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  3. Matilda Ayim-Akonor

Dr. Mrs. Matilda Ayim-Akonor

Senior Research Scientist

Office : ARI Room 6

Email :

Degrees : Dr. rer. nat. (University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany) MPhil. (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana)

Research

Research Interests
  • Emerging and re-emerging infectious viral diseases of livestock.
  • Infectious disease transmission at the human-animal-environment interface.
  • Antimicrobial resistance along the food value-chain.

    • Current Research
  • Molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of African swine fever (ASF) virus Genotype II. In this study we aim to determine the spread of ASFV in the Greater Accra region and use oral fluid aggregate method to detect early viral infections in pigs.
  • Characterization of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and infectious laryngotracheitis (ILTV) in poultry in Ghana. We aim to identify viral serotypes circulating in the country and develop appropriate vaccines and vaccination regime to control these diseases in the poultry industry.
  • One Health: Genomic surveillance of colonizing and pathogenic antibiotic resistance bacteria in animal and animal product. We aim to genetically characterize various antimicrobial resistance genes including carbapenem, colistin and extended spectrum beta lactamse in commensals and pathogenic bacteria in animals, animal-handlers, and animal-waste and meat and meat-products in Ghana.

    • Publications

    Refereed Journal Papers
    1. Larbi, R.O, Adeapena W, Ayim-Akonor M, Ansa E.D.O, Tweya H, Terry R.F, Larbi A and Harries A.D (2022). Antimicrobial, multi-drug and colistin resistance in Enterobacteriaceae in healthy pigs in the Greater Accra region of Ghana, 2022: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19:10449
    2. Larbi R.O, Ofori L.A, Sylverken A.A, Ayim-Akonor M and Obiri-Danso K (2021). Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli from Broilers, Pigs, and Cattle in the Greater Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. International Journal of Microbiology. 2021:1-7 doi.org/10.1155/2021/5158185
    3. Kortei N.K, Anna T, Akonor P.T, Seidu A.R, Annan H.A, Wiafe-Kwagyan M, Ayim-Akonor M and Akpaloo P.G (2021). Aflatoxins in randomly selected groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea) and its products from some local markets across Ghana: Human risk assessment and monitoring. Toxicology Reports 8:186-195
    4. Ayim-Akonor M, Mertens E, May J and Harder T (2020). Exposure of domestic swine to Influenza A viruses in Ghana suggests unidirectional, reverse zoonotic transmission at the human–animal interface. Zoonoses and Public Health 67(6): 697-707
    5. Ayim-Akonor M, Krumkamp R, May J, Mertens E (2020). Understanding attitude, practices and knowledge of zoonotic infectious disease risks among poultry farmers in Ghana. Veterinary Medicine and Science 6(3): 631-638 doi.org/10.1002/vms3.257
    6. Kortei N.K, Heymann M.E, Essuman E.K, Kpodo F.M, Akonor P.T, Lokpo S.Y, Boadi N.O, Ayim-Akonor M and Tettey C (2020). Health risk assessment and levels of toxic metals in fishes (Oreochromis noliticus and Clarias anguillaris) from Ankobrah and Pra basins: Impact of illegal mining activities on food safety. Toxicology Reports 7: 360-369 doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.02.011
    7. Ayim-Akonor M, May J, Krumkamp R, Harder T and Mertens E (2019). Molecular and serological prevalence of influenza A viruses in poultry and poultry farmers in the Ashanti region, Ghana. Infection Ecology and Epidemiology 9(1): 1-5 doi.org/10.1080/20008686.2019.1698904
