedical Convention 96 10th Anniversary Celebrations #22 Comparison of the Genetic Diversity of P. Falciparum Infections in Asymptomatic Children in two towns in Southern Ghana having Different Malaria Transmission Intensities, across Different Time Points

Adjah, J.1,2, Oppong, A.1, Obboh, E.1,And Amoah, L. E.1,2

1Immunology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, UG, Legon-Accra, Ghana. 2Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, UG, Legon-Accra, Ghana Email: [email protected]

The multiplicity of infection (MOI) of Plasmodium falciparum parasites has been suggested to be an indicator of transmission dynamics. Genetic diversity within P. falciparum is a major feature the parasites adopt to survive the hosts' immune responses. The extensive diversity in msp1 and msp2 genes which encode for MSP1 and MSP2 antigens make them good candidate genes to analyze genetic diversity in field isolates of P. falciparum (Amodu et al., 2008). Understanding genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection is important in understanding the epidemiology of Plasmodium falciparum infections in endemic areas. This study monitors parasite MOI in asymptomatic school children living in two areas of varying P. falciparum prevalence over the course of a complete malaria transmission season. Children were recruited from a school located in a high malaria intensity setting and another school in a low malaria intensity setting both in Southern Ghana after written parental consent was obtained from the legal guardians. Blood samples were collected quarterly from April 2015 until January 2016 and used to prepare filter paper blood blots as well as thin blood smears. The thin smears were used for the microscopic parasite identification. DNA was extracted from the filter paper blots and used for the PCR based multiplicity of infection (MOI) and genetic diversity studies using the MSP1 and MSP2 gene loci. We observed that, the peak season (July) had the lowest geometric mean (GM) of MOI in the high malaria transmission setting and highest GM MOI in the low transmission zone. Overall, the high transmission zone had higher GM MOI across time points than the low transmission zone. The 3D7 allele of MSP2 dominated in the peak seasons whiles the FC27 allele was dominant in the off peak periods in both transmission zones. However no MSP1 allele showed any dominance across the seasons. We therefore concluded that, there was extensive genetic diversity in both MSP1 and MSP2 alleles in asymptomatic children which was independent on the level of transmission intensity in the two study sites; highlighting the need for further transmission studies in these areas to monitor the spread of the disease.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 97 10th Anniversary Celebrations #23 Epidemiological Study of Avian Tuberculosis in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Madaki D. Blessed1, Ehizibolo O. Peter2, Achi C. Rita3. Kabir Junaidu,4 Fatihu, M.Yakassai5, Abdulkadir Idris6.

1Kaduna Agriculture Development Project, Saminaka, Kaduna, Nigeria. 2National Stop Transmission of Polio, African Field Epidemiology Network, Zamfara, Nigeria. 3Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria. 4Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. 5Department of Veterinary Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. 6Department of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Email: [email protected]/[email protected]

Avian tuberculosis is an important bacterial disease of birds characterized by an insidious onset and slow progression. The present study was aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors of Mycobacterium avium infection in live and slaughtered chicken in Kaduna State. A total of 768 live chickens were injected with purified protein derivative PPD (avian) and 2304 slaughtered chickens were examined for lesions compatible with Avian tuberculosis. Thirteen (1.69%) of 768 chickens injected with PPD reacted positive to the PPD test, 10 (1.30 %) of the positive reactors were local chickens while 3 (0.39%) were exotic layers. Thirty-two (1.39 %) of the slaughtered chickens had lesions compatible with Avian tuberculosis. No significant (p > 0.05) association between positive reactors and type of chickens. However, significant (p < 0.05) association between positive reactors and age chickens sampled were observed. Questionnaire survey showed most of respondents (70%) had houses for chicken, while majority (60%) do not have footbath in their farms, and only 2 % of them wear protective clothing when catering for chickens. Practice of all in all out; resting and disinfection of chicken houses were done by 8% and 22 % respectively. Mixing of chickens of different ages is a common practice, most farmers do not have safe source of water for their chickens. The study revealed that children are at higher risk of contracting the disease due to their role in feeding chickens and cleaning their pen. This study has established presence of M. avium infection amongst chickens in Kaduna state and risk factors associated with the occurrence of the infection. We recommend screening of chickens for M. avium in farms with poor biosecurity due to its zoonotic nature. There is need to enlighten chicken owners on public health implication of M. avium and need for biosecurity in farms and/or homes.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 98 10th Anniversary Celebrations #24 Assessment of the Integration of Herbal Medicine Practice into the Mainstream Healthcare System.

Thomford K. P1*, Amponsah I. K2, Gbedema S. Y 1,3, Dickson R. A2, Mensah M. L. K1, Sam G. H 1, Baah M. K 1

1Department of Herbal Medicine, KNUST, Kumasi. 2Department of Pharmacognosy, KNUST, Kumasi. 3Department of Pharmaceutics, KNUST, Kumasi.

Email: [email protected]

The promotion of a public health agenda that seeks to harness herbal medical practices in combination with biomedical science to provide access to safe and effective healthcare, continues to be emphasised. For the past 6 years steps have been taken in Ghana to integrate herbal medicine practice into the mainstream healthcare delivery system. So far 17 herbal clinics have been established in some selected district and regional hospitals. In this study, we sought to assess the impact Medical Herbalists (graduates of the herbal medicine programme) in charge of these clinics are making on the healthcare delivery system. Using a structured questionnaire, a total of 567 participants, made up of 289 patients and 278 health workers (i.e. Doctors, Nurses, Laboratory and Administrative Staff) were interviewed. Among the patients, 240(83.04%) expressed satisfaction with the quality of care provided by the Medical Herbalist based on “physician- patient” relationship 183(57.2%) and disease management strategies 137(42.8%). Out of 208 patients who had previously used the services of both a Traditional Herbal Practitioner and a Medical Herbalist, 198 (95.20%) responded they will prefer the services of Medical Herbalists whenever they want an alternative treatment. Among the health workers, 153(55.03%) reported to have collaborated with Medical Herbalists. Through this interaction, 77(29.2%) indicated they now have a clearer understanding of the science behind herbal medicines and 99(37.5%) are better informed of safety issues with regard to herbs while 83(31.4%) also accepted the efficacy of herbs. In addition, 85(35.3%) of the health workers now appreciated the relevance of herbal medicines, 60(24.9%) accepted the clinical competence of Medical Herbalists and 96(39.8%) realised the usefulness of Medical Herbalists as partners in the provision of quality healthcare. It can be concluded that the integration of herbal medicine services into mainstream healthcare delivery has had a positive impact on the healthcare delivery system in Ghana.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 99 10th Anniversary Celebrations #25 Nomogram for Predicting the Probability of the Positive Outcome of Prostate Biopsies among Ghanaian Men Agyemang-Yeboah Francis2, *Acheampong Emmanuel2, Gyase-Sarpong Kofi Christian1Aboah Kenneth1, Laing Edwin Ferguson2, Christian Obirikorang2, Twumasi Frimpong Benjamin 1, George Amoah1 Batu Nsenbah Emmanuella2, Enoch Odame Anto2,3 Amankwaah Bright2 1Department of Surgery (Urology Unit), School of Medical Science/Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana. 2Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. 3Royal Ann College of Health, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Atwima Manhyia, Kumasi, Ghana Email: [email protected] Several existing models have been developed to predict positive prostate biopsy among men undergoing evaluation for prostate cancer (PCa). However, most of these models have come from industrialized countries. We therefore, developed a prostate disease nomogram model to provide a basis for predicting a prostate biopsy outcome by correlating clinical indicators and diagnostic parameters among Ghanaian men. The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional prospective one which was undertaken at the Department of Surgery (Urology Unit) Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) from December, 2014 to March, 2016. In all a total of 241 patients suspected of having a prostate disorder due based on an abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) findings and, or elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) level underwent Trans-Rectal Ultrasonography (TRUS) guided biopsy of the prostate. Stepwise logistic regression was used to determine the independent predictors of a positive initial biopsy. Age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), digital rectal examination (DRE) status, prostate specific antigen density (PSAD), history of alcohol consumption and history of smoking findings were included in the analysis. Two nomogram models were developed that were based on these independent predictors to estimate the probability of a positive initial prostate biopsy. Receiver-operating characteristic curves (ROC) were used to assess the accuracy of using the nomograms and PSA and PSAD levels for predicting positive a prostate biopsy outcome. Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 63 out of 241patients (26.1%). Benign prostatic hyperplasia was diagnosed in 172 (71.4%) of patients and the remaining 6 patients (2.48%) had chronic inflammation. Significantly elevated levels of PSA and PSAD were observed among patients with PCa compared to patients without PCa (p<0.05). Furthermore, it was observed that age, DRE, PSA, PSAD, history of smoking, and history of alcohol consumption were significantly independent predictors (p<0.05) of prostate cancer. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of nomogram I and II were 87.3 and 84.8 respectively which were greater than that of total PSA (AUC =75.8) and PSAD (AUC=77.8) alone for predicting a positive initial prostate biopsy We conclude that, nomograms offer a better and accurate assessment for predicting a positive outcome of prostate biopsies than the use of traditional tools of PSA, DRE and PSAD alone.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 100 10th Anniversary Celebrations #26 Glycemic Index of Five Maize and Cassava Staples in Ghana

E.S. Yeboah1, J.K. Agbenorhevi2

1Dept. of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, KNUST, Kumasi; 2Dept. of Food Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi

E-mail: [email protected]

The glycemic index (GI) of some Ghanaian maize and cassava staples (Abolo, Akple, Kafa, Locally made kokonte and Processed kokonte) were determined by means of cross over trial. and to investigate the effect of processing of processing on them. Ten healthy subjects consisting of five males and five females were included in the study. The GI was assessed buy quantifying the blood glucose level of study subjects at the fasting state and after consumption of reference food (glucose) and test foods within a period of two hours. Measuring the blood glucose levels after the two hour period commenced after 15mins of consumption and the 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120th min. The glycemic index value for the test food was calculated for each subject by dividing their blood glucose incremental area under the glucose response curve for the test food by the blood glucose incremental area under curve for the reference food and multiplying by 100. Results showed that locally made kokonte had the least GI of 7 followed by processed kokonte with GI of 18 while Kafa had low GI value of 29. Abolo had a medium glycemic index value of 58 and Akple also had a medium glycemic index value of 69. The GI value of a food is ranked on a scale of 0-100 where 0-55 is low, 56-69 medium and 70-100 high. There was no significant difference between the GI of locally made kokonte and processed kokonte (p>0.05). The findings would be useful to assist health care professionals, diabetics and Ghanaians in their selection of local staples and meal planning.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 101 10th Anniversary Celebrations #27 Nitrite assessment of processed meat products commonly consumed in Ghana

J.A. Kontoh, J.K. Agbenorhevi

2Dept. of Food Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi

E-mail: [email protected]

Sodium and potassium salts of nitrite are used in meat products as preservative, antioxidant and colour fixative. However, high levels of these chemicals pose risks such as toxicity and carcinogenic effects due to the formation of nitroso compounds originated from nitrite sources. The present study was conducted to assess the nitrite residual levels and to evaluate the health risk of consumers from exposure of nitrite in commonly consumed processed meat products (sausage, corned beef and bacon) sold on the Ghanaian market. A total of 300 questionnaires were administered to all categories of ages in the study population in the Ayawaso West Sub Metro, Accra. Participants were made to fill out the 24 h food frequency questionnaire. A total of Fifty (50) samples of different types and brands of processed meat products were randomly selected and analyzed for nitrite residues by spectrophotometric method. The mean nitrite content in the samples was 139.85 mg/kg and the mean daily intake estimated at 114.89 mg/kg/day. Significant to the findings of this research is that the nitrite levels exceed the WHO/EU recommended levels of 125mg/kg in processed meat. First order Monte Carlo simulation at 10,000 iterations estimated chronic daily intake of nitrite as 5.05 mg/kg/day. Subsequently, the average risk of consumption of processed meat within the limits of reference dose of nitrite (0.33 mg/Bw/day) for the studied population was estimated at 15.65. This means that, the risk quotient or hazard quotient was far greater than 1, which was indicative of adverse health effect to the consumers.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 102 10th Anniversary Celebrations #28 A Preliminary Study on the Use of the Herbal Product Mist Antiaris in the Management of Patients with Clinically Diagnosed Peripheral Neuropathy

