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Juhász A, Makaula P, Cunningham LJ, Jones S, Archer J, Lally D, Namacha G, Kapira D, Chammudzi P, LaCourse EJ, Seto E, Kayuni SA, Musaya J, Stothard JR. Revealing bovine schistosomiasis in Malawi: Connecting human and hybrid schistosomes within cattle. One Health 2024; 19:100761. [PMID: 39021560 PMCID: PMC11253675 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
In Malawi, the putative origin of a newly described Schistosoma haematobium-mattheei hybrid human schistosome was assessed upon a seminal molecular parasitological survey of cattle. Using miracidia hatch test (MHT) and carcass inspection at slaughter, mean prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis was 49.1% (95% CI: 43.7-54.6%) and 10.3% (95% CI: 6.0-16.2%) respectively, though significant spatial heterogeneity was noted. Approximately 2.0% of infected cattle, and only those from Mangochi District, shed S. haematobium-mattheei and/or S. haematobium in faeces. To quantify schistosome (re)infection dynamics, where a S. haematobium-mattheei hybrid was present, we undertook a novel pilot GPS-datalogging sub-study within a specific herd of cattle (n = 8) on the Lake Malawi shoreline, alongside a praziquantel (40 mg/kg) treatment efficacy spot check. At sub-study baseline, all GPS-tagged cattle had proven daily water contact with the lake. Each animal was patently infected upon MHT, with older animals shedding less miracidia. At one month review, whilst parasitological cure was 100.0%, from six weeks onwards, (re)infection was first noted in the youngest animal. By three-month review, all animals were patently (re)infected though only miracidia of S. mattheei were recovered, albeit in much lower numbers. To conclude, infection with S. mattheei is particularly common in cattle and demonstrates a previously cryptic burden of bovine schistosomiasis. Within Mangochi District, bovine transmission of both S. haematobium-mattheei hybrids and S. haematobium are now incriminated, with unequivocal evidence of contemporary zoonotic spill-over. Future control of urogenital schistosomiasis here in the southern region needs to develop, then successfully integrate, a One Health approach with appropriate mitigating strategies to reduce and/or contain bovine schistosomiasis transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Juhász
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Peter Makaula
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Sam Jones
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - John Archer
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - David Lally
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Gladys Namacha
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Donales Kapira
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | | | - Sekeleghe A. Kayuni
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Janelisa Musaya
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
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Huang XX, Kone BV, Koffi YD, Koffi AP, Camara PBE, Dje L, Kouma B, Akpa MAJC, N'dri NR, Barogui MYT, Asiedu KB. Assessing the integration of skin screening into a mass drug administration campaign against neglected tropical diseases: A cross-sectional observational study from two districts in Côte d'Ivoire, 2023. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 147:107177. [PMID: 39019104 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization advocates integrating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) into common delivery platforms to combat them in resource-constrained settings. However, limited literature exists on the benefits of integration. This study examines the feasibility and impact of adding skin screening to a mass drug administration (MDA) campaign in Côte d'Ivoire. METHODS In June 2023, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene of Côte d'Ivoire piloted screening for skin-related NTDs alongside a national MDA campaign targeting soil-transmitted helminthiases and schistosomiasis. Two districts, Fresco and Koro, were selected for the pilot. The study applied both quantitative and qualitative assessments. The quantitative aspect focused on campaign costs and outputs, using an ingredient approach for costing. The qualitative evaluation employed an empirical phenomenological approach to analyze the campaign's operational feasibility and appreciation by stakeholders. FINDINGS MDA activities cost $0·66 per treated child and skin screening $0·62 per screened person, including medical products. The MDA campaign exceeded coverage targets in both districts, whereas skin screening coverage varied by locality and age group. Both the service delivery team and the beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the integrated campaign. However, opportunities for improvement were identified. CONCLUSION Integrating MDA and skin NTD screening proved operationally feasible in this context but had not recorded cost-saving effects. The performance of the MDA campaign was not negatively affected by additional skin screening activities, but effective integration requires thorough joint planning, strengthened training, and proper supervision.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yao Didier Koffi
- Programme National de Lutte Contre l'Ulcère de Buruli et des Maladies Cutanées Ulcératives Endémiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Aboa Paul Koffi
- Programme National de Lutte Contre l'Ulcère de Buruli et des Maladies Cutanées Ulcératives Endémiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Poplikla Blanche Euphraise Camara
- Programme National de Lutte Contre l'Ulcère de Buruli et des Maladies Cutanées Ulcératives Endémiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Laurence Dje
- Programme National de Lutte Contre les Maladies Tropicales Négligées à Chimiothérapie Préventive en Côte d'Ivoire, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Brahima Kouma
- Programme National de Lutte Contre les Maladies Tropicales Négligées à Chimiothérapie Préventive en Côte d'Ivoire, Côte d'Ivoire
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Manca F, Ciminata G, Grieve E, Reboud J, Cooper J, McIntosh E. Cost-effectiveness of sentinel screening of endemic diseases alongside malaria diagnosis: A case study in schistosomiasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012339. [PMID: 39074148 PMCID: PMC11309411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In countries where malaria is endemic, the use of rapid diagnostic tests(RDTs) has become routine, especially in rural settings. Such regions are characterised by often having other co-endemic infectious diseases, at high levels of prevalence. AIM To illustrate the potential added-value of "sentinel" screening for patients presenting for a routine diagnostic test for malaria, at healthcare facilities in Uganda. METHODS We developed an economic model by combining two decision trees, one for malaria and a second for the co-endemic disease schistosomiasis. The integrated model was designed to inform policy strategies for the co-endemic disease in addition to malaria (i.e., whether to test opportunistically for schistosomiasis or use mass drug administration(MDA) as per usual practice).We performed the analysis on three comparators varying testing accuracy and costs. RESULTS Sentinel screening can provide added value to the testing of patients compared with the status quo: when schistosomiasis prevalence is high then MDA is preferential; if low prevalence, treating no one is preferred. If the disease has average levels of prevalence, then a strategy involving testing is preferred. Prevalence thresholds driving the dominant strategy are dependent upon the model parameters, which are highly context specific. At average levels of prevalence for schistosomiasis and malaria for Uganda, adding a sentinel screening was cost-effective when the accuracy of test was higher than current diagnostics and when economies of scope were generated(Expected value clinical Information = 0.65$ per DALY averted, 137.91$ per correct diagnoses).Protocols using diagnostics with current accuracy levels were preferred only for levels of MDA coverage below 75%. CONCLUSION The importance of the epidemiological setting is crucial in determining the best cost-effective strategy for detecting endemic disease. Economies of scope can make sentinel screenings cost-effective strategies in specific contexts. Blanket thresholds recommended for MDA may not always be the preferred option for endemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manca
- School of health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgio Ciminata
- School of health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Grieve
- School of health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Reboud
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Cooper
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emma McIntosh
- School of health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Zacharia A, Makene T, Haule S, Lukumay G, Omary H, Shabani M, Ngasala B. Urogenital schistosomiasis among adult male population in an endemic area of southern Tanzania: a descriptive cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079690. [PMID: 38889945 PMCID: PMC11191765 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by Schistosoma haematobium is endemic in Southern Tanzania. The disease has significant implications for both socioeconomic and public health. Because infections with S. haematobium usually peak in childhood, the majority of studies have concentrated on school-aged children leaving other groups such as males which might be continuous reservoir of infection transmission. However, despite its chronic consequences in the male population, the disease has received insufficient attention, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to describe the previous and current schistosomiasis status among adult males living in high-endemic areas of southern Tanzania DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was employed to gather data on the prevalence of UGS among adult men residing at schistosomiasis endemic in the Mtama District Council. Quantitative methods of data collection which included questionnaire and laboratory procedures were used. RESULTS Out of 245 participants, macrohaematuria and microhaematuria were found in 12 (4.9%, 95% CI 2.4% to 7.8%) and 66 (26.9%, 95% CI 21.6% to 32.7%) participants, respectively. S. haematobium ova were recovered from the urine samples of 54 (22.0%, 95% CI 16.7% to 27.3%) participants. The median intensity of infection was 20 eggs per 10 mL of urine ranging from 1 to 201 eggs per 10 mL of urine (IQR) 60.5). Out of 245 participants 33 (13.5% 95% CI 9.0% to 17.6%) had light intensity of infection and 21 (38.9%, 95% CI; 25.0% to 52.5%) had heavy intensity of infection. Overall, the prevalence of heavy intensity of infection was 8.6% (95% CI 4.9% to 12.6%). The prevalence and intensity of UGS varied significantly by age, marital status and village of residence. CONCLUSION This study sheds light on the prevalence of UGS among adult males in endemic areas of southern Tanzania. The results highlight the urgent need for comprehensive intervention strategies to address the burden of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Zacharia
- Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Twilumba Makene
- Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Stanley Haule
- Pathology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Gift Lukumay
- Community Health Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Huda Omary
- Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Monica Shabani
- Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
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Mengsitu B, Liyew EF, Chernet M, Tasew G, Gomez SR, Maddren R, Collyer B, Anjulo U, Tamiru A, Forbes K, Mehari Z, Deribe K, Yadeta T, Salasibew M, Tollera G, Anderson R. Progress in controlling the transmission of schistosome parasites in Southern Ethiopia: the Geshiyaro Project in the Wolaita Zone. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:113. [PMID: 38448997 PMCID: PMC10919034 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06156-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper describes changes in the prevalence and intensity of schistosome parasite infections in a project integrating mass drug administration (MDA), water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH), and behavioral change interventions. METHODS The Geshiyaro Project comprises three intervention arms. Arm 1 is subdivided into "Arm 1 pilot" (one district) and Arm 1 (four other districts), both receiving integrated community-wide MDA with intensive WaSH interventions. Arm 2 involves 17 districts with community-wide MDA interventions, while Arm 3 serves as a control with school-based MDA interventions in three districts. A total of 150 individuals, stratified by age group, were randomly selected from each of the 45 sentinel sites. Arm sizes were 584 (Arm 1 pilot), 1636 (Arm 1), 2203 (Arm 2), and 2238 (Arm 3). Statistical tests were employed to compare infection prevalence and intensity across the different arms. RESULTS The prevalence of schistosome parasite infection ranged from 0% to 2.6% and from 1.7% to 25.7% across districts, employing the Kato-Katz (KK) and point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) diagnostics, respectively. The mean infection intensity level showed no marked difference between baseline and follow-up surveys when measured by KK, except in Arm 2 (t = 6.89, P < 0.0001). Infection prevalence decreased significantly in Arm 1 (t = 8.62, P < 0.0001), Arm 2 (t = 6.94, P < 0.0001), and Arm 3 (t = 8.83, P < 0.0001), but not in Arm 1 pilot (t = 1.69, P = 0.09) by POC-CCA, when trace was considered positive. The decrease was significant only in Arm 1 (t = 3.28, P = 0.0001) and Arm 2 (t = 7.62, P < 0.0001) when the trace was considered negative in POC-CCA. Arm 2 demonstrated a significant difference in difference (DID) compared to the control group, Arm 3, regardless of whether trace in POC-CCA was considered positive (DID = 3.9%, df = 8780, P = 0.025) or negative (DID = -5.2, df = 8780, P = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of schistosomiasis was low when employing the KK diagnostic but moderate in some locations by the POC-CCA diagnostic. The infection level had decreased across all arms of the Geshiyaro study at mid-term of the 7-year project, but further efforts are needed to reduce the rate of parasite transmission based on the POC-CCA diagnostic scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birhan Mengsitu
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Ewnetu Firdawek Liyew
- Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Disease Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Melkie Chernet
- Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Disease Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Geremew Tasew
- Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Disease Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Santiago Rayment Gomez
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rosie Maddren
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin Collyer
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ufaysa Anjulo
- Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Core Process, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adugna Tamiru
- Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Core Process, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Kathryn Forbes
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Getachew Tollera
- Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Disease Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Roy Anderson
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Chami GF. Community-based deworming for hookworm benefits children treated within schools and is cost-effective due to economies of scale: the CoDe-STH trial. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 41:100949. [PMID: 37965499 PMCID: PMC10641235 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Goylette F. Chami