    8. Ayim-Akonor M, Owusu-Ntumy D.D, Ohene-Asa H.E, Oduro-Abrokwa A, Hammond P, Appenteng M and Annan D (2018). Serological and molecular surveillance of Infectious Bronchitis Virus in free-range chickens and guinea fowls in the Ga-East district of Ghana. Journal of Veterinary medicine 2018: 1-6
    9. Ayim-Akonor M, Obiri-Danso K, Akonor P.T and Sellers H (2018). Widespread exposure to Infectious Bronchitis Virus and Mycoplasma gallisepticum in chickens in the Ga-East District of Accra, Ghana. Cogent Food and Agriculture 4 (1): 1-11
    10. Ayim-Akonor M, Andoh A.L, Arthur C, Kortey NK and Akonor P.T (2018). Activity of Mycoplasma synoviae in commercial chickens in Ghana: Serological evidence. Advances in Life Science and Technology 62: 1-5
    11. Obese F.Y, Martin G.B, Blackberry, M, A, Ayim-Akonor M and Gomda Y (2015). Upgrading local cattle in tropical West Africa: metabolic hormone contractions during the post-partum period in Sanga and Friesian-Sanga crossbreed cows. Livestock Science 171:84-92
    12. Damptey J.K, Obese F.Y, Aboagye G.S, Ayim-Akonor M and Ayizanga R.A (2014). Blood metabolite concentrations and postpartum resumption of ovarian cyclicity on Sanga cows. South African Journal of Animal Science 44(1): 10-17
    13. Ayim-Akonor M and Akonor P. T (2014). Egg consumption: patterns, preferences and perceptions among consumers in Accra metropolitan area. International Food Research Journal 21(4): 1457-1463
    14. Otsyina H.R, Arthur C.T, Ayim-Akonor M and Obese F.Y (2013). Seroprevalence of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in sheep, goats and cattle in Ghana. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa 61: 473 – 479
    15. Ayim-Akonor M, Baryeh K and Asante I (2013). Molecular based survey of pathogens associated with respiratory disease outbreaks in broiler chickens in Accra. Journal of Natural Sciences Research 3(10): 25-31
    16. Ayim-Akonor M, Arthur C, Afrane Oh and Baryeh K (2013). Infectious Bronchitis Virus: a major cause of respiratory disease outbreaks in chickens in Ghana. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare 3 (12): 56-60
    17. Akonor P.T and Ayim-Akonor M (2013). Food Safety Knowledge: The Case of Domestic Food Handlers in Accra. European Journal of Nutrition and Food Safety 3(3): 99-111
    18. Ayim M, Asafu-Adjaye A, Beckley C, Adu-Aboagye G, D.D. Owusu-Ntumy D.D, Baryeh K, Arthur C and Ogbetey K (2012). Serological survey of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection in layer chickens in the Ga- East district of the Greater Accra region. Journal of the Ghana Science Association 14:22-29
    19. Kreuels B, Kreuzberg C, Kobbe R, Ayim M, Apiah-Thompson P, Thompson B, Ehmen C, Adjei S, Langefeld I, Adjei O and May J (2010) Differing effects of HbS and HbC traits on uncomplicated falciparum malaria, anemia, and child growth. Blood 11(22): 4551-4558
    20. Wallace P.A, Ayim M., Wang Q.X and Yang L (2009). Soybean Peptide: Optimal Preparatory Conditions, Chemicals and Amino Acid Constituents. Journal of the Ghana Science Association 11(1): 148-160
    21. Kreuels B, Ehrhardt S, Kreuzberg C, Adjei S, Kobbe R, Burchard G.D, Ehmen C, Ayim M, Adjei O and May J (2009). Sickle cell trait (HbAS) and stunting in children below two years of age in an area of high malaria transmission. Malaria Journal 8 (16): 1-5
    22. Kobbe R, Kreuzberg C, Adjei S, Thompson B, Langefeld I, Thompson P.A, Abruquah H.H, Kreuels B, Ayim M, Busch W, Marks F, Amoah K, Opoku E, Meyer C.G, Adjei O and May J (2007). A randomized controlled trial of extended intermittent preventive antimalarial treatment in infants. Clinical Infectious Diseases 45:16–25