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Onifade AA, Rychtář J, Taylor D. A dynamic game of lymphatic filariasis prevention by voluntary use of insecticide treated nets. J Theor Biol 2024; 585:111796. [PMID: 38522665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2024.111796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) has been targeted for elimination as a public health concern by 2030 with a goal to keep the prevalence of LF infections under the 1% threshold. While mass drug administration (MDA) is a primary strategy recommended by WHO, the use of insecticide treated nets (ITN) plays a crucial role as an alternative strategy when MDA cannot be used. In this paper, we use imitation dynamics to incorporate human behavior and voluntary use of ITN into the compartmental epidemiological model of LF transmission. We find the equilibrium states of the dynamics and the ITN usage as it depends on epidemiological parameters and the cost of ITNs. We investigate the conditions under which the voluntary use of ITNs can keep the LF prevalence under the 1% threshold. We found that when the cost of using the ITNs is about 105 smaller than the perceived cost of LF, then the voluntary use of ITNs will eliminate LF as a public health concern. Furthermore, when the ITNs are given away for free, our model predicts that over 80% of the population will use them which would eliminate LF completely in regions where Anopheles are the primary vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akindele Akano Onifade
- Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Mountain Top University, Ibafo, Nigeria.
| | - Jan Rychtář
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America.
| | - Dewey Taylor
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America.
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2
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Adams NNK, Ahorlu CS, de Souza DK, Aikins M. Modelling the cost of engage & treat and test & treat strategies towards the elimination of lymphatic filariasis in Ghana. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012213. [PMID: 38787898 PMCID: PMC11156436 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012213] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite several years of LF-MDA implementation, Ghana still has some districts with mf prevalence >1%, partly due to poor treatment coverage levels resulting from non-participation in MDA. To address the challenges, we implemented Engage & Treat (E&T) and Test & Treat (T&T) strategies for individuals who miss or refuse MDA respectively, in a hotspot district, enabling us to reach many of those who seldom, or never, take part in MDA. This financial cost study was undertaken to analyse data on the LF-MDA, E&T and T&T implementation in 2021 and the financial cost to inform the rollout of the E&T and T&T as mop-up strategies in future LF-MDAs. METHODS This costing study analysed cost data from the 2021 LF-MDA implementation activities carried out by the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) programme of the Ghana Health Service and the SENTINEL study, carried out in Ahanta West district for the two interventions (i.e., E&T and T&T). The 2021 Ghana Population and Housing Census data was used to estimate the LF-MDA-eligible population. The financial cost per person treated was estimated and these costs were applied to the projected population to obtain the financial cost for subsequent years. RESULTS Implementing MDA mop-up strategies either through the E&T or T&T to improve coverage comes at an additional cost to the elimination goals. For example, in 2024 the projected cost per person treated by the routine LF-MDA is estimated at US$0.83. The cost using the integrated LF-MDA and the E&T, T&T led by the NTD programme or T&T integrated into the health system was estimated at US$1.62, US$2.88, and US$2.33, respectively, for the same year. Despite the increased cost, the proposed combined LF-MDA and mop-up strategies will have a higher estimated population treated for 2024 (i.e., 1,392,211) compared to the routine LF-MDA approach (i.e., 988,470) for the same year. CONCLUSION Combining LF-MDA with E&T/T&T mop-up strategies, despite their high costs, may provide NTD Programmes with the options of improving treatment coverage and reaching the LF elimination target sooner, given that the routine LF-MDA alone approach has been implemented for many years with some districts yet to reach the elimination targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel N. K. Adams
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon–Accra, Ghana
| | - Collins S. Ahorlu
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon–Accra, Ghana
| | - Dziedzom K. de Souza
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon–Accra, Ghana
| | - Moses Aikins
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon–Accra, Ghana
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3
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Mahapatra B, Mukherjee N, Khatoon S, Bhattacharya P, Das P, Bharti O, John D. Economic evaluations of neglected tropical diseases interventions in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol. JBI Evid Synth 2024:02174543-990000000-00283. [PMID: 38465423 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-23-00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review is to provide an overview of economic evaluation studies of interventions for neglected tropical diseases in low- and/or middle-income countries. INTRODUCTION The majority of people most susceptible to neglected tropical diseases reside in low- and middle-income countries and suffer significant economic impact due to these diseases. The World Health Organization suggests utilizing a systematic and cross-cutting approach with multiple interventions to lessen the neglected tropical disease burden. INCLUSION CRITERIA Studies will be eligible for inclusion if they include economic evaluations of interventions for neglected tropical diseases and are conducted in low- and/or middle-income country settings. METHODS A preliminary search of MEDLINE (PubMed) was undertaken using MeSH terms, such as neglected tropical disease, economic evaluation, therapeutics, low- and/or middle-income countries. Two reviewers will screen titles and abstracts independently, followed by a full-text review against the inclusion criteria. Disagreements will be resolved by discussion or with a third reviewer. To assess methodological quality, the JBI checklist for economic evaluations will be used. For economic evaluations, data will be extracted using the standardized JBI data extraction form. The Dominance Ranking Matrix will be used to summarize and compare the results of different types of economic evaluations. Cost per quality adjusted life year gained and cost per disability adjusted life year averted will be measures for economic evaluation. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach will be used to assess the certainty of economic evidence, such as resource use and costs. REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42017070386.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswajit Mahapatra
