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Bacteriology

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance. 

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.

The Department also has programs in diarrhoea and gut microbiome, food and environmental microbiology as well as bacteria sexually transmitted infections. Equipment available for bacteria speciation include BD BACTEC FXTM 40 system and MALDI-TOF MS bio typing.

Within our research activities, we pay particular attention to the environment of the bacteria in focus and do also study coinfection with other diseases like malaria, HIV and diabetes as well as understanding the host immune response to the bacterial infections.

Over the years, in addition to good laboratory practices and development of quality management systems, the department has built capacity in biostatistics, bioinformatics, data analysis, genome analysis which are utilized in various genomic epidemiological and transmission dynamics studies.

To make our research findings beneficial for disease control, we work with endemic communities in close collaboration with the respective national control programmes and district health management team of the Ghana Health Service (GHS). Our laboratory serves as reference laboratories for both TB and BU and as such we are involved in the organization and maintenance of the National TB Laboratory Network. This includes development of training manuals, organization of laboratory training, implementation of nationwide TB laboratory Quality Assurance, and anti-TB drug resistance surveillance.

The department has been involved in manpower training for the GHS and the Ministry of Health in the area of correct identification and standard antimicrobial susceptibility testing of common bacteria species and on correct identification of skin NTDS. We have also been involved in the training of laboratory staff from several West African countries through the JICA/NMIMR 3rd country training.

We collaborate with several other units of the University of Ghana – the Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology, the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology in research and training of students through internships and research project supervision.

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Key Research Projects
Gallery
Research Scientists
DR. ABLODEY
HOD, Associate Professor
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Senior Research Fellow
Dr. Isaac Okyere - Bacteriology
Senior Research Fellow
IMG_2201
Senior Research Fellow
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Senior Research Fellow
Nana Ama Amissah
Research Fellow
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Research Fellow
Research Staff
Mr. Stephen Osei-Wusu (Research Assistant)
Chief Research Assistant
Mr. Christian Bonsu (Superintendent Technologist)
Chief Technologist
Mr Lorenzo Akyeh
Chief Technologist
Mrs. Vida Yirenkyiwaa Adjei (Principal Research assistant)
Principal Research Assistant
Edmund Bedeley
Research Assistant
Mr. Siam Ishaq Mohammed (Research Assistant)
Research Assistant
Mr. Desmond Ntiamoah (Research Assistant)
Research Assistant
Mr. Theophilus Afum
Research Assistant
Ms. Salamatu Ibrahim ( Research assistant)
Research Assistant
Mr. Daniel baka (Research Assistant)
Research Assistant
Mr. Christian Owusu Nyantaykyi (Reseaarch assistant)
Research Assistant
Mr. Blessing Kofi Tabi (Reseach Assiastant)
Research Assistant
Ms. Felicia Owusu (Research Assistant)
Research Assistant
Mr. Basit MAbdul Musah (Research Assistant)
Research Assistant
Ms. Amanda Tetteh (Research assistant)
Research Assistant
Mrs. Emelia Danso (Senior Research Assistant)
Senior Research Assistant
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Senior Research Assistant
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Senior Research Assistant
Ms. Elizabeth A. Antwi (Technologist)
Technologist
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Gifty Wemakor (Department Secretary)
Chief Administrative Assistant
Key Publications

Ablordey, A., Ahotor, E., Narh, C. A., King, S. A., Cruz, I., Ndung’u, J. M., & de Souza, D. K. (2021). Evaluation of different DNA extraction methods and loop-mediated isothermal amplification primers for the detection of Mycobacterium ulcerans in clinical specimens. BMC Infectious Diseases, 21(1), 598. doi:10.1186/s12879-021-06308-z

Acquah, S. K. E., Asare, P., Osei-Wusu, S., Morgan, P., Afum, T., Asandem, D. A., . . . Yeboah-Manu, D. (2021). Molecular epidemiology and drug susceptibility profiles of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates from Northern Ghana. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 109, 294-303. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2021.07.020