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Caesar delos Trinos JP, Ng-Nguyen D, Coffeng LE, Dyer CE, Clarke N, Traub R, Halton K, Wiseman V, Watts C, Nery SV. Cost and cost-effectiveness analysis of mass drug administration compared to school-based targeted preventive chemotherapy for hookworm control in Dak Lak province, Vietnam. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 41:100913. [PMID: 37860202 PMCID: PMC10583172 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Background School-based targeted preventive chemotherapy (PC), the main strategy for soil-transmitted helminths (STH) control, excludes other at-risk populations including adults and preschool children. Mass drug administration (MDA), covering all age groups, would bring additional health benefits but also requires greater investment. This cost survey and cost-effectiveness analysis compared MDA with school-based targeted PC for STH control in Dak Lak, Vietnam, where STH are endemic. Methods A cost survey was conducted in 2020 to estimate the total and per person economic and financial cost of each strategy. Monte Carlo simulation accounted for uncertainty in cost estimates. The primary effectiveness measure was hookworm-related disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted, and secondary measures were hookworm infection-years averted and moderate-to-heavy intensity hookworm infection-years averted. A Markov model was used to determine the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of MDA compared to school-based targeted PC using a government payer perspective and a ten-year time horizon. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were performed. Costs are reported in 2020 USD ($). Findings The economic cost per person was $0.27 for MDA and $0.43 for school-based targeted PC. MDA in Dak Lak will cost $472,000 per year, while school-based targeted PC will cost $117,000. Over 10 years, MDA is estimated to avert an additional 121,465 DALYs; 4,019,262 hookworm infection-years, and 765,844 moderate-to-heavy intensity hookworm infection-years compared to school-based targeted PC. The ICER was $28.55 per DALY averted; $0.87 per hookworm infection-years averted, and $4.54 per moderate-to-heavy intensity hookworm infection-years averted. MDA was cost-effective in all PSA iterations. Interpretation In areas where hookworm predominates and adults suffer a significant burden of infection, MDA is cost effective compared to school based targeted PC and is the best strategy to achieve global targets. Funding The project was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia (Project Grant APP1139561) and JPCDT was supported by a UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Paul Caesar delos Trinos
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Dinh Ng-Nguyen
- Tay Nguyen University, Thành phố, Buôn Ma Thuột, Đă´k Lă´k 630000, Vietnam
| | - Luc E. Coffeng
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Naomi Clarke
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Rebecca Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Halton
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Department of Global Health & Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Watts
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a Joint Venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
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Prasanphanich NS, Leon K, Secor WE, Shoemaker CB, Heimburg-Molinaro J, Cummings RD. Anti-schistosomal immunity to core xylose/fucose in N-glycans. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1142620. [PMID: 37081851 PMCID: PMC10110957 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1142620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a globally prevalent, debilitating disease that is poorly controlled by chemotherapy and for which no vaccine exists. While partial resistance in people may develop over time with repeated infections and treatments, some animals, including the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), are only semi-permissive and have natural protection. To understand the basis of this protection, we explored the nature of the immune response in the brown rat to infection by Schistosoma mansoni. Infection leads to production of IgG to Infection leads to production of IgG to parasite glycoproteins parasite glycoproteins with complex-type N-glycans that contain a non-mammalian-type modification by core α2-Xylose and core α3-Fucose (core Xyl/Fuc). These epitopes are expressed on the surfaces of schistosomula and adult worms. Importantly, IgG to these epitopes can kill schistosomula by a complement-dependent process in vitro. Additionally, sera from both infected rhesus monkey and infected brown rat were capable of killing schistosomula in a manner inhibited by glycopeptides containing core Xyl/Fuc. These results demonstrate that protective antibodies to schistosome infections in brown rats and rhesus monkeys include IgG responses to the core Xyl/Fuc epitopes in surface-expressed N-glycans, and raise the potential of novel glyco-based vaccines that might be developed to combat this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristoffer Leon
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - W. Evan Secor
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Charles B. Shoemaker
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Jamie Heimburg-Molinaro
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- National Center for Functional Glycomics, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Richard D. Cummings
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- National Center for Functional Glycomics, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Richard D. Cummings,
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Gandasegui J, Onwuchekwa C, Krolewiecki AJ, Doyle SR, Pullan RL, Enbiale W, Kepha S, Hatherell HA, van Lieshout L, Cambra-Pellejà M, Escola V, Muñoz J. Ivermectin and albendazole coadministration: opportunities for strongyloidiasis control. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:e341-e347. [PMID: 35850127 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00369-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, WHO recognised the importance of strongyloidiasis alongside soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in their 2021-30 roadmap, which aspires to target Strongyloides stercoralis with preventive chemotherapy by use of ivermectin. Combination treatment with both albendazole, the primary drug used to treat STH, and ivermectin, would improve the efficiency of mass drug administration targeting both STH and S stercoralis. In this Personal View, we discuss the challenges and opportunities towards the development of an efficient control programme for strongyloidiasis, particularly if it is to run concurrently with STH control. We argue the need to define the prevalence threshold to implement preventive chemotherapy for S stercoralis, the target populations and optimal dosing schedules, and discuss the added benefits of a fixed-dose coformulation of ivermectin and albendazole. Implementation of an efficient control programme will require improvements to current diagnostics, and validation of new diagnostics, to target and monitor S stercoralis infections, and consideration of the challenges of multispecies diagnostics for S stercoralis and STH control. Finally, the evolution of ivermectin resistance represents a credible risk to control S stercoralis; we argue that genome-wide approaches, together with improved genome resources, are needed to characterise and prevent the emergence of resistance. Overcoming these challenges will help to reduce strongyloidiasis burden and enhance the feasibility of controlling it worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gandasegui
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Chukwuemeka Onwuchekwa
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro J Krolewiecki
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Orán, Argentina
| | | | - Rachel L Pullan
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Wendemagegn Enbiale
- Bahir Dar University, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stella Kepha
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control, Nairobi, Kenya; Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hollie Ann Hatherell
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - María Cambra-Pellejà
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Universidad de León, Grulleros, Spain; Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, León, Spain
| | | | - José Muñoz
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Lo NC, Bezerra FSM, Colley DG, Fleming FM, Homeida M, Kabatereine N, Kabole FM, King CH, Mafe MA, Midzi N, Mutapi F, Mwanga JR, Ramzy RMR, Satrija F, Stothard JR, Traoré MS, Webster JP, Utzinger J, Zhou XN, Danso-Appiah A, Eusebi P, Loker ES, Obonyo CO, Quansah R, Liang S, Vaillant M, Murad MH, Hagan P, Garba A. Review of 2022 WHO guidelines on the control and elimination of schistosomiasis. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:e327-e335. [PMID: 35594896 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00221-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a helminthiasis infecting approximately 250 million people worldwide. In 2001, the World Health Assembly (WHA) 54.19 resolution defined a new global strategy for control of schistosomiasis through preventive chemotherapy programmes. This resolution culminated in the 2006 WHO guidelines that recommended empirical treatment by mass drug administration with praziquantel, predominately to school-aged children in endemic settings at regular intervals. Since then, school-based and community-based preventive chemotherapy programmes have been scaled-up, reducing schistosomiasis-associated morbidity. Over the past 15 years, new scientific evidence-combined with a more ambitious goal of eliminating schistosomiasis and an increase in the global donated supply of praziquantel-has highlighted the need to update public health guidance worldwide. In February, 2022, WHO published new guidelines with six recommendations to update the global public health strategy against schistosomiasis, including expansion of preventive chemotherapy eligibility from the predominant group of school-aged children to all age groups (2 years and older), lowering the prevalence threshold for annual preventive chemotherapy, and increasing the frequency of treatment. This Review, written by the 2018-2022 Schistosomiasis Guidelines Development Group and its international partners, presents a summary of the new WHO guideline recommendations for schistosomiasis along with their historical context, supporting evidence, implications for public health implementation, and future research needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C Lo
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | | | - Daniel G Colley
- Department of Microbiology, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Mamoun Homeida
- Academy of Medical Sciences and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Narcis Kabatereine
- Accelerating Resilient, Innovative, and Sustainable Elimination of NTDs, Vector Control Division, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Charles H King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Nicholas Midzi
- National Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Francisca Mutapi
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa Partnership, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joseph R Mwanga
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Reda M R Ramzy
- National Nutrition Institute, General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Fadjar Satrija
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - J Russell Stothard
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Joanne P Webster
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Science, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China; School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Paolo Eusebi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Eric S Loker
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Charles O Obonyo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Song Liang
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michel Vaillant
- Competence Centre for Methodology and Statistics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - M Hassan Murad
- Evidence-based Practice Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Paul Hagan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Amadou Garba
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
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11
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Uzoegbo SC, Jackson LJ, Bloch SCM. A systematic review and quality appraisal of the economic evaluations of schistosomiasis interventions. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010822. [PMID: 36223400 PMCID: PMC9591071 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that affects over 230 million people in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and can lead to long-term debilitating health effects. It is associated with impoverishment and has been prioritised by the World Health Organization for prevention, control and elimination. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate existing economic evaluations of interventions to tackle schistosomiasis. METHODOLOGY A comprehensive search strategy of four databases and additional hand-searching was employed on the 17th July 2020. The articles were screened and sorted using a two-stage classification system. Full economic evaluations published in English between 1st January 1998 and 17th July 2020 were included, and methodological quality was appraised using the international decision support initiative (iDSI), Phillips and Evers checklists. RESULTS Eighteen economic evaluations were identified, nine trial-based and nine model-based, with the majority focused on preventative chemotherapy. Schistosomiasis interventions were collectively found to be cost-effective, but the quantity and quality of studies were limited. The outcome measures and time-horizons utilised varied substantially making comparison difficult. The majority of papers failed to address equity and affordability. CONCLUSION Several methodological issues were highlighted which might have implications for optimal decision-making. Future research is needed to ensure the standardisation of methods, in order to ensure that scarce healthcare resources are focused on the most cost-effective programmes to tackle schistosomiasis and other NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon C. Uzoegbo
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Louise J. Jackson
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Sonja C. M. Bloch
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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12
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Safety of integrated preventive chemotherapy for neglected tropical diseases. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010700. [PMID: 36173948 PMCID: PMC9521808 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Preventive chemotherapy (PC) is a central strategy for control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Increased emphasis has been given to “integration” of NTD programs within health systems and coadministration of NTD drugs offers significant programmatic benefits. Guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) reflects current evidence for safe drug coadministration and highlights measures to prevent choking of young children during PC.
Methodology
To understand how coadministration of NTD drugs might affect PC safety, we reviewed literature on choking risk in young children and safety of coadministered NTD drugs. To understand current practices of drug coadministration, we surveyed 15 NTD program managers and implementing partners.
Principal findings
In high-income countries, choking on medication is an infrequent cause of death in young children. In low-resource settings, data are limited, but age-appropriate drug formulations are less available. During PC, fatal choking, although infrequent, occurs primarily in young children; forcing them to swallow tablets appears to be the major risk factor. The WHO currently recommends 6 drugs and 5 possible drug combinations for use in PC. Of 105 nations endemic for the 5 PC-NTDs, 72 (68.6%) are co-endemic for 2 or more diseases and could benefit from drug coadministration during PC. All 15 survey respondents reported coadministering medications during PC. Reported responses to a child refusing to take medicine included: not forcing the child to do so (60.0%), encouraging the child (46.7%), bringing the child back later (26.7%), offering powder for oral suspension (POS) for azithromycin (13.3%), and having parents or community members intervene to calm the child (6.7%).
Conclusions
Coadministration of NTD drugs during PC appears to be increasingly common. Safety of coadministered PC drugs requires attention to choking prevention, use of approved drug combinations, and increased access to age-appropriate drug formulations.