- Centre for Public Health Research, Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust (MANT), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Evidence Synthesis and Implementation for Indigenous Health: A JBI Affiliated Group, Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust (MANT), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Nirmalya Mukherjee
- Centre for Public Health Research, Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust (MANT), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Evidence Synthesis and Implementation for Indigenous Health: A JBI Affiliated Group, Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust (MANT), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sajda Khatoon
- Centre for Public Health Research, Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust (MANT), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Evidence Synthesis and Implementation for Indigenous Health: A JBI Affiliated Group, Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust (MANT), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Paramita Bhattacharya
- Centre for Public Health Research, Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust (MANT), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Evidence Synthesis and Implementation for Indigenous Health: A JBI Affiliated Group, Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust (MANT), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Pritha Das
- Centre for Public Health Research, Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust (MANT), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Evidence Synthesis and Implementation for Indigenous Health: A JBI Affiliated Group, Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust (MANT), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Omesh Bharti
- State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Denny John
- Evidence Synthesis and Implementation for Indigenous Health: A JBI Affiliated Group, Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust (MANT), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Alshehri A, Shah Z, Jan R. Mathematical study of the dynamics of lymphatic filariasis infection via fractional-calculus. EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS 2023; 138:280. [PMID: 37008752 PMCID: PMC10040084 DOI: 10.1140/epjp/s13360-023-03881-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The infection of lymphatic filariasis (LF) is the primary cause of poverty and disability in individuals living with the disease. Many organizations globally are working toward mitigating the disease's impact and enhancing the quality of life of the affected patients. It is paramount to inspect the transmission pattern of this infection to provide effective interventions for its prevention and control. Here, we formulate an epidemic model for the progression process of LF with acute and chronic infection in the fractional framework. The basic concept of the novel Atangana-Baleanu operator is presented for the analysis of suggested system. We determine the basic reproduction number of the system via the approach of next-generation matrix and investigate the equilibria of the system for stability analysis. We have shown the impact of input factors on the outcomes of reproduction parameter with the help of partial rank correlation coefficient approach and visualize the most critical factors. To conceptualize the time series analysis of the suggested dynamics, we propose utilizing a numerical approach. The solution pathways of the system are illustrated to demonstrate how different settings affect the system. We demonstrate the dynamics of the infection numerically to educate the policy makers and health authorities about the mechanisms necessary for management and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Alshehri
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahir Shah
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Lakki Marwat, Lakki Marwat, 28420 KPK Pakistan
| | - Rashid Jan
- Department of Mathematics, University of Swabi, Swabi, 23561 Pakistan
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Risk Factors of Noncompliance to Preventive Mass Drug Administration for Eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis: A Case-Control Study in Jawi District, Northwest Ethiopia. J Trop Med 2022; 2022:4792280. [PMID: 36187459 PMCID: PMC9519346 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4792280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. High compliance is crucial for the success of a mass drug administration program to achieve lymphatic filariasis elimination. However, the presence of persistently noncompliant individuals might delay the elimination target. Besides, although context-based research is essential to designing effective strategies, only a few studies have focused on identifying factors that play a role in noncompliance with mass drug administration in Africa. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the factors associated with noncompliance to prevent mass drug administration using ivermectin-with-albendazole for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A case-control study was conducted in Jawi District, Northwest Ethiopia. All individuals who are permanently living in the study area and registered on the annual chemotherapy registration book since 2015 were included in this study. A two-proportion formula was used to estimate the required sample size and 348 cases and 348 controls were selected by identification number on the village chemotherapy registration book using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire developed through an intensive literature review. Then, data were entered and cleaned by using the EPI DATA software, and analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26. Finally, a logistic regression analysis technique was applied to identify the risk factors using adjusted odds ratio as measures of effect. Results. A total of 690 (99.1%) participants, 345 cases and 345 controls, were included in the study. Younger age (AOR = 1.60; 95%CI: 1.10, 2.33), female sex (AOR = 1.56; 95%CI: 1.24, 3.93), thought of not being susceptible to the disease (AOR = 2.36, 95%CI: 1.80, 4.32), lack of disease knowledge (AOR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.38, 3.81), fear of drug side effect (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI:1.23, 4.86), and not participating in community drug distributors selection (AOR = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.70, 3.91) were found to be the risk factors significantly associated with noncompliance. Conclusion. Noncompliance with lymphatic filariasis mass drug administration therapy was associated with specific demographic, individual, program, and drug delivery characteristics. This finding has important implications for program effectiveness and would be used to accelerate the elimination of lymphatic filariasis in the study area and other endemic settings.
