Richard Odame Phillips

Medicine

About

Richard Odame Phillips is a Professor of Medicine at the School of Medicine & Dentistry and Scientific Director of the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He has a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) obtained at KNUST, PhD in Infection and Immunity obtained at the University of London (UK) and has a Fellowship in Internal Medicine with the West African Postgraduate Medical College(2008) & Ghana Postgraduate Medical College(2013). He has 25 years experience in the practice of Medicine at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi where he held the position of Infectious Disease Consultant. He conducts research in the area of infectious diseases particularly M. ulcerans disease (Buruli ulcer), Neglected Skin Diseases, Emerging Infectious Diseases HIV, Hepatitis, and TB. He has received several awards and managed grants that include the prestigious Wellcome Trust Value in People Award (2005), the Royal Society UK-Ghana Networking/ and Leverhulme Trust award (2008 and 2010), European Foundations Initiative on Neglected Tropical Diseases (2008), American Leprosy Mission, WHO and recently the prestigious Africa Research Leader award from the Medical Research Council and DFID UK (2012). He recently received awards such as the EDCTP Senior Fellowship Award (2017), KNUST Award of outstanding personality, Department of Medicine (2016), World Health Organisation-Special Programme for Research and training in Tropical Diseases (WHO-TDR) Impact Award (2015) and National Institute of Health Research Award (NIHR UK) (2019) He collaborates with several institutions across the world. He is Member of Pan-African Network for Rapid Research, Response, Relief and Preparedness for Infectious Diseases Epidemics (PANDORA-ID-NET) supported by the EDCTP. He is member of the National COVID19 laboratory Committee and leads the KCCR COVID19 response. He has successfully managed research projects, serves as Deputy Editor for PLOSNTD and has produced 172 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters (orcid.org/0000-0001-8992-0222)(https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Richard_Phillips8)Richard Odame Phillips lives and Kumasi in Ghana

Research Summary

(inferred from publications by AI)

The research on African neglected tropical diseases spans multiple domains, offering significant advancements in understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of several infectious diseases. In blood pressure management and hypertension control, studies highlight effective strategies to manage high blood pressure in Ashanti, West Africa. For mycobacterium-related research, comprehensive work on Mycobacterium ulcerans and the use of various pharmacological agents have provided new insights into their management. Malaria studies emphasize understanding transmission vectors and employing PCR-based diagnostics for rapid detection. The exploration of parasitic diseases in Africa includes genetic diversity, host-parasite interactions, and treatment efficacy in species like Staph and SARS-CoV-2. HIV interventions focus on virological suppression strategies, while Parasites' role in neglected tropical disease control is integral to global health efforts. Studies on salmonella and campylobacter emphasize their roles as secondary neglected tropical diseases, with a focus on their ecological impacts. Community surveillance tools using mobile health applications have become crucial for managing neglected tropical diseases like skin-neglected tropical diseases in regions such as Ashanti, Kenya. Child nutrition studies reveal regional variations in salt intake, underscoring the need for tailored approaches to prevent malnutrition. The research also addresses antifungal resistance and susceptibility by exploring genetic diversity and its implications on treatment efficacy. Studies on HIV-related complications highlight long-term outcomes of antiretroviral therapies. TB and HIV studies demonstrate improved control strategies across African nations. Cancer management, particularly in Ashanti, focuses on scabies prevention through public health interventions. The global capacity for doctoral programs in neglected tropical diseases underscores the need for tailored educational approaches. Lastly, genetic diversity studies contribute to understanding disease susceptibility and resistance mechanisms.

Research Themes

All (100 Papers)

Health Sciences (92 Papers)

Life Sciences (6 Papers)

Physical Sciences (2 Papers)

All Papers

Prevalence, Detection, Management, and Control of Hypertension in Ashanti, West Africa(2004)

Hypertension and renal failure in Kumasi, Ghana(1999)

Prevention of hypertension and stroke in Africa(2000)

Efficacy of the Combination Rifampin-Streptomycin in Preventing Growth of Mycobacterium ulcerans in Early Lesions of Buruli Ulcer in Humans(2005)

Mycobacterium ulcerans disease.(2005)

Clinical Efficacy of Combination of Rifampin and Streptomycin for Treatment ofMycobacterium ulceransDisease(2010)

Buruli Ulcer: a Review of the Current Knowledge(2018)