Yeboah R.1*, Mensah R.1, Thomford K.P.2, Appiah A.A1, Ocloo A.1,

1Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong-Akuapem. 2Department of Herbal Medicine, KNUST, Kumasi

Email: [email protected]

Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurologic disease that accounts for a lot of physician visits among the elderly. The prevalence of the disease in the general population is estimated to be about 8% in those older than 55 years. In this report, a Ghanaian herbal product prepared from the stem bark of Antiaris africana and used traditionally in the management of neurological disorders was preliminary assessed for its efficacy in patients clinically diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. A prospective open label non-comparative study was undertaken involving 24 patients seen at the clinic of the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong-Akuapem. A modified Neuropathic Symptoms Score (NSS) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) using the standardised Wong- Baker Faces Rating Scale (WBFRS) was used to grade each participant on the first day of visit (Day 0). The VAS was subsequently used to grade and monitor improvements in the characteristic symptoms such as burning sensation, numbness, tingling, fatigue, cramping and aching feelings in the extremities at the fourth week (Day 28) and on the eighth week (Day 56). Mean age of participants involved in the study was 46.08±2.77 with the most significant comorbidity associated with participants being hypertension and type II diabetes which accounted for 10(41.66 %) of the cases recorded. Baseline NSS indicated that 20(83.0 %) of the participants had severe symptoms and 4(17.0 %) reporting with moderate symptoms of neuropathy. Treatment resulted in an improvement of symptoms with a decline in mean VAS from a baseline of 6.04 (±0.41) to 3.79 (±0.74) on Day 28 and 2.13 (±0.93) by Day 56. The results gathered from this pilot study indicates that the product Mist Antiaris has good prospects as an anti-neuropathic medication.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 103 10th Anniversary Celebrations #29 Assessment of the Effects of Cocoa and Tea Kombucha on Sexual and Asexual Stages of Plasmodium falciparum

1Agbemafle, S., 2Cudjoe, A., 2Ofori, MF, 2Amoah, LE and 1Gbewonyo, S

1Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (MCBI), UG; 2Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medial Research

Increased reports of Artemisinin resistant P. falciparum parasites in malaria endemic countries have escalated the search for new and improved antimalarial agents. Considerable efforts are now being made to identify products, including probiotics with effective asexual and gametocidal activities. Kombucha tea is a fermented sugared-tea that contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals, organic acids, proteins, trace elements, and has been reported to have several biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial action. Preliminary investigations have shown that Kombucha products exhibit potential anti-plasmodial activity, however a more thorough investigation is required to ascertain these claims. Using fractions of Kombucha extracts, scientific evidence of the active ingredients within the extracts may be useful in revealing its enhanced anti-plasmodial activities. Kombucha fractions will also open new avenues into investigating the mechanism of its anti-plasmodial properties. A SYBR Green assay was used to determine the IC50 values of three extracts (Black tea Kombucha, Cocoa tea Kombucha and Green tea Kombucha) as well as their neutral and some fractions of the extracts fractionated using ethyl acetate, hexane and water. The inhibitory concentrations at 50% (IC50) of BTK, nBTK, CTK, nCTK, GTK, nGTK were: .2054mg/ml, 3.060mg/ml, 9.042mg/ml, .9762mg/ml, 4.762mg/ml, and 6.129mg/ml, respectively for NF54 strains. The stage specificities of the extracts and fractions will also be determined as well as their antioxidant and cytotoxicity properties. The BTK and nBTK fractions exhibit lower IC50 values and are more active against ring stage parasites, however, more tests on other stages will need to be conducted to conclude which extracts are more active on specific parasite stages.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 104 10th Anniversary Celebrations #30 In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Plasmodial Properties of Tetracyclic Irridoid Compounds: Novel Compounds Isolated from Morinda Lucida Benth

Botchie Kojo Senyo1, Ama Nyame Antwi1, Agyapong Jeffrey1, Amoa- Bosompem Michael1,2, Kwofie Kofi Dadzie1,2, Azerigyik Faustus1, Djameh Isabella Georgina1, Ayertey Frederick4, Addo Phyllis1, Ayi Irene.1, Anyan William. K.1, Appiah A. 4, Ofori Michael1 , Morinaga O.3, Uto T.3, Huu Tung N.3, Shoyama Y.3, Boakye Daniel A.1 , Ohta N.2 and Ohashi Mitsuko1,2*

1Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 581, Legon, Ghana. 2Section of Environmental Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan.3Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, 2825-7 Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo, Nagasaki 859- 3298, Japan.4Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine, P. O. Box 73, Mampong - Akuapem, Ghana. Email: [email protected] The continual resistance of Plasmodium falciparum parasites to known and current therapeutic drugs has made it imperative for the urgent need of potentially novel anti-malarial drug monologues for drug development as a measure of enhancing effective malaria treatment. Herbal decoctions and isolated drug monologues from natural products have been used in the treatment of malaria over the years especially in Ghana and Africa as a whole. In this vein, a novel compound, Molucidin (ML-2-2), which was purified and isolated from the chloroform (CHCL3) fraction of the leaves of Morinda lucida Benth; a plant that has been reported to have anti-malarial properties in our lab. From related study, this novel compound (Molucidin) was found to have some anti- kinetoplastide properties. Hence, the purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the anti-plasmodial properties of the Molucidin compound (ML-2- 2), together with other compounds (ML-2-3 and ML-F52) by analyzing its efficacy in in-vitro and in-vivo drug sensitivity assays. In-vitro anti-plasmodial testing was performed using 3D7 strains of Plasmodium falciparum cultures via SYBR-Green cell viability assays. In vivo analysis of the anti-plasmodial properties of the Molucidin was determined by using P. yoelli and ICR mice. Molucidin, ML 2-3 and ML F52 were found to have high anti-P. falciparum activity in vitro with IC50 values of 2.12 µM, 2.54 µM and 1.39 µM respectively. Molucidin also had apoptotic inducing capabilities by inducing 2% apoptosis in parasitized erythrocytes (pRBCs) at a minimum concentration of 0.25 µM. During the in vivo experiment, Molucidin at (30mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) were able to significantly suppress growth of P. yoelli parasites during treatment. This compound (Molucidin) elicits significant anti-malarial activity which can be investigated further to determine its mode of action and/or chemically synthesized to enhance its activity against Plasmodium species, increasing the prospects of development of a new anti-malarial drug.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 105 10th Anniversary Celebrations #31 Acute and Subchronic Toxicity of Aqueous Ethanolic Extract of Acalypha Inferno L. Leaves in Animals

H. N. Nyarko, J.J. Tofah, D. Torkornoo and C. Larbie1

1Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, KNUST, Kumasi

E-mail: [email protected]

Acalypha inferno is a well-known ornamental plant, presently with no known documentation concerning its therapeutic use and safety profile. However, other plants of the same genus, Acalypha, have been reported to have various uses ranging from food to medicine with their related adverse effects. This study therefore focused on the acute and subchronic toxicity effects of aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of Acalypha inferno leaves (AIE) in animals. The acute toxicity study was performed using the fixed dose method. In the subchronic assessment, both male and female rats were separately administered with AIE at doses of 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg b.wt twice daily for 28 days. Changes in body weight, relative organ weight, haematological parameters and biochemical parameters were recorded and analysed. In the acute toxicity study, no deleterious effect was observed up to 5000 mg/kg, hence the LD50 ≥ 5000 mg/kg. In the subchronic toxicity study, significant increase in weight was observed at all doses in male rats whilst a significant decrease was observed only at 500 mg/kg in female rats. A significant increase in weight of uterus was also observed at 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg. Decreased levels of ALT, AST, creatinine, WBC and P-LCR were recorded. Whereas increasing levels of FBG at 500 mg/kg and total bilirubin at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg were observed in male rats. AIE produced no significant adverse effects and could therefore be considered safe with controlled use.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 106 10th Anniversary Celebrations #32 The role of aqueous herbal extracts on P. falciparum gametocytogenesis

E. Cudjoe, R. E. Okonu, D. Donu and L. E. Amoah

Noguchi Memori al Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

Email: [email protected]

Traditional medicine through the discovery of Quinine and Artemisinin from Cinchona spp and Artemisia annua respectively has motivated the discovery of effective antimalarials from alternative plants. The very high demand (75%) of sub-Saharan Africans for herbal medicines (HM) to treat a vast range of diseases has revolutionized the HM industry in Ghana. The target for antimalarial HM products as majority orthodox antimalarials is the asexual disease-causing parasite, leaving the transmissible gametocytes to propagate the disease. This study determined the effect of aqueous extracts of Alchornea cordifolia, Azadirachta indica, Carapa procera, Magnifera indica, Moringa oleifera, and Polyathia longifolia on gametocytogenesis in vitro using the 3D7A P. falciparum strain. Aqueous extracts prepared from pulverized air-dried plant leaves were lyophilized, reconstituted in distilled water and filter sterilized. The 3D7A strain of Plasmodium falciparum was cultured, sorbitol synchronized and ring stage parasites cultured in the presence of varying HE concentrations (100, 10, 1 and 0 ug/ml). Gametocyte production and development was monitored with daily HE treated media change for 9 days. Alchornea cordifolia exhibited the highest efficacy against both the asexual stage parasites and gametocytes. Alchornea cordifolia, which is known to be non-toxic is the least commonly found constituent of licensed herbal antimalarial preparations in Ghana, and as such needs to be further investigated and included in herbal antimalarial preparations.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 107 10th Anniversary Celebrations #33 In Silico Prediction of Potential Natural Product-Derived Lead Compounds for the Treatment of Buruli Ulcer

1Samuel K. Kwofie, 1Bismark Dankwa, 1Emmanuel A. Odame, 1Francis E. Agamah, 1Lady P. A. Doe, 1Agyapong Odame, 2Wilhelmina Mensah & 2Lydia Mosi

1Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; 2West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana Email: [email protected]

Buruli ulcer is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans and is predominant in both tropical and subtropical regions. The neglected debilitating disease is characterized by chronic necrotizing skin infections. Existing drugs such as rifampicin and streptomycin appear not to be adequately potent and efficacious against persistent infections by Mycobacterium ulcerans. There is the need to identify novel lead compounds which are potent and efficacious for the treatment of Buruli ulcer. The project aimed to computationally predict natural product-derived lead compounds with the potential to be developed further into potent drugs with better therapeutic efficacy than the existing ones. The 3D structure of Isocitrate lyase (ICL) of Mycobacterium ulcerans, a potential drug target for BU was predicted using homology modelling and further subjected to molecular dynamics simulations. A library consisting of 885 compounds derived from the AfroDb database was virtually screened against the validated ICL model using AutoDock Vina. AfroDb database is a compendium consisting of “drug-like” and structurally diverse 3D structures of natural products originating from the different geographical regions in Africa. Virtual screening is a computer-aided drug design technique composed of robust pipeline which enables the efficient docking of large compound library against drug targets for the discovery of potential inhibitors which could serve as possible lead compounds for further optimisation. Ten compounds which docked firmly within the active site pocket of the ICL receptor were assessed via in silico bioactivity assays and pharmacological profiling techniques. The potential drug leads have shown promising results pertaining to efficacy, toxicity, pharmacokinetic and safety; and could be experimentally characterized for pre- clinical trials.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 108 10th Anniversary Celebrations #34 In-Vivo Analysis of Artesunate Amodiaquine on Some Ghanaian Markets

Ellis Kpabitey

Department of Chemistry, KNUST, Kumasi.