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Turner HC, Ottesen EA, Bradley MH. A refined and updated health impact assessment of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (2000-2020). Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:181. [PMID: 35643508 PMCID: PMC9148484 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05268-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD). In 2000 the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF). A key component of this programme is mass drug administration (MDA). Between 2000 and 2020, the GPELF has delivered over 8.6 billion treatments to at-risk populations. The last impact assessment of the programme evaluated the treatments provided between 2000–2014. The goal of this analysis is to provide an updated health impact assessment of the programme, based on the numbers treated between 2000–2020. Methods We updated and refined a previously established model that estimates the number of clinical manifestations and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted by the treatments provided by the GPELF. The model comprises three different population cohorts that can benefit from MDA provided (those protected from acquiring infection, those with subclinical morbidity prevented from progressing and those with clinical disease alleviated). The treatment numbers were updated for all participating countries using data from the WHO. In addition, data relating to the estimated number of individuals initially at risk of LF infection were updated where possible. Finally, the DALY calculations were refined to use updated disability weights. Results Using the updated model and corresponding treatment data, we projected that the total benefit cohort of the GPELF (2000–2020) would consist of approximately 58.5 million individuals and the programme would avert 44.3 million chronic LF cases. Over the lifetime of the benefit cohorts, this corresponded to 244 million DALYs being averted. Conclusion This study indicates that substantial health benefits have resulted from the first 20 years of the GPELF. It is important to note that the GPELF would have both additional benefits not quantified by the DALY burden metric as well as benefits on other co-endemic diseases (such as soil-transmitted helminths, onchocerciasis and scabies)—making the total health benefit underestimated. As with the past impact assessments, these results further justify the value and importance of continued investment in the GPELF. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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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.
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7
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Pastor AF, Silva MR, Dos Santos WJT, Rego T, Brandão E, de-Melo-Neto OP, Rocha A. Recombinant antigens used as diagnostic tools for lymphatic filariasis. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:474. [PMID: 34526120 PMCID: PMC8442287 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04980-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic disease caused by the worms Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori. It is a tropical and subtropical illness that affects approximately 67 million people worldwide and that still requires better diagnostic tools to prevent its spread and enhance the effectiveness of control procedures. Traditional parasitological tests and diagnostic methods based on whole protein extracts from different worms are known for problems related to sample time collection, sensitivity, and specificity. More recently, new diagnostic tools based on immunological methods using recombinant antigens have been developed. The current review describes the several recombinant antigens used as tools for lymphatic filariasis diagnosis in antigen and antibody capture assays, highlighting their advantages and limitations as well as the main commercial tests developed based on them. The literature chronology is from 1991 to 2021. First, it describes the historical background related to the identification of relevant antigens and the generation of the recombinant polypeptides used for the LF diagnosis, also detailing features specific to each antigen. The subsequent section then discusses the use of those proteins to develop antigen and antibody capture tests to detect LF. So far, studies focusing on antibody capture assays are based on 13 different antigens with at least six commercially available tests, with five proteins further used for the development of antigen capture tests. Five antigens explored in this paper belong to the SXP/RAL-2 family (BmSXP, Bm14, WbSXP-1, Wb14, WbL), and the others are BmShp-1, Bm33, BmR1, BmVAH, WbVAH, BmALT-1, BmALT-2, and Wb123. It is expected that advances in research with these antigens will allow further development of tests combining both sensitivity and specificity with low costs, assisting the Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF). ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- André Filipe Pastor
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brazil. .,Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sertão Pernambucano (IFSertao-PE), Campus Floresta, Floresta, PE, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Tamisa Rego
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Brandão
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brazil.,Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Serviço de Referência Nacional em Filarioses, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Abraham Rocha
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brazil.,Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Serviço de Referência Nacional em Filarioses, Recife, PE, Brazil.,Laboratório do Hospital Otávio de Freitas, Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
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8
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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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9
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Minter A, Pellis L, Medley GF, Hollingsworth TD. What Can Modeling Tell Us About Sustainable End Points for Neglected Tropical Diseases? Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:S129-S133. [PMID: 33905477 PMCID: PMC8201563 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As programs move closer toward the World Health Organization (WHO) goals of reduction in morbidity, elimination as a public health problem or elimination of transmission, countries will be faced with planning the next stages of surveillance and control in low prevalence settings. Mathematical models of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) will need to go beyond predicting the effect of different treatment programs on these goals and on to predicting whether the gains can be sustained. One of the most important challenges will be identifying the policy goal and the right constraints on interventions and surveillance over the long term, as a single policy option will not achieve all aims—for example, minimizing morbidity and minimizing costs cannot both be achieved. As NTDs move toward 2030 and beyond, more nuanced intervention choices will be informed by quantitative analyses which are adapted to national context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Minter
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Pellis
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,The Alan Turing Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham F Medley
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - T Déirdre Hollingsworth
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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10