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13
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Avokpaho E, Lawrence S, Roll A, Titus A, Jacob Y, Puthupalayam Kaliappan S, Gwayi-Chore MC, Chabi F, Togbevi CI, Elijan AB, Nindi P, Walson JL, Ajjampur SSR, Ibikounle M, Kalua K, Aruldas K, Means AR. It depends on how you tell: a qualitative diagnostic analysis of the implementation climate for community-wide mass drug administration for soil-transmitted helminth. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061682. [PMID: 35701056 PMCID: PMC9198697 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Current soil-transmitted helminth (STH) morbidity control guidelines primarily target deworming of preschool and school-age children. Emerging evidence suggests that community-wide mass drug administration (cMDA) may interrupt STH transmission. However, the success of such programmes depends on achieving high treatment coverage and uptake. This formative analysis was conducted to evaluate the implementation climate for cMDA and to determine barriers and facilitators to launch. SETTINGS Prior to the launch of a cMDA trial in Benin, India and Malawi. PARTICIPANTS Community members (adult women and men, children, and local leaders), community drug distributors (CDDs) and health facility workers. DESIGN We conducted 48 focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members, 13 FGDs with CDDs and 5 FGDs with health facility workers in twelve randomly selected clusters across the three study countries. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to guide the design of the interview guide and thematic analysis. RESULTS Across all three sites, aspects of the implementation climate that were facilitators to cMDA launch included: high community member demand for cMDA, integration of cMDA into existing vaccination campaigns and/or health services, and engagement with familiar health workers. Barriers to launching cMDA included mistrust towards medical interventions, fear of side effects and limited perceived need for interrupting STH transmission. We include specific recommendations from community members regarding cMDA distribution sites, personnel requirements, delivery timing and incentives, leaders to engage and methods for mobilising participants. CONCLUSIONS Prior to launching the cMDA programme as an alternative to school-based MDA, cMDA was found to be generally acceptable across diverse geographical and demographic settings. Community members, CDDs and health workers felt that engaging communities and tailoring programmes to the local context are critical for success. Potential barriers may be mitigated by identifying local concerns and addressing them via targeted community sensitisation prior to implementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03014167; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Lawrence
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Amy Roll
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The DeWorm3 Project, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Angelin Titus
- The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College Vellore, Vellore, India
| | - Yesudoss Jacob
- The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College Vellore, Vellore, India
| | | | - Marie Claire Gwayi-Chore
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The DeWorm3 Project, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Félicien Chabi
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | | | | | | | - Judd L Walson
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The DeWorm3 Project, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sitara Swarna Rao Ajjampur
- The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College Vellore, Vellore, India
| | - Moudachirou Ibikounle
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
- Centre de Recherche pour la lutte contre les Maladies Infectieuses Tropicales (CReMIT/TIDRC), Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Littoral, Benin
| | - Khumbo Kalua
- Blantyre Institute for Community Outreach, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kumudha Aruldas
- The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College Vellore, Vellore, India
| | - Arianna Rubin Means
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The DeWorm3 Project, Seattle, Washington, USA
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14
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Colella V, Khieu V, Worsley A, Senevirathna D, Muth S, Huy R, Odermatt P, Traub RJ. Risk profiling and efficacy of albendazole against the hookworms Necator americanus and Ancylostoma ceylanicum in Cambodia to support control programs in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2021; 16:100258. [PMID: 34590062 PMCID: PMC8403762 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Hookworm disease is endemic throughout many parts of the Asia Pacific, despite targeted control programs of at-risk populations. The success of these programs has been hindered by the limited efficacy of widely-used mebendazole, rapid re-infection rates linked to persistent reservoirs of untreated people and dogs, and the low sensitivity of conventional coprodiagnostic techniques employed. Methods: Here, we used standard faecal flotation (SFF) and a multiplex qPCR (mqPCR) assay to calculate and compare species-specific cure and egg reduction rates of single dose albendazole (400 mg) against hookworm infections at community level. Data from a cross-sectional survey in 1,232 people from Cambodia were used to inform a generalised linear mixed model to identify risk factors linked to hookworm infection(s) at baseline. Furthermore, we calculated risk factors associated to the probability of being cured after albendazole administration. Findings: Overall, 13·5% of all 1,232 people tested by SFF were positive for hookworm infection(s). Most (80·1%) infected people were >12 years of age, hence above the age targeted by the WHO control program. We estimate that as age increases, the odds of being infected increases at a faster rate for females than for males. We revealed a substantial difference in cure rate of hookworm infection(s) following albendazole treatment using the SFF (81·5%) and mqPCR (46·4%) assays, and provide the first data on the efficacy of this drug against the zoonotic hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum. We estimated that as age increases by one year, the odds of being cured decreases by 0·4%-3·7%. Similarly, the odds of being cured for people who boiled drinking water was estimated to be between 1·02 and 6·82. Interpretation: These findings show that the adoption of refined diagnostic techniques is central to monitoring hookworm infection(s) and the success of control strategies, which can ultimately aid in reducing associated morbidity in human populations. The approach taken is likely to be directly applicable to other parts of Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, where specific epidemiological conditions might hamper the success of targeted treatment programs. Funding: Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences Strategic Research Funds, The University of Melbourne.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Virak Khieu
- National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Dammika Senevirathna
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sinuon Muth
- National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Rekol Huy
- National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Peter Odermatt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca J. Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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15
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Turner HC, Stolk WA, Solomon AW, King JD, Montresor A, Molyneux DH, Toor J. Are current preventive chemotherapy strategies for controlling and eliminating neglected tropical diseases cost-effective? BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-005456. [PMID: 34385158 PMCID: PMC8362715 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in many low-income and middle-income countries. Several NTDs, namely lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) and trachoma, are predominantly controlled by preventive chemotherapy (or mass drug administration), following recommendations set by the WHO. Over one billion people are now treated for NTDs with this strategy per year. However, further investment and increased domestic healthcare spending are urgently needed to continue these programmes. Consequently, it is vital that the cost-effectiveness of preventive chemotherapy is understood. We analyse the current estimates on the cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) of the preventive chemotherapy strategies predominantly used for these diseases and identify key evidence gaps that require further research. Overall, the reported estimates show that preventive chemotherapy is generally cost-effective, supporting WHO recommendations. More specifically, the cost per DALY averted estimates relating to community-wide preventive chemotherapy for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis were particularly favourable when compared with other public health interventions. Cost per DALY averted estimates of school-based preventive chemotherapy for schistosomiasis and STH were also generally favourable but more variable. Notably, the broader socioeconomic benefits are likely not being fully captured by the DALYs averted metric. No estimates of cost per DALY averted relating to community-wide mass antibiotic treatment for trachoma were found, highlighting the need for further research. These findings are important for informing global health policy and support the need for continuing NTD control and elimination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo C Turner
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK .,Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Africa Asia Programme, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wilma A Stolk
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anthony W Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan D King
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Montresor
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David H Molyneux
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jaspreet Toor
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK,Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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16
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Galactionova K, Sahu M, Gideon SP, Puthupalayam Kaliappan S, Morozoff C, Ajjampur SSR, Walson J, Rubin Means A, Tediosi F. Costing interventions in the field: preliminary cost estimates and lessons learned from an evaluation of community-wide mass drug administration for elimination of soil-transmitted helminths in the DeWorm3 trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049734. [PMID: 34226233 PMCID: PMC8258667 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present a costing study integrated within the DeWorm3 multi-country field trial of community-wide mass drug administration (cMDA) for elimination of soil-transmitted helminths. DESIGN Tailored data collection instruments covering resource use, expenditure and operational details were developed for each site. These were populated alongside field activities by on-site staff. Data quality control and validation processes were established. Programmed routines were used to clean, standardise and analyse data to derive costs of cMDA and supportive activities. SETTING Field site and collaborating research institutions. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES A strategy for costing interventions in parallel with field activities was discussed. Interim estimates of cMDA costs obtained with the strategy were presented for one of the trial sites. RESULTS The study demonstrated that it was both feasible and advantageous to collect data alongside field activities. Practical decisions on implementing the strategy and the trade-offs involved varied by site; trialists and local partners were key to tailoring data collection to the technical and operational realities in the field. The strategy capitalised on the established processes for routine financial reporting at sites, benefitted from high recall and gathered operational insight that facilitated interpretation of the estimates derived. The methodology produced granular costs that aligned with the literature and allowed exploration of relevant scenarios. In the first year of the trial, net of drugs, the incremental financial cost of extending deworming of school-aged children to the whole community in India site averaged US$1.14 (USD, 2018) per person per round. A hypothesised at-scale routine implementation scenario yielded a much lower estimate of US$0.11 per person treated per round. CONCLUSIONS We showed that costing interventions alongside field activities offers unique opportunities for collecting rich data to inform policy toward optimising health interventions and for facilitating transfer of economic evidence from the field to the programme. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03014167; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya Galactionova
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maitreyi Sahu
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Paul Gideon
- Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Chloe Morozoff
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sitara Swarna Rao Ajjampur
- Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Judd Walson
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Arianna Rubin Means
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Fabrizio Tediosi
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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17
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Ayabina D, Kura K, Toor J, Graham M, Anderson RM, Hollingsworth TD. Maintaining Low Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni: Modeling the Effect of Less Frequent Treatment. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:S140-S145. [PMID: 33909064 PMCID: PMC8201569 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization previously set goals of controlling morbidity due to schistosomiasis by 2020 and attaining elimination as a public health problem (EPHP) by 2025 (now adjusted to 2030 in the new neglected tropical diseases roadmap). As these milestones are reached, it is important that programs reassess their treatment strategies to either maintain these goals or progress from morbidity control to EPHP and ultimately to interruption of transmission. In this study, we consider different mass drug administration (MDA) strategies to maintain the goals. METHODS We used 2 independently developed, individual-based stochastic models of schistosomiasis transmission to assess the optimal treatment strategy of a multiyear program to maintain the morbidity control and the EPHP goals. RESULTS We found that, in moderate-prevalence settings, once the morbidity control and EPHP goals are reached it may be possible to maintain the goals using less frequent MDAs than those that are required to achieve the goals. On the other hand, in some high-transmission settings, if control efforts are reduced after achieving the goals, particularly the morbidity control goal, there is a high chance of recrudescence. CONCLUSIONS To reduce the risk of recrudescence after the goals are achieved, programs have to re-evaluate their strategies and decide to either maintain these goals with reduced efforts where feasible or continue with at least the same efforts required to reach the goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diepreye Ayabina
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Klodeta Kura
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, London,United Kingdom
| | - Jaspreet Toor
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, London,United Kingdom.,Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics (J-IDEA), School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Graham
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roy M Anderson
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, London,United Kingdom.,The DeWorm3 Project, The Natural History Museum of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - T Deirdre Hollingsworth
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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18
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Wu LL, Hu HH, Zhang X, Zhou XN, Jia TW, Wang C, Hong Z, Xu J. Cost-effectiveness analysis of the integrated control strategy for schistosomiasis japonica in a lake region of China: a case study. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:79. [PMID: 34049589 PMCID: PMC8161988 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00863-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis japonica remains an important public health concern due to its potential to cause severe outcomes and long-term sequelae. An integrated control strategy implemented in the Peoples' Republic of China has been shown to be effective to control or interrupt the transmission of schistosomiasis. The objective of this study is to estimate the disease burden of schistosomiasis and assess the cost-effectiveness of the integrated control strategy focused on different major interventions at three stages for schistosomiasis control in a lake setting, to provide reference for policy making or planning. METHODS Annual cost data of schistosomiasis control during 2009-2019 were obtained from the control program implementers in Jiangling County, Hubei Province, China. Economic costs are provided in constant 2009 Chinese Yuan (CNY). Epidemiological data of schistosomiasis were collected from the Jiangling county station for schistosomiasis control. Disease burden of schistosomiasis was assessed by calculating years of life lost (YLLs) owing to premature death, years lived with disability (YLDs) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). DALYs were calculated as the sum of YLLs and YLDs. We then conducted a rudimentary cost-effectiveness analysis by determining the ratio by dividing the difference between the average cost of integrated control strategy at transmission control (2013-2016) or transmission interruption (2017-2019) and the average cost at stage of infection control (2009-2012) with the difference between the DALYs of schistosomiasis at different control stages. Descriptive statistics on the costs and DALYs were used in the analysis. RESULTS The total economic costs for schistosomiasis control in Jiangling County from 2009 to 2019 were approximately CNY 606.88 million. The average annual economic costs for schistosomiasis prevention and control at stages of infection control (2009-2012), transmission control (2013-2016), and transmission interruption (2017-2019) were approximately CNY 41.98 million, CNY 90.19 million and CNY 26.06 million respectively. The overall disease burden caused by schistosomiasis presented a downward trend. Meanwhile, the disease burden of advanced cases showed an upward trend with the DALY increased from 943.72 to 1031.59 person-years. Most disease burden occurred in the age group over 45 years old (especially the elderly over 60 years old). Taking the infection control stage as the control, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of integrated control strategy was CNY 8505.5 per case averted, CNY 60 131.6 per DALY decreased at transmission control stage and CNY -2217.6 per case averted, CNY -18 116.0 per DALY decreased at transmission interruption stage. CONCLUSIONS The disease burden of schistosomiasis decreased significantly with the implementation of the integrated prevention and control strategy. Surveillance and management on elder population should be strengthened to decrease diseases burden. There remains a need for well-conducted studies that examine the long-term cost-effectiveness of the integrated control strategy for schistosomiasis. GRAPHIC ABSTARCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ling Wu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - He-Hua Hu
