Virology
Vision Statement
To be a leading global virus research centre.
Mission Statement
To Improve the health and wellbeing of Ghanaians through quality biomedical research activities and support of national public health interests.
Mandate
- Conduct research into viruses of public health importance and provides specialized confirmatory diagnostic services in support of the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.
- Provide training, technology transfer and capacity building to biomedical students, medical laboratory scientists and biomedical scientists from both public and private institutions within Ghana, across Africa and the world at large. Research within the Virology Department is currently organized under 4 main research themes:
Staff of the Department are highly trained in several biotechnology techniques and conduct research into viral diseases of Public Health importance including HIV-AIDS, poliomyelitis, influenza, viral haemorrhagic fevers and SARS-CoV-2. Most research activities involve the use of molecular methods such as regular PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques. Staff are also deeply involved with cell and tissue culture, as well as virus propagation and isolation. Good laboratory practices are strictly followed and special training provided for staffs who work in a biosafety level 3 (BSL 3) environment with related pathogens. The department also hosts the NATIONAL INFLUENZA CENTRE and the REGIONAL POLIOVIRUS REFERENCE LABORATORY.
Departmental Research Activities
- Polio and other Enteroviruses
- Respiratory viruses including Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and other influenza-like viruses
- HIV and other sexually transmitted viruses
- Haemorrhagic fever viruses and Arboviruses including Ebola Disease Virus, Chikungunya, Lassa, Yellow fever, Dengue, Hepatitis B virus, Epi Zika and Marburg,
Key facilities and labs
- Regional Reference Polio Laboratory
- National influenza laboratory
- HIV genotyping laboratory
key techniques employed
Most research activities involve the use of molecular techniques such as regular RT-PCR (PCR), quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), genomic sequence and analysis using different software, genetic engineering, probe hybridization techniques, biological and molecular cloning, evaluation of immune markers for laboratory diagnosis of infections, serological assays involving the use of rapid tests, antigenic assays, ELISA-based evaluations and immunofluorescent assay techniques
List of Key Services Rendered to both Internal Stakeholders and the External Community
- Poliovirus isolation, differentiation and sequencing
- Influenza diagnosis by RT-PCR, HA/HIA and sequencing
- HIV genotyping
- COVID-19 diagnosis by RT-PCR and sequencing
- VHF diagnosis by RT-PCR
- Evaluation of diagnostic kits (PCR, RNA extraction kits, antigen/antibody kits)
- Equipment evaluation
- Training
Key Research Projects
Gallery
Key Publications
- Attiku K, Bonney J, Agbosu E, Bonney E, Puplampu P, Ganu V, Odoom JK, Aboagye J, Mensah J, Agyemang S, Awuku-Larbi Y, Arjarquah A, Mawuli G, Quaye O. Circulation of hepatitis delta virus and occult hepatitis B virus infection amongst HIV/HBV co-infected patients in Korle-Bu, Ghana. PLoS One. 2021 Jan 7;16(1): e0244507. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244507. eCollection 2021.
- Odoom JK, Obodai E, Boateng G, Diamenu S, Attiku K, Avevor P, Duker E, Boahenea B, Eshun M, Gberbi E, and Opare JKL. Detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus circulation by environmental surveillance in the absence of clinical cases. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021 Feb. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2020.1852009.
- Obodai E, Kyei GB, Aboagye J, Bonney EY, Asante IA, Bonney JKH, Adusei-Poku M, Lamptey H, Adu B, Kenu E, Koram KA, Ampofo WK and Odoom JK. Data management during COVID-19 outbreak response in Ghana: a reference laboratory perspective on key issues and measures. Ghana Med J 2021; 55(2) supplement: 51-55 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gmj.v55i2s.8
- Asante IA, Adusei-Poku M, Bonney JHK, Bonney EY, Odoom JK, Obodai E, Aboagye J, Kotey EN, Nyarko S, Boatemaa L, Magnusen V, Lamptey H, Kyei B and Ampofo WK. Molecular diagnosis for the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2: lessons learnt from the Ghana experience. Ghana Med J 2020; 54(4} supplement: 77-85 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gmj.v54i4s.12
- Kaleta T, Kern L, Hong SL, Hölzer M, Kochs G, Beer J, Schnepf D, Schwemmle M, Bollen N, Kolb P, Huber M, Ulferts S, Weigang S, Dudas G, Wittig A, Jaki L, Padane A, Lagare A, Salou M, Ozer EA, Nnaemeka N, Odoom JK, Rutayisire R, Benkahla A, Akoua-Koffi C, Ouedraogo AS, Simon-Lorière E, Enouf V, Kröger S, Calvignac-Spencer S, Baele G, Panning M, Fuchs J. Antibody escape and global spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineage A.27. Research Square 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-995033/v1
- Bonney EY, Lamptey H, Aboagye JO, Abana C, Boateng AT, Quansah DNK, Obo-Akwa A, Ganu V, Puplampu P, Kyei GB. Unwillingness of Patients in Ghana to Interrupt Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Cure Research. J Virus Erad. 2021 Jan 1;7(1):100027. doi: 10.1016/j.jve.2020.100027. eCollection 2021 Mar. PMID: 33437495.