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Deribe K, Negussu N, Newport MJ, Davey G, Turner HC. The health and economic burden of podoconiosis in Ethiopia. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 114:284-292. [PMID: 32055853 PMCID: PMC7139123 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/traa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Podoconiosis is one of the leading causes of lymphoedema-related morbidity in low-income settings, but little is known about the scale of its health and economic impact. This information is required to inform control programme planning and policy. In this study, we estimated the health and economic burden of podoconiosis in Ethiopia. Methods We developed a model to estimate the health burden attributed to podoconiosis in terms of the number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and the economic burden. We estimated the economic burden by quantifying the treatment and morbidity-management costs incurred by the healthcare system in managing clinical cases, patients' out-of-pocket costs and their productivity costs. Results In 2017, there were 1.5 million cases of podoconiosis in Ethiopia, which corresponds to 172 073 DALYs or 182 per 100 000 people. The total economic burden of podoconiosis in Ethiopia is estimated to be US$213.2 million annually and 91.1% of this resulted from productivity costs. The average economic burden per podoconiosis case was US$136.9. Conclusions The national cost of podoconiosis is formidable. If control measures are scaled up and the morbidity burden reduced, this will lead to Ethiopia saving millions of dollars. Our estimates provide important benchmark economic costs to programme planners, policymakers and donors for resource allocation and priority setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kebede Deribe
- Global Health and Infection Department, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, BN1 9PX, UK.,School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O.Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nebiyu Negussu
- Federal Ministry of Health, P.O.Box 1234, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Melanie J Newport
- Global Health and Infection Department, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, BN1 9PX, UK
| | - Gail Davey
- Global Health and Infection Department, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, BN1 9PX, UK.,School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O.Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hugo C Turner
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7LG, Oxford, UK.,Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Africa Asia Programme, 764 Vo Van Kiet, Quan 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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11
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Toor J, Coffeng LE, Hamley JID, Fronterre C, Prada JM, Castaño MS, Davis EL, Godwin W, Vasconcelos A, Medley GF, Hollingsworth TD. When, Who, and How to Sample: Designing Practical Surveillance for 7 Neglected Tropical Diseases as We Approach Elimination. J Infect Dis 2021; 221:S499-S502. [PMID: 32529261 PMCID: PMC7289548 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
As neglected tropical disease programs look to consolidate the successes of moving towards elimination, we need to understand the dynamics of transmission at low prevalence to inform surveillance strategies for detecting elimination and resurgence. In this special collection, modelling insights are used to highlight drivers of local elimination, evaluate strategies for detecting resurgence, and show the importance of rational spatial sampling schemes for several neglected tropical diseases (specifically schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, onchocerciasis, visceral leishmaniasis, and gambiense sleeping sickness).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaspreet Toor
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Luc E Coffeng
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan I D Hamley
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claudio Fronterre
- Centre for Health Informatics, Computing, and Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Joaquin M Prada
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - M Soledad Castaño
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emma L Davis
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - William Godwin
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Andreia Vasconcelos
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Graham F Medley
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - T Déirdre Hollingsworth
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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12
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Turner HC. Health economic analyses of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. Int Health 2020; 13:S71-S74. [PMID: 33349885 PMCID: PMC7753169 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihaa095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) was established by the WHO in 2000. It aims to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. This paper summarises the key estimates of the cost-effectiveness and economic benefits related to the mass drug administration (MDA) provided by the GPELF. Several studies have investigated the cost-effectiveness of this MDA, estimating the cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted. These cost-effectiveness estimates have consistently classed the intervention as cost-effective and as favourable compared with other public health interventions conducted in low- and middle-income countries. Studies have also found that the MDA used for lymphatic filariasis control generates significant economic benefits. Although these studies are positive, there are still important gaps that warrant further health economic research (particularly, the evaluation of alternative interventions, further evaluation of morbidity management strategies and evaluation of interventions for settings coendemic with Loa loa). To conclude, health economic studies for a programme as large as the GPELF are subject to uncertainty. That said, the GPELF has consistently been estimated to be cost-effective and to generate notable economic benefits by a number of independent studies.
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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, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
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13
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Evaluation of Actin-1 Expression in Wild Caught Wuchereria bancrofti-Infected Mosquito Vectors. J Pathog 2020; 2020:7912042. [PMID: 33062336 PMCID: PMC7547363 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7912042] [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] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wuchereria bancrofti is the major cause of lymphatic filariasis transmitted by mosquito vectors. In the vector-parasite interaction and among other proteins, actin-1 has been implicated for successful transmission of the pathogen in laboratory-controlled experiments. However, validation of this finding from the pathogen's natural environment is required. Objective This study is aimed at evaluating actin-1 expression upon Wuchereria bancrofti infection in mosquito vectors collected during an epidemiology study in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nigeria. Methods Mosquitoes were collected and identified using morphological keys, which include length of maxillary palps, pale spots on the wings, and scale patterns on the abdomen. This was followed by detection of the 188 bp SspI marker of Wuchereria bancrofti infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The mRNA levels of the actin-1 gene were evaluated in the infected Anopheles gambiae sl and Culex quinquefasciatus and their controls, which were adult reared from the larvae in the study area. Results The mosquitoes were identified to be Anopheles gambiae sl and Culex quinquefasciatus, while infection by Wuchereria bancrofti was confirmed by amplification of the 188 bp SspI marker. A 4.85 and 4.09 relative fold increase in actin-1 gene expression in Wuchereria bancrofti-infected Anopheles gambiae sl and Culex quinquefasciatus was observed. Thus, for the first time we reported that the actin-1 gene in wild caught mosquito vectors (Anopheles gambiae sl and Culex quinquefasciatus) infected with Wuchereria bancrofti is upregulated. Conclusion The actin-1 gene is upregulated and similarly expressed during W. bancrofti infection in mosquito vectors in the study area and this may likely serve as a biomarker and viable strategy for the control of parasite transmission in endemic areas.
