Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Inmates at the Monrovia Central Prison, Liberia.

Determination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in key populations including prison inmates is crucial for formulating appropriate intervention approaches. However, in many low-income countries, such as Liberia, there is hardly any documentation on HBV prevalence among inmates. This study determined and evaluated the prevalence of HBV infections among incarcerated persons in the Monrovia Central Prison, Liberia. One hundred participants comprising 76 males and 24 females were studied. Participants' demographic and potential risk factors information were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire, and blood samples were collected for the analysis. Plasma was tested for five HBV serological markers, namely, HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb. The seroreactivity of actively infected persons was confirmed by nucleic acid detection. Results of the serological assay showed that 34% of the participants had been exposed to the virus and 14% were actively infected. qPCR confirmed HBV DNA in seven actively infected samples. Statistical analysis indicated that a low level of education, a history of blood transfusion, and intravenous drug use, were significant predictors of active HBV infection and HBV exposure, respectively. These findings might make the testing and vaccination of convicts against HBV infection prior to their admission into prison facilities imperative.

Improving community participation in clinical trials in Ghana; factors to consider.

Introduction: Clinical trials are an essential part of drug and vaccine development, as well as the development of new biomedical devices, and medical procedures. Successful enrolment of human volunteers is important to the success of any clinical trial anywhere around the globe. Enrolment is however affected by a number of factors including knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAPs). We aimed to determine factors that are deemed important in improving participation in clinical trials within a Ghanaian community. Method: This was a cross-sectional study that employed a structured questionnaire within the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly (NJSMA). Participants who were 18 years and above were included in this study. There were a total of 639 participants in this study. Participants' demographics were collected and various questions were asked to assess their KAP towards participation in clinical trials. Results: The mean age of participants was 29.03 ± 8.95 years, there were more males (51.96%) than females, 42.35% had tertiary education, 38.03% were artisans, 74.80% were Christians and 14.40% had previously participated in a clinical trial. Participants had average knowledge about clinical trials (CT) with a mean score of 7.56 ± 1.76 (63%). A significant association between knowledge levels and education was observed (χ2 = 100.3, p < 0.0001). Helping in advancing the medical knowledge was the key reason for participation in CT while mistrust of the medical system was the key setback in participation in CT. There was a generally positive attitude and a neutral perception towards participation in CTs. Conclusion: Groups intending to conduct CT should highlight the benefits of CT and address the perception of mistrust in the conduct of CTs in their education and sensitization programs before initiation of CTs in Ghana.

Rapid, Cheap, and Effective COVID-19 Diagnostics for Africa.

BACKGROUND: Although comprehensive public health measures such as mass quarantine have been taken internationally, this has generally been ineffective, leading to a high infection and mortality rate. Despite the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has been downgraded to epidemic status in many countries, the real number of infections is unknown, particularly in low-income countries. However, precision shielding is used in COVID-19 management, and requires estimates of mass infection in key groups. As a result, rapid tests for the virus could be a useful screening tool for asymptomatic virus shedders who are about to come into contact with sensitive groups. In Africa and other low- and middle-income countries there is high rate of COVID-19 under-diagnosis, due to the high cost of molecular assays. Exploring alternate assays to the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for COVID-19 diagnosis is highly warranted. AIM: This review explored the feasibility of using alternate molecular, rapid antigen, and serological diagnostic assays to accurately and precisely diagnose COVID-19 in African populations, and to mitigate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RT-PCR diagnostic challenges in Africa. METHOD: We reviewed publications from internet sources and searched for appropriate documents available in English. This included Medline, Google Scholar, and Ajol. We included primary literature and some review articles that presented knowledge on the current trends on SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics in Africa and globally. RESULTS: Based on our analysis, we highlight the utility of four different alternatives to RT-PCR. These include two isothermal nucleic acid amplification assays (loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)), rapid antigen testing, and antibody testing for tackling difficulties posed by SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing in Africa. CONCLUSION: The economic burden associated COVID-19 mass testing by RT-PCR will be difficult for low-income nations to meet. We provide evidence for the utility and deployment of these alternate testing methods in Africa and other LMICs.