Assessment of the performance of haematological and non-invasive fibrotic indices for the monitoring of chronic HBV infection: a pilot study in a Ghanaian population.

OBJECTIVE: Haematological and liver fibrotic markers could be appreciably utilized for effective monitoring of Chronic Hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection, thereby increasing patient's treatment outcome. The objective of this study was to assess the applicability of complete blood count (CBC) and non-invasive liver-fibrotic indices as markers of prognostic outcome and monitoring in HBV infections. RESULTS: Significant differences in levels of white cell and differentials counts, red blood cell count, hemoglobin indices, and platelet indices were observed between HBV-infected patients (cases) and uninfected persons (controls). Levels of haemoglobin (Hb), total white blood cells (tWBC), neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, and Platelet Distribution width (PDW) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the cases compared to the controls. Total and indirect bilirubin; De-Ritis ratio, Aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and RDW-to-platelet ratio (RPR) were elevated in cases compared with controls (p-value < 0.05). In a multivariate adjusted model to test the significance of markers, Hemoglobin Index (beta coefficient = - 0.876, p-value < 0.001), NLR (beta coefficient = - 0.839, p-value < 0.001), MPV_10000 (beta coefficient = - 0.333, p-value < 0.001) and Albumin (beta coefficient = - 0.059, p-value = 0.014), were associated with HBV infection status. Receiver operative characteristics curve analysis showed Hemoglobin Index (AUC = 0.744) and MPV_10000 (AUC = 0.730) as better prognostic markers for HBV-infection.

Urinary PCA3 a Superior Diagnostic Biomarker for Prostate Cancer among Ghanaian Men.

Introduction: Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has been the biomarker of choice for screening and diagnosis of prostate cancer. However, inefficiencies exist with its diagnostic capabilities. This study thus evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic potential of urinary PCA3 as an alternative biomarker for prostate cancer in the Ghanaian population. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Urology Department of the 37 Military Hospital, Accra, Ghana. A total of 237 participants aged 40 years and above with any form of suspected prostate disorder were recruited into the study after written informed consent was obtained. Total serum PSA levels was measured using the electrochemiluminescence method and transrectal ultrasound-guided systematic core needle biopsies were obtained from each study participant. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracies of serum PSA, DRE, and PCA3 as diagnostic tools for prostate cancer. These three diagnostic tools were also evaluated in various combinations to ascertain the combinations with the best diagnostic accuracy. Results: Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 26.6% of the participants. Benign prostate hyperplasia and prostatitis were diagnosed in 48.5% and 24.9% participants, respectively. DRE had a sensitivity of 93.7% and a specificity of 12.1%. PSA had a sensitivity of 92.1% and a specificity of 16.1%. PCA3 had a sensitivity of 57.1% and a specificity of 85.6% and showed a better accuracy (AUC = 83.0) compared to PSA (AUC = 60.0) and DRE (AUC = 65.0) as individual diagnostic tools. The combination of DRE+PCA3 score had the best diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.80) with a sensitivity and specificity of 60.3% and 80.5%, respectively. Conclusion: The urinary PCA3 assay showed a better diagnostic performance compared to serum PSA and DRE. PCA3 as a stand-alone and in combination with DRE could be a suitable complimentary marker in diagnosis and management of prostate cancer.

Survival rates of head and neck cancers in Ghana: a retrospective study at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Data was collected to evaluate the survival rates of head and neck (conjunctiva, oropharyngeal and non-oropharyngeal) squamous cell carcinomas in Ghana. DATA DESCRIPTION: We provided data on a retrospective review of 8 years (January 2004 to December 2009) survival rate of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. The data consist of patient demographic data and clinicopathological findings which includes tumour site, tumour stage and histological grades of the patients. Clinical outcome measurement was death through to January 2013 on record and confirmed from the hospitals birth and death registry department. More than 85% of death cases were confirmed by gender, age, and folder identification numbers from the birth and death registry.

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

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 < 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 > 0.05). Polymorphisms in SLC10A1, however, did not show any significant association with HBV infectivity (p > 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.

Prevalence and lifestyle-related risk factors of obesity and unrecognized hypertension among bus drivers in Ghana.