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14
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Toor J, Adams ER, Aliee M, Amoah B, Anderson RM, Ayabina D, Bailey R, Basáñez MG, Blok DJ, Blumberg S, Borlase A, Rivera RC, Castaño MS, Chitnis N, Coffeng LE, Crump RE, Das A, Davis CN, Davis EL, Deiner MS, Diggle PJ, Fronterre C, Giardina F, Giorgi E, Graham M, Hamley JID, Huang CI, Kura K, Lietman TM, Lucas TCD, Malizia V, Medley GF, Meeyai A, Michael E, Porco TC, Prada JM, Rock KS, Le Rutte EA, Smith ME, Spencer SEF, Stolk WA, Touloupou P, Vasconcelos A, Vegvari C, de Vlas SJ, Walker M, Hollingsworth TD. Predicted Impact of COVID-19 on Neglected Tropical Disease Programs and the Opportunity for Innovation. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 72:1463-1466. [PMID: 32984870 PMCID: PMC7543306 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many key neglected tropical disease (NTD) activities have been postponed. This hindrance comes at a time when the NTDs are progressing towards their ambitious goals for 2030. Mathematical modelling on several NTDs, namely gambiense sleeping sickness, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH), trachoma, and visceral leishmaniasis, shows that the impact of this disruption will vary across the diseases. Programs face a risk of resurgence, which will be fastest in high-transmission areas. Furthermore, of the mass drug administration diseases, schistosomiasis, STH, and trachoma are likely to encounter faster resurgence. The case-finding diseases (gambiense sleeping sickness and visceral leishmaniasis) are likely to have fewer cases being detected but may face an increasing underlying rate of new infections. However, once programs are able to resume, there are ways to mitigate the impact and accelerate progress towards the 2030 goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaspreet Toor
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emily R Adams
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Maryam Aliee
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom,Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Amoah
- Centre for Health Informatics, Computing and Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Roy M Anderson
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,The DeWorm3 Project, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diepreye Ayabina
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Bailey
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria-Gloria Basáñez
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J Blok
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Seth Blumberg
- Francis I Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Anna Borlase
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rocio Caja Rivera
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - María Soledad Castaño
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nakul Chitnis
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luc E Coffeng
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald E Crump
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom,Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom,The School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Aatreyee Das
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christopher N Davis
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom,Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Emma L Davis
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael S Deiner
- Francis I Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America,Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Peter J Diggle
- Centre for Health Informatics, Computing and Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Claudio Fronterre
- Centre for Health Informatics, Computing and Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Federica Giardina
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emanuele Giorgi
- Centre for Health Informatics, Computing and Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Graham
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Oxford, United Kingdom,Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan I D Hamley
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ching-I Huang
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom,Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Klodeta Kura
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas M Lietman
- Francis I Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America,Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America,Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Tim C D Lucas
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Veronica Malizia
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Graham F Medley
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aronrag Meeyai
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edwin Michael
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Travis C Porco
- Francis I Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America,Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America,Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Joaquin M Prada
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Kat S Rock
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom,Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Epke A Le Rutte
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Morgan E Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Simon E F Spencer
- Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom,Department of Statistics, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Wilma A Stolk
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Andreia Vasconcelos
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Carolin Vegvari
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sake J de Vlas
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Walker
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - T Déirdre Hollingsworth
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Oxford, United Kingdom,Correspondence: T. D. Hollingsworth, Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Old Road Campus, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK ()
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15
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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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16
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Mathew CG, Bettis AA, Chu BK, English M, Ottesen EA, Bradley MH, Turner HC. The Health and Economic Burdens of Lymphatic Filariasis Prior to Mass Drug Administration Programs. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 70:2561-2567. [PMID: 31343064 PMCID: PMC7286370 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) was launched in 2000 with the goal of eliminating lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem by 2020. Despite considerable progress, the current prevalence is around 60% of the 2000 figure, with the deadline looming a year away. Consequently, there is a continued need for investment in both the mass drug administration (MDA) and morbidity management programs, and this paper aims to demonstrate that need by estimating the health and economic burdens of LF prior to MDA programs starting in GPELF areas. METHODS A previously developed model was used to estimate the numbers of individuals infected and individuals with symptomatic disease, along with the attributable number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The economic burden was calculated by quantifying the costs incurred by the health-care system in managing clinical cases, the patients' out-of-pocket costs, and their productivity costs. RESULTS Prior to the MDA program, approximately 129 million people were infected with LF, of which 43 million had clinical disease, corresponding to a DALY burden of 5.25 million. The average annual economic burden per chronic case was US $115, the majority of which resulted from productivity costs. The total economic burden of LF was estimated at US $5.8 billion annually. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the magnitude of the LF burden and highlight the continued need to support the GPELF. Patients with clinical disease bore the majority of the economic burden, but will not benefit much from the current MDA program, which is aimed at reducing transmission. This assessment further highlights the need to scale up morbidity management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Mathew