Addo, S. O., Mensah, G. I., Mosi, L., Abrahams, A., Bonfoh, B., Kazwala, R., . . . Addo, K. K. (2021). Trends in extrapulmonary TB cases at three teaching hospitals in Ghana, 2008-2017. Public Health Action, 11(1), 26-32. doi:10.5588/pha.20.0061

Afeke, I., Moustafa, A., Hirose, M., Becker, M., Busch, H., Kuenstner, A., . . . Ibrahim, S. (2021). Draft Genome Sequences and Antimicrobial Profiles of Three Staphylococcus epidermidis Strains from Neonatal Blood Samples. Microbiol Resour Announc, 10(13). doi:10.1128/MRA.00170-21

Afum, T., Asandem, D. A., Asare, P., Asante-Poku, A., Mensah, G. I., Musah, A. B., . . . Yeboah-Manu, D. (2022). Diarrhea-Causing Bacteria and Their Antibiotic Resistance Patterns Among Diarrhea Patients From Ghana. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmicb.2022.894319

Afum, T., Asare, P., Asante-Poku, A., Darko-Otchere, I., Morgan, P. A., Bedeley, E., . . . Yeboah-Manu, D. (2021). Diagnosis of tuberculosis among COVID-19 suspected cases in Ghana. PloS One, 16(12), e0261849. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0261849

Ameke, S., Asare, P., Aboagye, S. Y., Otchere, I. D., Osei-Wusu, S., Yeboah-Manu, D., & Asante-Poku, A. (2021). Molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in the Volta Region of Ghana. PloS One, 16(3), e0238898. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0238898

Amponsah, I. K., Atchoglo, P. K., Ackah, R. Y., Tsouh Fokou, P. V., Aboagye, S. Y., Yeboah-Manu, D., . . . Mensah, A. Y. (2021). In vitro Anti-Mycobacterium ulcerans and cytotoxic activities of some selected medicinal plants and an indoloquinoline alkaloid. Int J Mycobacteriol, 10(1), 60-65. doi:10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_243_20

Asante-Poku, A., Morgan, P., Osei-Wusu, S., Aboagye, S. Y., Asare, P., Otchere, I. D., . . . Yeboah-Manu, D. (2021). Genetic Analysis of TB Susceptibility Variants in Ghana Reveals Candidate Protective Loci in SORBS2 and SCL11A1 Genes. Front Genet, 12, 729737. doi:10.3389/fgene.2021.729737

Asare, P., Asante-Poku, A., Osei-Wusu, S., Otchere, I. D., & Yeboah-Manu, D. (2021). The Relevance of Genomic Epidemiology for Control of Tuberculosis in West Africa. Front Public Health, 9, 706651. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.706651

Asare, P., Osei-Wusu, S., Baddoo, N. A., Bedeley, E., Otchere, I. D., Brites, D., . . . Yeboah-Manu, D. (2021). Genomic epidemiological analysis identifies high relapse among individuals with recurring tuberculosis and provides evidence of recent household-related transmission of tuberculosis in Ghana. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 106, 13-22. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2021.02.110

Aworh, M. K., Ekeng, E., Nilsson, P., Egyir, B., Owusu-Nyantakyi, C., & Hendriksen, R. S. (2022). Extended-Spectrum ss-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Among Humans, Beef Cattle, and Abattoir Environments in Nigeria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol, 12, 869314. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2022.869314

Bedeley, E., Gori, A., Yeboah-Manu, D., & Diallo, K. (2021). Control of Streptococcal Infections: Is a Common Vaccine Target Achievable Against Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12, 658824. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2021.658824

Chama, M. A., Modos, D., Mervin, L. H., Owusu, K. B., Ayine-Tora, D. M., Egyir, B., . . . Bender, A. (2021). Towards understanding antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity and the mode of action of dichapetalins A and M using in silico and in vitro studies. Toxicon, 193, 28-37. doi:10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.01.002