Email: [email protected]

Malaria is an acute infectious disease caused by four species of the protozoal genus plasmodium. Plasmodium Falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium Ovale, and Plasmodium vivax(Drugs,2003). The parasite is transmitted to humans through the bite of female anopheles mosquito. P. Falciparum is the most dangerous species, causing a severe disease. P. vivax causes a milder disease. Artesunate-amodiaquine is a combination therapy (CT) that has received a lot of attention by the Ghanaian Health Agencies and has been adopted as a first line treatment of all cases of malaria. Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) though has been recommended for the treatment of falciparum malaria by the World Health Organization the quality of the drug procured by Ghana health authority has not been determined. In this study, two brands of artesunate-amodiaquine tablets produced by Guillin Pharmaceutical Company limited were analysed for their quality using standard methods from the United States Pharmacopoeia and International Pharmacopoeia. The Parameters determined include identification, friability, uniformity of weight, hardness, disintegration and percent content assay. The friabilator was used to determine the friability. Uniformity of weight was determined using the chemical balance. The hardness tester was used to determine the hardness and the percent content assay was determined using the titrimetry method in the laboratory. Both brands contain the right amount of active ingredients with sample A containing 99.94 amodiaquine and 98.40 artesunate, and sample B containing 98.50 amodiaquin,100.50 artesunate. Both brands passed the identification test, friability test, Hardness test and disintegration. Both brands are therefore suitable for the treatment of malaria.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 109 10th Anniversary Celebrations #35 Knowledge and Usage of Assistive Devices among Persons with Disabilities in the Kumasi Metropolis

E. Dadzie 1, I. Owusu 1, W.K. Mprah1, E. Acheampong1

1Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi

Email: [email protected]

Assistive devices are external devices that are designed, made, or adapted to assist a person to perform a particular task. The importance of assistive devices in the lives of persons with disability (PWDs) cannot be overemphasized as many PWDs depend on them to enable them to carry out daily activities and participate actively and productively in community life. Inspite of this, many PWDs seem not to be aware of particular devices available for their use. Consequently, usage rate seems quite low. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge and level of usage of assistive device by PWDs in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study, which was quantitative in approach, purposively selected 112 persons with disability consisting of 33 persons with mobility impairment; 42 with hearing impairment and 37 with visual impairment. Data was collected by means of self-administered questionnaires and analyzed descriptively with the assistance of SPSS. Results showed that inspite of the high knowledge of assistive devices among PWDS (83%) in the Kumasi metropolis, usage level was generally low (38%). Among the three impairment groups, persons with visual impairment recorded a high usage rate (80%) whilst those with hearing impairment recorded the least usage rate (26%). While some respondents (40%) indicated that the use of their device has improved functioning and participation, they were quick to indicate that the cost of purchase and repair, staring from the public and stigmatization were deterrent factors in usage. For most respondents (>60%), usage of their device was uncomfortable during the first 5 five years of usage and dispensable at home. While the study recommends, the need for PWDs to be educated on the importance of the use of assistive devices, governmental and non-governmental agencies must consider means by which PWDs could purchase and repair assistive devices at affordable cost.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 110 10th Anniversary Celebrations #36 Knowledge on and Barriers to Family Planning Services by The Deaf in the Kumasi Metropolis

R. Bakari1, E. Acheampong1, W.K. Mprah1, I. Owusu1, A. K. Edusei1

1Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.

Email: ruthbakari12@gmail .com

Family planning allows individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births. It is achieved through the use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of involuntary infertility. Generally, persons with disability have a lower knowledge, access and usage of family planning methods but Deaf persons in particular face a more damming situation compared to other persons with disability due to their unique communication needs. The study examined access to family planning services by the Deaf in the Kumasi metropolis with special focus on knowledge on and barriers to family planning services The study employed descriptive design with a quantitative approach. The study made use of simple random sampling technique in selecting 103 participants for the study. Data was collected by means of questionnaire. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the data and the findings have been presented in frequency tables. The findings of the study showed that the Deaf have low knowledge on family planning issues and this is as a result of barriers such as low literacy, negative attitudes of health workers and communication barriers. The study recommends that the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Ghana National Association for the Deaf (GNAD) provide sign language training for the Public Health Nurses, Midwives, Community Health Nurses, Trained Enrolled Nurses, Staff Nurses and Field Technician to help them provide family planning service in sign language during outreaches in order to improve upon the accessibility of family planning methods to the Deaf.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 111 10th Anniversary Celebrations #37 Prevalence and Trends of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Ahafo Ano South and Asante Akim South Districts

M.K.M Ampiah, J.J Kovey, C. Apprey, R.A Annan

Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, KNUST, Kumasi

E-mail: [email protected]

The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) remains high in pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, it is not clear how the trend of anaemia has been, especially in rural communities, since the implementation of iron- folate supplementation among pregnant women and the factors that might be associated with IDA. The study aimed at determining the prevalence and trends of IDA and its associated factors in pregnant women in Ahafo Ano and Asante Akim South districts in Ashanti Region from 2012 to 2016. A retrospective study design was employed to collect secondary data from antenatal and maternal records of 7 health centres from each of the two districts. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel, SPSS and Graph Pad Prism. Anaemia (IDA) was highest in 2015 for Asante Akim South (57.7%) and for Ahafo Ano South, the highest prevalence was in 2013 (42.8%). Generally, anaemia trends decreased in both districts but levels remained high as at 2016. Anaemia prevalence was higher in teenage pregnant women (72.1%) than adult pregnant women (59.2%) and highest in the 2nd trimester (67.1% versus 61% for third trimester and 53.7% for first trimester) for both districts. A negative correlation was observed between Hb levels at ANC registration and BMI (r= -157, p= 0.028). Women with lower Hb at the start of pregnancy were more likely to have low Hb at 36 weeks of pregnancy. Sickling and parity were not associated with anaemia status. In conclusion, anaemia trends show a decline but prevalence is still high especially in pregnant adolescents, and Hb status at early stages of pregnancy affected status in later stages. Findings call for a critical look at interventions to address any limitations to their effectiveness.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 112 10th Anniversary Celebrations #38 In silico Drug Design: Targeting ideR Receptor of Mycobacterium ulcerans

E. K. Sofo1, M. Adjei1, L. A. Asante1, J. A. Yussif1, W. Mensah2, L. Mosi2 & S. K. Kwofie1

1Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; 2West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana

Email: [email protected]

Buruli ulcer is a neglected tropical disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans. It is characterized by chronic ulceration of subcutaneous fat which leaves victims with unbearable deformity and disability. The drugs used for the treatment of the disease are not consistent in their effectiveness and some patients also develop unbearable side effects to those drugs. As such, there is a need to discover suitable drug candidates for its treatment. The Mycobacterium depends on iron acquisition systems regulated by the Iron Dependent Regulator (ideR) of the Mycobacteria. Interfering with the activation mechanism of the ideR to inhibit toxin synthesis could be a possible cure for Buruli ulcer. The computational drug discovery approach was adopted in this project. The 3D structure of ideR of Mycobacterium ulcerans was predicted using homology modeling since no experimentally solved structure is available in the Protein Data Bank. Natural product compounds from AfroDb database were screened against putative binding sites involved in the activation of ideR. The in silico drug design method for identification of lead compounds involved Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Elimination and Toxicity (ADMET) predictions and molecular dynamics simulations of receptor-ligand complex which led to the discovery of potential four drug candidates.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 113 10th Anniversary Celebrations #39 Trend and outcome of diarrhoea hospitalization among children under five in the Hohoe Municipality, Ghana

R. Ametsitsi1, E. Agboli1, E.K. Nyinaku2, F. Binka1

1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana. 2Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

E-mail: [email protected]

Diarrhoea is a condition which is characterised by loose, watery stools in excess frequency in a day. Prevalence of diarrhoea in Ghana is high and it is associated with the environmental factors. Rotavirus vaccine and other interventions like the use of oral rehydration therapy and zinc tablet were introduced as policies to control diarrhoea. The study analysed the trend and outcome of diarrhoea admissions and mortalities among children under five years in the Hohoe Municipality from 2009 to 2015. It also looked at the seasonality and the effect of the rotavirus vaccine on the trend of the disease occurrence in the municipality. The study deployed a cross sectional study design where data on diarrhoea cases among children under five years were extracted from the admission and discharge records of the paediatric ward of the Hohoe Municipal Hospital from 2009 to 2015 in the form of excel sheets and analysed with Stata version 12 (StataCorp LP, Texas, USA). A total of 2490 diarrheal admissions were recorded, 57.87% males and 42.13% females. Among the age groups, 24.54%,47.75% and 27.71% were recorded for the age ranges of 0-11 months,12-24 month and 25-60 months respectively. In 2009, 9.36% were admitted, however, it increased to 10.88%, 11.92% and 21%, 23.86% in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 respectively but it declined to 14.82%,8.11% in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Seasonally, most cases were in January, there were intermittent peaks in June, July and September. The wet season recorded more cases then the dry period. Children within 12-24 months of age had the highest cases of admissions. Male children were more affected than the females. The decline recorded in 2014 and 2015 were as a result of the rotavirus vaccination that was introduced in April, 2012 in the Hohoe Municipality in Ghana.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 114 10th Anniversary Celebrations #40 Functional characterization of Plasmodium falciparum PF10_0351 protein

Essel Charles-Chess1,2, Gordon A. Awandare1,2 & Yaw Aniweh2

1Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology, University of Ghana; 2West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogen

Inadequate understanding of the biology of Plasmodium falciparum and aetiology of malaria is a hindrance to the development of effective drugs and vaccines against the backdrop of resistance to Anopheles insecticides and antimalarial drugs including ACTs. Currently, about 60% of proteins of the P. falciparum (3D7 strain) genome have not been characterized. Since clinical symptoms of malaria are manifested at the blood stage, parasite proteins involved in erythrocyte invasion are important research focus for vaccine development. This study aimed at functionally characterizing a probable P. falciparum PF10_0351 protein and validating its role during invasion. To achieve this, bioinformatic and immunoinformatic analyses were used to map out three highly antigenic epitopes for peptide synthesis and antibody production. We determined the immunogenicity of the peptides in a total of 40 malaria-positives plasma samples from endemic areas with varying transmission intensities (Kintampo>Navrongo/Hohoe>Accra). Invasion inhibition assays were also performed to test the sensitivity of antibodies to endogenous parasite proteins. We also determined the localization of the protein across the asexual and gametocyte stages. P. falciparum PF10_0351 protein seems to share sequence homology with P. reichenowi and P. gaboni, and its interactome predict functional relationship with some MSPs, cell cycle regulators and erythrocyte binding proteins. PF10_0351 appears to colocalize with Pfs48/45 in the gametocyte as well as MSP1 (partially) in the schizont stages. Anti-PF10_0351 antibodies appear to inhibit parasite invasion of erythrocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Plasma samples from endemic areas appear to show significant recognition to peptides 2 and 3. Taken together, we can conclude that the protein may play a role in erythrocyte invasion.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 115 10th Anniversary Celebrations #41 Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine use during pregnancy may not prevent placental malaria: a Systematic review and meta-analysis

Arnold T. Luuse

West Africa Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra,

Email address: [email protected]

Abstract Placental malaria (PM) may lead to in-utero sensitization and is associated with increased malaria susceptibility in early childhood. Prevention of placental malaria may also reduce the risk of maternal anaemia and low birth weight. Although the WHO recommend pregnant women to take two or more doses of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) to prevent malaria during pregnancy, in endemic areas many pregnant women still remain at risk of placental malar

The protocol was registered with PROSPERO, an international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews and a search was conducted without language or time restrictions in the following online electronic databases; PubMed, Science Direct, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Africa Journals Online (AJOL).