- Fuseini H, Gyan BA, Kyei GB, Heimburger DC, Koethe JR. Undernutrition and HIV Infection in Sub-Saharan Africa: Health Outcomes and Therapeutic Interventions. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021 Feb 19. doi: 10.1007/s11904- 021-00541-6
- Lamptey H, Bonney EY, Adu B, Kyei GB. Are Fc Gamma Receptor Polymorphisms Important in HIV-1 Infection Outcomes and Latent Reservoir Size? Front. Immunol., 04 May 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.656894.
- Quashie PK, Mutungi JK, Dzabeng F, Oduro-Mensah D, Opurum PC, Tapela K, Kyei GB, Awandare GA et al. Trends of SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in selected regions across Ghana. Wellcome Open Research 2021, 6:173.
- Adu B, Bonney JKH, Odoom JK, Bonney EYA, Obodai E, Asante IA, Aboagye J, Adusei-Poku MA, Lartey L, Asiedu EK, Ampofo WK, Kyei GB. SARS-CoV-2 detection among international air travellers to Ghana during mandatory quarantine. Ghana Med J 2021; 55(2) supplement: 48-50 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gmj.v55i2s.7.
- Ngoi JM, Quashie PK, Morang’a CM, Bonney JH, Amuzu DS, Kumordjie S, Asante IA, Bonney EY, Eshun M, Boatemaa L, Magnusen V. Genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 reveals local viral evolution in Ghana. Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2021 Apr;246(8):960-70.
- Quashie PK, Mutungi JK, Dzabeng F, Oduro-Mensah D, Opurum PC, Tapela K, Udoakang AJ, COVID W, Asante I, Paemka L, Kumi-Ansah F. Trends of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody prevalence in selected regions across Ghana. Wellcome Open Research. 2021 Jul 6;6(173):173.
- Amoa-Bosompem, M., Kobayashi, D., Faizal, AN., Kimura S., Antwi A., Agbosu E., Pratt D., Ohashi M., Bonney JHK., Dadzie S., Ejiri H., S, Ohta N., Sawabe K., Iwanaga S., and Isawa H. Screening for tick-borne and tick-associated viruses in ticks collected in Ghana. Archives of Virology (November 2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-021-05296-4.
- Agbodzi B, Yousseu FBS, Nemg Simo FB, Kumordjie S, Yeboah C, Mosore M-T, Bentil RE, Prieto P, Colston SM, Nimo-Paintsil S, Fox AT, Bonney JHK, Ampofo W, Coatsworth HG, Dinglasan RR, Wolfe DM, Wiley MR, Demanou M, Letizia AG, Chikungunya viruses containing the A226V mutation detected retrospectively in Cameroon form a new geographical subclade. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 113 (2021) 65–73.
- Aribodor OB, Ekwunife CA, Sam-Wobo SO, Aribodor DN, Ejiofor OS, Ugwuanyi IK, Bonney JHK. Status of Intestinal Helminth Infection in Schools Implementing the Home-Grown School Feeding Program and the Impact of the Program on Pupils in Anambra State, Nigeria. Acta Parasitol. 2021 Jun 14. doi: 10.1007/s11686-021-00429-w. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34128144.
