© 2026 KNUST Research Atlas. All rights reserved.

Back to Search
Profile photo of Augustina Angelina Sylverken

Augustina Angelina Sylverken

Theoretical and Applied Biology

View Official KNUST Profile

About

Augustina Angelina Sylverken (PhD) is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, KNUST-Ghana. She holds a PhD in Clinical Microbiology from the Department of Clinical Microbiology, KNUST-Kumasi. She also holds MPhil and BSc degrees in Clinical Microbiology and Biological Sciences respectively from KNUST.Augustina did her Post-doctoral research studies at the Institute of Virology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Germany and the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine (KCCR). During this time, she focused on using state-of-the-art methodologies to study the transmission interface of coronaviruses and other emerging and reemerging viruses of zoonotic origin within the context of the One Health Concept.Dr. Sylverken’s ongoing projects are focused in the areas of One Health which involves studies on wildlife, livestock and human interactions as a proxy to viral zoonosis. She has expanded her research to include Tuberculosis and led the first Tuberculosis drug resistance survey for Ghana. She is involved in large scale multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary studies with teams of investigators with sponsorship from prestigious funders including the German Research Council (DFG), Global Fund, European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), African Research Excellence Fund, Medical Research Council (AREF-MRC) - UK, Royal Society – UK, the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) with the University of Surrey and the KNUST Research Fund (KReF).Augustina is an affiliate of the African Academy of Sciences, 2016-2020, a Fellow of the Prestigious African Research Excellence Fund’s (AREF) Excell Researcher and Leadership Development Programme and a member of the Ghana Young Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is a strong advocate for women in Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics and a founding member of WiSTEM.Gh; a notable non-governmental organization interested in raising the next generation of women in STEM careers. She is also a member of The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing world (OWSD).  She has published widely and has more than 80 publications in reputable journals to her credit.

Research Summary

(inferred from publications by AI)

The overall research focus centers on understanding the spread and impact of SARS-CoV-2 and related infections in Ghana. This comprehensive study integrates a wide range of themes from immunology, parasitology, veterinary medicine, and public health, employing diverse methodologies to elucidate disease patterns and containment strategies.