The results indicate that half (7) of the studies reported no difference in the risk of placental malaria between women who took one or no dose of SP (control) compared to women who took two or more doses (treatment) in the qualitative analysis. Also there were no differences in the risk of PM between women who took two doses of SP (control) compared with those who took three or more doses (treatment) (RR: 0.97, 95 % CI: 0.614–1.537) in the quantitative analysis. In conclusion, the use of SP during pregnancy may not reduce the risk of placental malaria.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 116 10th Anniversary Celebrations #42 Characterization of Cassava Fibre for Potential Wound Dressing Application

1Stanley Dickson Kushigbor, 1Bernard Elorm Adem, 1Sarah Ofori Wadieh, 1Grace Kwaku-Anim, 1Michael Frimpong Danso, 1Elsie Effah Kaufmann

1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra Email: [email protected]

Wound dressing is the application of a sterile pad to protect a wound from further harm and promote healing. Over the past decades, numerous wound dressing materials have been designed to aid in the proper healing of wounds, some of which include calcium alginate, hydrogel, hydrocolloid and gauze. These materials have challenges including potential allergic reaction, high cost, short shelf life and non-availability. In developing countries such as Ghana, sterilized gauze is commonly used in wound dressing. This poses challenges such as traumatic removal and scar formation. In addressing these issues of cost and availability, there may be local materials like cassava (Manihot esculenta) with the ability to aid in wound healing. With the current need in the area of wound dressing, we explored the use of a local material, cassava for potential wound dressing applications. Considering the fact that there are different varieties of cassava, this project characterized three varieties of cassava (IITA-TMS- GAEC-160006 (IT6), IITA-TMS-GAEC-160004 (IT4) and Afisiafi (Afi)) for wound dressing properties. These varieties have been studied in terms of their fibre content, moisture absorption, hemolytic ability and coagulation time. For moisture absorption, 1 g of fibre samples was soaked in DI water and PBS for 3 hours and at different time intervals the mass of the fibre samples were weighed. For hemolysis test, fibre samples were brought into contact with human blood and centrifuged for 5 mins at 800 rpm. The supernatant was taken for hemolysis studies. For the coagulation test, different masses of the fibre samples was brought into contact with fresh blood and the coagulation time recorded. Results from this study reveals that the rate of absorption of fibres in both DI water and PBS ranges between 0.66-0.93 g/min and fibres are generally non-toxic to blood cells. The fibre properties were compared with gauze and from these, some varieties of cassava fibres were recommended for further research and subsequently in the design of a wound dressing material.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 117 10th Anniversary Celebrations #44 Determination of viral load in Ghanaian HIV-2 patients using Real Time RT-PCR Assay

C. Z. Abana1, K. W. C. Sagoe2, E. Y. Bonney1, E. K Maina1, I. D. Aziati1, E. Agbosu1, G. Mawuli1, Linda M. Styer3, J. A.M. Brandful1, W. K. Ampofo1

1Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana. 2Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana. 3Bloodborne Viruses Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, United States

Email: [email protected]

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are now manageable with antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, the lack of a commercial assay for viral load measurements specifically for HIV-2 is a major limitation in monitoring HIV-2- infected patients on therapy in Ghana where both HIV-1 and HIV-2 co circulate. We sought to establish a reliable local protocol based on in-house assay from the Bloodborne Viruses Laboratory, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York and use it to measure HIV-2 viral loads of Ghanaian patients. We used purposive sampling to collect blood from 16 consented patients confirmed as HIV-2 and dual HIV-1/ 2 by serology and molecular assays. An HIV-2 RNA International Standard was obtained from the National Institute of Biological Standards and Control and used to assign international unit (IU) values to a 10- fold dilution series of lab HIV-2 virus stock diluted in negative human plasma. The lab HIV-2 standards were run along unknown patient samples and used to extrapolate HIV-2 RNA in IU/ml. HIV-2 RNA was detected in plasma from 7 of 10 ART-naïve and 2 of 6 ART-experienced Ghanaian patients. Detectable HIV-2 viral loads in these patients ranged from below the lower limit of quantification <2.35 log IU/ml) to 5.45 log IU/ml. This is the first report of HIV-2 viral load estimation in Ghana. The presence of an HIV-2 viral load assay will be useful in the management of HIV-2 patients on therapy across ART centers in Ghana.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 118 10th Anniversary Celebrations #45 Evidence of altered liver function among malaria and hepatitis B co- infected pregnant women

Nsoh Godwin Anabire1,2, Osbourne Quaye1, Gordon A. Awandare1, Gideon Kofi Helegbe2

1West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University of Ghana, Legon. 2Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS), University for Development Studies-Ghana.

Email: [email protected]

Hepatitis B and malaria are co-endemic in Ghana. While single infections of malaria and hepatitis B among pregnant women have been extensively studied, the impact of malaria/hepatitis B co-infections on the function of the liver remains to be evaluated. We therefore evaluated the effect of malaria and hepatitis B co-infection on liver function in pregnant women in the Northern Region of Ghana. Four categories of pregnant women were recruited for this study: un-infected negative controls, singly infected with malaria, singly infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and co-infected with malaria and HBV. Levels of haemoglobin, malaria parasitemia and liver biochemical parameters, including alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatse (ALP) and total bilirubin (Tbil) were assayed and compared across the different groups. Pregnant women recruited were between the ages of 17-41 years. Haemoglobin Levels (highest in hepatitis B [11.0 g/dL] and least in malaria single infections [9.8 g/dL]) differed significantly (P= 0.005) across the groups. Median plasmodium parasite counts were similar (P=0.3038) between malaria single infection and malaria/hepatitis B co-infected individuals. Median levels for the liver biochemical parameter were observed to be lowest in the un-infected and highest in the malaria/Hepatitis B co-infected individuals. Levels of ALT (P <0.0001), AST (P <0.0001) and Tbil (P <0.0001) all differed significantly across the groups, however, ALP levels were not significantly different among the disease categories. Our findings revealed that malaria and hepatitis B co-infection in pregnancy appeared to exacerbate the release of ALT, AST and Tbil, suggesting altered liver function. Further longitudinal studies to investigate changes in the levels of these biomarkers after the malaria infection is cleared will be important to confirm the findings of this study.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 119 10th Anniversary Celebrations #46 In Vitro Evaluation of Anticancer Activities and Cytotoxicities of Marketed Herbal Products in Ghana

Sylvester Languon1, Isaac Tuffour1,2, Osbourne Quaye1,3, Emmanuel Ekow Quayson 1, Regina Appiah-Opong1,2

1Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 54, Legon, Accra, Ghana. 2Department of Clinical Pathology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 581, Legon, Ghana. 3West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 54, Legon, Accra, Ghana

Email: [email protected]

There are numerous herbal products on the Ghanaian market which are purported to cure various ailments including cancer. However, scientific investigations on efficacy and toxicity of most of these products are yet to be conducted. The present study assessed the anticancer activities and cytotoxicities of herbal products on the Ghanaian market. The anti-proliferative effect of five marketed herbal products - Kantinka BA (K-BA), Kantinka Herbaltics (K-HER), Centre of Awareness (COA), a stomach (STO) and multi- cancer (MUT) product was evaluated in vitro using liver (Hep G2), breast (MCF-7), prostate (PC-3 and LNCaP) cancer and leukaemia (Jurkat) cell lines. Cytotoxicity of the medicinal products was assessed using a tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the products were determined using Folin-Ciocalteau and 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, respectively. Phytochemical screening was performed using standard protocols. Phytochemical screening resulted in the detection of terpenoids in most of the products (4), followed by flavonoids (3). Alkaloids were detected in only MUT, whilst tannins were absent in all the products. The highest and lowest concentrations of phenolics were recorded in MUT and K-BA, and the highest and lowest antioxidant activities were recorded in MUT and K-HER, respectively. Two products (STO and MUT) had significant activity on Hep G2 cells; and only MUT had activity on MCF-7 cells. With the exception of K-BA, all the products inhibited the proliferation of PC-3 cells, and all the products, except K-HER, inhibited the proliferation of LNCaP and Jurkat cells. The findings support the claims that the herbal products have anticancer activities. However, comprehensive animal toxicity and clinical studies must be conducted on the products to establish their safety in humans.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 120 10th Anniversary Celebrations #47 Experiences of Disabled Persons in Marriage: A Study of Yendi Municipality.

Nakoja Charity, Vampere Hasehni

Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies (CEDRES), School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.

Email; [email protected]

The need for the mainstreaming of disabled persons in our communities remain a concern of Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs) and human rights advocates. Certainly, marriage is very significant in every society, culture and all aspect of life in terms of physical, psychological, social, health and spiritual well-being. Article 23 of the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disability affirms the right of disabled persons to family life, especially marriage. However negative perceptions about disability has resulted in situation where disabled persons encounter challenges in their marriage life. This study examined the treatment of disabled persons in marriage by their partners. An exploratory study was conducted using a qualitative approach in the Yendi municipality. A snowball sampling technique was used to sample 16 married disabled persons and interviewed. The disability categories considered were physical disability and visual impairment. The data collected was analyzed using thematic content analysis. The study revealed that, the treatment of disabled persons depend on how the non-disabled partner perceive and understands disability and the influence from the family. Few disabled persons are treated with respect by their partners. Many disabled persons in marriage are treated unfairly by their partners through ways such as denial of sex, lack of financial support, exclusion in marital decisions and sexual abuse. The study concludes that many disabled persons encounter several challenges and maltreatment in their marital life by their own partners. Disabled women are treated poorly than men by their respective spouses. The study recommends that policies, DPOs and disability advocates should embark on extensive education towards demystification of disability particularly the negative socio-cultural perceptions regarding the marriage of disabled persons. The rights /entitlements of disabled persons in marital homes should be given much attention during such educational campaign.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 121 10th Anniversary Celebrations #48 Readiness of Public Basic Schools and their Teachers in Oforikrom Sub Metro of Kumasi Metropolis To Implement Inclusive Education

E. Abaya-Kotey1, I. Owusu1, W.K Mprah1, E. Acheampong1

1Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Email: [email protected]

Over the years, education for disabled children has consisted of specialized programmes and institutions. The consequence of such differentiation has often been further exclusion. The Salamanca Statement on Special Needs Education affirms that regular schools with inclusive orientation are the most effective means of combating discriminatory attitudes, building an inclusive society and achieving education for all. To ensure the success of Ghana's recently- launched inclusive education policy, teachers must be positioned such that they would deliver effectively. This study sought to determine the readiness of teachers in terms of perception, skills and materials available for implementation. Data was collected by means of questionnaire to randomly 58 teachers randomly sampled in 10 basic schools in the study area. An observational checklist was developed to identify teaching materials. Data was analysed descriptively and presented in frequencies and percentages. Results showed that 45% of teachers had received training in special education. About 59% of respondents believed they can teach in an inclusive setting. In terms of allowing pupils with visual, hearing, mobility and intellectual disabilities to partake in activities such as contesting for leadership positions, running errands, contributing to classroom discussions and partaking in extra curricula activities, pupils with physical disabilities were most preferred for contesting for leadership positions(58%) and classroom discussions (65%); while hearing and intellectually disabled were preferred for running errands (56%) and partaking in extra curricula activities (63%) respectively. Most schools lacked required teaching and learning material necessary to implement inclusive education effectively. While the study recommends that colleges of education and universities restructure their curriculum to make inclusive education an integral part, the government must ensure schools are well equipped before the program is fully rolled out.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 122 10th Anniversary Celebrations #49 An Assessment of Activities Associated with the Rehabilitation of Pupils with Intellectual Disabilities in the Kumasi Metropolis

V. Asante1, I. Owusu1, W.K Mprah1, J.A. Dogbe1

1Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Dept. of Community Health, KNUST, Kumasi

E-mail: [email protected]

Intellectual disability is characterized by limitations in the intellectual, and most cases, the physical functioning of individual. The need for supports for pupils with this condition in order to effectively participate in activities of human functioning cannot be underestimated. Rehabilitation in an educational setting could help address functional challenges experienced by pupils with intellectual impairment. However, efforts of special schools in rehabilitating the intellectually disabled seem to be fraught with several challenges. The focus of this study was therefore to identify activities undertaken to rehabilitate pupils with intellectual disabilities in selected schools in the Kumasi metropolis and the likely benefits of these activities on their socio-economic lives. The study employed descriptive design with a qualitative approach. Twenty respondents made up of ten teachers and ten parents/guardians of pupils attending the Garden City Special School and The Deduako Community Life and Vocational School in the Kumasi Metropolis were selected. While the teachers were purposively selected, the parents were selected at their convenience. Data was collected by the use of an interview guide and analysed thematically content. The study found that rehabilitation activities included, among others, daily living and communication skills, social skills, fine and gross motor skills, and vocational skills. Findings also revealed that inspite of the fact that most of pupils are admitted to the basic school in conditions of complete social rejection even by family members, they become active participants in the socio- economic activities in their communities. It is recommended the Ghana Education Service in its budget provide for special financial packages to workers in these schools to motivate them. The Ghana Education trust Fund must focus its attention on dealing with infrastructural and material deficits in these schools to improve upon rehabilitation efforts in these schools.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 123 10th Anniversary Celebrations #50 Challenges of Persons with Disability within the Kumasi Metropolis in Accessing Knowledge on their Human Rights

E. Acquah-Gyan1, E. Appiah-Brempong1, J. Dogbe1, I. Owusu1

1Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Email: [email protected]