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

Recent advances: role of mycolactone in the pathogenesis and monitoring ofMycobacterium ulceransinfection/Buruli ulcer disease(2015)

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

Buruli ulcer: emerging from obscurity(2006)

Sensitivity of PCR Targeting the IS 2404 Insertion Sequence of Mycobacterium ulcerans in an Assay Using Punch Biopsy Specimens for Diagnosis of Buruli Ulcer(2005)

Immunosuppressive Signature of CutaneousMycobacterium ulceransInfection in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Buruli Ulcer Disease(2009)

Buruli ulcer disease: prospects for a vaccine(2009)

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)

Long Term Streptomycin Toxicity in the Treatment of Buruli Ulcer: Follow-up of Participants in the BURULICO Drug Trial(2014)

Mycolactone Diffuses into the Peripheral Blood of Buruli Ulcer Patients - Implications for Diagnosis and Disease Monitoring(2011)

Pilot Randomized Double-Blind Trial of Treatment ofMycobacterium ulceransDisease (Buruli Ulcer) with Topical Nitrogen Oxides(2004)

Clinical and Bacteriological Efficacy of Rifampin-Streptomycin Combination for Two Weeks followed by Rifampin and Clarithromycin for Six Weeks for Treatment of Mycobacterium ulcerans Disease(2013)

Kinetics of mycolactone in human subcutaneous tissue during antibiotic therapy for Mycobacterium ulcerans disease(2014)

Sensitivity of PCR Targeting Mycobacterium ulcerans by Use of Fine-Needle Aspirates for Diagnosis of Buruli Ulcer(2009)

Buruli Ulcer Control in a Highly Endemic District in Ghana: Role of Community-Based Surveillance Volunteers(2014)

In Vitro Killing ofMycobacterium ulceransby Acidified Nitrite(2004)

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)

Persisting Social Participation Restrictions among Former Buruli Ulcer Patients in Ghana and Benin(2014)

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)

Pharmacologic management ofMycobacterium ulceransinfection(2020)

Former Buruli Ulcer Patients’ Experiences and Wishes May Serve as a Guide to Further Improve Buruli Ulcer Management(2016)

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

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

Insertion Sequence Element Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Typing Provides Insights into the Population Structure and Evolution of Mycobacterium ulcerans across Africa(2013)

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

Stigma experiences, effects and coping among individuals affected by Buruli ulcer and yaws in Ghana(2024)

Detection of Mycolactone A/B in Mycobacterium ulcerans–Infected Human Tissue(2010)

Detection of Viable Mycobacterium ulcerans in Clinical Samples by a Novel Combined 16S rRNA Reverse Transcriptase/IS2404 Real-Time qPCR Assay(2012)

Genetic Susceptibility and Predictors of Paradoxical Reactions in Buruli Ulcer(2016)

Adhesion of the ulcerative pathogen Mycobacterium ulcerans to DACC-coated dressings(2014)

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

Good Quality of Life in Former Buruli Ulcer Patients with Small Lesions: Long-Term Follow-up of the BURULICO Trial(2014)

Comparison of Two Assays for Molecular Determination of Rifampin Resistance in Clinical Samples from Patients with Buruli Ulcer Disease(2014)

Mycobacterium ulcerans DNA Not Detected in Faecal Samples from Buruli Ulcer Patients: Results of a Pilot Study(2011)

Analysis of Mycobacterium ulcerans-specific T-cell cytokines for diagnosis of Buruli ulcer disease and as potential indicator for disease progression(2017)

Genetic Diversity of PCR-Positive, Culture-Negative and Culture-Positive Mycobacterium ulcerans Isolated from Buruli Ulcer Patients in Ghana(2014)

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

Prevalence of hepatitis D virus infection in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis(2017)

Historical epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in select countries—volume 4(2017)

The present and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus infections with today's treatment paradigm: Volume 4(2017)

High Frequency of Active HCV Infection Among Seropositive Cases in West Africa and Evidence for Multiple Transmission Pathways(2014)

Strategies to manage hepatitis C virus infection disease burden—Volume 4(2017)

Hepatitis C in Sub-Saharan Africa: Urgent Need for Attention(2014)

Antibody screening tests variably overestimate the prevalence of hepatitis <scp>C</scp> virus infection among <scp>HIV</scp>‐infected adults in <scp>G</scp>hana(2014)

Detection of Highly Prevalent Hepatitis B Virus Coinfection among HIV-Seropositive Persons in Ghana(2010)