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alison A Bettis
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Brian K Chu
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Mike English
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi
| | - Eric A Ottesen
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Mark H Bradley
- Global Health Programs, GlaxoSmithKline, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hugo C Turner
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Africa Asia Programme, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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17
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Wodnik BK, Louis DH, Joseph M, Wilkers LT, Landskroener SD, Desir L, Lemoine JF, Lavery JV. The roles of stakeholder experience and organizational learning in declining mass drug administration coverage for lymphatic filariasis in Port-au-Prince, Haiti: A case study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008318. [PMID: 32469860 PMCID: PMC7259509 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines an effective round of mass drug administration (MDA) for lymphatic filariasis (LF) as one that reaches at least 65% of the target population. In its first round of MDA in 2011–2012, the National Program to Eliminate LF in Haiti achieved a 79% epidemiological coverage in urban Port-au-Prince. In 2013, coverage dropped below the WHO threshold and has declined year-over-year to a low of 41% in 2017. We conducted a retrospective qualitative case study to identify key factors behind the decline in coverage in Port-au-Prince and ways to address them. Our findings suggest that the main contributors to the decline in MDA coverage appear to be the absence of effective documentation of practices, reporting, analysis, and program quality improvement—i.e., learning mechanisms—within the program’s MDA design and implementation strategy. In addition to their contribution to the program’s failure to meet its coverage targets, these deficits have resulted in a high cost for the MDA campaign in both lost momentum and depleted morale. Through a proposed operating logic model, we explore how the pathway from program inputs to outcomes is influenced by a wide array of mediating factors, which shape potential participants’ experience of MDA and, in turn, influence their reasoning and decisions to take, or not take, the pills. Our model suggests that the decisions and behavior of individuals are a reflection of their overall experience of the program itself, mediated through a host of contextual factors, and not simply the expression of a fixed choice or preference. This holistic approach offers a novel and potentially valuable framing for the planning and evaluation of MDA strategies for LF and other diseases, and may be applicable in a variety of global health programs. In order to eliminate lymphatic filariasis from a region, the World Health Organization recommends a strategy of preventative drugs delivered annually to the population. At least 65% of the population must participate for four to six consecutive years for this approach to be effective. In urban Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the number of people taking the drugs has been declining progressively below the 65% benchmark since 2012. We used a qualitative case study to identify key factors behind the decline in coverage in Port-au-Prince and ways to address them. We found that the lymphatic filariasis elimination program lacks the necessary design and program infrastructure to ensure reliable learning about problems faced by pill distribution teams on the ground, and the improvisations they introduced to address these challenges. The inability to incorporate these lessons into program improvements and refinements resulted in under-performance and contributed to the decline in coverage. Furthermore, the way that people experience the program is strongly influenced by a host of contextual factors, which shape potential participants’ experience of the program and, in turn, influence their reasoning and decisions to take, or not take, the pills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna K. Wodnik
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, and Center for Ethics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Didié Hérold Louis
- National Ambulance Center, Ministry of Public Health and Population, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | | | - Lee T. Wilkers
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, and Center for Ethics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Susan D. Landskroener
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, and Center for Ethics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Luccene Desir
- Hispaniola Health Initiative, The Carter Center, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Jean Frantz Lemoine
- National Programs for the Elimination of Malaria and Lymphatic Filariasis, Ministry of Public Health and Population, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - James V. Lavery
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, and Center for Ethics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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18
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Turner HC, Toor J, Bettis AA, Hopkins AD, Kyaw SS, Onwujekwe O, Thwaites GE, Lubell Y, Fitzpatrick C. Valuing the Unpaid Contribution of Community Health Volunteers to Mass Drug Administration Programs. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 68:1588-1595. [PMID: 30169566 PMCID: PMC6481994 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Community health volunteers (CHVs) are being used within a growing number of healthcare interventions, and they have become a cornerstone for the delivery of mass drug administration within many neglected tropical disease control programs. However, a greater understanding of the methods used to value the unpaid time CHVs contribute to healthcare programs is needed. We outline the two main approaches used to value CHVs’ unpaid time (the opportunity cost and the replacement cost approaches). We found that for mass drug administration programs the estimates of the economic costs relating to the CHVs’ unpaid time can be significant, with the averages of the different studies varying between US$0.05 and $0.16 per treatment. We estimated that the time donated by CHVs’ to the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control alone would be valued between US$60 and $90 million. There is a need for greater transparency and consistency in the methods used to value CHVs’ unpaid time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo C Turner
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford
| | - Jaspreet Toor
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London.,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London
| | - Alison A Bettis
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London.,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London
| | | | - Shwe Sin Kyaw
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Obinna Onwujekwe
- Department of Health Administration and Management, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus.,Health Policy Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Guy E Thwaites
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford.,Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Christopher Fitzpatrick
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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19