Knowledge of PWDs on their rights in the law is very necessary for them to seek justice and demand for equal opportunities in education, employments, health care and independent living. PWDs may have problems with knowledge on their rights because knowledge itself is difficult to obtain due to barriers to access. In order to ensure easy access to knowledge on rights for PWDs, there is the need to identify and get rid of the barriers that PWDs encounter in their access to knowledge on their rights in the law. The aims of the study were to ascertain the challenges that PWDs encounter in their access to knowledge on their rights and the mitigating interventions that would be necessary to improve upon access to knowledge of their rights. The study adopted an exploratory design with a quantitative approach, and by employing convenience sampling, 120 respondents from the physically impaired, visually impaired and the speech impaired groups were selected. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 23. The study revealed that 86.7% of PWDs face at least a challenge in the access of knowledge of their right. The challenges include, poor accessibility of human rights institutions (40.8%), lack of understanding of the law (50.8%), lack of awareness of the law (58.3%), lack of accessible formats of information (45.8%), and illiteracy (43.3%). Interventions revealed by the study includes; increasing accessibility of human right institutions (42.5%), making language of the law simple (55%), providing the information in the law in accessible formats (57.5%), creating awareness on human right laws (73.3%) and formal education of PWDs (72.5%). The study recommends that, policy formulators and other human right stakeholders ensure the effective implementation of the Ghana Disability Law in order to minimise the barriers to access of knowledge for PWDs.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 124 10th Anniversary Celebrations #51 Public Health and Disability: Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Health Promotion Programmes

V. Asiedu1, Y. Enuameh1, J. Dogbe1, I. Owusu1

1Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Email: [email protected]

Over the years, the inclusion of disability matters in health promotion strategies has been very low. With much of the driving force of health promotion on prevention of disease and disability, less attention has been directed to persons with disabilities, specifically those with physical, intellectual and visual disabilities. This exclusion has led to persons with disabilities having greater difficulty in participating in health promotion programmes. This study was to ascertain the inclusion of persons with disabilities in health promotion programmes and to identify barriers that both persons with disabilities and health professionals face when these programmes are organized. Fifteen respondents comprising of health professional (one psychiatric nurse, 2 physiotherapists and two optometrists)s and persons with disabilities (four physically impaired, four visually impaired, two intellectually impaired persons) were chosen from the Kumasi Metropolis. A qualitative design and an exploratory research approach was employed with an interview guide used to collect data from respondents. Data collected was analyzed using a thematic content analysis. With the research conducted, it revealed that, persons with disabilities do not participate effectively in these health programmes both as a result of the barriers they face in accessing these programmes and the lack of understanding of the importance of these programmes. Health professionals lamented that, communication barriers and lack of funds prevented effective programmes for persons with disabilities. The study therefore recommends that, the Ministry of Health together with the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), should provide the requisite facilities as means of making health promotion programmes accessible for persons with disabilities and also sensitize persons with disabilities on the importance of health promotion programmes.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 125 10th Anniversary Celebrations #52 The Eye Care Needs of Visually Impaired Persons at Bosomtwe District in Ghana

V. Karikari1, J. Dogbe1, I. Owusu1

1Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Email: [email protected]

Healthcare is critical for each individual both disabled and abled for the reason that a healthy individual can work adequately to contribute to the advancement of his country. The burden of eye diseases is unknown in many rural districts in Ghana and therefore the provision of eye care services may not be adequately addressed nationwide. This study aimed to explore the eye care needs of visually impaired persons in Bosomtwe district. Specifically, it examined the availability and challenges of eye care services for visually impaired persons and identified interventions to facilitate effective and efficient access to eye care services. Fifteen visually impaired persons and 5 eye care providers were interviewed in the St. Michael Hospital, Bosomtwe district. The study revealed that, availability of eye care services for visually impaired persons in the Bosomtwe district is woefully inadequate while at the same time, visually impaired persons are confronted with challenges in accessing the few available eye care services. Among these challenges include; financial constraints and unavailability of aids to accompany the visually impaired to the eye clinic. The study also discovered that, provision of outreach and home care services for the visually impaired while making available the needed eye care infrastructure could mitigate the challenges encountered by visually impaired persons. The study recommends that the Ministry of Health should amend the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) policies to cover the cost of ophthalmic services and medications. It further recommends that the visually impairment should either pay less or no premium to subscribe on the health insurance scheme as well as improve outreach and community services to the visually impaired.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 126 10th Anniversary Celebrations #53 Community Support in Promoting Education among Children with Disability

P. Amoateng1, Y. Enuameh1, J. Dogbe1, I. Owusu1

1Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Email: [email protected]

Education is a significant factor in the development of children, communities and countries. It plays a vital role to a productive good life and goes a long way to improve the value and of one's life as well as eradicating poverty. This study therefore sought to assess the support communities provide in promoting education among children with disability. The study employed a descriptive design with a qualitative approach. It made use of two sampling techniques which include a purposive and convenience sampling methods to select 15 respondents comprising of head teachers, assembly members, district directors, chairman of the Disabled People Organizations (DPO's), parents of children with disability and ordinary community members. Data was collected using an interview guide and analyzed through thematic content analysis. Findings from the study indicated a negative perception held towards disability which has caused reluctance in the community to support children with disability in promoting education among them. This has therefore caused a poor enrolment of children with disabilities in schools. Support for disabled children has therefore been seen to have a direct impact on their access to education. The government through the appropriate ministry in collaboration with Disabled People's Organizations (DPOs) and advocates should undertake advocacy at all levels to highlight the urgent need to include disabled children in education.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 127 10th Anniversary Celebrations #54 Experiences of Self-Employed Physically Disabled Persons in The Kumasi Metropolis

E. Frimpong1, J. Dogbe1, I. Owusu1

1Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Email: [email protected]

Globally, disabled persons have been among the most economically disadvantaged and politically side-lined, and the least recognized members of the society, yet they constitute more than 10 per cent of the global population. Some argue that self-employment can be used as a potential rehabilitation vocational tool to achieve faster and better integration into the labour market of individuals who become disabled. However, there are numerous experiences disabled people go through in their working environment which could be positive or negative. The study sought to identify barriers disabled persons face when starting a business, to identify the availability of financial aids for self- employed disabled persons and to determine the challenges they face in gaining access to funds. This abstract presents a qualitative study on the experiences of self-employed persons with disability in the Kumasi metropolis. The study involved sixteen participants who were self-employed and were all physically disabled. The kind of disability considered was only the physically disabled. The participants were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data was collected using interview guide and analyzed using thematic content analysis which involved transcribing the data, organizing the data, generating themes, coding the data and then describing. The study showed an increasing need of finances, unavailability of funds, moral to support jobs created by participants. However, the need to provide these services to disabled persons who are self- employed is essential to promote their independent living. It is recommended that, Disabled People's Organizations (DPOs) in various communities together with social welfare and financial institutions like banks and microfinance companies should provide enough support to self-employed disabled persons to start and sustain their own businesses.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 128 10th Anniversary Celebrations #55 Challenges of Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy attending Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

S. Aboagye Akowuah1, A.K. Edusei1, E. Acheampong1, W.K. Mprah1

1Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Email: [email protected]

Children with Cerebral Palsy have functional limitations which make them unable to live independent lives. This makes them require the support from parents and guardians in their upbringing. Also, the process of giving care comes with a lot of challenges attached and as such affects caregivers in the discharge their duties. The negative impact of the challenges on these caregivers can lead to lapses in their roles. The research focused on the challenges of caregivers of children with Cerebral Palsy attending Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The design for this study was descriptive and the approach adopted was qualitative which involved the use of semi-structured interview in the collection of data. Simple random sampling was used to select the parents/guardians. Data was analyzed using the thematic content analysis. Findings revealed that caregivers encounter a lot of challenges as they perform their roles as caregivers. The caregivers have developed some coping strategies which are used to handle the challenges they go through, amongst them are they keeping themselves busy, acquiring enough knowledge about the disorder, getting support and staying calm and relaxed at all times. Parents and guardians of children with Cerebral Palsy must be educated to create awareness on cerebral palsy and also be provided with support for caregivers with Cerebral Palsy children.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 129 10th Anniversary Celebrations #56 Perceptions of Disability and its Related Issues among Students of KNUST Law School in Kumasi

Abdulrahaman S.1, Brempong E.1. Dogbe J.1

1Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Email: [email protected]

Perceptions towards disability differ greatly amongst students. Integrating disability and its related issues into the law curricular in undergraduate education will promote knowledge for students to ensure that future generations of lawyers and judges routinely consider the impact of their work on disabled people. The study sought to ascertain the perception, extent of inclusion of disability in curricular and methods to enhance knowledge of law students in disability in KNUST. A quantitative approach with convenience sampling was used to select 61 respondents from the final year class. Data was collected by administering questionnaires and analysed with SPSS which described the responses with percentages and tabular representations. It was found that most respondents, (82%) were females and 18% were males. Seventy-two percent were within the age range of 19-22 years. The study showed that 60% of the students had positive perceptions towards disability, while 70% reacted negatively to the inclusion of disability in curricular and 65% agreed to the perceived measures to help increase the knowledge base of the students. The study recommends that disability studies should be included in the pre-service law curricular by the academic board of the university to enhance the knowledge base of law students which will improve their behaviour towards disabled persons in the legal framework of the judicial system during their working lives as custodians of the law.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 130 10th Anniversary Celebrations #57 The prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections in Southern Ghana

Ayanful-Torgby, R.1, Oppong A. 1, Abankwua, J.1 and Amoah, L. E.1

1Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana

Plasmodium infections in natural human populations at latent levels are a drawback to malaria eradication. Mapping transmission hotspot is important for interventions which target the prevention/control of malaria. This study assessed submicroscopic parasite prevalence in Obom, a high malaria transmission intensity community and Abura, a community with low malaria transmission intensity during the peak and off peak malaria seasons in children aged between 6 to 12 years. Parasite prevalence was evaluated by microscopic evaluation of Giemsa stained blood films and molecularly using PCR genotyping. (Sub)microscopic parasite densities during the raining/peak and dry/off peak malaria transmission seasons in Obom and Cape was quantified using RNA base RT-qPCR using Pf18S rRNA and Pfs25 mRNA. Parasite densities differed between sites, seasons and the assessment methods. In the wet season, participants in Obom had higher number of infections by microscopy (28%), PCR (73%) and qRT-PCR (86%) than Cape Coast with the number of infections by microscopy (8%), PCR (68%) and qRT-PCR (70%). In general, asexual parasite infections measured by all methods was lowest in the dry season. However the submicroscopic gametocyte prevalence in Obom the prevalence decreased from 56% in the wet season to 17% in the dry season (p<0.0001) while in Cape Coast, it increased from 11% in the wet season to 36% in the dry season (p<0.0001). This study demonstrates the need for transmission reducing interventions in both high and low malaria transmission intensity settings throughout the peak and off peak season.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 131 10th Anniversary Celebrations #59 Knowledge Attitude Perception And Practice on Rotavirus Infection of Mothers Attending General Hospital, Kakuri, Kaduna, Nigeria

Wuyahku G. Vaku1, Ehizibolo O. Peter2, Bakare N. Aisha3, Wuyahku Jamila1.

1Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Traditional and Non-traditional Medicine, Dnipeprotrovsk, Ukraine. 2National Stop Transmission of Polio, African Field Epidemiology Network, Zamfara, Nigeria. 3Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Email: [email protected]/[email protected]

Diarrhoeal disease is one of the commonest causes of death in children in developing countries. Diarrhoea is the fourth-biggest killer of children globally, with almost 500,000 annually dying before their fifth birthday of which 42% occur in Nigeria and India. Diarrhoea disease such as rotavirus is spread by water contaminated with faeces. Worldwide, rotavirus remains the biggest killer of < 5. Rotavirus takes the lives of more than 8000 Nigerian < 5 children annually. The study was conducted on mothers with children < 5 years old attending Gwamna Awan general hospital, Kakuri, Kaduna, Nigeria. A cross- sectional descriptive study using close-ended questionnaire was employed to assess the knowledge, attitude, perception and practice (KAP) of mothers on rotavirus infection in < 5 children. Data generated were subjected to statistical analyses using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20. Descriptive and inferential statistics (fisher's exact test) were employed to check for association. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. No significant association (p < 0.05) observed between demographic features and knowledge of rotavirus infection in < 5 children. Married mothers with higher education and socioeconomic status demonstrated better knowledge, attitude, perception and practice during the study. Most mothers in the study location have poor knowledge, attitudes and perception on rotavirus vaccines. This study provides insights into KAP of mothers important for the control and prevention of morbidity and mortality in absence of vaccination. Keeping mothers with < 5 children informed on importance of rotavirus infection is imperative. Concerted and intensified health education of mothers of < 5 children is required to address the identified knowledge gaps. Furthermore, causes, home management and prevention of rotavirus infection should be incorporated in educational curriculum.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 132 10th Anniversary Celebrations #60 Incidence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Kano Metropolis Drinking Water Sources

1Dabo, N. T. and 2Saleh, K. J.