- Amoa-Bosompem, M., Kobayashi, D., Itokawa, K. Katsunori M, Astri Nur Azerigyik F, Hayashi T, Ohashi M, Bonney JHK, Dadzie S, Tran CC, Tran PV, Fujita R, Maekawa R, Kasai S, Yamaoka S, Ohta N, Sawabe K, Iwanaga S, and Isawa H. Determining vector competence of Aedes aegypti from Ghana in transmitting dengue virus serotypes 1 and 2. Parasites Vectors 14, 228 (April 2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-021-04728-z
- Mawuli G, Dzudzor B, Tachi K, Benneh-Akwasi Kuma AA, Odame-Aboagye J, Billal MO, Boateng AT, Edu-Quansah EP, Attiku K, Agbosu E, Arjarquah A, Bonney JHK*. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among patients with sickle cell disease at the Korle-Bu teaching hospital. PLoS ONE (accepted, February 2021).
- Suu-Ire R, Obodai E, Bonney JHK, Bel-Nono S, Ampofo W, and Kelly TR. Viral Zoonoses of National Importance in Ghana: Advancements and Opportunities for Enhancing Capacities for Early Detection and Response. Journal of Tropical Medicine. Volume 2021, Article ID 8938530, 8 pages https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8938530.
- Parbie PK, Mizutani T, Ishizaka A, Kawana-Tachikawa A, Runtuwene LR, Seki S, Abana CZ-Y, Kushitor D, Bonney EY, Ofori SB, Uematsu S, Imoto S, Kimura Y, Kiyono H, Ishikawa K, Ampofo WK and Matano T. Dysbiotic Fecal Microbiome in HIV-1 Infected Individuals in Ghana. Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol. 2021 11:646467. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.646467
- Mizutani T, Aboagye SY, Ishizaka A, Afum T, Mensah GI, Asante-Poku A, Asandem DA, Parbie, PK, Abana CZ, Kushitor D, Bonney EY, Adachi M, Hori H, Ishikawa K, Matano T, Taniguchi K, Opare D, Arhin D, Asiedu-Bekoe F, Ampofo WK, Yeboah-Manu, D. Koram KA, Anang AK, Kiyono H. Gut microbiota signature of pathogen-dependent dysbiosis in viral gastroenteritis. Sci Rep 2021:11, 13945. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-93345-y
- Matsuoka S, Adusei-Poku MA, Abana CZ, Duker EO, Bonney EY, Ofori SB, Parbie PK, Okazaki M, Kawana-Tachikawa A, Ishikawa K, Ampofo WK, Matano T. Assessment of the proportion of recent HIV-1 infections in newly-diagnosed cases in Ghana. Jpn J Infect Dis. 2021 Dec 28. doi: 10.7883/yoken.JJID.2021.573. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34980705.
- Mazur NI, Löwensteyn YN, Willemsen JE, Gill CJ, Forman L, Mwananyanda LM, Blau DM, Breiman RF, Madhi SA, Mahtab S, Gurley ES, Arifeen SEI, Assefa N, Scott JAG, Onyango D, Barr BAT, Kotloff KL, Sow SO, Mandomando I, Ogbuanu I, Jambai A, Bassat Q, on behalf of the CHAMPS Network the RSV GOLD Study Group, Caballero MT, Polack FP, Omer S, Kazi AM, Simões EAF, Satav A, and Bont LJ. Global Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Related Infant Community Deaths. CID 2021;73(S3):S229–37. DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab528
Internal Collaborator(s)
- Bacteriology Department
- Parasitology Department
- Immunology Department
- Epidemiology Department
External Collaborator(s)
- Dr. Venkatachalam Udhayakumar, Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA
- Prof Lisa Ranford-Cartwright, University of Glasgow
- Prof. Hongzhuan Tan, CSU, Changsha, China
- Dr. Terrel Sanders, US Naval Medical Research Unit no. 3 (NAMRU-3) Ghana Detachment
- Dr. Hugo Miranda Quijada, NAMRU-3 Ghana Detachment
- Dr. Keziah Malm, NMCP, Ghana
- Dr. Paul Psychas, CDC, Atlanta, USA
- Dr. Felicia Owusu-Antwi, WHO, Ghana
- Prof. K. Williamson, USUHS, Bethesda, USA
- Prof. Denis Valle, UF, Gainesville, USA
- Prof. Hongzhuan Tan, CSU, Changsha, China
- Dr. Pascal Ringwald, WHO, Geneva
Funder(s)
- United States Naval Medical Research Unit #3, Cairo,
- European and Developing Countries clinical trials partnership (EDCTP)
- United States CDC, Global Fund
- European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP)
- National Research Foundation (NRF) South Africa