Estimates of SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates have significant public health policy implications since they shed light on the severity of illness in various groups and aid in strategic deployment of diagnostics, treatment and vaccination. Population-based investigations have not been conducted in Ghana to identify the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2. We conducted an age stratified nationally representative household study to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and identify risk factors between February and December 2021. Study participants, 5 years and older regardless of prior or current infection COVID-19 infection from across Ghana were included in the study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, contact with an individual with COVID-19-related symptoms, history of COVID-19-related illness, and adherence to infection prevention measures were collected. Serum obtained was tested for total antibodies with the WANTAI ELISA kit. The presence of antibodies against SAR-COV-2 was detected in 3,476 of 5,348 participants, indicating a seroprevalence of 67.10% (95% CI: 63.71–66.26). Males had lower seroprevalence (65.8% [95% CI: 63.5–68.04]) than females (68.4% [95% CI: 66.10–69.92]). Seroprevalence was lowest in >20 years (64.8% [95% CI: 62.36–67.19]) and highest among young adults; 20–39 years (71.1% [95% CI 68.83,73.39]). Seropositivity was associated with education, employment status and geographic location. Vaccination status in the study population was 10%. Exposure is more likely in urban than rural areas thus infection prevention protocols must be encouraged and maintained. Also, promoting vaccination in target groups and in rural areas is necessary to curb transmission of the virus.

Monkeypox virus (MPXV), a zoonotic Orthopox virus endemic to West and Central Africa, causes mpox disease. Although Ghana had no confirmed human cases before 2022, the 2003 U.S. mpox outbreak was traced to rodents exported from Ghana, suggesting potential undetected exposure in the local population. This study assessed mpox exposure prior to the emergence of Clade IIb in humans. We tested 457 serum samples collected across 14 regions of Ghana using a commercial anti-MPXV IgG ELISA. These samples comprised 365 archived sera from 2021 SARS-CoV-2 surveillance and 92 sera from suspected mpox cases during the 2022 outbreak. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine associations between MPXV seropositivity and demographic factors, including age, sex, region, urban/rural status and inferred smallpox vaccination status. Overall MPXV seroprevalence was 6.6%. Participants from the Western Region had significantly increased odds of seropositivity (aOR = 6.70, 95% CI: 1.75–25.62, p = 0.005), whereas those from Greater Accra had decreased odds (aOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09–0.90, p = 0.033). The findings suggest localized MPXV circulation or repeated zoonotic spillover may have occurred undetected, challenging the prevailing assumption that Ghana was unaffected by human mpox prior to 2022, underscoring the importance of strengthened surveillance and preparedness in Ghana.

A significant proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Africa were identified as asymptomatic. With the surge of the Omicron variant, asymptomatic participants in epidemiological surveys were key to accurately estimating seroprevalence and true infections in the population. This study assessed seroprevalence, active infections, and circulating variants in Accra, Ghana, during the Omicron wave. Secondary objectives included assessing the association between seroprevalence and sociodemographic factors, vaccination, and adherence to recommended SARS-CoV-2 prevention and control measures. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Greater Accra in December 2021 using a standardized questionnaire. Serum and naso-oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from 1027 individuals aged ≥ 5 years for the estimation of total antibodies and detection of infection. The study found an overall seroprevalence of 86.8% [95% CI: 84.53–88.77]. PCR test positivity of SARS-CoV-2 was 10%, with the Omicron and Delta variants accounting for 44.1% and 8.8% of infections, respectively. Vaccination (cOR = 10.5, 95% CI: 4.97–26.9, p < 0.001) and older age, particularly the 60+ age group (cOR = 6.05, 95% CI: 2.44–20.2, p < 0.001), were associated with an increase in odds of seropositivity among participants. High seropositivity of SARS-CoV-2 in Accra was an indication of high exposure and transmission rates and/or high vaccine-induced seroprevalence.