- Jiangling Station of Schistosomiasis Control, Hubei Province, Jiangling, 434100, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Jiangling Station of Schistosomiasis Control, Hubei Province, Jiangling, 434100, China
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Tie-Wu Jia
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Can Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhong Hong
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jing Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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19
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Phillips AE, Tohon Z, Dhanani NA, Sofo B, Gnandou I, Sidikou B, Noma AG, Madougou B, Alto O, Sebangou H, Halilou KM, Andia R, Garba A, Fenwick A, Hamidou AA. Evaluating the impact of biannual school-based and community-wide treatment on urogenital schistosomiasis in Niger. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:557. [PMID: 33203477 PMCID: PMC7672903 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04411-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation (SCORE) coordinated a five-year study implemented in several countries, including Niger, to provide an evidence-base for programmatic decisions regarding cost-effective approaches to preventive chemotherapy for schistosomiasis control. Methods This was a cluster-randomised trial investigating six possible combinations of annual or biannual community-wide treatment (CWT), school-based treatment (SBT), and holidays from mass treatment over four years. The most intense arm involved two years of annual CWT followed by 2 years of biannual CWT, while the least intensive arm involved one year of annual SBT followed by a year without treatment and two more years of annual SBT. The primary outcome of interest was prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium among 100 children aged 9–12 years sampled each year. In addition, 100 children aged 5–8 years in their first year of school and 50 adults (aged 20–55 years) were tested in the first and final fifth year of the study. Results In total, data were collected from 167,500 individuals across 225 villages in nine districts within the Niger River valley, Western Niger. Overall, the prevalence of S. haematobium decreased from baseline to Year 5 across all study arms. The relative reduction of prevalence was greater in biannual compared with annual treatment across all arms; however, the only significant difference was seen in areas with a high starting prevalence. Although adults were not targeted for treatment in SBT arms, a statistically significant decrease in prevalence among adults was seen in moderate prevalence areas receiving biannual (10.7% to 4.8%) SBT (P < 0.001). Adults tested in the annual SBT group also showed a decrease in prevalence between Year 1 and Year 5 (12.2% to 11.0%), but this difference was not significant. Conclusions These findings are an important consideration for schistosomiasis control programmes that are considering elimination and support the idea that scaling up the frequency of treatment rounds, particularly in areas of low prevalence, will not eliminate schistosomiasis. Interestingly, the finding that prevalence decreased among adults in SBT arms suggests that transmission in the community can be reduced, even where only school children are being treated, which could have logistical and cost-saving implications for the national control programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Phillips
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Zilahatou Tohon
- Aménagement et Lutte (RISEAL NIGER), Réseau International Schistosomiases Environnement, Avenue de l'indépendance, BP. 13724, Niamey, Niger
| | - Neerav A Dhanani
- Schistosomiasis control Initiative (SCI), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Boubacar Sofo
- Aménagement et Lutte (RISEAL NIGER), Réseau International Schistosomiases Environnement, Avenue de l'indépendance, BP. 13724, Niamey, Niger
| | | | - Boubacar Sidikou
- Hôpital National de Niamey rond-point Hôpital, BP 238, Niamey, Niger
| | - Adamou Garba Noma
- Aménagement et Lutte (RISEAL NIGER), Réseau International Schistosomiases Environnement, Avenue de l'indépendance, BP. 13724, Niamey, Niger
| | - Bassirou Madougou
- Aménagement et Lutte (RISEAL NIGER), Réseau International Schistosomiases Environnement, Avenue de l'indépendance, BP. 13724, Niamey, Niger
| | - Oumarou Alto
- Aménagement et Lutte (RISEAL NIGER), Réseau International Schistosomiases Environnement, Avenue de l'indépendance, BP. 13724, Niamey, Niger
| | - Hannatou Sebangou
- Aménagement et Lutte (RISEAL NIGER), Réseau International Schistosomiases Environnement, Avenue de l'indépendance, BP. 13724, Niamey, Niger
| | - Kader M Halilou
- Aménagement et Lutte (RISEAL NIGER), Réseau International Schistosomiases Environnement, Avenue de l'indépendance, BP. 13724, Niamey, Niger
| | - Roumanatou Andia
- Aménagement et Lutte (RISEAL NIGER), Réseau International Schistosomiases Environnement, Avenue de l'indépendance, BP. 13724, Niamey, Niger
| | - Amadou Garba
- Aménagement et Lutte (RISEAL NIGER), Réseau International Schistosomiases Environnement, Avenue de l'indépendance, BP. 13724, Niamey, Niger
| | - Alan Fenwick
- Schistosomiasis control Initiative (SCI), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Amina A Hamidou
- Aménagement et Lutte (RISEAL NIGER), Réseau International Schistosomiases Environnement, Avenue de l'indépendance, BP. 13724, Niamey, Niger
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20
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King CH, Yoon N, Wang X, Lo NC, Alsallaq R, Ndeffo-Mbah M, Li E, Gurarie D. Application of Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation Study Findings to Refine Predictive Modeling of Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium Control in Sub-Saharan Africa. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:97-104. [PMID: 32400357 PMCID: PMC7351296 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
An essential mission of the Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation (SCORE) was to help inform global health practices related to the control and elimination of schistosomiasis. To provide more accurate, evidence-based projections of the most likely impact of different control interventions, whether implemented alone or in combination, SCORE supported mathematical modeling teams to provide simulations of community-level Schistosoma infection outcomes in the setting of real or hypothetical programs implementing multiyear mass drug administration (MDA) for parasite control. These models were calibrated using SCORE experience with Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium gaining and sustaining control studies, and with data from comparable programs that used community-based or school-based praziquantel MDA in other parts of sub-Saharan Africa. From 2010 to 2019, models were developed and refined, first to project the likely SCORE control outcomes, and later to more accurately reflect impact of MDA across different transmission settings, including the role of snail ecology and the impact of seasonal rainfall on snail abundance. Starting in 2014, SCORE modeling projections were also compared with the models of colleagues in the Neglected Tropical Diseases Modelling Consortium. To explore further possible improvement to program-based control, later simulations examined the cost-effectiveness of combining MDA with environmental snail control, and the utility of early impact assessment to more quickly identify persistent hot spots of transmission. This article provides a nontechnical summary of the 11 SCORE-related modeling projects and provides links to the original open-access articles describing model development and projections relevant to schistosomiasis control policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles H King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.,Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Nara Yoon
- Department of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- Department of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Nathan C Lo
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Ramzi Alsallaq
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Emily Li
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - David Gurarie
- Department of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.,Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
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21
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Inocencio da Luz R, Linsuke S, Roucher C, Mpanya A, Nyandele J, Mubwa Mungwele N, Mboma BN, Polman K, Hasker E, Boelaert M. Community-based survey on helminth infections in Kwilu province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and implications for local control strategies. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008745. [PMID: 33112859 PMCID: PMC7592847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To adequately plan mass drug administration campaigns, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) needs further support for the mapping and monitoring of schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminths (STH). We conducted a community-based survey in the health districts of Mosango and Yasa Bonga of the Kwilu province, DRC. A stratified two-stage cluster random sampling method was used to include participants into three different strata: Preschool-aged children (PSAC), school-aged children (SAC), and adults who were further subdivided into women of reproductive age (WRA) and other adults. In total, surveyors visited 30 villages, and 1 206 individuals participated in the study. Stool samples were collected to perform duplicate Kato-Katz smears for the detection of SCH and STH infection. Hookworm was the most prevalent infection in both districts, 34.1% (95%CI: 32.0–38.4), followed by A. lumbricoides (2.7%; 95%CI: 1.3–2.9) and T. trichiura (1.9%; 95%CI: 1.1–2.7). We did not find any SCH infection. The prevalence of each STH infection was similar across all risk groups, and the majority of the infected individuals was carrying light intensity infection. Compared to SAC, other adults were equally infected with hookworm. The prevalence of STH infection in SAC guides the MDA implementation because schoolchildren are most at risk and easily accessible program targets if school attendance is high. The current treatment strategy targets PSAC, SAC and WRA. However, this study shows that adults in general could also benefit from deworming. Therefore, community-wide preventive chemotherapy would be the most appropriate choice to control the hookworm burden rapidly. Helminths are a group of intestinal worms that cause abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and anemia due to blood loss in the stool. Regular mass drug administration (MDA) is one strategy to fight these worm infections. The appropriate MDA treatment scheme is chosen based on a population survey estimating the burden of infection. This survey is usually done in schoolchildren because they suffer the most from these infections and they are easy to reach through school infrastructures. However, one particular worm, the hookworm, is also highly present and clinically relevant in adults. We conducted a community-based survey in two districts of the Kwilu Province of the DRC. We found that hookworm was the predominant infection in the area and that adults were as often infected as the schoolchildren. Therefore, to effectively reduce hookworm infection, we advise extending treatment schemes to the entire community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylvie Linsuke
- Epidemiology Unit, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Clémentine Roucher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alain Mpanya
- Ministry of Health, PNLTHA, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jane Nyandele
- Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Katja Polman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Epco Hasker
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marleen Boelaert
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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22
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Salari P, Fürst T, Knopp S, Rollinson D, Kabole F, Khamis MI, Omar MA, Bacon O, Ali SM, Utzinger J, Tediosi F. Financial Costs of the Zanzibar Elimination of Schistosomiasis Transmission Project. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:2260-2267. [PMID: 32996446 PMCID: PMC7695112 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We estimated the financial costs of different interventions against urogenital schistosomiasis, implemented by the Zanzibar Elimination of Schistosomiasis Transmission (ZEST) project, on Pemba and Unguja islands, Tanzania. We used available data on project activities, resources used, and costs reported in the accounting information systems of ZEST partners. The costs were estimated for all the activities related to snail control, behavior change interventions, the impact assessment surveys, and management of the whole program. Costs are presented in US$ for the full duration of the ZEST project from 2011/2012 to 2017. The total financial costs of implementing snail control activities over 5 years, excluding the costs for donated Bayluscide, were US$55,796 on Pemba and US$73,581 on Unguja, mainly driven by personnel costs. The total financial costs of implementing behavior change activities were US$109,165 on Pemba and US$155,828 on Unguja, with costs for personnel accounting for 47% on Pemba and 69% on Unguja. Costs of implementing biannual mass drug administration refer to the estimated 2.4 million treatments provided on Pemba over 4 years (2013–2016), and do not include the costs of donated praziquantel. The total cost per provided treatment was, on average, US$0.21. This study showed the value of exploiting administrative data to estimate costs of major global health interventions. It also provides an evidence base for financial costs and main cost drivers of implementing multiple combinations of intervention sets that inform decisions regarding the feasibility and affordability of implementing schistosomiasis control and elimination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Salari
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Fürst
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Knopp
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Fatma Kabole
- Neglected Diseases Program, Zanzibar Ministry of Health, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Mohammed I Khamis
- Neglected Diseases Program, Zanzibar Ministry of Health, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Mussa A Omar
- Public Health Laboratory-Ivo de Carneri, Chake Chake, Tanzania
| | | | - Said M Ali
- Public Health Laboratory-Ivo de Carneri, Chake Chake, Tanzania
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabrizio Tediosi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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23
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A scoping review of literature describing the nutritional status and diets of adolescents in Côte d'Ivoire. Public Health Nutr 2020; 24:5261-5276. [PMID: 32883396 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020002621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adolescents living in resource-limited settings remain a neglected population regarding their nutritional health. We reviewed what studies on nutrition have been conducted for adolescents living in Côte d'Ivoire. DESIGN A scoping literature review, searching for any quantitative studies published from 1 January 2000 to 1 May 2019, referenced in PubMed and grey literature, related to adolescent nutritional status and diet, written in English or French. SETTING Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. SUBJECTS Adolescent girls and boys (aged 10-19 years). RESULTS We used three search strategies to explore studies related to (1) diet and nutritional practices, (2) anthropometry and (3) micronutrient intakes/status. Each identified 285, 108 and 84 titles and abstracts, respectively, resulting in 384 full-text articles to review. Finally, after adding five relevant studies from the grey literature, thirty articles were included. Two-thirds were cross-sectional observation studies. The main topics were anaemia and parasitic diseases. Among seven intervention studies, most focused on micronutrient supplementation or deworming. No studies on macronutrients or food supplementation were found. Overall, studies showed a high prevalence of undernutrition, along with emerging overweight and obesity. Anaemia and Fe deficiency were highly prevalent, with Fe supplementation showing modest improvements. Malaria and gut parasite infections remain a major burden, affecting adolescents' nutritional status. CONCLUSIONS Few specific relevant studies have been published regarding adolescent nutrition in Côte d'Ivoire, and most studies being focused on younger children. There are knowledge gaps about many nutritional aspects in this population, which urgently need to be addressed.