Obesity and hypertension are public health problems associated with cardiovascular events worldwide. Bus drivers, whose lifestyle is primarily sedentary and characterized by poor eating habits are at increased risk. This study determined the prevalence and lifestyle-related risk factors of obesity and hypertension among Inter-Regional Metromass Bus Drivers (IRMBDs) in Ghana. This cross-sectional study recruited 527 professional drivers from Metromass Bus stations in Accra and Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics from all participants. Anthropometric measurements including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and blood pressure (BP) were determined. The prevalence of unrecognized hypertension was 38.7%. The prevalence of obesity using BMI, WC, and WHR as obesity indices were 19.0%, 19.9%, and 19.4%, respectively. Use of sleep inhibitors, long-duration sitting and eating late at night were independent risk factors for obesity, regardless of the obesity index used (p < 0.05). Physical inactivity, high caloric intake and eating at stressful periods were independent risk factors for obesity based on WC and WHR measurements (p < 0.05). Ageing, smoking history, alcoholic beverage intake, sleep inhibitor drug use, high calorie intake, long-duration sitting, eating late and under stressful conditions were independent risk factors for hypertension (p < 0.05). There is a high prevalence of unrecognized hypertension and obesity among IRMBDs which were associated with individual lifestyle and behaviours. Increased awareness through educational and screening programs will trigger lifestyle modifications that will reduce cardio-metabolic disease onset and offer clues for better disease predictive, preventive and personalized medicine.

Evaluation of serum iron overload, AST:ALT ratio and log10ferritin:AST ratio among schizophrenia patients in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The association between unbalanced iron indices and the conditions of schizophrenia are not well understood. Liver dysfunction which has been linked to iron metabolism might be a contributing factor. This case-control study evaluated serum iron indices and liver function in treatment-naïve schizophrenia patients and those already on treatment at the Psychiatric Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi-Ghana. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 39.6 ± 0.8 years. Increased levels of serum iron, TS, AST, ALT and AST:ALT ratio and lower levels of UIBC, TIBC, Transferrin, and log Ferritin:AST ratio levels were observed among the treatment-naïve group compared to the control. The treatment-naïve and treatment groups showed significantly higher serum AST:ALT ratio, and lower log10ferrtin:AST ratio than the healthy controls. There was a significant correlation between log10ferritin and AST, and log10ferritin and GGT in both treatments (r = 0.343; p = 0.003, and r = 0.502; p = 0.001 respectively) and treatment-naïve groups (r = 0.348; p = 0.002, and r = 0.614; p < 0.001 respectively). Percentage transferrin saturation correlated significantly with GGT only, in the treatment-naïve group (r = 0.667; p < 0.001), and ALT and GGT in the treatment group (r = 0.252; p = 0.030 and r = 0.646; p = 0.014 respectively).

Correction: Expression of immunohistochemical markers in non-oropharyngeal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in Ghana.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202790.].

Expression of immunohistochemical markers in non-oropharyngeal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancers include carcinomas of the oral cavity, larynx, sinonasal tract and nasopharynx. Studies on molecular expression of prognostic tumour markers in Ghana are scarce. The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of p53, p16, EGFR, Cyclin-D1 and HER2 among patients with non-oropharyngeal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODOLOGY: Tissue microarrays from 154 histologically confirmed non-oropharyngeal HNSCC at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital from 2006-2014 were constructed using duplicate cores of representative and viable areas from tumours. Expression of EGFR, p53, p16, Cyclin-D1 and HER2 was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: For non-oropharyngeal HNSCC, majority of the cases (66.2%; 102/154) had stage IV disease. EGFR was the most expressed molecular marker (29.4%; 25/85) followed by p53 (24.0%; 29/121), p16 (18.3%; 23/126) and Cyclin-D1 (10.0%; 12/120). HER2 was not expressed in any of the cases. There was a significantly (p = 0.022) higher expression of Cyclin-D1 in tumours of the oral cavity (19.6%; 9/46) than in those of the larynx (4.7%; 2/43) and nose (3.2%; 1/31). Tumours in stages I-III were more frequently positive for p16 (28.6%; 12/42) than tumours in stage IV (13.1%; 11/84). CONCLUSION: Expression of p53, EGFR, p16 and Cyclin-D1 in non-oropharyngeal HNSCC in Ghana is largely similar to what has been reported in published studies from other countries.

Hypertension and obesity comorbidities increases coronary risk, affects domains of sexual function and sexual quality of life.