Research Themes

All Papers

A year of genomic surveillance reveals how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic unfolded in Africa(2021)
The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance(2022)
SARS-CoV-2 Viral Shedding and Transmission Dynamics: Implications of WHO COVID-19 Discharge Guidelines(2021)
Genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Ghana from 2020-2021(2022)
SARS-COV-2 antibody responses to AZD1222 vaccination in West Africa(2022)
Epidemiological profile of SARS-CoV-2 among selected regions in Ghana: A cross-sectional retrospective study(2020)
A year of genomic surveillance reveals how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic unfolded in Africa(2021)
Genomic and epidemiological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 in Africa(2021)
The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance(2022)
Development of a Whole-Virus ELISA for Serological Evaluation of Domestic Livestock as Possible Hosts of Human Coronavirus NL63(2019)
Low risk of SARS-CoV-2 in blood transfusion(2021)
Emergence and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron (BA.1) variant across Africa: an observational study(2025)
Molecular characterization of interactions between the D614G variant of SARS-CoV-2 S-protein and neutralizing antibodies: A computational approach(2021)
RETRACTED: Gradual emergence followed by exponential spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in Africa(2022)
Potential Intermediate Hosts for Coronavirus Transmission: No Evidence of Clade 2c Coronaviruses in Domestic Livestock from Ghana(2019)
Sero-epidemiology of human coronaviruses in three rural communities in Ghana(2021)
SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses to AZD1222 Vaccination in West Africa(2022)
Tracking genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Ghana after one year of surveillance(2021)
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in northern Ghana: insights from whole-genome sequencing(2021)
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Northern Ghana; Insights from Whole Genome Sequencing(2020)
Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein G476S mutation on the interaction with human ACE-2 receptor and neutralizing antibodies(2021)
Computational analyses of the G476S variant of SARS-CoV-2: A focus on the interaction with human ACE-2 and neutralizing antibodies(2020)
Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein G476S mutation on the interaction with human ACE-2 receptor and neutralizing antibodies(2021)
Retraction(2022)
Ineffectiveness of international travel restrictions to contain spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 variant: a continent-wide laboratory-based observational study from Africa(2024)
Rabies is still a fatal but neglected disease: a case report(2021)
Serological Evidence of Influenza A Viruses in Frugivorous Bats from Africa(2015)
Influenza Outbreak Among Students in Ghana: a Report From Three Time Points(2020)
Influenza outbreak among students in Ghana: a report from three time points(2020)
Strengthening existing surveillance platforms to monitor pandemic-prone pathogens(2023)
Influenza outbreak among students in Ghana: a report from three time points(2020)
At Least Seven Distinct Rotavirus Genotype Constellations in Bats with Evidence of Reassortment and Zoonotic Transmissions(2021)
At least seven distinct rotavirus genotype constellations in bats with evidence of reassortment and zoonotic transmissions(2020)
Africa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic: A review of the nature of the virus, impacts and implications for preparedness(2020)
Using drones to transport suspected COVID-19 samples; experiences from the second largest testing centre in Ghana, West Africa(2022)
Solid waste motor tricycle operators in Kumasi, Ghana, harbour respiratory pathogens; a public health threat(2023)
Chromosomal and plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance in human Salmonella enterica infection in Ghana(2019)
Influence of seasonal variation on reported filarial attacks among people living with lymphedema in Ghana(2019)
Antibiotic resistance and <i>mec</i>A characterization of <i>Staphylococcus hominis</i> from filarial lymphedema patients in the Ahanta West District, Ghana: A cross‐sectional study(2023)
Genome editing as control tool for filarial infections(2021)
Bacterial diversity significantly reduces toward the late stages among filarial lymphedema patients in the Ahanta West District of Ghana: A cross‐sectional study(2022)
Sero-prevalence, cross-species infection and serological determinants of prevalence of Bovine Coronavirus in Cattle, Sheep and Goats in Ghana(2019)
Molecular-based cross-species evaluation of bovine coronavirus infection in cattle, sheep and goats in Ghana(2020)
Molecular-based cross-species evaluation of bovine coronavirus infection in cattle, sheep and goats in Ghana.(2020)
Molecular-based cross-species evaluation of bovine coronavirus infection in cattle, sheep and goats in Ghana.(2020)
Molecular-based cross-species evaluation of bovine coronavirus infection in cattle, sheep and goats in Ghana.(2020)
Molecular-Based Cross-Species Evaluation of Bovine Coronavirus Infection in Cattle, Sheep and Goats in Ghana.(2020)
Molecular-based cross-species evaluation of bovine coronavirus infection in cattle, sheep and goats in Ghana.(2020)
Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli from Broilers, Pigs, and Cattle in the Greater Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana(2021)
Carbapenem- and cefiderocol-resistant <i>Enterobacterales</i> in surface water in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana(2024)
Carbapenem- and cefiderocol-resistant<i>Enterobacterales</i>in surface waters in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana(2023)
What Is in the Salad? Escherichia coli and Antibiotic Resistance in Lettuce Irrigated with Various Water Sources in Ghana(2022)
Performance of COVID-19 associated symptoms and temperature checking as a screening tool for SARS-CoV-2 infection(2021)
Comparative Analysis of SARS-Cov-2 Detection Using Viral Swab in Viral Transport Medium Against Cotton Swab in 0.9% Normal Saline(2023)