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24
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Castonguay FM, Sokolow SH, De Leo GA, Sanchirico JN. Cost-effectiveness of combining drug and environmental treatments for environmentally transmitted diseases. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20200966. [PMID: 32842925 PMCID: PMC7482273 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.0966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) via mass drug administration (MDA) has increased considerably over the past decade, but strategies focused exclusively on human treatment show limited efficacy. This paper investigated trade-offs between drug and environmental treatments in the fight against NTDs by using schistosomiasis as a case study. We use optimal control techniques where the planner's objective is to treat the disease over a time horizon at the lowest possible total cost, where the total costs include treatment, transportation and damages (reduction in human health). We show that combining environmental treatments and drug treatments reduces the dependency on MDAs and that this reduction increases when the planners take a longer-run perspective on the fight to reduce NTDs. Our results suggest that NTDs with environmental reservoirs require moving away from a reliance solely on MDA to integrated treatment involving investment in both drug and environmental controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- François M. Castonguay
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Susanne H. Sokolow
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
- Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Giulio A. De Leo
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
- Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - James N. Sanchirico
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Resources for the Future, Washington, DC 20036, USA
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25
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Turner HC, French MD, Montresor A, King CH, Rollinson D, Toor J. Economic evaluations of human schistosomiasis interventions: a systematic review and identification of associated research needs. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:45. [PMID: 32587899 PMCID: PMC7308887 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15754.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with an estimated 229 million people requiring preventive treatment worldwide. Recommendations for preventive chemotherapy strategies have been made by the World Health Organization (WHO) whereby the frequency of treatment is determined by the settings prevalence. Despite recent progress, many countries still need to scale up treatment and important questions remain regarding optimal control strategies. This paper presents a systematic review of the economic evaluations of human schistosomiasis interventions. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted on 22nd August 2019 using the PubMed (MEDLINE) and ISI Web of Science electronic databases. The focus was economic evaluations of schistosomiasis interventions, such as cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses. No date or language stipulations were applied to the searches. Results: We identified 53 relevant health economic analyses of schistosomiasis interventions. Most studies related to Schistosoma japonicum followed by S. haematobium. Several studies also included other NTDs. In Africa, most studies evaluated preventive chemotherapy, whereas in China they mostly evaluated programmes using a combination of interventions (such as chemotherapy, snail control and health education). There was wide variation in the methodology and epidemiological settings investigated. A range of effectiveness metrics were used by the different studies. Conclusions: Due to the variation across the identified studies, it was not possible to make definitive policy recommendations. Although, in general, the current WHO recommended preventive chemotherapy approach to control schistosomiasis was found to be cost-effective. This finding has important implications for policymakers, advocacy groups and potential funders. However, there are several important inconsistencies and research gaps (such as how the health benefits of interventions are quantified) that need to be addressed to identify the resources required to achieve schistosomiasis control and elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo C. Turner
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Africa Asia Programme, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Antonio Montresor
- Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Charles H. King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - David Rollinson
- Global Schistosomiasis Alliance, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Jaspreet Toor
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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26
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Hoover CM, Sokolow SH, Kemp J, Sanchirico JN, Lund AJ, Jones IJ, Higginson T, Riveau G, Savaya A, Coyle S, Wood CL, Micheli F, Casagrandi R, Mari L, Gatto M, Rinaldo A, Perez-Saez J, Rohr JR, Sagi A, Remais JV, De Leo GA. Modelled effects of prawn aquaculture on poverty alleviation and schistosomiasis control. NATURE SUSTAINABILITY 2020; 2:611-620. [PMID: 33313425 PMCID: PMC7731924 DOI: 10.1038/s41893-019-0301-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that snail predators may aid efforts to control the human parasitic disease schistosomiasis by eating aquatic snail species that serve as intermediate hosts of the parasite. Potential synergies between schistosomiasis control and aquaculture of giant prawns are evaluated using an integrated bio-economic-epidemiologic model. Combinations of stocking density and aquaculture cycle length that maximize cumulative, discounted profit are identified for two prawn species in sub-Saharan Africa: the endemic, non-domesticated Macrobrachium vollenhovenii, and the non-native, domesticated Macrobrachium rosenbergii. At profit maximizing densities, both M. rosenbergii and M. vollenhovenii may substantially reduce intermediate host snail populations and aid schistosomiasis control efforts. Control strategies drawing on both prawn aquaculture to reduce intermediate host snail populations and mass drug administration to treat infected individuals are found to be superior to either strategy alone. Integrated aquaculture-based interventions can be a win-win strategy in terms of health and sustainable development in schistosomiasis endemic regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Hoover
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Susanne H. Sokolow
- Department of Biology, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 USA
- Woods Institute for the Environment and Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Jonas Kemp
- Program in Human Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - James N. Sanchirico
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Andrea J. Lund
- Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources, School of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Isabel J. Jones
- Department of Biology, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 USA
| | - Tyler Higginson
- Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, Monterey, CA 93940 USA
| | - Gilles Riveau
- Biomedical Research Center EPLS, Saint Louis, Senegal
| | - Amit Savaya
- Department of Life Sciences and the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Shawn Coyle
- Kentucky State University, Aquaculture Division, Aquaculture Research Center, Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
| | - Chelsea L. Wood
- University of Washington, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Fiorenza Micheli
- Hopkins Marine Station and Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 USA
| | - Renato Casagrandi
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mari
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marino Gatto
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Rinaldo
- Laboratory of Ecohydrology, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Switzerland
| | - Javier Perez-Saez
- Laboratory of Ecohydrology, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Switzerland
| | - Jason R. Rohr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute of Global Health, Environmental Change Initiative University of Notre Damea, Notre Dame, IN, 46556 USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620 USA
| | - Amir Sagi
- Department of Life Sciences and the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Justin V. Remais
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Giulio A. De Leo
- Department of Biology, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 USA
- Woods Institute for the Environment and Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
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Mduluza T, Jones C, Osakunor DNM, Lim R, Kuebel JK, Phiri I, Manangazira P, Tagwireyi P, Mutapi F. Six rounds of annual praziquantel treatment during a national helminth control program significantly reduced schistosome infection and morbidity levels in a cohort of schoolchildren in Zimbabwe. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008388. [PMID: 32569278 PMCID: PMC7332090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommends that schistosomiasis be treated through Mass Drug Administration (MDA). In line with this recommendation, Zimbabwe commenced a national helminth control program in 2012 targeting schoolchildren throughout the country for 6 years. This study, part of a larger investigation of the impact of helminth treatment on the overall health of the children, determined the effect of annual praziquantel treatment on schistosome infection and morbidity in a cohort of children during Zimbabwe's 6-year national helminth control program. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A school-based longitudinal study was carried out in 35 sentinel sites across Zimbabwe from September 2012 to November 2017. The sentinel sites were selected following a countrywide survey conducted in 280 primary schools. Schistosoma haematobium was diagnosed using the urine filtration technique. Schistosoma mansoni was diagnosed using both the Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration techniques. S. haematobium morbidity was determined through detection of macro and microhaematuria. A cohort of children aged 6-15 years old was surveyed annually before MDA and 6 weeks post treatment. Maximum treatment coverage reached 90% over the 6 rounds of MDA. At baseline S. haematobium infection prevalence and intensity were 31.7% (95% CI = 31.1-32.2) and 28.75 eggs/10ml urine (SEM = 0.81) respectively, while S. mansoni prevalence and intensity were 4.6% (95% CI = 4.4-4.8) and 0.28 eggs/25mg (SEM = 0.02). Prior to the 6th round of MDA, S. haematobium infection prevalence had reduced to 1.56% (p<0.001) and infection intensity to 0.07 (SEM 0.02). Six weeks later after the 6th MDA, both were 0. Similarly the prevalence of S. haematobium morbidity as indicated by haematuria also fell significantly from 32.3% (95% CI = 29.9-34.6) to 0% (p< 0.0001) prior to the final MDA. For S.mansoni, both prevalence and intensity had decreased to 0 prior to the 6th MDA. After 6 rounds of annual MDA, prevalence and intensity of both schistosome species decreased significantly to 0% (p< 0.0001). CONCLUSION Zimbabwe's helminth control program significantly reduced schistosome infection intensity and prevalence and urogenital schistosomiasis morbidity prevalence in a cohort of school-aged children, moving the schistosome prevalence in the children from moderate to low by WHO classification. These findings will inform the design of the country's next stage interventions for helminth control and eventual elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafira Mduluza
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.,TIBA Zimbabwe, NIHR Global Health Research Unit Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Caitlin Jones
- Centre for Infection, Immunity & Evolution and Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,NIHR Global Health Research Unit Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) at the University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Derick N M Osakunor
- Centre for Infection, Immunity & Evolution and Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rivka Lim
- Centre for Infection, Immunity & Evolution and Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,NIHR Global Health Research Unit Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) at the University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Julius K Kuebel
- Centre for Infection, Immunity & Evolution and Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,NIHR Global Health Research Unit Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) at the University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Isaac Phiri
- Epidemiology & Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Portia Manangazira
- Epidemiology & Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Paradzayi Tagwireyi
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Geo-information and Earth Observation Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Francisca Mutapi
- Centre for Infection, Immunity & Evolution and Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,NIHR Global Health Research Unit Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) at the University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Faust CL, Osakunor DNM, Downs JA, Kayuni S, Stothard JR, Lamberton PHL, Reinhard-Rupp J, Rollinson D. Schistosomiasis Control: Leave No Age Group Behind. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:582-591. [PMID: 32430274 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite accelerating progress towards schistosomiasis control in sub-Saharan Africa, several age groups have been eclipsed by current treatment and monitoring strategies that mainly focus on school-aged children. As schistosomiasis poses a threat to people of all ages, unfortunate gaps exist in current treatment coverage and associated monitoring efforts, preventing subsequent health benefits to preschool-aged children as well as certain adolescents and adults. Expanding access to younger ages through the forthcoming pediatric praziquantel formulation and improving treatment coverage in older ages is essential. This should occur alongside formal inclusion of these groups in large-scale monitoring and evaluation activities. Current omission of these age groups from treatment and monitoring exacerbates health inequities and has long-term consequences for sustainable schistosomiasis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Faust
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Derick N M Osakunor
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Jennifer A Downs
- Center for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sekeleghe Kayuni
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK; MASM Medi Clinics Limited, Medical Aid Society of Malawi (MASM), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - J Russell Stothard
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Poppy H L Lamberton
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | | | - David Rollinson
- Global Schistosomiasis Alliance, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
