The 37 Military Hospital is a specialist hospital located in Accra, on the main road between the Kotoka International Airport and central Accra. It is the largest military hospital in the Republic of Ghana after the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The name 37 was because it was the 37th military hospital to be built in the British colony of West Africa. The hospital is also known for the story of the bats who never left their chief.
Vitamin D is essential for musculoskeletal health, and its deficiency is a global health concern, particularly in the African population. This study aimed to compare serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations between paediatric patients with and without Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in a teaching hospital. A matched comparative case–control study was conducted at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) from May 2020 to April 2022. Study participants included 56 cases and controls. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured, and associated demographic, diet and haematological parameters were assessed. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analysed in Stata MP 15, with summary statistics, t-tests, and correlations reported. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. The study revealed a significant difference in serum vitamin D levels (p < 0.001) between SCD and non-SCD participants, with a median of 10.0 [6.4 − 17.1] ng/mL for SCD and 19.7 [13.2 − 27.3] ng/mL for non-SCD patients. A total of 32.1
Introduction During the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic, Ghana experienced outbreaks of high pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 among poultry.Objectives Here, we describe the distribution and genetic characterisation of clade 2.3.4.4b HPAIV H5N1 isolated among poultry.Methods We conducted active surveillance for influenza viruses among animals (poultry and swine) and environmental samples across Ghana from 2021 to 2022. Tracheal/cloacal swabs were collected from poultry while nasal/anal swabs were collected from swine. Environmental samples (bird droppings, feathers, and water) were collected from Ramsar sites. We detected the presence of influenza viruses using specific primers and probes and reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions previously described by the US-CDC. We sequenced and detected viruses using Oxford Nanopore Technologies.Results A total of 2847 samples were collected: 2640 from birds, 207 from swine, and 186 from the environment. Out of 2847, 2.2% (63/2847) were positive for HPAIV H5N1. All the H5N1 viruses were detected in poultry populations and none in swine. Again, environmental samples tested negative for influenza. Greater Accra (35), Central (10), and Upper East (7) regions recorded the highest number of H5N1 infections. Phylogenetic analysis of H5N1 showed that these viruses belonged to the clade 2.3.4.4b, which is currently circulating worldwide. Genetic analysis of the HA revealed some mammalian adaptive motifs.Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of continuous genomic surveillance for these zoonotic pathogens in-country and further analyses to determine their zoonotic potential. Early detection and local containment are critical for mitigating the threat posed by zoonotic influenza.
Depression often runs a chronic course and substantially impairs an individual's occupational potential and quality of life. The incident cases of depression worldwide increased from 17.2 million in 1990 to 25.8 million in 2017, an increase of 49.86%. Studies among the general population have revealed that socio-demographic factors such as older age, marginalization, and female gender, were important risk. This study sought to provide the prevalence and distribution of cases of depression in Ghana using a nationwide cross-sectional methodology. A total of 5202 participants aged 18-69 years were sampled from all regions of Ghana using a multi-stage cluster sampling approach. Probable depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) as part of the WHO STEPWise survey for non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors. Data was collected face-to-face and electronically using a pre-loaded structured questionnaire translated into Ga, Ewe, Dagbanli and Twi for inclusivity. Among the respondents, 49.5% were females (n = 2,580), and the majority (44%) were aged 18-29 years. Urban residents constituted 59.9%, while rural dwellers made up 40.1%. Overall, 67.8% of respondents reported no depression, while 32.2% had probable depression. Female respondents were 35% more likely to experience probable depression compared to men (aOR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.12-1.64, p = 0.002). Higher education levels were associated with a 48% lower likelihood of probable depression (aOR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.31-0.86, p = 0.011). Wealthier individuals were 42% more likely to experience probable depression than the poorest respondents (aOR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.05-1.93, p = 0.001). Respondents from households with two or three members were 26% and 29% less likely to report probable depression, respectively, compared to households with more members. Probable depression affects nearly one-third of Ghanaians, with women and individuals from wealthier households disproportionately impacted. Higher education and smaller household sizes are protective factors. These findings underscore the need for mental health interventions targeting socio-demographic disparities.
Background:Basidiobolomycosis is an uncommon fungal infection caused by Basidiobolus ranarum, primarily impacting immunocompetent children in tropical areas. Its indolent presentation and radiologic mimicking to soft tissue cancers often result in misdiagnosis and delayed antifungal treatment. Case Presentation:We report the case of a 10-year-old child from a remote farming community in Ghana who had a 2-year history of a progressively increasing abdominal wall mass, severe malnutrition, and respiratory distress. The initial computed tomography scan suggested rhabdomyosarcoma. Laboratory tests showed severe anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and marked eosinophilia. Histopathology revealed pronounced granulomatous inflammation characterized by multinucleated giant cells and broad septate fungal hyphae, as evidenced by PAS and Grocott stains, thereby confirming basidiobolomycosis. Sadly, the child's condition deteriorated rapidly, with resultant demise prior to the commencement of antifungal treatment. Conclusion:Basidiobolomycosis could mimic a pediatric soft tissue sarcoma on imaging, particularly in endemic regions. Early clinical suspicion, early detection of eosinophilia, and timely biopsy are crucial to prevent diagnostic delays and enhance outcomes, particularly in resource-limited healthcare systems.
Background Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) have emerged as significant opportunistic pathogens, particularly in healthcare facilities. This study investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of CoNS at the 37 Military Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using laboratory data from January 2021 to December 2024. CoNS isolates from various clinical specimens were identified using the BD Phoenix™ M50 (Becton Dickinson, USA) automated System, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to CLSI guidelines. Results A total of 295 CoNS isolates were obtained from clinical specimens processed at a laboratory that handles approximately 3,000 specimens annually. Staphylococcus haemolyticus was the most prevalent species (95 isolates, 32.2%), followed by S. epidermidis (58 isolates, 19.7%) and S. hominis (15 isolates, 5.1%). Urine samples yielded the highest number of isolates (102 isolates, 34.6%), followed by blood cultures (79 isolates, 26.8%). Among the 295 isolates tested, high resistance rates were observed for oxacillin (236 isolates, 80%), penicillin G (229 isolates, 77.6%), and tetracycline (202 isolates, 68.5%). S. haemolyticus showed the highest resistance rates, with 87 isolates (92.0%) resistant to oxacillin and 86 isolates (90.8%) resistant to tetracycline. Conclusion The high prevalence of multi-drug resistant CoNS, especially methicillin-resistant strains, presents significant clinical challenges. Enhanced surveillance, improved infection control, and judicious antibiotic use are recommended to mitigate the spread of resistant strains in this healthcare setting.