1Department of Biological Sciences, Bayero University, Kano. 2Dpartment of Microbiology, Bayero University, Kano.

Email: [email protected]; .

The incidence of Escherichia coli O157:H7, a microbiological aetiologic agent of hemorrhagic colitis (HC) and haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) was evaluated using standard laboratory procedures on drinking water sources in Kano. A total of 72 samples comprising of 24 each of borehole, tap and well water samples from 8 municipal Local Government Areas, LGAs (namely; Dala, Fagge, Gwale, Kano Municipal, Kumbotso, Nassarawa, Tarauni and Ungoggo) were analyzed for the presence of this organism of public health concern. Ten or (13.88%) of the samples were positive for E. coli O157:H7. Kumbotso LGA had the highest incidence 4 (5.55%), followed by Kano Municipal LGA with an incidence of 2 (2.77%). Fagge and Gwale LGAs had the lowest incidence of 1(1.38%). Relative to the sources, well water had the highest incidence of 6 (8.33%) while tap water had the lowest incidence of 4 (5.55%). Borehole water was found not to be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7; thus a zero 0 (0%) incidences was recorded. The E.coli O157:H7 isolates were further subjected to screening for the presence or otherwise of shiga toxin virulent genes (Stx1 and Stx2) using Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction, PCR. Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1) virulent gene was detected in batch 1 and 2 of well waters from Sheka quarters of Kumbotso and Yakasai quarters of Kano municipal LGAs respectively, while Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2) was detected only in batch 2 well water sample from Gaida quarters of Kumbotso LGA.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 133 10th Anniversary Celebrations #61 A Rapid Spectroscopic Technique for Detecting Honey Adulteration

Samuel Okyem1, Karen Baffoe-Bonnie2, Alex Joseph Ikegbunam2, Edmund Ekuadzi1,2

1 KNUST Central Laboratory, [email protected] 2Department of Pharmacognosy, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

Globally, the honey market is estimated to reach 2.4 million tonnes by 2022. However, the world cannot produce enough honey to meet its demands. Consequently, honey is a high-value foodstuff and pharmaceutical ingredient which is a target for adulteration. Sugar and water represent the main chemical constituents of honey. Given its composition, honey is adulterated in practice by cheaper, commercially available sugar syrups with similar composition. This paper aimed at developing a simple and rapid spectroscopic procedure together with suitable chemometric models to detect sugar adulteration in honey on the Ghanaian market. Spectra of honey adulterated with different levels of glucose, fructose and sucrose were recorded in the mid–infrared range using the attenuated total reflectance accessory. The collected spectral data were then compressed using principal component analysis (PCA). Models were developed to classify and quantify the adulterants present in each brand of honey The root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) in validation set was 1.41,1.4 and 0.59 using partial least square (PLS) on data for fructose, glucose and sucrose respectively. It is demonstrated that Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has good potential for detecting sugar adulteration in honey. The method can be used in online processes at a considerably good rate industrially.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 134 10th Anniversary Celebrations #62 Nutritional status and Functional recovery among stroke outpatients attending neurology clinic at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana

L. Chauwa1†, K. Nsiah1‡, C. A. Appiah1*, F. S. Sarfo2¥

1Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology. College of Science. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Kumasi. Ghana 2School of Medical Sciences. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Kumasi. Ghana

E-mail: [email protected]†

In many developing countries especially in Africa, including Ghana, there are limited or no community rehabilitation services for stroke outpatients, which would contribute to poor recovery. How the nutritional status of stroke survivors affects their functional recovery has been reported in developed countries but not in Africa, hence this study. To assess the nutritional status and the functional recovery among some stroke outpatients attending neurology clinic at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Nutritional status of 106 stroke survivors, undergoing review at a neurology clinic was determined, using anthropometry and biochemical nutritional indicators. Functional recovery of the patients was assessed over the preceding 24 to 48 hours, using Barthel Index, which provides a measure of the stroke patients' ability to perform ten (10) basic activities of daily living independently or not. The period for which the stroke patients had been discharged from hospital admission ranged between 6 months and 17 years, but majority (77%) had spent between 6 months and 5 years after discharge. It was found that 64 (60.4%) of patients had undernutrition while 30 (28.3%) had overnutrition. It was also found that all stroke outpatients were not able to do all activities of daily living (ADLs) on their own, after being discharged. Majority 56 (53%) were moderately dependent, while 37% were found to be severely dependent on caregivers. Moreover, one person (1%) required complete assistance from caregivers in ADLs. It was further found that the outpatients who were undernourished were less likely to have improved functional recovery (OR = 0.011, p = 0.015). Majority of the stroke patients were malnourished and had poor functional recovery, except that there were differences in the recovery. Community rehabilitation services for stroke survivors would enhance nutritional status and functional recovery of stroke survivors, if implemented.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 135 10th Anniversary Celebrations #63 The total ethanolic stem bark extract of Antrocaryon micraster A. Chev. & Guillaumin. (Anacardiaceae) ameliorates acetic acid-induced colitis through reduced serum levels of TNFα and IL-6. L. B. Essel1, D. D. Obiri1, N. Osafo1, A. O. Antwi1, B. M. Duduyemi2

1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Email: [email protected]

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory condition of the mucosae of the rectum and colon. The exact aetiology of colitis remains unclear but inflammatory processes that lead to increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the disease process. Extracts made from various parts of Antrocaryon micraster are used in some Ghanaian communities to manage various diseases including those of inflammatory origin. The empirical evidence of the beneficial effects has not been explored. This study assessed the anti-colitic effect of the ethanol extract of Antrocaryon micraster (AME). Colitis was induced with acetic acid after pre-treatment with AME (30, 100, 300 mg/kg). Colons were analysed for macroscopic and histological damages, and blood samples used for haematological assessment and assay of the cytokines, Tumor necrosis factor, TNFα and interleukin IL-6. Treatment with AME protected against colonic mucosal damage shown by reduction in both macroscopic and histological changes. AME also reduced the counts of white cell indices. Again, the serum concentrations of TNFα and IL-6 were significantly reduced with AME treatment. Taken together, these observations show that AME exerts a protective effect against colonic damage, thereby suggesting an anti-colitic effect.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 136 10th Anniversary Celebrations #64 Novel Tetracyclic Iridoid Compounds isolated From Morinda Lucida induces Apoptotic Cell Death and Phenotypic Changes in Leishmania Donovani.

F.A. Azerigyik1, M. Amoa-Bosompem1, 2, K.B. Owusu1, T. Tettey1, G.I. Djameh1, S.K. Botchie1, A. Antwi1, F. Ayertey4, I. Ayi1, A. Appiah4, N. H. Tung3, S. Iwanaga2, Y. Shoyama3, Nobuo Ohta2 and M. Ohashi1, 2

1 Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, UG, Legon-Accra, Ghana. 2Environmental Parasitology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. 3Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, Nagasaki, Japan. 4Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong, Ghana Email: [email protected]

Leishmaniasis is a disease of the tropical and subtropical regions, and currently threatens 350 million people with approximately 12 million people suffering from the disease worldwide. There is no vaccine and antimonials remain the first line of treatment for many years. In spite of contemporary advances, these drugs are challenged by high toxicity, and resistance issues which necessitates continuous efforts to identify improved and cheaper alternative chemotherapy. Our group had previously identified three novel tetracyclic iridoid compounds, molucidin, ML-2-3 and ML-F52 from Morinda lucida leaves, to have anti- trypanosomal activity. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the compounds and their mode of action on Leishmania donovani promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms. 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was analyzed after 48 hrs of incubation with or without compounds using Alamar blue and DAPI staining for promastigote and amastigote parasites, respectively. Molucidin and ML-F52 showed significant activities against both forms of Leishmania parasites, while ML-2-3 was only active against amastigote. Treatment of macrophage using Molucidin and ML-2-3prior to the parasite infection blocked parasite invasion with IC50s of 2.4 and 3.2 µM, respectively. We further investigated apoptosis induction by compounds with Nexin assay using FACS analysis. Molucidin and ML-F52 induced a dose-dependent cell death with features of apoptosis, including cell shrinkage and externalization of phosphatidylserine. ML-F52 showed higher apoptotic cell death features (49%) than Molucidin (42%) after 48 hours of incubation. Morphological change caused by compounds were observe using DAPI and anti-KMP-11 antibody. Although we observed no change of KMP-11 expression in both Molucidin and ML-F52 test group, Molucidin induced significantly higher numbers of ''nectomonad-like'' forms (50%), which are characterized by no replication forms, relative to ML-F52 (7%). ML-F52 rather induced a higher percent (93%) of rounded cell morphology with or without intact flagellum.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 137 10th Anniversary Celebrations # 65 Activity of Molucidin and MLF-52, Novel Tetracyclic Irridoid Compounds Isolated from Morinda Lucida Benth, on Extra and Intra- Erythrocytic Stages of P. Falciparum Parasite

Antwi A. N.1, Botchie K. S.1, Agyapong J.1, Amoa-Bosompem M.1,2, Azerigyik F.1, Djameh I. G.1, Ayertey F.4, Ayi I.1, Appiah A.4, Ofori M.1, Uto T.3, Tung H. N.3, Iwanaga S.2, Shoyama Y.3, Ohta N.2 and Ohashi M.1,2*

1Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 581, Legon, Ghana. 2Section of Environmental Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan.3Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, 2825-7 Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo, Nagasaki 859- 3298, Japan.4 Centre for Plant Medicine Research, P. O. Box 73, Mampong - Akuapem, Ghana.

Email: [email protected]

Malaria, especially caused by Plasmodium falciparum, is currently being challenged by the increase of resistance and new drugs to combat the resistance issue have been eagerly awaited. Although the life stage of malaria parasite during the transmission and development in mammals is so diverse, current anti-malarials mostly target only the food vacuole of the trophozoites stage. Protease inhibitors were reported as alternatives with their inhibition activities of the protease-mediated schizonts rupture of the parasites. Some groups, however, pointed out their limit of use due to the cytotoxicity against host cells which also possess various protease. Our group previously isolated novel tetracyclic compounds, Molucidin, ML-2-3 and ML-F52, from the leaves of Morinda lucida Benth and found their anti-protozoan properties. The aim of this study therefore was to investigate their activities against extra and intra- erythrocytic stage of P. falciparum (3D7 strain) parasite, especially focusing on the stages of schizonts rupture and merozoites invasion. Schizonts rupture inhibition assay showed that Molucidin, ML-F52 and ML-2-3 had significant activity with IC50s of 0.122µM, 0.069µM and 0.122µM, and IC90s of 0.125µM, 0.0706µM and 0.12µM, respectively, while the positive control: E-64 showed

IC50 of 0.0653µM and IC90 of 0.0661µM. Phenotypic observation suggested that three compounds inhibited schizont rupture with different manner compared to E-64. Merozoites invasion inhibition assay showed Molucidin, ML-F52 and

ML-2-3 had moderate activity with IC50s of 0.19 µM, 0.27 µM and 11.27 µM, respectively as compared to positive control: Cytochalasin-D with IC50 of 0.04 µM. These results revealed that the novel tetracyclic iridoids isolated from M. lucida might be promising lead compounds, with their significant activities targeting the stages of schizonts rupture and merozoites invasion.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 138 10th Anniversary Celebrations #66 Comparison of the Efficacy of Molucidin, Ml-2-3 and Ml-F52 , Novel Tetracyclic Irridiod Compounds isolated from Morinda Lucida Benth between Leishmania Major and Leishmania Donovani.