Microbial Load and Antibiotic Resistance of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Khebab Sold on a University Campus and Its Environs in Ghana(2021)
Assessment of microbiological quality of khebab sold on the campus of a tertiary education and its environs in Ghana(2021)
Rhizosphere microbiome of plants used in phytoremediation of mine tailing dams(2024)
The burden of drug resistance tuberculosis in Ghana; results of the First National Survey(2021)
Tuberculosis patients with diabetes co-morbidity experience reduced Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex clearance(2024)
A multiplex PCR assay for the differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex reveals high rates of mixed-lineage tuberculosis infections among patients in Ghana(2023)
Aetiology of viral hepatitis among jaundiced patients presenting to a tertiary hospital in Ghana(2018)
Detection and genomic characterization of hepatitis E virus genotype 3 from pigs in Ghana, Africa(2020)
Sero-molecular epidemiology of hepatitis E virus in pigs and human contacts in Ghana(2021)
Bacterial etiology of sexually transmitted infections at a STI clinic in Ghana; use of multiplex real time PCR(2016)
P12.12 Bacteria aetiology of sexually transmitted infections at sexually transmitted infection clinic in kumasi, ghana; use of multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction(2015)
Cardiovascular disease risk assessment among patients attending two cardiac clinics in the Ashanti Region of Ghana(2020)
Determinants of a mobile phone-based Interactive Voice Response (mIVR) system for monitoring childhood illnesses in a rural district of Ghana: Empirical evidence from the UTAUT model(2021)
Correlating WHO COVID-19 interim guideline 2020.5 and testing capacity, accuracy, and logistical challenges in Africa(2021)
Comparable Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Sputum and Oropharyngeal Swab Samples of Suspected COVID-19 Patients(2022)
Diagnostics for COVID-19: A case for field-deployable, rapid molecular tests for community surveillance(2020)
Profile and outcomes of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at a tertiary institution hospital in Ghana(2020)
Implications of WHO COVID-19 interim guideline 2020.5 on the comprehensive care for infected persons in Africa Before, during and after clinical management of cases(2021)
Haematological Profile and ACE2 Levels of COVID-19 Patients in a Metropolis in Ghana(2024)
User experiences of a mobile phone-based health information and surveillance system (mHISS): A case of caregivers of children under-five in rural communities in Ghana(2022)
Genetic characterization of varicella-zoster and HIV-1 viruses from the cerebrospinal fluid of a co-infected encephalitic patient, Ghana(2022)
Antimicrobial activities of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Aspilia africana against clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi(2023)
Common bacteria in sputum or gastric lavage of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of lower respiratory tract infections(2021)
In silico drug repurposing for filarial infection predicts nilotinib and paritaprevir as potential inhibitors of the Wolbachia 5′-aminolevulinic acid synthase(2021)
‘This disease is not meant for the hospital, it is Asram’: Implications of a traditionally-defined illness on healthcare seeking for children under-5 in rural Ashanti, Ghana(2022)
Surveillance and laboratory collaboration in response to an outbreak of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Plesiomonas shigelloides, and Aeromonas hydrophila in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana: a case series(2022)
Aetiological agents of pneumonia among HIV and non-HIV infected children in Ghana: A case-control study(2024)
Atypical causes of respiratory virus infections in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2013– 2023: a systematic review and meta-analysis(2025)
Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of oral and rectal microbiota of non‐human primate species in Ghana: A threat to human health(2023)
Clinical epidemiology, determinants, and outcomes of viral encephalitis in Ghana; a cross-sectional study(2024)
Viral Encephalitis Dataset for Ghana(2024)
Burden of respiratory viral infections among inmates of a Ghanaian prison(2019)
Prospects of Immunology Education and Research in Developing Countries(2021)
Use of social media in a national Tuberculosis Drug Resistance Survey: lessons from the first anti-tuberculosis drug resistance survey in Ghana(2019)
Use of social media in a national Tuberculosis Drug Resistance Survey: lessons from the first anti-tuberculosis drug resistance survey in Ghana(2019)
Africa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic: A review of thenature of the virus, impacts and implications for preparedness [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review](2020)
Key drivers of graduate students’ interest in the subject of immunology in a tertiary institution of Ghana(2018)
Graduate students’ interest in immunology as a discipline(2017)
Microbiological profile of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women in Volta Region, Ghana(2021)
Bacterial diversity in Buruli ulcer lesions in Ghana(2024)
PA-817 Relationship between microbiome and clinical outcome in Buruli ulcer disease(2023)
Blood collection tubes impact expression of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in human whole blood assay(2023)
Helminth Seropositivity Inversely Correlated with Th1 and Th17 Cytokines and Severe COVID-19(2025)
No evidence for yaws infection in a small‐scale cross‐sectional serosurvey in Ghanaian monkeys(2022)
Microbial Organisms in the Lower Respiratory Tract Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Ghana(2023)
COVID-19 and <i>Burkholderia cepacia</i> co-infection in pregnancy associated with fetal demise: a case report(2022)

Collaboration Network

da6945dd-abcf-463f-be92-5e741e037292
Research Collaboration Map
Collaboration Frequency
Less
More

About This Profile

This profile is generated from publicly available publication metadata and is intended for research discovery purposes. Themes, summaries, and trajectories are inferred computationally and may not capture the full scope of the lecturer's work. For authoritative information, please refer to the official KNUST profile.