Chanda-Kapata, P., Ntoumi, F., Kapata, N., Lungu, P., Mucheleng’anga, L. A., Chakaya, J., . . . Nachega, J. B. (2022). Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria Health Services in sub-Saharan Africa – A Situation Analysis of the Disruptions and Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2022.03.033

Coscolla, M., Gagneux, S., Menardo, F., Loiseau, C., Ruiz-Rodriguez, P., Borrell, S., . . . Brites, D. (2021). Phylogenomics of Mycobacterium africanum reveals a new lineage and a complex evolutionary history. Microb Genom, 7(2). doi:10.1099/mgen.0.000477

Dayie, N., Osei, M. M., Opintan, J. A., Tetteh-Quarcoo, P. B., Kotey, F. C. N., Ahenkorah, J., . . . Donkor, E. S. (2021). Nasopharyngeal Carriage and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Staphylococcus aureus among Children under Five Years in Accra. Pathogens, 10(2). doi:10.3390/pathogens10020136

Dayie, N., Sekoh, D. N. K., Kotey, F. C. N., Egyir, B., Tetteh-Quarcoo, P. B., Adutwum-Ofosu, K. K., . . . Donkor, E. S. (2021). Nasopharyngeal Carriage of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Children in the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Era. Infectious Disease Reports, 13(1), 191-204. doi:10.3390/idr13010022

Egyir, B., Bentum, J., Attram, N., Fox, A., Obeng-Nkrumah, N., Appiah-Korang, L., . . . Letizia, A. G. (2021). Whole Genome Sequencing and Antimicrobial Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus from Surgical Site Infections in Ghana. Pathogens, 10(2). doi:10.3390/pathogens10020196

Frimpong, A., Amponsah, J., Adjokatseh, A. S., Agyemang, D., Bentum-Ennin, L., Ofori, E. A., . . . Kusi, K. A. (2021). Corrigendum: Asymptomatic Malaria Infection Is Maintained by a Balanced Pro- and Anti-inflammatory Response. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12, 686435. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2021.686435

Handley, B. L., Gonzalez-Beiras, C., Tchatchouang, S., Basing, L. A., Hugues, K. A., Bakheit, M., . . . Marks, M. (2022). LAMP4yaws: Treponema pallidum, Haemophilus ducreyi loop mediated isothermal amplification – protocol for a cross-sectional, observational, diagnostic accuracy study. BMJ Open, 12(3), e058605. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058605

Kock, R., Michel, A. L., Yeboah-Manu, D., Azhar, E. I., Torrelles, J. B., Cadmus, S. I., . . . Zumla, A. (2021). Zoonotic Tuberculosis – The Changing Landscape. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 113 Suppl 1, S68-S72. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2021.02.091

Labi, A. K., Obeng-Nkrumah, N., Dayie, N., Egyir, B., Sampane-Donkor, E., Newman, M. J., & Opintan, J. A. (2021). Antimicrobial use in hospitalized patients: a multicentre point prevalence survey across seven hospitals in Ghana. JAC Antimicrob Resist, 3(3), dlab087. doi:10.1093/jacamr/dlab087

Lawal, O. U., Ayobami, O., Abouelfetouh, A., Mourabit, N., Kaba, M., Egyir, B., . . . Shittu, A. O. (2022). A 6-Year Update on the Diversity of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Clones in Africa: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13, 860436. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2022.860436

Mahazu, S., Prah, I., Ayibieke, A., Sato, W., Hayashi, T., Suzuki, T., . . . Saito, R. (2021). Possible Dissemination of Escherichia coli Sequence Type 410 Closely Related to B4/H24RxC in Ghana. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12, 770130. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2021.770130

Mahazu, S., Sato, W., Ayibieke, A., Prah, I., Hayashi, T., Suzuki, T., . . . Saito, R. (2022). Insights and genetic features of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli isolates from two hospitals in Ghana. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 1843. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-05869-6