T. Tetteh1, F.A. Azerigyik1, K. B-A Owusu1, M. Amoa-Bosompem1.2, F. Ayertey4, K. D. Kwofie1.2, G. I. Djameh, , S. K. Botchie1, A. N. Antwi1, A. Appiah4, H. N. Tung3, Y. Shoyama3, I. Ayi1, S. Iwanaga, N. Ohta2 and M. Ohashi1.2

1Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana-Legon, Accra, Ghana. 2Environmental Parasitology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan. 3Nagasaki International University, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan. 4Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong, Ghana Email: [email protected]

Leishmaniasis, caused by intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania, is a severe parasitic disease that threatens about 350 million people worldwide. It is a spectral disease, with pathologies ranging from disfiguring but self-resolving skin lesions (cutaneous leishmaniasis) to a fatal infection of the liver and spleen (visceral leishmaniasis, or kala-azar). The life cycle of Leishmania species are basically similar, despite differences in host species. They are transmitted by a sand fly vector and are inoculated into the host during blood meal by an infected sand fly. There is no vaccine and antimonials remain the first line of treatment. However, high cost and/or toxicity of these drugs necessitate a continuous effort to identify cheaper and effective alternative drugs. We previously identified three novel tetracyclic iridoid compounds, ML-2-3, Molucidin and ML-F52, from the leave of Morinda lucida to have anti-trypanosomal activity. In this study, we determined the activity of the three compounds against two species of Leishmania, L. donovani and L. major. Leishmania promasitigote were treated with or without compounds for 48hrs and then parasite growth was analysed using Alamar blue. IC50 values of three compounds, ML2-3 Molucidin, MLF52 against L. donovani, were 2.09µM, 0.43µg/ml and 3.0µM, respectively. Those against L. major were 2.51 µM, 0.32µg/ml and 2.9µM, respectively. Positive control, Amphotericin B, showed an activity of 0.43µg/ml for L. donovani and 0.30µg/ml for L. major. These results demonstrated that three compounds have significant activity against both strains of Leishmania parasites. ML-F52 especially showed the strongest activities against both parasites. Immunohistochemistry study using DAPI and KMP-11 antibody is on-going. The development of Molucidin and MLF52 may lead to the development of a safer, cheaper, and relatively more available drug(s) for the treatment of leishmaniasis

Ghana Biomedical Convention 139 10th Anniversary Celebrations #67 Assessing the Antioxidants Activities (wounds healing) of Heisteria Parvifolia

Sylvenus Aguree, Dr. Asare-Nkansah

Department of pharmaceutical chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi

Email: [email protected]

The use of traditional plants as a source of medicine is not limited to one region of the world. It is an age-long practice throughout the world, use to treat and cure illness and diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidants potentials of Heisteria parvifolia. The stem bark of Heisteria parvifolia was harvested from some farm lands at manpong and authenticated at the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, KNUST. The sample were washed and dried under shade for 16 days, milled and the phytochemical constituents extracted using petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol in terms of increasing polarities. The phytochemical screening of the extracts gave positive results for tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, reducing sugars, Anthraquinones, saponins and terpenoids. Antioxidants are compounds, molecules or substances that are capable of protecting cells against damages caused by free radicals which are the most reactive ions generated from the metabolic processes in the human body, including wound healing. The antioxidants activities of the extracts were s c r e e n e d w h i c h g a v e t h e f o l l o w i n g E C 5 0 v a l u e s , 46.982µg/mL,132.653µg/mL,2784.211µg/mL, for methanolic, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extracts respectively and 27.258µg/mL for the standard drug of ascorbic acid. The Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) of the extracts was +6 +5 conducted to assess their ability to reduce MO to Mo gave the following results, 16.372mg/g, 12.923mg/g and 5.869mg/g for methanolic, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extracts respectively. The Total phenol content (TPC) of the extracts was also assessed based on the reduction ability of the reagent Folin-Ciocalteu by the plant extracts. The results obtained from the total phenol evaluations from the extracts are 23.057mg/g, 18.258mg/g and 9.341mg/g for methanolic, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extracts respectively. From the results obtained the methanolic and the ethyl acetate extracts gave more antioxidants activities and this could be due to the presence of the phenolic compounds in the extracts as compared to that of the petroleum ether and hence, the study therefore justifies the traditional usage of the plant in healing wounds.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 140 10th Anniversary Celebrations #68 Investigations on plant extract- CVP071A as a potential alternative drug for Schistosomiasis control

William K. Anyan1, Mabel D. Tettey1, Irene Ayi1, Mitsuko Ohashi1,2, Daniel A. Boakye1, Nobuo Ohta2

1Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra. 2Section of Environmental Parasitology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan

Email: [email protected]

Schistosomiasis, a water borne disease caused by the blood dwelling helminthic parasite schistosome is a major public health concern in many tropical and subtropical countries. Praziquantel remains the sole drug for treatment, and is effective against the adult worms only, thereby allowing schistosomula and juvenile worms to continue maturing and causing disease. This development calls for the urgent need to discover and develop new alternative drugs for treatment of schistosomiasis at all stages of infection within the final host. CVP071A a plant cultivated in many countries of the world and traditionally used as medicine for the treatment of various diseases including helminthic infections has revealed good cercaricidal activity in-vitro in our preliminary work. This study therefore aimed at investigating the anti-schistosomal (somula and adultworm) activity of CVP071A extract in vitro. Mechanically transformed schistosomulae and adult worms of S. mansoni were exposed to serially diluted CVP071A extract at concentrations ranging from 31.25µg/ml to 1000µg/ml in vitro and observed under the microscope at specific time points. Both schistosomulae and adult worms revealed 100% mortality upon exposure to CVP071A extract at concentrations ranging from 125µg/ml to 1000µg/ml within 24 hours and 48 hours respectively. The cytotoxic effect of CVP071A extract against CEM cell was >1250 hence being selective against the schistosomes. These results suggest in vivo investigation into CVP071A extract as a potential alternative anti-schistosomal drug for the treatment of schistosomiasis.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 141 10th Anniversary Celebrations #69 Isolation and characterization of plant antitrypanosomals in African trypanosomes

A. B. Dofuor1, F. Ayertey2, M. Amoa-Bosompem3, G. I. Djameh3, S. Alsford5, K. L. Okine1, M. Ohashi3, K. Kyeremeh4 and T. M. Gwira1

1West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; 2Center for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong-Akuapim, Ghana; 3Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; 4Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; 5London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK

Email: [email protected]

African trypanosomiasis is a disease caused by the parasitic protozoa of Trypanosoma. Despite several efforts at chemotherapeutic interventions, the disease poses serious health and economic concerns to humans and animals of various sub-Saharan African countries. Commercially available drugs have reported cases of undesirable side effects, drug resistance, and difficulty in regimen application. Although studies on alternative medicines such as medicinal plants have reported tripanocidal activities, their mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. We previously found trypanocidal effect of two Ghanaian medicinal plants, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Bidens pilosa. The aim of this study was thus to identify active components from both medicinal plants and analyze their effect on the parasite cell cycle and apoptosis induction. Bioassay guided fractionation from both plants were performed and compounds were characterized by Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Infrared Spectroscopy (IR). Some components showed significant effect on cell cycle of parasites and induced strong apoptosis. The dichromethane fraction of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (root) gave rise to the most promising activity. Structural determination using HPLC and NMR of this fraction is ongoing

Ghana Biomedical Convention 142 10th Anniversary Celebrations #70 Anti-Plasmodia and Cytotoxicity Activities of the Crude Extracts of Some Ghanaian Plants

Michael Konney Laryea1, Michael Ofori3 and Lawrence Sheringham Borquaye1,2

1Department of Chemistry, KNUST, Kumasi. 2Central Laboratory, KNUST, Kumasi. 3Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon.

Email: [email protected]

Malaria remains a serious headache for public health care programs all over Africa with over a million deaths recorded annually. Many Ghanaians use plant- derived concoctions to treat and manage malaria and its symptoms. A study was conducted to investigate some selected Ghanaian plants for their Anti- plasmodia and Cytotoxicity activities. A desktop-survey was used to identify 50 plants commonly used in the treatment and management of malaria and malaria- like symptoms in Ghana. Following phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extracts of plant samples, their anti-plasmodial activities were evaluated using microscopy and malaria SYBR Green I based fluorescence (MSF) assay the Cytotoxicity activity was also evaluated using MTT Tetrazolium Reduction Assay (TRA). 10 extracts showed appreciable anti-plasmodial activities with

IC50 values of samples 7B3, 7Z2 and GC1 as low as 3.51mg/mL, 2.48mg/mL and 1.22mg/mL respectively these extracts also proved not to be toxic to regular cell lines. Efforts to isolate and characterize the active principles in samples 7B3, 7Z2 and GC1 are currently underway. The results from this study validate the use of these plants in ethnomedicine for the management of malaria and malaria- like symptoms.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 143 10th Anniversary Celebrations #71 In vitro investigation of the relationship between schistosomiasis and prostate cancer

I. Tuffour1,2,3, I. Ayi2, T. M. Gwira 1,3, R. Appiah-Opong1,2

1Dept. of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra; 2 Noguchi Memorial institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra; 3West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, E-mail: [email protected]

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects 200 million people and account for 100,000 deaths annually. In endemic geographical areas, schistosomiasis has been implicated as an etiological agent in the pathogenesis of bladder, colorectal and renal carcinoma largely due to chronic infection of tissues with Schistosoma eggs. Several studies have also reported cases of association between Schistosoma infection and prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men. The possible causal association is however poorly understood. This study therefore aimed at experimentally investigating this association and elucidating the underlying mechanism. Urine samples from individuals living in Galilea, a Schistosomiasis endemic community in the Ga South District of Ghana were collected and screened for Schistosoma infection via microscopy and multiplex PCR. Soluble antigens (SEA) were prepared from Schistosoma-egg positive urine samples and assessed for the ability to induce cancer-like phenotypes including excessive proliferation, oxidative stress (GSH depletion) and diminished apoptosis in cultured human prostate (PNT2) cells. 14.4% (30/209) schistosomiasis prevalence was recorded. Out of 30 Schistosoma-infected persons, 73% (22 persons) recorded light infections whereas 27% (8 persons) were heavily infected. Microscopic and molecular analysis revealed infecting-schistosome species to be S. haematobium and S. mansoni. 63% (19 persons) were infected with S. haematobium only whereas 37% (11 persons) were co-infected. Prostate cell proliferation was significantly induced by 12.5µg/ml SEA (P=0.029). Also, SEA dose-dependently induced oxidative stress in Prostate cells via depletion of cellular reduced glutathione (GSH). Flow cytometric analysis and fluorescence staining revealed that SEA dose-dependently and significantly diminished apoptosis in prostate cells. Schistosomiasis still remains a major health challenge. Findings of this study suggest that schistosome-infection may play a role in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. In vivo studies are however needed to confirm this association.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 144 10th Anniversary Celebrations #72 Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among children under 5 years in selected communities in Ho municipality, Ghana.

1 1 1 E. Agboli , G.E. Kpene , P.K. Owiafe ,

1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana

E-mail: [email protected]

Diarrhea in children under 5 years has been a leading cause of childhood mortality worldwide, Africa, Ghana, and in the Ho municipality the story is not different. Yet, there is little or no literature on the prevalence of intestinal parasites among children under 5 years in the Ho Municipality and also, it is unclear, what the possible risk factors associated with childhood intestinal parasites infections are in our locality. In this light, a total of 150 children under 5 years (52% male and 48% female) from selected communities in the Ho Municipality were included in a study to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among children under 5 years. Direct wet preparation, formol ether concentration and Modified ZN staining techniques were used for the identification of intestinal parasites from stool samples of participants. Overall, the prevalence of IPs was 14 % (21/150). Cryptosporidium parvum was the predominant parasite identified 5.3% (/150) followed by Entamoeba histolytica 3.3% (5/150), Cyclospora cayetenensis 2% (3/150), Ascaris lumbricoides with a prevalence of 1.3% (2/150), Giardia lamblia and Strongyloides stercoralis both with a prevalence of 0.7% (1/150). The bivariate analysis revealed that children whose mothers have basic or no education were significantly associated with the prevalence of IPIs [0.55 (0.37 – 0.83), p-value = 0.015] and also children from the rural areas were significantly associated with IPIs prevalence [0.53 (0.33 – 0.88), p – value = 0.025].

