Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease mediated by persistent infection with high-risk Human Papillomaviruses (Hr-HPV). There are now three approved vaccines against the most common HPV genotypes. In Ghana, mortality due to cervical cancer is on the rise, due to the absence of an organized and effective cervical cancer prevention and control program. Data on circulating HPV genotypes is important for studying the likely impact of mass introduction of HPV vaccination of the female population before sexual debut. High HPV prevalence has been reported in Female Sex Workers (FSWs), who constitute an important active group for maintenance of HPV in the population. This study was conducted to determine the size of HPV prevalence in this group and to provide information for future assessment of the impact of vaccine introduction in the country. We conducted a cross-sectional study where the snowballing technique was used to identify and select FSW’s ≥18 years, operating within suburbs of Greater Accra Region (GAR). A risk factor assessment interview was conducted and cervical swabs were collected for HPV-DNA detection and genotyping by Nested Multiplex PCR. Hundred participants, age ranging from 18 to 45 years, median 24 years, were studied. The prevalence of Cervical HPV was 26%. Eleven genotypes were detected comprising 9 high-risk in order of decreasing prevalence HPV-16 (8%), HPV-35 (5%), HPV-33/39/-68 (3%), HPV-52/51/59 (2%) and HPV-18 (1%) and 2 Low-risk types, HPV-42(3%), and HPV-43 (1%). Three women had HPV types that could not be genotyped by our method. Oral contraceptives use was associated with a reduced chance of HPV infection (P=0.002; OR=0.19, 95% CI 0.07-0.54). This study found a high HPV prevalence among FSWs in the GAR. A high number of Hr-HPV genotypes seen are vaccine preventable, providing additional compelling argument for implementing a national cervical cancer prevention plan including vaccination.

Introduction Hepatitis B virus infection is a global public health problem. Though, the disease is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about its epidemiology among pregnant women in Ghana. This study sought to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital; Ghana's largest hospital. Methods We conducted a facility-based cross-sectional survey among 232 antenatal attendants. Participants were recruited using systematic random sampling technique and screened with HBsAg Rapid Test. Data was analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23.0. Results were presented using descriptive statistics, Fisher's Exact test and Logistic Regression analysis. Results Two hundred and twenty-one (221) of the total sample (n = 232) agreed to participate in this study; representing a response rate of 95%. The mean age of the participants was 31 years and standard deviation of 5.3. The mean gestational period at recruitment was 28 weeks and standard deviation of 6.8. Majority of the participants were married (83.3%), parous (69.6%), educated (91.4%) and employed (90.5%). The prevalence of HBsAg was 7.7%. We found no significant association between socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and HBV infection. Conclusion Seroprevalence of 7.7% indicates moderate endemicity. Socio-demographic characteristics did not influence HBV infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Korle

SUMMARYThree cases of retained fetal bones, the first two after mid-trimester termination of pregnancy and the third after dilatation and evacuation (D&E) of the uterus for a missed abortion, are presented. All the cases were complicated by secondary infertility. In all the cases the diagnosis was confirmed by a high resolution pelvic ultrasound scan. The pieces of bones were removed at dilatation and evacuation under general anaesthesia. In two of the cases pregnancy occurred within 6 months of removal of the bones. It is believed that bones retained freely in the endometrial cavity behave as an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). Because of the many complications associated with mid-trimester dilatation and evacuation of the uterus, its role in modern gynaecology should be limited. It is suggested that retained fetal bones should be considered in the differential diagnosis of women presenting to infertility clinics when there is a history of mid-trimester D&E of the uterus.