Maya, T. G., Komba, E. V., Mensah, G. I., Mbelele, P. M., Mpagama, S. G., Mfinanga, S. G., . . . Kazwala, R. R. (2022). Drug susceptibility profiles and factors associated with non-tuberculous mycobacteria species circulating among patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis in Tanzania. PloS One, 17(3), e0265358. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0265358

Mbelele, P. M., Mpolya, E. A., Sauli, E., Mtafya, B., Ntinginya, N. E., Addo, K. K., . . . Mpagama, S. G. (2021). Mycobactericidal Effects of Different Regimens Measured by Molecular Bacterial Load Assay among People Treated for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Tanzania. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 59(4). doi:10.1128/JCM.02927-20

Mbelele, P. M., Sabiiti, W., Heysell, S. K., Sauli, E., Mpolya, E. A., Mfinanga, S., . . . Mpagama, S. G. (2022). Use of a molecular bacterial load assay to distinguish between active TB and post-TB lung disease. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis, 26(3), 276-278. doi:10.5588/ijtld.21.0459

Mbelele, P. M., Sauli, E., Mpolya, E. A., Mohamed, S. Y., Addo, K. K., Mfinanga, S. G., . . . Mpagama, S. (2021). TB or not TB? Definitive determination of species within the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in unprocessed sputum from adults with presumed multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Trop Med Int Health, 26(9), 1057-1067. doi:10.1111/tmi.13638

Mbelele, P. M., Utpatel, C., Sauli, E., Mpolya, E. A., Mutayoba, B. K., Barilar, I., . . . Heysell, S. K. (2022). Whole genome sequencing-based drug resistance predictions of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from Tanzania. JAC Antimicrob Resist, 4(2), dlac042. doi:10.1093/jacamr/dlac042

Menardo, F., Rutaihwa, L. K., Zwyer, M., Borrell, S., Comas, I., Conceicao, E. C., . . . Gagneux, S. (2021). Local adaptation in populations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis endemic to the Indian Ocean Rim. F1000Res, 10, 60. doi:10.12688/f1000research.28318.2

Mensah, G. I., Adjei, V. Y., Vicar, E. K., Atsu, P. S., Blavo, D. L., Johnson, S. A. M., & Addo, K. K. (2022). Safety of Retailed Poultry: Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia coli From Raw Chicken and Poultry Fecal Matter From Selected Farms and Retail Outlets in Accra, Ghana. Microbiol Insights, 15, 11786361221093278. doi:10.1177/11786361221093278

Mizutani, T., Aboagye, S. Y., Ishizaka, A., Afum, T., Mensah, G. I., Asante-Poku, A., . . . Kiyono, H. (2021). Gut microbiota signature of pathogen-dependent dysbiosis in viral gastroenteritis. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 13945. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-93345-y

Nachega, J. B., Kapata, N., Sam-Agudu, N. A., Decloedt, E. H., Katoto, P., Nagu, T., . . . Zumla, A. (2021). Minimizing the impact of the triple burden of COVID-19, tuberculosis and HIV on health services in sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 113 Suppl 1, S16-S21. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.038

Ngoi, J. M., Quashie, P. K., Morang’a, C. M., Bonney, J. H., Amuzu, D. S., Kumordjie, S., . . . Awandare, G. A. (2021). Genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 reveals local viral evolution in Ghana. Experimental Biology and Medicine (Maywood, N.J.), 246(8), 960-970. doi:10.1177/1535370220975351

Ntoumi, F., Nachega, J. B., Aklillu, E., Chakaya, J., Felker, I., Amanullah, F., . . . Zumla, A. (2022). World Tuberculosis Day 2022: aligning COVID-19 and tuberculosis innovations to save lives and to end tuberculosis. Lancet Infectious Diseases, 22(4), 442-444. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00142-6

Ntoumi, F., Petersen, E., Mwaba, P., Aklillu, E., Mfinanga, S., Yeboah-Manu, D., . . . Zumla, A. (2022). Blue Skies research is essential for ending the Tuberculosis pandemic and advancing a personalized medicine approach for holistic management of Respiratory Tract infections. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2022.03.012