About 25% of the world's adult population suffers from arterial hypertension with about 1.5 billion estimated to develop hypertension by 2025. Hypertensive patients have been reported to have a higher risk of developing diabetes and sexual dysfunction. Hypertension have been linked with lubricative and orgasmic difficulties in females, as wel as ED and vascular disease in men. Obesity has also been linked to ED in diabetic males as well as several aspects of female sexuality. Hypertension and obesity are closely related, each occurring in greater frequency with the other, it is only logical to think that comorbidities of obesity and hypertension could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and SD. This research looks at the relationship between hypertension and obesity comorbidities and its association with sexual function in type II diabetics. Diabetic patients who were at least 18 years old and were engaged in a stable heterosexual relationships for at least 1 year were recruited for this study. Participants were categorized into the -HYP/-OB, +HYP/-OB and the +HYP/+OB groups. Sexual function was assessed using the GRISS-M and GRIS-F for the diabetic males and females respectively. Early morning fasting blood samples was used in lipid profile as well as FBG assay. The Coronary risk was estimated as Total/HDL Cholesterol. Triglyceride levels and coronary risk were highest in the +HYP/+OBES group, followed by the +HYP/-OBES group, with the -HYP/-OBES group recording the lowest levels. PE and infrequency recorded the highest score among the +HYP/+OBES group with the +HYP/-OBES group recording the lowest scores. SQoL was highest amongst the -HYP/-OBES group, with the +HYP/+OBES group recording the lowest scores. Anorgasmia and avoidance increased along the shades of HYP/OBES groups. Comorbidities of hypertension and obesity increases the risk of coronary disease, affects some domains of sexual function and decreases the SQoL of diabetics.

Sexual dysfunction among diabetics and its impact on the SQoL of their partners.

Sexual dysfunction (SD) has long been known to affect a significant number of people worldwide with serious implications and limitations on sexual expression and fulfillment. This may affect the sexual quality of life (SQoL) of individuals and their partners. A cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetic patients and their partners who visited the Tema General Hospital. A total of 130 and 116 diabetic males and females and their partners were interviewed. Male and female diabetic participants and partners were evaluated using the Golombuk Rust Inventory for Sexual Satisfaction-Male (GRISS-M)/SQoL-M and GRISS-Female/SQoL-F, respectively. For the diabetic males, the mean age and duration of diabetes (DOD) was 63.04±10.85 and 8.38±6.53 years, respectively, and that of the diabetic females was 56.98±9.42 and 6.11±5.31 years, respectively. Diabetic male participants with SD were significantly older and had a longer duration of diabetes. The mean SQoL and SQoL-Partner (SQoL-P) recorded for the diabetic males and their partners was 42.29±30.88 and 52.86±15.26, respectively. The mean SQoL and SQoL-P recorded for the diabetic females and their partners was 57.73±14.91 and 64.97±19.68, respectively. Diabetic males who had impotence had female partners with significantly lower SQoL-P scores, and similar results were recorded for those who had premature ejaculation, nonsensuality, avoidance and dissatisfaction problems. Female diabetics who had nonsensuality, avoidance and infrequency had male partners who recorded significantly lower SQoL-P scores. Female diabetics with higher perceptions of what an adequate intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) should be had male partners with significantly lower SQoL-P scores. Ageing and DOD are more likely to affect the sexual functioning of diabetic males than females. SD in diabetics with problems of impotence/vaginismus, premature ejaculation/anorgasmia, nonsensuality and avoidance has an adverse effect on the SQoL-P of their partners. Male partners of diabetic females who have a higher perception of IELT had a reduced SQoL. Ageing and longer DOD in diabetics are associated with a reduced SQoL-P of their partners.

The inter-relational effect of metabolic syndrome and sexual dysfunction on hypogonadism in type II diabetic men.

We sought to establish the interplay of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and/or sexual dysfunction (SD) on hypogonadism. Sexual functioning was assessed using Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction in 274 consecutive diabetic men visiting the diabetic clinic of the Tema General Hospital between November 2010 and March 2011. MetS was assessed employing the criteria of World Health Organization, International Diabetic Federation and the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III while testosterone levels were estimated. The mean ages and duration of diabetes from this study were 59.9±11.3 and 6.8±5.9 years, respectively. The prevalence of hypogonadism was 7.3%, with the -SD/+MetS subjects showing the highest prevalence of hypogonadism, irrespective of the criteria used. Additionally, subjects with MetS and its components had a significantly lower level of testosterone compared with those without MetS and its components. Using standard nine-point scale, it was observed that subjects who avoided sexual act had significantly (P=0.0410) lower testosterone values (5.8±2.3 ng ml-1) than subjects who did not avoid sexual act (6.4±2.6 ng ml-1). MetS alone impacted more on hypogonadism than SD alone or both conditions altogether.

Chronic kidney disease stages among diabetes patients in the Cape Coast Metropolis.