Ghana Biomedical Convention 145 10th Anniversary Celebrations #73 Regular monitoring of blood pressure in detecting and controlling hypertension in rural communities in Ghana

E.X. Amuzu1, D. Ansong1, 2, F.A. Osei1, D.R. Antwi1

1Research and Development Unit, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi- Ghana 2 Institute of Distance Learning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana. 3Department of Child Health, School of Medical Sciences-Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (SMS-KNUST), Kumasi-Ghana

E-mail: [email protected]

Hypertension is an important public health challenge because of its related morbidity, mortality and cost to society. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as hypertension, are increasingly prevalent in West Africa and there is a need for longitudinal, community-based surveillance to assess the magnitude and trends of NCDs in the region. There is also need to intensify health education to facilitate prevention, early detection and management. We aimed at assessing the trends of high BPs in Abesua, a rural farming community in the Ahafo Ano South District of Ghana and through quarterly blood pressure (BP) measurements from December 2016. Community-Based Health Volunteers (CBHV) were trained to measure BPs with electronic sphygmomanometers at the homes of inhabitants and to provide health education as a public health intervention. 138 adults (18 year) majority males (55.07%) are participating in this study. High BP (systolic BP>140mmHg or diastolic BP >90mmHg) decreased from 25% to 21% at Visit 3. The mean BPs were 125.1/80.0 mmHg, 126.1/79.3 mmHg and 124.4/78.4 mmHg at Visit 1,2, and 3 respectively. There was defaulter rate of 15% and 4% at visit 2, and 3 respectively. Concept of quarterly BP measurement accompanied with health education by CBHVs could prove a beneficial public health intervention towards early detection, management and reduction of hypertension burden in rural communities.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 146 10th Anniversary Celebrations #74 Impact of Community-Based Nutrition Education of Mothers on Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices.

V. A. Awuuh1*, C.A. Appiah1, F. O. Mensah1

1Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

E-mail: [email protected]

Feeding practices of infants and young children directly affects their nutritional status and consequently, the optimal health of children under two years. Mothers' nutrition knowledge is noted as key to improving infant and young child feeding for optimal nutrition, health, and development of the infant. The objective was to determine the impact of community-based nutrition education of mothers on infants and young child feeding practices of children aged 6-24 months. A pre-post community-based nutrition education intervention design, based on the health belief model was used to compare maternal infant and young child feeding practices at baseline and post nutrition education intervention. The study recruited 153 mothers of children aged 6-24 months from five communities in the East Mamprusi district of the Northern region using a multistage sampling technique. Out of the 153 mothers who participated, 72.2% earned < GH?100.00 monthly, 75.8% lived with extended families, 55.6% stayed in large size families, 20.9% and 53.7% were within age category < 20 years and 20-30 years respectively,79.1% had no education, 39.9% were traders, 35.3% were farmers and 99.3% were married. There was a significant improvement in infant and young child feeding practices among mothers on fortification of child food (45.1% vs 62.1%, p=0.003), minimum meal frequency per age (35.3% vs 54.9%, p=0.001), breast feeding on demand (57.5% vs 73.9%, p=0.001), receiving right quantity per child age (52.3% vs 61.4%, p=0.046) and proper hygienic practices (39.9% vs 58.8%, p=0.001) at baseline and post-intervention respectively. This study suggests that community-based nutrition education intervention could be effective in significantly improving infant and young child feeding practices among mothers with children aged 6-24 months in the East Mamprusi district of the Northern region of Ghana. Nutrition education would be a cost-effective strategy to improve maternal nutrition knowledge to prevent/improve child undernutrition in undernutrition-prone settings.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 147 10th Anniversary Celebrations #75 Anti-putrefactive property of Manihot esculenta leaf extract on dead laboratory rats

1Annan B, 2Adjenti SK, 1Asiedu-Gyekye IJ.

1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, 2Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana.

Embalmment is the act of treating dead human bodies with special chemicals in order to reduce the presence and growth of microorganisms to delay putrefaction. Formalin is the agent of choice in modern times irrespective of its high cost and accompanying health hazards. There is the need for alternative embalming agents with less health threats and more cost effective benefits than formalin. The leaves of Manihot esculenta (Cassava) have been reported to be used in folkloric preservation of the remains of dead humans. To determine doses at which an aqueous extract of the leaves of Manihot esculenta has anti- putrefactive properties on dead laboratory rats. Different doses of fresh leave extracts of Manihot esculenta were injected through the oral, rectal and intra- peritoneal routes into fifteen euthanized Sprague-Dawley rats with known weights. Histological analysis of the stomach, liver and kidney harvested after 14 days of storage in a refrigerator was performed and the results compared with those of 10% formalin serving as positive control and non-treated but refrigerated rats (negative control). Doses between 1500 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg of the extract were able to preserve the tissues of the dead laboratory rats.However, the high dose of 3000 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of Manihot esculenta facilitated the decomposition of the dead laboratory rats. The intermediate dose of 1500 mg/kg and the low dose of 300 mg/kg possess anti- putrefactive potential on a two-week preserved tissues of dead laboratry rats comparable to10% formalin.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 148 10th Anniversary Celebrations #76 How safe is sachet water consumption in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana? Eric Agboli1, Emmanuel Egu1, Margaret Kweku1, Momodou Cham2, Francis Zotor1, Fred Binka1

1School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana. 2MedLook Ghana Ltd.

E-mail: [email protected]

Sachet water has become an important source of drinking water but little is known about bacteriological quality and quality control improvements with the rapid development of the industry. The study assessed the bacterial load of sachet water sold in the Hohoe Municipality, Ghana. From the 9 different manufacturing sites, 36 sachet water brands were randomly selected and processed for Total Coliforms (TC) and Escherichia coli (EC) in colony- forming units (CFU) per 100mL using membrane filtration method. Four (11.11%) samples with blinded labels EV1, FI1, AM4 and VP4 had TC of 5cfu/100mL each. Two (5.56%) samples with labels EV1 and F11 had E. coli of 4cfu/100mL and 5cfu/100mL respectively. The presence of E. coli is an indication and presence of faecal (faeces) elements in the sachet water. The contaminated samples came from manufacturers who uses pipe-borne water in the production of sachet water. This is critical and various stakeholders should sensitize and monitor production of sachet water in the municipality and in the country, Ghana

Ghana Biomedical Convention 149 10th Anniversary Celebrations #77 Graded Doses of Cement Kiln Dust Administration induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Albino Rats

A.J. Umosen*1, P.A. Onyeyili1, A.Y. Adenkola1, J. S. Rabo2

1Dept. of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, 2Dept. of Pathology and Microbiology. University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

E-mail: [email protected]

Cement industry is considered a major pollution problem because of its dust laden with heavy metals which are hazardous to biotic environment and other organisms there, thus constituting an environmental stress, which cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a well-known mechanism of heavy metal induced damage. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of graded doses of cement kiln dust in wistar rats. Thirty-five male wistar rats weighing between 170 -200g were used. They were divided randomly into 5 groups of seven rats each. Group 1 served as control and were administered (2 ml) of distilled water only while groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were administered cement kiln dust orally at dose rates of 5 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg respectively for 35 days. At the end of the study period, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected from each rat into two sample bottles; for haematological determination of complete blood cell count using Vet- Hematology Auto Analyzer® and erythrocyte osmotic fragility determination using the method of Faulkner and King (1970) and the other, for serum antioxidant analysis using standard methods. The results obtained indicated no significant (p> 0.05) difference in all the hematological parameters, fragiligram and malondialdehyde concentration between the groups, although the malondialdehyde concentration in the control group (1.29 ± 0.1 ng/ml) was the lowest. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the concentration of serum catalase (50.9 ± 1.0 µm/L), glutathione peroxidase (46.7 ± 1.0 IU/L) and superoxide dismutase (2.4 ± 0.1 IU/ml) activity in group 1 when compared to all the other groups (2, 3, 4 and 5) which showed a lower antioxidant activity. This suggests that cement kiln dust induced oxidative stress, depleting the antioxidant defence system in wistar rats in this study.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 150 10th Anniversary Celebrations #78 In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Snake Venom Properties of the Ethanolic Extracts from Annona Senegalensis (Pers) and Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Blume)

S. Kaminta1, D. Boamah1*, O. Debrah2, M. Ofosuhene3, K. M. Bosompem3, D. A. Edoh4 and H. Blagogee1

1Centre for Plant Medicine Research. P. O. Box 73, Mampong- Akuapem, Ghana. 2Department of Science Laboratory Technology. School of Applied Sciences, Accra Polytechnic. P. O. Box 561, Accra, Ghana. 3Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon. P. O. Box Lg 587, Legon, Ghana. 4Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science. University of Ghana, Legon. P. O. Box Lg 25, Legon, Ghana.

*E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

Snakebites cause serious health problems worldwide resulting in about 20,000 deaths out of about 1,000,000 cases per year. To neutralize envenomations, anti-venoms are used regularly for specific cases of snakebites. It is well known that, anti-venoms are not able to efficiently neutralize local tissue damage, which contributes to morbidity and mortality associated with snakebites. Anti- venom sera are also expensive and not readily available in remote communities which need them most. In the present work, the anti-snake venom properties of ethanolic leaves extracts of Annona senegalensis and Cinnamomum zeylanicum were evaluated. The anti-coagulation and anti-haemotoxic effects of the extracts were assessed against E. ocellatus and B. gabonica venom using in vitro assays. The results revealed that 50 mg/ml of A. senegalensis extract completely inhibited the coagulation activity of E. ocellatus venom on citrated human plasma whiles 25 mg/ml of C. zeylanicum extract was necessary. Indicating that C. zeylanicum extract had much stronger anti-coagulation activity than A. senegalensis with respect to E. ocellatus venom. On the anti- haemotoxic studies of the extracts, A. senegalensis exhibited stronger inhibition concentration (IC50) 1.96 mg/ml against B. gabonica venom and 4.48 mg/ml against E. ocellauts venom. The C. zeylanicum extract had IC50 of 13.701 mg/ml against B. gabonica and 16.06 mg/ml against E. ocellauts venom. Thus, A. senegalensis and C. zeylanicum have anti-snake venom activities. This study provides important data on anti-snake venom coagulation and haemolysis properties of ethanolic extracts from A. senegalensis and Cinnamomum zeylanicum, which is essential in drug discovery for formulation of herbal anti- snake drugs.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 151 10th Anniversary Celebrations #79 Safety of blood donations at the Volta Regional Hospital, Ghana

Eric Agboli1, Nathan Amekpewu1,

1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana.

E-mail: [email protected]

Blood transfusion is a life-saving intervention and millions of lives are saved through this procedure. However, blood transfusions are associated with certain risks which can lead to adverse consequences and the risk of transmission of infections. Hence this study investigated the safety of blood donated at the Volta Regional Hospital. This was a cross-sectional and retrospective study from January 2014 to December 2016. A total of 2679 blood donors were screened in the 3-year period. Of these 2679 donations, there were 367(13.7%) positive cases of Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs) including HIV 114(4.26%), HBV 102(3.81%), HCV 103(3.84%), and Syphilis 48(1.79%). After retesting the available blood in the blood bank refrigerators ready for transfusion at the time of the study, no reactivity to TTIs was detected. This could suggest that blood for transfusion at the regional facility is safe. The study recommends testing donated blood for malaria parasitaemia before transfusion.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 152 10th Anniversary Celebrations #80 Resistance Modulatory Studies of Vernolide from Vernonia Colorata Drake on Ciprofloxacin, Amoxicillin, Tetracycline and Erythromycin against Escherichia Coli, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa And Enterococcus Faecalis

Kwaku Twum1, J.K Adu2

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, KNUST.

Email: [email protected]

This work investigated the resistance modulatory activity of vernolide, isolated from the leaves of vernonia colorata on ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, tetracycline and erythromycin against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Dried pulverized leaves of the plant were extracted with 96% ethanol for 4 days. The crude ethanolic extract was concentrated and put on a gravity column chromatography using silica gel as stationary phase material to isolate vernolide. The identity of the compound was confirmed with its appearance and melting point, 1H and 13C NMR with support from UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity of vernolide was evaluated with MTT assay using micro broth dilution and 96 well microtiter plates against standardized bacteria suspensions of the inoculum. Vernolide showed activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis with MIC of 0.3, 0.3 and 0.4 mg/ml respectively. The MIC of ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, tetracycline and erythromycin were subsequently determined with MTT assay using micro broth dilution and 96 well microtiter plates as a range between 0.1µg/ml to 16 µg/ml. Modulation studies between vernolide and the standard antibiotics showed that all antibiotics were able to prevent growth of the microorganisms at concentrations several times below the MIC of the drug. Vernolide therefore has strong resistance modulatory activity on ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, tetracycline and erythromycin.

Ghana Biomedical Convention 153 10th Anniversary Celebrations