Nuvey, F. S., Addo-Lartey, A., Nortey, P. A., Addo, K. K., & Bonfoh, B. (2021). Coping with Adversity: Resilience Dynamics of Livestock Farmers in Two Agroecological Zones of Ghana. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(17). doi:10.3390/ijerph18179008

Osei-Wusu, S., Morgan, P., Asare, P., Adams, G., Musah, A. B., Siam, I. M., . . . Yeboah-Manu, D. (2021). Bacterial Load Comparison of the Three Main Lineages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in West Africa. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12, 719531. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2021.719531

Osei-Wusu, S., Otchere, I. D., Asare, P., Ntoumi, F., Zumla, A., Asante-Poku, A., & Yeboah-Manu, D. (2022). Relevance of genomic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in Africa. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2022.03.016

Osei-Wusu, S., Otchere, I. D., Morgan, P., Musah, A. B., Siam, I. M., Asandem, D., . . . Yeboah-Manu, D. (2021). Genotypic and phenotypic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex genotypes prevalent in West Africa. PloS One, 16(8), e0255433. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0255433

Petersen, E., Al-Abri, S., Chakaya, J., Goletti, D., Parolina, L., Wejse, C., . . . Zumla, A. (2022). World TB Day 2022: Revamping and Reshaping Global TB Control Programs by Advancing Lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2022.02.057

Petersen, E., Ntoumi, F., Hui, D. S., Abubakar, A., Kramer, L. D., Obiero, C., . . . Zumla, A. (2022). Emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern Omicron (B.1.1.529) – highlights Africa’s research capabilities, but exposes major knowledge gaps, inequities of vaccine distribution, inadequacies in global COVID-19 response and control efforts. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 114, 268-272. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2021.11.040

Prah, I., Ayibieke, A., Mahazu, S., Sassa, C. T., Hayashi, T., Yamaoka, S., . . . Saito, R. (2021). Emergence of oxacillinase-181 carbapenemase-producing diarrheagenic Escherichia coli in Ghana. Emerg Microbes Infect, 10(1), 865-873. doi:10.1080/22221751.2021.1920342

Prah, I., Ayibieke, A., Nguyen, T. T. H., Iguchi, A., Mahazu, S., Sato, W., . . . Saito, R. (2021). Virulence Profiles of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli Isolated from the Western Region of Ghana. Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases, 74(2), 115-121. doi:10.7883/yoken.JJID.2020.356

Sanoussi, C. N., Coscolla, M., Ofori-Anyinam, B., Otchere, I. D., Antonio, M., Niemann, S., . . . Meehan, C. J. (2021). Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex lineage 5 exhibits high levels of within-lineage genomic diversity and differing gene content compared to the type strain H37Rv. Microb Genom, 7(7). doi:10.1099/mgen.0.000437

Senyonjo, L., Addy, J., Martin, D. L., Agyemang, D., Yeboah-Manu, D., Gwyn, S., . . . Bailey, R. L. (2021). Surveillance for peri-elimination trachoma recrudescence: Exploratory studies in Ghana. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 15(9), e0009744. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0009744

Thumamo Pokam, B. D., Yeboah-Manu, D., Amiteye, D., Asare, P., Guemdjom, P. W., Yhiler, N. Y., . . . Asuquo, A. E. (2021). Molecular epidemiology and multidrug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from pulmonary tuberculosis patients in the Eastern region of Ghana. Heliyon, 7(10), e08152. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08152

Yeboah-Manu, D., Asante-Poku, A., & Yaw Aboagye, S. (2022). Primary Isolation of Mycobacterium ulcerans. Methods in Molecular Biology, 2387, 17-28. doi:10.1007/978-1-0716-1779-3_3

Zeukeng, F., Ablordey, A., Kakou-Ngazoa, S. E., Ghogomu, S. M., N’Golo Coulibaly, D., Nsoga, M. T. N., . . . Djouaka, R. (2021). Community-based geographical distribution of Mycobacterium

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