The Department of Bacteriology aims to improve the quality of life for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance. Within the context of the global research agenda and the research priorities of Ghana, the Department of Bacteriology operates three “flagship” research programs. These are Mycobacterial diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance/stewardship and Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) of bacterial aetiology. Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB) are the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance in Ghana. The department in collaboration with other research partners is contributing to the global fight against TB and BU by conducting studies aimed at improving understanding of disease epidemiology, genetic diversity within the causative agent, host-pathogen interactions, and laboratory diagnosis. We have facilities and expertise for the following assays/techniques for our TB research: Genomics and DNA fingerprinting (such as spoligotyping, MIRU/VNTR, RD and SNP, mutational analysis in drug target genes) Immunodiagnostics for TB (QuantiFERON TB tests, T.Spot-TB tests). The department houses the best state-of-the-art pathogen level 3 (P3) facility in West Africa were most of the TB work commence. Our research on antimicrobial resistance/stewardship includes antimicrobial resistance (AMR) detection in commonly isolated bacteria species recovered from hospitals, communities, food, livestock and water. We perform phenotypic detection of AMR in commonly isolated bacteria species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptoccoccus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae by disk diffusion and broth dilution methods. We also have expertise in molecular detection of AMR genes for methicillin resistance, vancomycin resistance, extended spectrum beta lactamase production and others by polymerase chain reaction as well as Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of commonly isolated bacteria species/sequence analysis. Our studies on neglected tropical disease of bacterial aetiology aim to provide laboratory support for the control and elimination of skin neglected tropical diseases specifically Yaws, Buruli ulcer and Leprosy. This includes development and validation of novel diagnostic tools for Buruli Ulcer (BU) and Yaws. We also carry out research on Trachoma, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

Read More about the Department https://noguchi.ug.edu.gh/research-departments/bacteriology/