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Turner HC, French MD, Montresor A, King CH, Rollinson D, Toor J. Economic evaluations of human schistosomiasis interventions: a systematic review and identification of associated research needs. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:45. [PMID: 32587899 PMCID: PMC7308887 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15754.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with an estimated 229 million people requiring preventive treatment worldwide. Recommendations for preventive chemotherapy strategies have been made by the World Health Organization (WHO) whereby the frequency of treatment is determined by the settings prevalence. Despite recent progress, many countries still need to scale up treatment and important questions remain regarding optimal control strategies. This paper presents a systematic review of the economic evaluations of human schistosomiasis interventions. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted on 22nd August 2019 using the PubMed (MEDLINE) and ISI Web of Science electronic databases. The focus was economic evaluations of schistosomiasis interventions, such as cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses. No date or language stipulations were applied to the searches. Results: We identified 53 relevant health economic analyses of schistosomiasis interventions. Most studies related to Schistosoma japonicum followed by S. haematobium. Several studies also included other NTDs. In Africa, most studies evaluated preventive chemotherapy, whereas in China they mostly evaluated programmes using a combination of interventions (such as chemotherapy, snail control and health education). There was wide variation in the methodology and epidemiological settings investigated. A range of effectiveness metrics were used by the different studies. Conclusions: Due to the variation across the identified studies, it was not possible to make definitive policy recommendations. Although, in general, the current WHO recommended preventive chemotherapy approach to control schistosomiasis was found to be cost-effective. This finding has important implications for policymakers, advocacy groups and potential funders. However, there are several important inconsistencies and research gaps (such as how the health benefits of interventions are quantified) that need to be addressed to identify the resources required to achieve schistosomiasis control and elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo C. Turner
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Africa Asia Programme, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Antonio Montresor
- Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Charles H. King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - David Rollinson
- Global Schistosomiasis Alliance, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Jaspreet Toor
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Turner HC, Bundy DAP. Programmatic implications of the TUMIKIA trial on community-wide treatment for soil-transmitted helminths: further health economic analyses needed before a change in policy. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:102. [PMID: 32103783 PMCID: PMC7045609 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3977-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
School-based deworming programmes are currently the main approach used to control the soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). A key unanswered policy question is whether mass drug administration (MDA) should be targeted to the whole community instead, and several trials in this area have been conducted or are currently on-going. A recent well-conducted trial demonstrated that successful community-wide treatment is a feasible strategy for STH control and can be more effective than school-based treatment in reducing prevalence and intensity of hookworm infection. However, we would argue that it is vital that these findings are not taken out of context or over generalised, as the additional health benefits gained from switching to community-wide treatment will vary depending on the STH species and baseline endemicity. Moreover, community-wide treatment will typically be more expensive than school-based treatment. The epidemiological evidence for an additional benefit from a switch to community-wide treatment has yet to be proven to represent “good value for money” across different settings. Further work is needed before changes in policy are made regarding the use of community-wide treatment for STH control, including comprehensive assessments of its additional public health benefits and costs across a range of scenarios, accounting for the presence of alternative treatment delivery platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo C Turner
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Africa Asia Programme, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Differential impact of mass and targeted praziquantel delivery on schistosomiasis control in school-aged children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007808. [PMID: 31603895 PMCID: PMC6808504 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is a widespread public health concern in the poorest regions of the world. The principal control strategy is regular praziquantel administration to school-aged children in endemic areas. With calls for the elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem, expanding praziquantel delivery to all community members has been advocated. This systematic review and meta-analysis compares the impact of community-wide and child-targeted praziquantel distribution on schistosomiasis prevalence and intensity in school-aged children. Methodology/Principal findings We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science to identify papers that reported schistosome prevalence before and after praziquantel administration, either to children only or to all community members. Extracted data included Schistosoma species, drug administration strategy, number of treatment rounds, follow-up interval and prevalence and intensity before and after treatment. We used inverse variance weighted generalised linear models to examine the impact of mass versus targeted drug administration on prevalence reduction, and weighted boxplots to examine the impact on infection intensity reduction. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42018095377. In total, 34 articles were eligible for systematic review and 28 for meta-analysis. Schistosoma mansoni was reported in 20 studies; Schistosoma haematobium in 19 studies, and Schistosoma japonicum in two studies. Results of generalised linear models showed no detectable difference between mass and targeted treatment strategies on prevalence reduction in school-aged children for S. mansoni (odds ratio 0.47, 95%CI 0.13–1.68, p = 0.227) and S. haematobium (0.41, 95%CI 0.06–3.03, p = 0.358). Box plots also showed no apparent differences in intensity reduction between the two treatment strategies. Conclusions/Significance The results of this meta-analysis do not support the hypothesis that community-wide treatment is more effective than targeted treatment at reducing schistosomiasis infections in children. This may be due to the relatively small number of included studies, insufficient treatment coverage, persistent infection hotspots and unmeasured confounders. Further field-based studies comparing mass and targeted treatment are required. Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease, caused by parasitic worms, that affects more than 143 million people worldwide. Chronic infections can lead to significant morbidity including kidney damage, anaemia, malnutrition, infertility and growth impairment. School-aged children between six and 15 years are often targeted for regular treatment with praziquantel in large-scale drug delivery programs, because they suffer a disproportionate burden of morbidity. On the other hand, a mass drug delivery strategy that treats all members of the community has been suggested in a move towards elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem. In this systematic review, we assess the impact of community-wide versus children-only praziquantel distribution in reducing schistosomiasis infections in school-aged children. We did not detect a difference between mass and targeted treatment strategies, possibly due to factors including insufficient treatment coverage and persistent sources of reinfection. Addressing these factors may assist in optimising control programs.
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Cha S, Elhag MS, Lee YH, Cho DS, Ismail HAHA, Hong ST. Epidemiological findings and policy implications from the nationwide schistosomiasis and intestinal helminthiasis survey in Sudan. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:429. [PMID: 31488219 PMCID: PMC6728938 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3689-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Assembly endorsed the WHO Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Roadmap in 2013, in which NTDs were suggested as tracers of equity in the assessment of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Nationwide surveys were undertaken in all 18 states of Sudan to identify the geographical distribution and to estimate the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis and other intestinal helminthiases from December 2016 to March 2017. METHODS We used two-stage random sampling. Each district was subdivided into one to three different ecological zones (EZs) based on proximity to water bodies. Probability-proportional-to-size sampling was used to select schools from each EZ. We estimated schistosomiasis and intestinal helminthiasis prevalence by the centrifugation method and Kato-Katz smears. Multi-level mixed-effect models were used to investigate the relationship between the prevalence of infections and risk factors, including improved water or latrine status at the household or school level. We estimated the cost-effectiveness of a one-time mass drug administration (MDA) intervention with 75% coverage at the district and EZ levels. RESULTS A total of 105,167 students from 1772 schools were surveyed. The overall egg-positive rates were: Schistosoma haematobium, 5.2%; S. mansoni, 0.06%; and intestinal helminths, 5.47%. Severe endemic areas were concentrated in East and South Darfur States. Children living in a house or attending schools with an improved latrine were less likely to be infected with schistosomiasis than those without a latrine (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 0.45, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.41-0.51 and aOR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.70-0.81 at the household or the school levels, respectively). Open defecation was strongly associated with schistosomiasis (aOR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.35-1.66). In community-wide mass treatment at the district level with an 8% threshold for schistosomiasis, 2.2 million people would not benefit from MDA interventions with 75% coverage despite high endemicity, whilst 1.7 million people would receive the MDA intervention unnecessarily. EZ-level MDA was estimated to be more cost-effective than district-level administration under all circumstances. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide updated prevalence figures to guide preventive chemotherapy programmes for schistosomiasis and intestinal helminthiasis in Sudan. Schistosomiasis was found to be common among the inhabitants of fragile and conflict-affected areas. In addition, we found that MDA interventions would be more cost-effective at the sub-district level than at the district level, and there was a strong association between schistosomiasis prevalence and latrine status, at both the household and school levels. This study will help the Sudanese government and its neighbouring countries develop adequate control and elimination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungman Cha
- Department of Global Development and Entrepreneurship, Graduate School of Global Development and Entrepreneurship, Handong Global University, Pohang, 37554 South Korea
- Korea Association of Health Promotion, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07653 South Korea
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT UK
| | - Mousab Siddig Elhag
- Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Control Directorate, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Young-Ha Lee
- Department of Infection Biology and Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015 South Korea
| | - Dae-Seong Cho
- Korea Association of Health Promotion, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07653 South Korea
| | | | - Sung-Tae Hong
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Daehak-ro, Seoul, 03080 South Korea
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Obonyo CO, Muok EMO, Were V. Biannual praziquantel treatment for schistosomiasis. Hippokratia 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles O Obonyo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute; Centre for Global Health Research; P.O. Box 1578 Kisumu Kenya 40100
| | - Erick MO Muok
- Kenya Medical Research Institute; Centre for Global Health Research; P.O. Box 1578 Kisumu Kenya 40100
| | - Vincent Were
- Kenya Medical Research Institute; Centre for Global Health Research; P.O. Box 1578 Kisumu Kenya 40100
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Risk profiling of soil-transmitted helminth infection and estimated number of infected people in South Asia: A systematic review and Bayesian geostatistical Analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007580. [PMID: 31398200 PMCID: PMC6709929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In South Asia, hundreds of millions of people are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, and Trichuris trichiura). However, high-resolution risk profiles and the estimated number of people infected have yet to be determined. In turn, such information will assist control programs to identify priority areas for allocation of scarce resource for the control of soil-transmitted helminth infection. Methodology We pursued a systematic review to identify prevalence surveys pertaining to soil-transmitted helminth infections in four mainland countries (i.e., Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan) of South Asia. PubMed and ISI Web of Science were searched from inception to April 25, 2019, without restriction of language, study design, and survey date. We utilized Bayesian geostatistical models to identify environmental and socioeconomic predictors, and to estimate infection risk at high spatial resolution across the study region. Principal findings A total of 536, 490, and 410 georeferenced surveys were identified for A. lumbricoides, hookworm, and T. trichiura, respectively. We estimate that 361 million people (95% Bayesian credible interval (BCI) 331–395 million), approximately one-quarter of the South Asia population, was infected with at least one soil-transmitted helminth species in 2015. A. lumbricoides was the predominant species. Moderate to high prevalence (>20%) of any soil-transmitted helminth infection was predicted in the northeastern part and some northern areas of the study region, as well as the southern coastal areas of India. The annual treatment needs for the school-age population requiring preventive chemotherapy was estimated at 165 million doses (95% BCI: 146–185 million). Conclusions/significance Our risk maps provide an overview of the geographic distribution of soil-transmitted helminth infection in four mainland countries of South Asia and highlight the need for up-to-date surveys to accurately evaluate the disease burden in the region. Hundreds of millions of people in South Asia are infected with parasitic worms, such as hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm. However, precise information on where these infections occur and the exact number of people affected is not available. Such information though is important to aid control programs, so that interventions can be targeted to priority areas and limited financial and human resources allocated in a cost-effective manner. We did a systematic review of the literature to collect prevalence data on soil-transmitted helminth infections and used Bayesian geostatistical models to predict infection risk at high spatial resolution in four mainland countries (i.e., Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan) of South Asia. These countries account for 97% of the population in the region. We estimate that more than 350 million people were infected with at least one species of parasitic worms in 2015. The risk maps provide an overview of the geographic distribution of parasitic worm infections in the study region. Our results highlight the need for up-to-date surveys to more accurately evaluate the disease burden in South Asia.
