Michael Frimpong

Molecular Medicine

About

My academic training and research experience have provided me with an excellent background in multiple biological disciplines including molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics and immunology. I am passionate about becoming one of the increasing number of “home grown” world class researchers that are able to address pressing questions in Africa. I developed interest in NTDs with a focus on Buruli ulcer (BUD) in 2008 when together with colleagues from KCCR in collaboration with the Department of infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine (DITM, University of Munich, Germany), I worked on developing methods for early diagnosis, the investigation of social and economic impact of BUD. In 2011, I enrolled for my PhD with support from the BURULIVAC project which gave me invaluable hands-on experience in immunology, molecular biology and microbiology. In 2017, I successfully competed for the EDCTP Career Development Fellowship with which developed a rapid diagnostic assay on a mobile laboratory platform capable of diagnosing BUD at the point of patient care. Currently my group is evaluating this testing approach in two treatment centres in Ghana. I believe that I can contribute to and drive forward innovative research answering local needs by establishing a collaborative research program of diagnostic, microbiologic and genomic excellence in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Such research is essential for good policy making and ultimately for better health outcomes.

Research Summary

(inferred from publications by AI)

The researcher has made significant contributions to health sciences through advancements in diagnostics, therapeutic interventions, and public health practices. They have developed novel rapid detection methods for infectious diseases, such as Mycobacterium ulcerans, SARS-CoV-2, and Salmonella enterica, improving clinical accuracy and efficiency. Their work on TB epidemiology has provided insights into multidrug-resistant bacteria, while their research on parasitic infections, particularly Schistosoma haematobium, has advanced understanding of neglected tropical diseases. The researcher’s focus on innovative methodologies, such as real-time recombinase polymerase amplification assays and rapid PCR tests, demonstrates a commitment to precision in detecting and managing life-threatening health conditions. Their global reach in sub-Saharan Africa underscores their dedication to addressing the healthcare needs of marginalized communities. By integrating biological technologies with clinical practices, they have significantly improved outcomes for public health, particularly in regions like Ghana where challenges remain prevalent.

Research Themes

All Papers

Suitcase Lab for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Based on Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay(2021)

A multi-country phase 2 study to evaluate the suitcase lab for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 in seven Sub-Saharan African countries: Lessons from the field(2023)

Diagnostics for COVID-19: A case for field-deployable, rapid molecular tests for community surveillance(2020)

PA-274 Lessons learned from a phase 2 diagnostic clinical trial in seven Sub-Saharan African countries(2023)

Rifampicin and clarithromycin (extended release) versus rifampicin and streptomycin for limited Buruli ulcer lesions: a randomised, open-label, non-inferiority phase 3 trial(2020)

Paradoxical reactions in Buruli ulcer after initiation of antibiotic therapy: Relationship to bacterial load(2019)

Mapping the global distribution of Buruli ulcer: a systematic review with evidence consensus(2019)

Effectiveness of Routine BCG Vaccination on Buruli Ulcer Disease: A Case-Control Study in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and Togo(2015)

Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Laboratory Confirmation of Buruli Ulcer Disease—Towards a Point-of-Care Test(2015)

Simple, Rapid Mycobacterium ulcerans Disease Diagnosis from Clinical Samples by Fluorescence of Mycolactone on Thin Layer Chromatography(2015)

Mental health and quality of life burden in Buruli ulcer disease patients in Ghana(2021)

Clearance of viable Mycobacterium ulcerans from Buruli ulcer lesions during antibiotic treatment as determined by combined 16S rRNA reverse transcriptase /IS 2404 qPCR assay(2017)

Rapid detection of Mycobacterium ulcerans with isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification assay(2019)

Caregiver burden in Buruli ulcer disease: Evidence from Ghana(2021)

Multi-centric evaluation of Biomeme Franklin Mobile qPCR for rapid detection of Mycobacterium ulcerans in clinical specimens(2023)

Combined Inflammatory and Metabolic Defects Reflected by Reduced Serum Protein Levels in Patients with Buruli Ulcer Disease(2014)

A combined effort of 11 laboratories in the WHO African region to improve quality of Buruli ulcer PCR diagnosis: The “BU-LABNET”(2022)

Metabolomic profiles delineate mycolactone signature in Buruli ulcer disease(2015)

Infection withMansonella perstansNematodes in Buruli Ulcer Patients, Ghana(2014)

Mapping suitability for Buruli ulcer at fine spatial scales across Africa: A modelling study(2021)

Barriers to Buruli ulcer treatment completion in the Ashanti and Central Regions, Ghana(2020)

Buruli ulcer treatment: Rate of surgical intervention differs highly between treatment centers in West Africa(2019)