Diabetes patients worldwide are at a high risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) which affects their quality of life and increases the risk of early death. This study used the new kidney disease improving global outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines to establish the prevalence and also identify the factors associated with CKD among diabetes patients in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Two hundred (200) diabetes patients were randomly recruited from the diabetic clinic of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital from January to April 2014. Blood and urine samples were collected for the estimation of serum creatinine and urine protein, respectively. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation; the 2012 KDIGO guidelines was used to assess CKD. Based on these guidelines, 37% of our participants had CKD. Sixteen percent (16%) of the participants had Stage 1 CKD and 17% had an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Albuminuria was higher among female diabetic patients compared to males (69.2% vs. 30.8%, P = 0.017). CKD was present in participants on oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) alone or both OHA and insulin. Duration of diabetes, systolic blood pressure, older age, and use of OHA were associated with CKD (P <0.05).

Renal insufficiency in Ghanaian HIV infected patients: need for dose adjustment.

BACKGROUND: Antiretrovirals (ARVs) could lead to clinically significant nephrotoxicity and as such will require dose adjustments in the presence of renal insufficiency. OBJECTIVE: To explore renal function estimating equations as alternatives for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measurement in a stable cohort of HIV-infected patients. METHOD: In estimating renal insufficiency in Ghanaian HIV-infected patients, GFR for 276 HAART-naïve patients and 166 patients on HAART was estimated with the Cockcroft-Gault, 4v-MDRD and CKD-EPI estimating equations. RESULTS: Females outnumbered males by 3 to 1 in the HAART-naïve group and 4 to 1 in subjects on HAART. The prevalence of renal insufficiency calculated with the Cockcroft-Gault, 4v-MDRD and CKD-EPI equations was 8.7%, 9.1% and 8.7% in HAART-naïve patients; 14.5%, 12.6% and 12.6% in patients on HAART; 7.7%, 11.5% and 11.5% in HAART-naïve males; 10.8%, 8.1% and 8.1% in males on HAART; 9.1%, 8.0% and 7.5% in HAART-naïve females and 15.5%, 14.0% and 14.0% in females on HAART. The CKD-EPI equation yielded lower bias when compared to the Cockcroft-Gault and 4v-MDRD equations. CONCLUSION: Renal insufficiency is not uncommon among HIV infected Ghanaian patients. A significant proportion (10 to 11%) will require ARV dose adjustment at the time of initiating therapy or sometime during on-going therapy.

Prevalence of anaemia and immunological markers among ghanaian HAART-naïve HIV-patients and those on HAART.

BACKGROUND: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) has been generally accepted as the gold standard for the management of HIV patients but conflicting reports about the ability of HAART to improve upon the quality of life of HIV patients has cast doubts over the efficacy and the need for therapy. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and ability of HAART to resolve immunological and haematological abnormalities in HIV infected patients, existent sex variations in immunological and haematological parameters and CD4 predictive ability of the study parameters. METHODS: A total of 442 PLWHA consisting of 166 patients on HAART (28 males and 138 females) and 276 HAART-naïve patients (76 males and 200 females) were recruited for this study. Complete haemogram, immunological analysis (CD4 & CD3) and weight were measured for all the patients. RESULTS: HAART patients were older and heavier than their naïve counterparts. The incidence of anaemia (Hb less or equal to 10.5 (63%) and PCV < 30% (37.6%)) and lymphopoenia (16.7%) in HAART-naïve patients was significantly higher compared to their counterparts on HAART (46%, 15.2% and 5.3%) respectively. 70% of HAART-naïve females had anaemia in comparison to 44% in HAART-naïve males (P = 0.0001). The likelihood of developing microcytic hypochromic anaemia in HAART-naïve patients was 5 times more compared to those on HAART (P = 0.0002). Total lymphocyte count, haemoglobin, lymphocyte count and weight were significant predictors of CD4 counts and TLC values between 1.0 - 2.0 k µL(-1) was a significant predictor of CD4 <200 cells mm(-3). CONCLUSION: HAART has the capability of reducing the incidence of anaemia and lymphopoenia which are associated with disease progression and death in HIV infected patients. Total lymphocyte count, haemoglobin and weight could also serve as useful predictive tools in the management and monitoring of HIV infected patients in resource limited settings.

Prevalence of male sexual dysfunction among Ghanaian populace: myth or reality?

