NTCP gene polymorphisms and hepatitis B virus infection status in a Ghanaian population

© 2020 The Author(s). Background: SLC10A1 gene codes NTCP, a receptor through which the hepatitis B virus (HBV) gets access into hepatocytes- A stage of the viral cycle necessary for replication. Polymorphism variants of SLC10A1 play roles in HBV infection, viral clearance, treatment outcome, and complications, in diverse ethnic groups and countries. However, no such study has been conducted in the Ghanaian population, a country with HBV endemicity. Therefore, an exploratory study was conducted to investigate the presence of three (3) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SLC10A1 gene (rs2296651, rs61745930, and rs4646287) and assessed the risk of HBV infection among the Ghanaian population. Method: Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to determine the presence of the SNPs among 292 participants comprising 146 HBV infected persons as case-subjects and 146 HBV non-infected persons as control-subjects. Results: The minor allele frequency (T) of rs2296651 was present in a significantly high proportion of cases compared with the control group (11.6% vs. 3.1%, p \u3c 0.0001). The homozygote recessive variant of rs61745930 was present in 2.7% of the control group and 5.5% of the case group. Moreover, the minor allele frequencies of rs4646287 were 9.3 and 8.2% among the control and the case group, respectively (p = 0.767). Under the dominant (CC) genetic model of inheritance, rs2296651 was found to be protective of HBV infection [OR = 0.18 (0.07-0.44)], whereas under the co-dominant and additive model, rs2296651 was a potential risk factor for HBV infection [OR = 5.2 (95%CI: 2.1-12.8); 3.5 (95%CI: 1.6-7.6], respectively. Variants of rs61745930 and rs4646287 were not associated with HBV infection (p \u3e 0.05). Polymorphisms in SLC10A1, however, did not show any significant association with HBV infectivity (p \u3e 0.05). Conclusion: The study highlights some polymorphism proof that variants rs2296651, rs61745930, and rs4646287 exist in HBV-infected individuals in Ghana. Although variant rs2296651 was found to be associated with HBV infection, this association warrants more studies. Polymorphisms in SLC10A1 were not associated with HBV infectivity among the Ghanaian population. Further investigation is warranted to assess the offensive role of the relationship between rs2296651 and HBV infectivity

Outbreak of rabies among humans, dogs and livestock, Awutu-Senya East Municipality, Ghana, 2019

Introduction: Rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease caused by the Rabies virus (RABV). Ninety-percent of human rabies are dog-mediated. Globally there are 59,000 human rabies annually. On June 16 2019, a 4-year-old girl from the Awutu-Senya East Municipal of Ghana, died following symptoms of aggression, hyper-salivation and hydrophobia. She had a dog scratch five weeks prior. We confirmed the outbreak, determined its magnitude, identified associated factors and implemented control measures. Methods: We interviewed community members to understand potential exposures to RABV. We reviewed the animal bite records, clinical notes of human rabies cases and initial line-list. We conducted community-based rabies surveillance for animal bites and confirmed RABV by Polymerase Chain Reaction of brain tissue of dead human and animals. We updated the line-list with demographic, exposure, and outcome variables of bite victims. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively, and findings presented as frequencies and proportions. Results: Overall, 155 dog bites were identified, among which six human rabies deaths were recorded (Attack rate=3.9%). Males were 51.6% (80/155) of bite victims, whiles children 5-14 years constituted 27% (40/147). About 86.5% (134/155) of bites were by unvaccinated dogs, and stray dogs bit 80.6% (125/155) of individuals. Category III bites were 35% (50/141). RABV was isolated from 16.7% (1/6) of human deaths and 30% (3/10) of rabid dog. We suspected rabies infection in a goat. Dogs roamed unattended within communities. Conclusion: This rabies outbreak was dog-mediated. Poor pet ownership and limited vaccination of dogs were associated factors. Mass dog vaccination, prompt post-exposure prophylaxis and risk communication were critical interventions implemented

Land and property information: is it really that hard to keep customers happy?

Abstract not available