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Hart JD, Kalua K, Keenan JD, Lietman TM, Bailey RL. Cost-Effectiveness of Mass Treatment with Azithromycin for Reducing Child Mortality in Malawi: Secondary Analysis from the MORDOR Trial. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:1283-1290. [PMID: 32342840 PMCID: PMC7470598 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent Macrolides Oraux pour Réduire les Décès avec un Oeil sur la Résistance (MORDOR) trial reported a reduction in child mortality following biannual azithromycin mass drug administration (MDA). Here, we investigate the financial costs and cost-effectiveness from the health provider perspective of azithromycin MDA at the MORDOR-Malawi study site. During MORDOR, a cluster-randomized trial involving biannual azithromycin MDA or placebo to children aged 1–59 months, fieldwork-related costs were collected, including personnel, transport, consumables, overheads, training, and supervision. Mortality rates in azithromycin- and placebo-treated clusters were calculated overall and for the five health zones of Mangochi district. These were used to estimate the number needed to treat to avert one death and the costs per death and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted. The cost per dose of MDA was $0.74 overall, varying between $0.63 and $0.94 in the five zones. Overall, the number needed to treat to avert one death was 1,213 children; the cost per death averted was $898.47, and the cost per DALY averted was $9.98. In the three zones where mortality was lower in azithromycin-treated clusters, the number needed to treat to avert one death, cost per death averted, and cost per DALY averted, respectively, were as follows: 3,070, $2,899.24, and $32.31 in Monkey Bay zone; 1,530, $1,214.42, and $13.49 in Chilipa zone; and 344, $217.98, and $2.42 in Namwera zone. This study is a preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis that indicates azithromycin MDA for reducing child mortality has the potential to be highly cost-effective in some settings in Malawi, but the reasons for geographical variation in effectiveness require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Hart
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Khumbo Kalua
- Blantyre Institute for Community Outreach, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Jeremy D Keenan
- Francis I Proctor Foundation and Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Califorina
| | - Thomas M Lietman
- Francis I Proctor Foundation and Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Califorina
| | - Robin L Bailey
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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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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Cost-effectiveness and social outcomes of a community-based treatment for podoconiosis lymphoedema in the East Gojjam zone, Ethiopia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007780. [PMID: 31644556 PMCID: PMC6808421 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Podoconiosis is a disease of the lymphatic vessels of the lower extremities that is caused by chronic exposure to irritant soils. It results in leg swelling, commonly complicated by acute dermatolymphangioadenitis (ADLA), characterised by severe pain, fever and disability. METHODS We conducted cost-effectiveness and social outcome analyses of a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial of a hygiene and foot-care intervention for people with podoconiosis in the East Gojjam zone of northern Ethiopia. Participants were allocated to the immediate intervention group or the delayed intervention group (control). The 12-month intervention included training in foot hygiene, skin care, bandaging, exercises, and use of socks and shoes, and was supported by lay community assistants. The cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using the cost of productivity loss due to acute dermatolymphangioadenitis. Household costs were not included. Health outcomes in the cost-effectiveness analysis were: the incidence of ADLA episodes, health-related quality of life captured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and disability scores measured using the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). RESULTS The cost of the foot hygiene and lymphoedema management supplies was 529 ETB (69 I$, international dollars) per person per year. The cost of delivery of the intervention as part of the trial, including transportation, storage, training of lay community assistants and administering the intervention was 1,890 ETB (246 I$) per person. The intervention was effective in reducing the incidence of acute dermatolymphangioadenitis episodes and improving DLQI scores, while there were no significant improvements in the disability scores measured using WHODAS 2.0. In 75% of estimations, the intervention was less costly than the control. This was due to improved work productivity. Subgroup analyses based on income group showed that the intervention was cost-effective (both less costly and more effective) in reducing the number of acute dermatolymphangioadenitis episodes and improving health-related quality of life in families with monthly income <1,000 ETB (130 I$). For the subgroup with family income ≥1,000 ETB, the intervention was more effective but more costly than the control. CONCLUSIONS Whilst there is evident benefit of the intervention for all, the economic impact would be greatest for the poorest.
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The roadmap towards elimination of lymphatic filariasis by 2030: insights from quantitative and mathematical modelling. Gates Open Res 2019; 3:1538. [PMID: 31728440 PMCID: PMC6833911 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13065.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis was launched in 2000 to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem by 1) interrupting transmission through mass drug administration (MDA) and 2) offering basic care to those suffering from lymphoedema or hydrocele due to the infection. Although impressive progress has been made, the initial target year of 2020 will not be met everywhere. The World Health Organization recently proposed 2030 as the new target year for elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem. In this letter, LF modelers of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Modelling Consortium reflect on the proposed targets for 2030 from a quantitative perspective. While elimination as a public health problem seems technically and operationally feasible, it is uncertain whether this will eventually also lead to complete elimination of transmission. The risk of resurgence needs to be mitigated by strong surveillance after stopping interventions and sometimes perhaps additional interventions.
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Kalani A, Kalani K, Chaturvedi P, Chaturvedi P. Immunochemical Characterization of Setaria cervi Microfilarial Antigens Using Novel Antibodies. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1263-1274. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190618112822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:Filariasis affects millions of people in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and is caused by nematode roundworm. In order to develop a vaccine and specific diagnostic tests, it is important to characterize different stages of the filarial worms. Microfilariae (Mf) stage of the roundworm is found in host’s blood or lymph vessels and can be important not only for developing better immunodiagnostics but also for understanding immune recognition and its relevance to immunepathogenesis and protective immunity.Objective:The present study aimed to immunocharacterize Mf and adult worm antigens that could be helpful in future diagnostic tests.Method:Four different immune sera against Setaria cervi intact live, intact live with adjuvant, intact glutaraldehyde fixed with adjuvant and total somatic Mf were prepared and used for the immunocharacterization of Mf antigens.Results:Our study results suggest that compared to fixed intact Mf, live intact Mf are more immunogenic, as the immune sera generated against intact live Mf showed high ELISA reactivity with Setaria cervi Mf and adult worm antigens. All the four immune sera IgG fractions had surface specificity as determined through considerable ELISA reactivity with S. cervi intact Mf. When tested under native conditions (immunoelectrophoresis and crossed immunoelectrophoresis), all the four immune rabbit sera were able to detect antigens of S. cervi Mf and adult stages.Conclusion:These results can be useful in detailed understanding of the complex nature of the Mf and adult antigens, which are prerequisites in the development of vaccine and more specific diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Kalani