This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and type of sexual dysfunction (SD) in healthy sexually active Ghanaian men of fertile age. Sexual functioning was determined in 300 healthy Ghanaian men with the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) questionnaire leaving in Kumasi metropolis, between December 2009 and April 2010. All men had a steady heterosexual relationship for at least 2 years before enrollment in the study. Of the 300 men selected, 255 (85%) completed the survey; the overall prevalence of SD in these subjects was 66%. The most prevalent areas of difficulty were infrequency (70.2%), premature ejaculation (64.7%), dissatisfaction with sexual acts (61.2%), impotency (59.6%), nonsensuality (59.2%), noncommunication (56.9%) and avoidance (49.0%). There were positive correlation between SD, impotence, dissatisfaction and age. The prevalence rate of SD in Ghanaian men is high and related to age.

The impact of blood glucose and cholesterol levels on the manifestation of psychiatric disorders.

This study examined possible association of fasting glucose and lipid abnormalities in psychiatric patients on conventional antipsychotic medications. A total of 305 subjects were used for the study, comprising 203 clinically diagnosed psychiatric patients and 102 non-psychiatric subjects used as control at the psychiatric clinic at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Questionnaires were administered, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements undertaken. Fasting blood samples were taken for glucose and total cholesterol. The patients included those treated with conventional antipsychotic agents. It was noted, that there were higher rates of diabetes (22.17%) and lipid abnormalities (42.43%) with lower rate of hypertension (5.91%) and obesity (5.91%) across the sample as compared to control. This finding suggests that the high prevalence of diabetes and lipid abnormalities, in a young, psychiatrically ill population makes the case for aggressive screening.

Serum lipid profile of breast cancer patients.

The purpose of this study was to carry out a comparative study to investigate the effect of lipid profile, oestradiol and obesity on the risk of a woman developing breast cancer. This study was carried out at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Peace and Love Hospital, Oduom, Kumasi and Redeemed Clinic, Nima, Accra between May 2002 and March 2003. In this study, 200 consented women comprising 100 breast cancer patients (43 pre- and 57 post-menopausal) and 100 controls (45 pre- and 55 post-menopausal) with similar age range (25 to 80 years) were assessed for lipid profile, oestradiol and BMI. There was a significant increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) (p = 0.011), Total Cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.001), triglyceride (p = 0.026) and low density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol) (p = 0.001) of the breast cancer patients compared to the controls. With the exception of oestradiol (EST) that decreased, the lipid profile generally increased with age in both subjects and controls with the subjects having a much higher value than the corresponding control. There was also a significant positive correlation between BMI and TC (r2 = 0.022; p = 0.002) and also between BMI and LDL-cholesterol (r2 = 0.031; p = 0.0003). Apart from EST and LDL-cholesterol that were increased significantly only in the postmenopausal phase in comparison to the controls, BMI, TC and TG were increased in both pre-menopausal and post menopausal phases with HDL-cholesterol remaining unchanged. This study confirms the association between dyslipidaemia, BMI and increased breast cancer risk.

The prevalence of autoimmune diabetes among diabetes mellitus patients in Kumasi, Ghana.

This study investigate the occurrence and the prevalence of autoantibodies and the metabolic characteristics of autoimmune and antibody-negative type 2, diabetes in recently diagnosed diabetes mellitus patients in Kumasi, Ghana. This study involved a total of 120 recently diagnosed (< 1 year) Ghanaian diabetes mellitus patients (17 insulin-requiring and 103 non insulin-requiring) and 60 controls. A standardized questionnaire was used. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were taken. Fasting glucose, lipid and lipoprotein concentrations were measured by enzymatic methods and HbA(1C) levels by agglutination test. Serum insulin level and autoantibodies (ICA, GAD ab and IAA) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Out of the 17 insulin-requiring, six were positive for either GAD ab or ICA or both. Out of the 103 non insulin-requiring, 16.5% were positive for ICA and/or GAD ab and/or IAA. The prevalence of Latent Auto-immune Diabetes of Adults (LADA) in the non-insulin requiring and in the total diabetic patients, were 13.5 and 11.7%, respectively. The prevalence of autoimmune type 1 diabetes in the studied population was 7.5% and that of autoimmune diabetes in the total diabetic population was 19.2%. Autoimmune and autoantibody-negative type 2, diabetes did not differ (p = ns) in the mean values of clinical and metabolic parameters, except hypertension, central obesity and HbA(1C) values. Autoimmune diabetes occurs in recently diagnosed diabetic patients in Ghana at prevalence comparable to that in developed countries. Both ICA and GAD ab tests are required to identify autoimmune diabetes.