Schistosomiasis is a human parasitic disease caused by the Schistosoma species and is recognised in public health as second to malaria in terms of its socioeconomic impact on humans. Four local plants native to many tribes in Ghana and known for their medicinal properties against some diseases were assessed for their cercaricidal activity against Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. The plants, namely, Newbouldia laevis stem bark (NLSB), Spathodea campanulata stem bark (SCSB), Momordica charantia leaves (MCL), and Ocimum viride leaves (OVL), were extracted for their active metabolites using methanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out on all plant extracts and powdered samples. The crude extracts were tested against S. mansoni cercariae in vitro using Balanites aegyptiaca as the positive control. The percentage of mortalities for each extract was recorded. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was conducted on all the plant extracts. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, glycosides, triterpenoids, sterols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins in almost all the extracts. GC/MS analysis showed the presence of medicinally important active volatile compounds in each extract such as thymol, n-hexadecanoic acid, phytol, and maltol. All four plants showed relatively different levels of activity against S. mansoni cercariae at different times and concentrations. The LC₅₀ values of the plant extracts were determined at the end of the assay. At 240min, NLSB, SCSB, MCL, and OVL extracts had LC₅₀ values of 487.564, 429.898, 197.696, and 0.129μg/mL, respectively. Hence, this study revealed the potency of Ocimum viride leaves, Momordica charantia leaves, Spathodea campanulata stem bark, and Newbouldia laevis stem bark against S. mansoni. These plants could therefore be exploited as possible candidates for curbing schistosomiasis.

Africa reported lower COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality compared to other continents, despite widespread SARS-CoV-2 transmission and limited vaccine access. Proposed immunological explanations include potential pre-existing immunity such as cross-reactive humoral or cellular responses from earlier coronavirus exposures. However, functional immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in African populations remain poorly characterized. To address this gap, we assessed post-pandemic neutralizing antibody responses against the SARS-CoV-2 D614G variant. We analyzed plasma samples from 989 participants in a cross-sectional survey in Ghana’s Eastern and Greater Accra regions. A live virus neutralization assay using Vero E6 TMPRSS2 cells was employed to quantify SARS-CoV-2 D614G-specific neutralizing antibodies. Responses were assessed across collected demographic data. Urban participants exhibited higher median neutralizing antibody titers than rural counterparts, in both vaccinated and unvaccinated groups (p < 0.0001). Among unvaccinated individuals, median neutralizing antibody titers were comparable across age groups in urban settings. Vaccinated individuals showed elevated median titers across all age groups, with urban residents demonstrating stronger responses. Significant sex-based differences in neutralizing titres were also identified. Our findings reveal marked disparities in functional antibody responses between urban and rural populations, likely shaped by differences in SARS-CoV-2 exposure and vaccination. Continued surveillance and immunological profiling remain key for informing vaccine strategies and future pandemic preparedness.

A significant proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Africa are identified as asymptomatic, facilitating the silent spread of the virus especially in populated urban cities. With the surge of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, the inclusion of asymptomatics in epidemiological surveys is key in estimating true infections and seroprevalence in the population. The aim of the study was to determine seroprevalence, active infection and circulating variants in Accra, the capital city of Ghana during the Omicron wave. The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted in 22 municipalities in December 2021. Naso-oropharyngeal swabs and serum samples were collected from 1027 individuals aged 5 years and above, for detection of infection by RT-qPCR and estimation of total antibodies using the WANTAI ELISA kit. Our results show 10% SARS-CoV-2 prevalence, with the Omicron and Delta variants accounting for 44.1% and 8.8% of infections, respectively. Omicron was most prevalent (48.9.%) among the 20–39-year-olds. Asymptomatic individuals accounted for 75.2% of infections. Seropositivity within the population was 86.8%, with the 60+ year group having significantly higher likelihood of exposure (OR 10.22: 95% CI: 3.51-29.73; p<0.001). This high seroprevalence appears to have been as a result of increased vaccination among this group (OR 2.7: 95% CI 1.78-4.09, p < 0.001). The high seropositivity of SARS-CoV-2 in the capital could be a good indication of herd immunity among the population and while the low infection rate supports the role of vaccination in reducing viral transmission.