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
| | - Komal Kalani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India
| | - Poonam Chaturvedi
- Department of Neurology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pankaj Chaturvedi
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
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Nag S, Gupta S, Sisodia J, Misra R. Asymptomatic filariasis and leprosy co-morbidity in a patient with suspected Guillain-Barrè syndrome: the first case report of an incidental finding in a slit-skin smear. Access Microbiol 2019; 1:e000046. [PMID: 32974552 PMCID: PMC7470402 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and leprosy are both endemic in India. These diseases are on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), as they affect the most marginalized communities in the world, resulting in deformities and functional limitation. We report the first case of asymptomatic filariasis and leprosy co-morbidity in a patient with suspected Guillain-Barré syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION A 55-year-old male who was a farmer by occupation presented to the Neurology Outpatient Department (OPD) of our institute with complaints of weakness in all four limbs for the last 15 days. After admission, a detailed history revealed that the patient had been taking multi-drug therapy (MDT) for leprosy for the previous 6 months. After symptomatic management of the presenting complaints, the patient was sent to the Department of Microbiology for a consultation and six-site slit-skin sampling. The initial screening of Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN)-stained smears under a 10× objective led to the incidental finding of sheathed structures resembling microfilaria (Mf) on the smear made from ear lobules. In addition, short acid-fast bacilli (AFB) were also observed under the oil-immersion objective. CONCLUSION We emphasize that a high index of suspicion and thorough screening of smears by a microbiologist is essential in specimens obtained from any body site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumyabrata Nag
- Department of Microbiology, Division of Mycobacteriology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
| | - Sneha Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, Division of Mycobacteriology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
| | - Juhi Sisodia
- Department of Microbiology, Division of Mycobacteriology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
| | - Richa Misra
- Department of Microbiology, Division of Mycobacteriology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
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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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Turner HC, Walker M, Pion SDS, McFarland DA, Bundy DAP, Basáñez M. Economic evaluations of onchocerciasis interventions: a systematic review and research needs. Trop Med Int Health 2019; 24:788-816. [PMID: 31013395 PMCID: PMC6617745 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a systematic review of economic evaluations that has been conducted for onchocerciasis interventions, to summarise current key knowledge and to identify research gaps. METHOD A systematic review of the literature was conducted on the 8th of August 2018 using the PubMed (MEDLINE) and ISI Web of Science electronic databases. No date or language stipulations were applied to the searches. RESULTS We identified 14 primary studies reporting the results of economic evaluations of onchocerciasis interventions, seven of which were cost-effectiveness analyses. The studies identified used a variety of different approaches to estimate the costs of the investigated interventions/programmes. Originally, the studies only quantified the benefits associated with preventing blindness. Gradually, methods improved and also captured onchocerciasis-associated skin disease. Studies found that eliminating onchocerciasis would generate billions in economic benefits. The majority of the cost-effectiveness analyses evaluated annual mass drug administration (MDA). The estimated cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted of annual MDA varies between US$3 and US$30 (cost year variable). CONCLUSIONS The cost benefit and cost effectiveness of onchocerciasis interventions have consistently been found to be very favourable. This finding provides strong evidential support for the ongoing efforts to eliminate onchocerciasis from endemic areas. Although these results are very promising, there are several important research gaps that need to be addressed as we move towards the 2020 milestones and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo C. Turner
- Oxford University Clinical Research UnitWellcome Africa Asia ProgrammeHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global HealthNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Martin Walker
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Pathobiology and Population SciencesRoyal Veterinary CollegeHatfieldUK
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Infectious Disease EpidemiologySchool of Public HealthImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Sébastien D. S. Pion
- Institut de Recherche pour le DéveloppementUMI 233‐INSERMU1175‐Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | | | | | - María‐Gloria Basáñez
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease ResearchDepartment of Infectious Disease EpidemiologySchool of Public HealthImperial College LondonLondonUK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease AnalysisDepartment of Infectious Disease EpidemiologySchool of Public HealthImperial College LondonLondonUK
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Abstract
Expanding treatment options alongside ensuring high coverage of mass drug administration can accelerate progress in elimination of lymphatic filariasis, say Sabine Specht and colleagues
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Specht
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - T K Suma
- Filariasis Research Unit, Government T D Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, India
| | - Belen Pedrique
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
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Eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases in Urban Areas: A Review of Challenges, Strategies and Research Directions for Successful Mass Drug Administration. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:tropicalmed3040122. [PMID: 30469342 PMCID: PMC6306919 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3040122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 1950, the global urban population grew from 746 million to almost 4 billion and is expected to reach 6.4 billion by mid-century. Almost 90% of this increase will take place in Asia and Africa and disproportionately in urban slums. In this context, concerns about the amplification of several neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are warranted and efforts towards achieving effective mass drug administration (MDA) coverage become even more important. This narrative review considers the published literature on MDA implementation for specific NTDs and in-country experiences under the ENVISION and END in Africa projects to surface features of urban settings that challenge delivery strategies known to work in rural areas. Discussed under the thematics of governance, population heterogeneity, mobility and community trust in MDA, these features include weak public health infrastructure and programs, challenges related to engaging diverse and dynamic populations and the limited accessibility of certain urban settings such as slums. Although the core components of MDA programs for NTDs in urban settings are similar to those in rural areas, their delivery may need adjustment. Effective coverage of MDA in diverse urban populations can be supported by tailored approaches informed by mapping studies, research that identifies context-specific methods to increase MDA coverage and rigorous monitoring and evaluation.
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