Liver Fibrosis by Transient Elastography and Virologic Outcomes After Introduction of Tenofovir in Lamivudine-Experienced Adults With HIV and Hepatitis B Virus Coinfection in Ghana(2015)

Outcomes of starting first-line antiretroviral therapy in hepatitis B virus/HIV-coinfected patients in Ghana(2012)

Response to antiretroviral therapy in occult hepatitis B and HIV co-infection in West Africa(2012)

Monitoring and management of autoimmunity in multiple sclerosis patients treated with alemtuzumab: practical recommendations(2018)

High prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections in adults, Ashanti Region, Ghana, 2018(2020)

Rabies is still a fatal but neglected disease: a case report(2021)

Pharmacogenetic associations with plasma efavirenz concentrations and clinical correlates in a retrospective cohort of Ghanaian HIV-infected patients(2013)

Tenofovir is associated with increased tubular proteinuria and asymptomatic renal tubular dysfunction in Ghana(2015)

Long-term effectiveness of first-line non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based antiretroviral therapy in Ghana(2013)

Hepatitis E virus infections in HIV-infected patients in Ghana and Cameroon(2013)

Helicobacter pylori Infection Is Associated with Higher CD4 T Cell Counts and Lower HIV-1 Viral Loads in ART-Naïve HIV-Positive Patients in Ghana(2015)

Helicobacter pyloriCoinfection Is Associated With Decreased Markers of Immune Activation in ART-Naive HIV-Positive and in HIV-Negative Individuals in Ghana(2015)

The Efficacy of Doxycycline Treatment on Mansonella perstans Infection: An Open-Label, Randomized Trial in Ghana(2019)

Epidemiology of Mansonella perstans in the middle belt of Ghana(2017)

High prevalence of renal dysfunction and association with risk of death amongst HIV-infected Ghanaians(2013)

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)

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)

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

Interleukin-6 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis dormancy antigens improve diagnosis of tuberculosis(2020)

Plasma cytokine levels characterize disease pathogenesis and treatment response in tuberculosis patients(2022)

Impaired T-cell response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in tuberculosis patients is associated with high IL-6 plasma levels and normalizes early during anti-mycobacterial treatment(2023)

Lower IL-7 Receptor Expression of Monocytes Impairs Antimycobacterial Effector Functions in Patients with Tuberculosis(2021)

Lower prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infections in HIV positive compared to HIV negative adults in Ghana(2019)

Assessing and Strengthening African Universities' Capacity for Doctoral Programmes(2011)

Overview of preparedness and response to COVID-19 in Ghana(2021)

Using drones to transport suspected COVID-19 samples; experiences from the second largest testing centre in Ghana, West Africa(2022)

Short Communication: Low seroprevalence of cryptococcal antigenaemia in patients with advanced HIV infection enrolling in an antiretroviral programme in Ghana(2010)

Pulmonary aspergilloma: An evasive disease(2016)

Determining virological suppression and resuppression by point-of-care viral load testing in a HIV care setting in sub-Saharan Africa(2020)

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

The public health control of scabies: priorities for research and action(2019)

Beliefs, attitudes and practices towards scabies in central Ghana(2023)

Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance in Campylobacter spp. Isolated from Humans and Food-Producing Animals in West Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(2022)

The gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio (GPR) shows poor correlation with transient elastography measurements of liver fibrosis in HIV-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B in West Africa. Response to: ‘The gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio (GPR) predicts significant liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic HBV infection in West Africa’ by Lemoine et al(2016)

Performance of COVID-19 associated symptoms and temperature checking as a screening tool for SARS-CoV-2 infection(2021)

Carriage of ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli among children in rural Ghana: a cross-sectional study(2023)

Role and capacity needs of community based surveillance volunteers in the integrated management of skin neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs): a qualitative study from central Ghana(2023)

Evaluating the World Health Organization’s SkinNTDs App as a Training Tool for Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases in Ghana and Kenya: Cross-Sectional Study(2024)

Rural and semi-urban differences in salt intake, and its dietary sources, in Ashanti, West Africa.(2005)

Comparative efficacy of low-dose versus standard-dose azithromycin for patients with yaws: a randomised non-inferiority trial in Ghana and Papua New Guinea(2018)

Research and Capacity Building for Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases: The Need for a Different Approach(2011)

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

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.