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Clinical evaluation for morbidity associated with soil-transmitted helminth infection in school-age children on Pemba Island, Tanzania. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007581. [PMID: 31306433 PMCID: PMC6658009 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 1.5 billion people are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Trichuris trichiura), causing an estimated global burden in excess of 3 million disability-adjusted life years. However, the relationship between soil-transmitted helminth infection, adverse health consequences, and beneficial effects of deworming are not well understood. METHODOLOGY We pursued a detailed longitudinal clinical evaluation of school-age children to evaluate morbidity associated with soil-transmitted helminth infection and responses to treatment. This exploratory study was embedded into a randomized controlled trial. Overall, 434 children, aged 7-14 years, underwent a detailed medical history, physical examination, stool microscopy for soil-transmitted helminths, and hemoglobin (Hb) measurement at baseline. Medical history and stool examination were repeated at 3 and 18 weeks posttreatment. Additionally, Hb measurement was performed at the 18-week treatment follow-up. Logistic regression was employed to assess clinical factors associated with soil-transmitted helminth infection at baseline, and longitudinal data analysis to examine change in health outcomes following treatment over time. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS All enrolled children were infected with T. trichiura, and randomized into four different treatment interventions. None of the medical history, physical examination, and laboratory (i.e., Hb) findings were associated with A. lumbricoides, hookworm, or S. stercoralis infection at baseline. A composite of physical exam findings for anemia, including pallor of the conjunctiva, nail beds, and palmar creases predicted lower Hb values (-3.8 g/dl, 95% confidence interval (CI): -6.9, -0.6 g/dl). When examining longitudinal trends, we did not find improvements to Hb or face Wong-Baker Likert scale among children with soil-transmitted helminth infection compared to those without infection, although there was a slight trend toward improving Hb values after treating hookworm infection. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our study demonstrates the challenges of measuring morbidity in the context of soil-transmitted helminth infection and treatment, thus confirming the mainly subtle morbidity effects of infection.
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Sharma S, Smith ME, Reimer J, O'Brien DB, Brissau JM, Donahue MC, Carter CE, Michael E. Economic performance and cost-effectiveness of using a DEC-salt social enterprise for eliminating the major neglected tropical disease, lymphatic filariasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007094. [PMID: 31260444 PMCID: PMC6625731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Salt fortified with the drug, diethylcarbamazine (DEC), and introduced into a competitive market has the potential to overcome the obstacles associated with tablet-based Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) elimination programs. Questions remain, however, regarding the economic viability, production capacity, and effectiveness of this strategy as a sustainable means to bring about LF elimination in resource poor settings. Methodology and principal findings We evaluated the performance and effectiveness of a novel social enterprise-based approach developed and tested in Léogâne, Haiti, as a strategy to sustainably and cost-efficiently distribute DEC-medicated salt into a competitive market at quantities sufficient to bring about the elimination of LF. We undertook a cost-revenue analysis to evaluate the production capability and financial feasibility of the developed DEC salt social enterprise, and a modeling study centered on applying a dynamic mathematical model localized to reflect local LF transmission dynamics to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using this intervention versus standard annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) for eliminating LF in Léogâne. We show that the salt enterprise because of its mixed product business strategy may have already reached the production capacity for delivering sufficient quantities of edible DEC-medicated salt to bring about LF transmission in the Léogâne study setting. Due to increasing revenues obtained from the sale of DEC salt over time, expansion of its delivery in the population, and greater cumulative impact on the survival of worms leading to shorter timelines to extinction, this strategy could also represent a significantly more cost-effective option than annual DEC tablet-based MDA for accomplishing LF elimination. Significance A social enterprise approach can offer an innovative market-based strategy by which edible salt fortified with DEC could be distributed to communities both on a financially sustainable basis and at sufficient quantity to eliminate LF. Deployment of similarly fashioned intervention strategies would improve current efforts to successfully accomplish the goal of LF elimination, particularly in difficult-to-control settings. With less than three years remaining for meeting the initial 2020 target set by WHO for accomplishing the global elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), concerns are emerging regarding the feasibility of meeting this goal using the current tablet-based Mass Drug Administration strategy. Salt fortified with the antifilarial drug, diethylcarbamazine (DEC), could offer an intervention that avoids many of the barriers connected with tablet-based elimination programs. We analyzed the economic performance and cost-effectiveness of a novel DEC-salt social enterprise developed and tested in Léogâne arrondissement, Haiti, as a particularly significant strategy for accomplishing sustainable LF elimination in such complex settings. We show that because of increasing revenue from the sale of the DEC salt over time, expansion of its delivery in the population, and the adverse effect of continuous consumption of the drug on worms, the delivery of DEC through a salt enterprise can represent a significantly more cost-effective option than annual DEC tablet-based MDA for accomplishing LF elimination in settings, like Léogâne. We indicate that development of policy and research into how to deploy similarly-fashioned interventions, or work with the salt industry to increase population use of medicated salt, would improve present efforts to successfully accomplish the elimination of LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarnali Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Galvin Life Science Center, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Morgan E Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Galvin Life Science Center, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - James Reimer
- Grosse Pointe Park, MI, United States of America
| | | | - Jean M Brissau
- College of Science, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Marie C Donahue
- Eck Institute of Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Clarence E Carter
- College of Science, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Edwin Michael
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Galvin Life Science Center, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
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Hematobium schistosomiasis control for health management of labor force generation at Nkhotakota and Lilongwe in the Republic of Malawi-assumed to be related to occupational risk. Trop Med Health 2019; 47:28. [PMID: 31073271 PMCID: PMC6498665 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-019-0155-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Malawi, hematobium schistosomiasis is highly endemic. According to previous studies, countermeasures have been conducted mainly in school-aged children. In this study, we focused on the age groups, which are assumed to be major labor force generation. Hematobium schistosomiasis is supposed to be related to occupational activities in schistosome-endemic countries because of its infectious route. We chronologically followed the transition of schistosome egg-positive prevalence before and after mass drug administration of praziquantel (MDA) by using a urine filtering examination. We also analyzed the effectiveness of urine reagent strips from the cost perspective. Results The egg-positive prevalence was 34.3% (95% CI 28.5–40.5) just before MDA in June 2010 and the highest prevalence was in the age of twenties. The egg-positive prevalence reduced to 12.7% (95% CI 9.2–17.3, p < 0.01) 8 weeks after the first MDA and the prevalence reduced to 6.9% (95% CI 4.6–10.0, p < 0.01) after the second MDA in August 2011. The egg-positive prevalence after MDA in 2013 was reduced from 3.8% (95% CI 2.1–6.9) to 0.9% (95% CI 0.3–3.4) and p value was 0.050. Using urine reagent strips after MDA, the positive predictive value decreased, but the negative predictive value remained high. The cost of one urine reagent strip and one tablet of praziquantel were US$0.06 and US$0.125 in 2013 in Malawi. If the egg-positive prevalence is 40%, screening subjects for MDA using urine reagent strips, the cost reduction can be estimated to be about 24%, showing an overall cost reduction. Conclusions MDA of praziquantel can assuredly reduce schistosome egg-positive prevalence. The combination of MDA and urine reagent strips could be both a practical and cost-effective countermeasure for hematobium schistosomiasis. It is key to recognize that hematobium schistosomiasis could be considered a disease that is assumed to have some concern with occupational risk at Nkhotakota and Lilongwe in Malawi. From this point of view, it is very important to manage workers’ health; the sound labor force generation is vital for economic growth and development in these areas and countries.
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Deworming rates and lack of awareness of the National Deworming Day in the endemic region of Kashmir: an opportunity to improve public health using immunization program infrastructure. J Public Health Policy 2019; 40:367-376. [PMID: 30926933 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-019-00168-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We assessed the level of regular, periodic deworming and awareness of National Deworming Day in the local population in the endemic region of Kashmir by conducting a cross-sectional survey in the local population of patients (or their attendants for patients 18 years of age or younger) who visited the hospital as outpatients or were admitted as inpatients. The study team presented questionnaires with simple questions about deworming and child immunization to 1150 participants, noted responses, and then compiled the data. We found that the level of regular deworming was very low: only 3.7% (43/1150) of respondents regularly dewormed themselves and 16.34% (188/1150) dewormed their children at least once in a year. None of 1150 participants was aware of national deworming day despite having adequate knowledge about the immunization infrastructure. The immunization infrastructure can be used to improve public health in such circumstances.
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Majid MF, Kang SJ, Hotez PJ. Resolving "worm wars": An extended comparison review of findings from key economics and epidemiological studies. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0006940. [PMID: 30845181 PMCID: PMC6405048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Farhan Majid
- Center for Health and Biosciences, James A Baker III Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Su Jin Kang
- Center for Health and Biosciences, James A Baker III Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Center for Health and Biosciences, James A Baker III Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
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Nascimento GL, Pegado HM, Domingues ALC, Ximenes RADA, Itria A, Cruz LN, Oliveira MRFD. The cost of a disease targeted for elimination in Brazil: the case of schistosomiasis mansoni. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2019; 114:e180347. [PMID: 30652735 PMCID: PMC6340134 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760180347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis mansoni is a poverty-related parasitic infection that has a
variety of clinical manifestations. We consider the disability and deaths
caused by schistosomiasis unacceptable for a tool-ready disease. Its
condition in Brazil warrants an analysis that will enable better
understanding of the local health losses and contribute to the complex
decision-making process. OBJECTIVE This study estimates the cost of schistosomiasis in Brazil in 2015. METHODS We conducted a cost of illness study of schistosomiasis mansoni in Brazil in
2015 based on a prevalence approach and from a societal perspective. The
study included 26,499 schistosomiasis carriers, 397 hepatosplenic cases, 48
cases with the neurological form, 284 hospitalisations, and 11,368.26 years
of life lost (YLL) of which 5,187 years are attributable to economically
active age groups. RESULTS The total cost of schistosomiasis mansoni in Brazil was estimated to be US$
41,7million in 2015 with 94.61% of this being indirect costs. CONCLUSIONS The economic burden of schistosomiasis mansoni in Brazil is high and results
in the loss of productivity. Its persistence in Brazil is a challenge to
public health and requires inter-sectorial interventions in areas such as
indoor water supply, basic sanitation, and education.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alexander Itria
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brasil.,Instituto de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | | | - Maria Regina Fernandes de Oliveira
- Universidade de Brasília, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Brasília, DF, Brasil.,Instituto de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
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De Neve JW, Andriantavison RL, Croke K, Krisam J, Rajoela VH, Rakotoarivony RA, Rambeloson V, Schultz L, Qamruddin J, Verguet S. Health, financial, and education gains of investing in preventive chemotherapy for schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases, and lymphatic filariasis in Madagascar: A modeling study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0007002. [PMID: 30589847 PMCID: PMC6307713 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) account for a large disease burden in sub-Saharan Africa. While the general cost-effectiveness of NTD interventions to improve health outcomes has been assessed, few studies have also accounted for the financial and education gains of investing in NTD control. METHODS We built on extended cost-effectiveness analysis (ECEA) methods to assess the health gains (e.g. infections, disability-adjusted life years or DALYs averted), household financial gains (out-of-pocket expenditures averted), and education gains (cases of school absenteeism averted) for five NTD interventions that the government of Madagascar aims to roll out nationally. The five NTDs considered were schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and three soil-transmitted helminthiases (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm infections). RESULTS The estimated incremental cost-effectiveness for the roll-out of preventive chemotherapy for all NTDs jointly was USD125 per DALY averted (95% uncertainty range: 65-231), and its benefit-cost ratio could vary between 5 and 31. Our analysis estimated that, per dollar spent, schistosomiasis preventive chemotherapy, in particular, could avert a large number of infections (176,000 infections averted per $100,000 spent), DALYs (2,000 averted per $100,000 spent), and cases of school absenteeism (27,000 school years gained per $100,000 spent). CONCLUSION This analysis incorporates financial and education gains into the economic evaluation of health interventions, and therefore provides information about the efficiency of attainment of three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our findings reveal how the national scale-up of NTD control in Madagascar can help address health (SDG3), economic (SDG1), and education (SDG4) goals. This study further highlights the potentially large societal benefits of investing in NTD control in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Walter De Neve
- Institute of Global Health, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston MA, United States of America
| | | | - Kevin Croke
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston MA, United States of America
- World Bank, Washington DC NW, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Johannes Krisam
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Linda Schultz
- World Bank, Washington DC NW, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jumana Qamruddin
- World Bank, Washington DC NW, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Stéphane Verguet
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston MA, United States of America
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When Should the Emphasis on Schistosomiasis Control Move to Elimination? Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:tropicalmed3030085. [PMID: 30274481 PMCID: PMC6161309 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3030085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The stated goal of the World Health Organization’s program on schistosomiasis is paraphrased as follows: to control morbidity and eliminate transmission where feasible. Switching from a goal of controlling morbidity to interrupting transmission may well be currently feasible in some countries in the Caribbean, some areas in South America, northern Africa, and selected endemic areas in sub-Saharan Africa where there have been improvements in sanitation and access to clean water. However, in most of sub-Saharan Africa, where programmatic interventions still consist solely of annual mass drug administration, such a switch in strategies remains premature. There is a continued need for operational research on how best to reduce transmission to a point where interruption of transmission may be achievable. The level of infection at which it is feasible to transition from control to elimination must also be defined. In parallel, there is also a need to develop and evaluate approaches for achieving and validating elimination. There are currently neither evidence-based methods nor tools for breaking transmission or verifying that it has been accomplished. The basis for these statements stems from numerous studies that will be reviewed and summarized in this article; many, but not all of which were undertaken as part of SCORE, the Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation.