Rapid Extraction Method of Mycobacterium ulcerans DNA from Clinical Samples of Suspected Buruli Ulcer Patients(2019)

Co-infection of HIV in patients with Buruli ulcer disease in Central Ghana(2021)

Clinical and microbiological predictors of healing in Buruli ulcer disease(2024)

IFN-γ and IL-5 whole blood response directed against mycolactone polyketide synthase domains in patients withMycobacterium ulceransinfection(2018)

Microscopy for Acid Fast Bacilli: A Useful but Neglected Tool in Routine Laboratory Diagnosis of Buruli Ulcer(2015)

Reply to “Compliance with Antimicrobial Therapy for Buruli Ulcer”(2014)

Buruli ulcer: wound care and rehabilitation(2016)

A Severe Case of Buruli Ulcer Disease with Pleural Effusions(2014)

Providing insight into the incubation period of Mycobacterium ulcerans disease: two case reports(2019)

Mapping the Global Distribution of Buruli Ulcer Through a Systematic Review with an Evidence Consensus Approach(2018)

A single synthetic lipid antigen for improved serological diagnosis of Buruli ulcer(2023)

OC 8173 RAPID DETECTION OF MYCOBACTERIUM ULCERANS BY RECOMBINASE POLYMERASE AMPLIFICATION(2019)

Mapping suitability for Buruli ulcer at fine spatial scales across Africa: a modelling study(2020)

Occurrences of Buruli ulcer infections in humans and Mycobacterium ulcerans in animal and environmental samples(2018)

Randomised Trial to Compare Clarithromycin (Extended Release)-Rifampicin and Streptomycin-Rifampicin for Early, Limited Lesions of M. Ulcerans Infection(2019)

Recombinase polymerase amplification assay for detection of Mycobacterium ulcerans DNA v1(2018)

Multi-centric evaluation of Biomeme Franklin Mobile qPCR for rapid detection ofMycobacterium ulceransin clinical specimens(2022)

PA-706 Clinical and microbiological predictors of healing in Buruli ulcer disease(2023)

Clinical epidemiology of Buruli ulcer disease in Ghana, 2006–2024(2025)

High prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis among patients with rifampicin resistance using GeneXpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampicin in Ghana(2016)

Differences in PPD- and mitogen-induced T-cell activation marker expression characterize immunopathology in acute tuberculosis patients(2024)

Characterization of Salmonella enterica from invasive bloodstream infections and water sources in rural Ghana(2018)

A scabies outbreak in the North East Region of Ghana: The necessity for prompt intervention(2020)

Implementation of an integrated control programme for neglected tropical diseases of the skin in Ghana: The essential role of the laboratory(2024)

Low risk of SARS-CoV-2 in blood transfusion(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)

Drinking Water from Dug Wells in Rural Ghana — Salmonella Contamination, Environmental Factors, and Genotypes(2015)

Evaluation of a real-time recombinase polymerase amplification assay for rapid detection of Schistosoma haematobium infection in resource-limited setting(2021)

Evaluation of a real-time recombinase polymerase amplification assay for rapid detection of Schistosoma haematobium infection in a resource-limited setting(2023)

Rapid Identification of Bacterial Composition in Wastewater by Combining Reverse Purification Nucleic Acid Extraction and Nanopore Sequencing(2024)

Assessment of platelet indices and platelet activation markers in children with Plasmodium falciparum malaria(2020)

Expression of platelet parameters and platelet membrane glycoproteins in childhood Burkitt lymphoma(2019)

Multiplex Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay for Simultaneous Detection of Treponema pallidum and Haemophilus ducreyi in Yaws-Like Lesions(2020)

Diagnostics to support the eradication of yaws—Development of two target product profiles(2022)

Multiplex Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay for Simultaneous Detection of Treponema pallidum and Haemophilus ducreyi in yaws-like lesions(2020)

Diagnostics to support the eradication of yaws – Development of Two Target Product Profiles(2022)

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)

An African One Health network for antimicrobial resistance and neglected tropical diseases(2024)

OA-322 Bridging the research gaps on AMR in sub-Saharan Africa – A one health approach(2023)

The microbiome of Total Suspended Particles (TSP) and its influence on the respiratory microbiome of healthy office workers(2024)

The microbiome of Total Suspended Particles and its influence on the respiratory microbiome of healthy office workers(2025)

Inter-Laboratory Comparability of Clinical Chemistry Testing: A New Perspective(2019)

THE ROLE OF THE INTERNAL AUDIT FUNCTION IN PROMOTING EFFECTIVE AUDIT PRACTICES IN GHANA(2013)

Expression of Platelet Parameters and Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins in Childhood Burkitt Lymphoma(2019)

Collaboration Network

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Research Collaboration Map

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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.