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Becker SL, Liwanag HJ, Snyder JS, Akogun O, Belizario. V, Freeman MC, Gyorkos TW, Imtiaz R, Keiser J, Krolewiecki A, Levecke B, Mwandawiro C, Pullan RL, Addiss DG, Utzinger J. Toward the 2020 goal of soil-transmitted helminthiasis control and elimination. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006606. [PMID: 30106975 PMCID: PMC6091919 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sören L. Becker
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Harvy Joy Liwanag
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, Ateneo de Manila University, Metro Manila, the Philippines
| | - Jedidiah S. Snyder
- Children Without Worms, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Oladele Akogun
- Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Advisory Committee, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
- Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria
| | - Vicente Belizario.
- Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Advisory Committee, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
- College of Public Health, University of the Philippines, Manila, the Philippines
| | - Matthew C. Freeman
- Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Advisory Committee, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Theresa W. Gyorkos
- Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Advisory Committee, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rubina Imtiaz
- Children Without Worms, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
- Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Advisory Committee, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alejandro Krolewiecki
- Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Advisory Committee, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Oran, Argentina
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Virology, Parasitology, and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Charles Mwandawiro
- Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Advisory Committee, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rachel L. Pullan
- Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Advisory Committee, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - David G. Addiss
- Children Without Worms, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
- Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Advisory Committee, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Advisory Committee, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
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Gower CM, Vince L, Webster JP. Should we be treating animal schistosomiasis in Africa? The need for a One Health economic evaluation of schistosomiasis control in people and their livestock. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2018; 111:244-247. [PMID: 29044372 PMCID: PMC5914355 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trx047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A One Health economic perspective allows informed decisions to be made regarding control priorities and/or implementation strategies for infectious diseases. Schistosomiasis is a major and highly resilient disease of both humans and livestock. The zoonotic component of transmission in sub-Saharan Africa appears to be more significant than previously assumed, and may thereby affect the recently revised WHO vision to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2025. Moreover, animal schistosomiasis is likely to be a significant cost to affected communities due to its direct and indirect impact on livelihoods. We argue here for a comprehensive evaluation of the economic burden of livestock and zoonotic schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa in order to determine if extending treatment to include animal hosts in a One Health approach is economically, as well as epidemiologically, desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Gower
- Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases (CEEED), Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London AL9 7TA, UK.,London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Louise Vince
- Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases (CEEED), Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London AL9 7TA, UK.,London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Joanne P Webster
- Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases (CEEED), Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London AL9 7TA, UK.,London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
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45
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Cost-effectiveness of health care service delivery interventions in low and middle income countries: a systematic review. Glob Health Res Policy 2018; 3:17. [PMID: 29930989 PMCID: PMC5992822 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-018-0073-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Low and middle income countries (LMICs) face severe resource limitations but the highest burden of disease. There is a growing evidence base on effective and cost-effective interventions for these diseases. However, questions remain about the most cost-effective method of delivery for these interventions. We aimed to review the scope, quality, and findings of economic evaluations of service delivery interventions in LMICs. Methods We searched PUBMED, MEDLINE, EconLit, and NHS EED for studies published between 1st January 2000 and 30th October 2016 with no language restrictions. We included all economic evaluations that reported incremental costs and benefits or summary measures of the two such as an incremental cost effectiveness ratio. Studies were grouped by both disease area and outcome measure and permutation plots were completed for similar interventions. Quality was judged by the Drummond checklist. Results Overall, 3818 potentially relevant abstracts were identified of which 101 studies were selected for full text review. Thirty-seven studies were included in the final review. Twenty-three studies reported on interventions we classed as “changing by whom and where care was provided”, specifically interventions that entailed task-shifting from doctors to nurses or community health workers or from facilities into the community. Evidence suggests this type of intervention is likely to be cost-effective or cost-saving. Nine studies reported on quality improvement initiatives, which were generally found to be cost-effective. Quality and methods differed widely limiting comparability of the studies and findings. Conclusions There is significant heterogeneity in the literature, both methodologically and in quality. This renders further comparisons difficult and limits the utility of the available evidence to decision makers.
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Freer JB, Bourke CD, Durhuus GH, Kjetland EF, Prendergast AJ. Schistosomiasis in the first 1000 days. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2018; 18:e193-e203. [PMID: 29170089 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30490-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Infections during the first 1000 days-the period from conception to a child's second birthday-can have lifelong effects on health, because this is a crucial phase of growth and development. There is increasing recognition of the burden and potential effects of schistosomiasis in women of reproductive age and young children. Exposure to schistosomes during pregnancy can modulate infant immune development and schistosomiasis can occur from early infancy, such that the high disease burden found in adolescents is often due to accumulation of infections with long-lived schistosomes from early life. Women of reproductive age and young children are largely neglected in mass drug administration programmes, but early treatment could avert subsequent disease. We evaluate the evidence that early schistosomiasis has adverse effects on birth, growth, and development. We also discuss the case for expanding public health interventions for schistosomiasis in women of reproductive age and preschool-age children, and the need for further research to evaluate the potential of treating women pre-conception to maximise health across the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B Freer
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Claire D Bourke
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Gunn H Durhuus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Eyrun F Kjetland
- Norwegian Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases Ullevaal, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Discipline of Public Health Medicine, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andrew J Prendergast
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Lo NC, Snyder J, Addiss DG, Heft-Neal S, Andrews JR, Bendavid E. Deworming in pre-school age children: A global empirical analysis of health outcomes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006500. [PMID: 29852012 PMCID: PMC5997348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is debate over the effectiveness of deworming children against soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) to improve health outcomes, and current evidence may be limited in study design and generalizability. However, programmatic deworming continues throughout low and middle-income countries. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We performed an empirical evaluation of the relationship between deworming in pre-school age children (ages 1-4 years) within the previous 6 months, as proxy-reported by the mother, and health outcomes of weight, height, and hemoglobin. We used nationally representative cross-sectional data from 45 countries using the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) during the period 2005-2016. We used logistic regression with coarsened exact matching, fixed effects for survey and year, and person-level covariates. We included data on 325,115 children in 45 STH-endemic countries from 66 DHS surveys. Globally in STH-endemic countries, children who received deworming treatment were less likely to be stunted (1.2 percentage point decline from mean of 36%; 95% CI [-1.9, -0.5%]; p<0.001), but we did not detect consistent associations between deworming and anemia or weight. In sub-Saharan Africa, we found that children who received deworming treatment were less likely to be stunted (1.1 percentage point decline from mean of 36%; 95% CI [-2.1, -0.2%]; p = 0.01) and less likely to have anemia (1.8 percentage point decline from mean of 58%; 95% CI [-2.8, -0.7%]; p<0.001), but we did not detect consistent associations between deworming and weight. These findings were robust across multiple statistical models, and we did not find consistently measurable associations with data from non-endemic settings. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE Among pre-school age children, we detected a robust and consistent association between deworming and reduced stunting, with additional evidence for reduced anemia in sub-Saharan Africa. We did not find a consistent relationship between deworming and improved weight. This global empirical analysis provides evidence to support the deworming of pre-school age children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C. Lo
- Division of Epidemiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Jedidiah Snyder
- Children Without Worms, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, United States of America
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - David G. Addiss
- Children Without Worms, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, United States of America
| | - Sam Heft-Neal
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Jason R. Andrews
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Eran Bendavid
- Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
- Center for Health Policy and the Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
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Clarke NE, Clements ACA, Amaral S, Richardson A, McCarthy JS, McGown J, Bryan S, Gray DJ, Nery SV. (S)WASH-D for Worms: A pilot study investigating the differential impact of school- versus community-based integrated control programs for soil-transmitted helminths. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006389. [PMID: 29723193 PMCID: PMC5933686 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect nearly 1.5 billion individuals globally, and contribute to poor physical and cognitive development in children. STH control programs typically consist of regular delivery of anthelminthic drugs, targeting school-aged children. Expanding STH control programs community-wide may improve STH control among school-aged children, and combining deworming with improvements to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) may further reduce transmission. The (S)WASH-D for Worms pilot study aims to compare the differential impact of integrated WASH and deworming programs when implemented at primary schools only versus when additionally implemented community-wide. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A two-arm, non-randomized cluster intervention study was conducted. Six communities were identified by partner WASH agencies and enrolled in the study. All communities received a school-based WASH and deworming program, while three additionally received a community-based WASH and deworming program. STH infections were measured in school-aged children at baseline and six months after deworming. Over 90% of eligible children were recruited for the study, of whom 92.3% provided stool samples at baseline and 88.9% at follow-up. The school WASH intervention improved school sanitation, while the community WASH intervention reduced open defecation from 50.4% (95% CI 41.8-59.0) to 23.5% (95% CI 16.7-32.0). There was a trend towards reduced odds of N. americanus infection among children who received the community-wide intervention (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.07-2.36, p = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS This pilot study provides proof of principle for testing the hypothesis that community-wide STH control programs have a greater impact on STH infections among children than school-based programs, and supports the rationale for conducting a full-scale cluster randomized controlled trial. High recruitment and participation rates and successful implementation of school WASH programs demonstrate study feasibility and acceptability. However, eliminating open defecation remains a challenge; ongoing work is required to develop community sanitation programs that achieve high and sustainable latrine coverage. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12615001012561.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi E. Clarke
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Archie C. A. Clements
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Salvador Amaral
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Alice Richardson
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | | | - John McGown
- Plan International Timor-Leste, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | | | - Darren J. Gray
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Susana V. Nery
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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100 Years of Mass Deworming Programmes: A Policy Perspective From the World Bank's Disease Control Priorities Analyses. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2018; 100:127-154. [PMID: 29753337 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
For more than 100 years, countries have used mass drug administration as a public health response to soil-transmitted helminth infection. The series of analyses published as Disease Control Priorities is the World Bank's vehicle for exploring the cost-effectiveness and value for money of public health interventions. The first edition was published in 1993 as a technical supplement to the World Bank's World Development Report Investing in Health where deworming was used as an illustrative example of value for money in treating diseases with relatively low morbidity but high prevalence. Over the second (2006) and now third (2017) editions deworming has been an increasingly persuasive example to use for this argument. The latest analyses recognize the negative impact of intestinal worm infection on human capital in poor communities and document a continuing decline in worm infection as a result of the combination of high levels of mass treatment and ongoing economic development trends in poor communities.
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50
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Improving helminth treatment access: costs and opportunities. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2018; 16:762-764. [PMID: 27352742 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(16)30049-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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