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Srivathsan A, Abdou A, Al-Khatib T, Apadinuwe SC, Badiane MD, Bucumi V, Chisenga T, Kabona G, Kabore M, Kanyi SK, Bella L, M’po N, Masika M, Minnih A, Sitoe HM, Mishra S, Olobio N, Omar FJ, Phiri I, Sanha S, Seife F, Sharma S, Tekeraoi R, Traore L, Watitu T, Bol YY, Borlase A, Deiner MS, Renneker KK, Hooper PJ, Emerson PM, Vasconcelos A, Arnold BF, Porco TC, Hollingsworth TD, Lietman TM, Blumberg S. District-Level Forecast of Achieving Trachoma Elimination as a Public Health Problem By 2030: An Ensemble Modelling Approach. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:S101-S107. [PMID: 38662700 PMCID: PMC11045026 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciae031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Assessing the feasibility of 2030 as a target date for global elimination of trachoma, and identification of districts that may require enhanced treatment to meet World Health Organization (WHO) elimination criteria by this date are key challenges in operational planning for trachoma programmes. Here we address these challenges by prospectively evaluating forecasting models of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) prevalence, leveraging ensemble-based approaches. Seven candidate probabilistic models were developed to forecast district-wise TF prevalence in 11 760 districts, trained using district-level data on the population prevalence of TF in children aged 1-9 years from 2004 to 2022. Geographical location, history of mass drug administration treatment, and previously measured prevalence data were included in these models as key predictors. The best-performing models were included in an ensemble, using weights derived from their relative likelihood scores. To incorporate the inherent stochasticity of disease transmission and challenges of population-level surveillance, we forecasted probability distributions for the TF prevalence in each geographic district, rather than predicting a single value. Based on our probabilistic forecasts, 1.46% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.43-1.48%) of all districts in trachoma-endemic countries, equivalent to 172 districts, will exceed the 5% TF control threshold in 2030 with the current interventions. Global elimination of trachoma as a public health problem by 2030 may require enhanced intervention and/or surveillance of high-risk districts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariktha Srivathsan
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Amza Abdou
- Programme National de Santé Oculaire, Ministère De La Santé Publique, Niamey, Niger
| | - Tawfik Al-Khatib
- Prevention of Blindness Program, Ministry of Public Health & Population, Sana'a, Yemen
| | | | - Mouctar D Badiane
- Programme National de Promotion de La Santé Oculaire, Ministère de la Santé et de L'Action sociale, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Victor Bucumi
- Département En Charge des Maladies Tropicales Négligées, Ministère De La Santé Publique Et De La Lutte Contre Le Sida, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Tina Chisenga
- Ministry of Health Public Health Department, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - George Kabona
- Neglected Tropical Disease Control Program, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Martin Kabore
- Programme national de lutte contre les maladies tropicales négligées, Ministère de la santé et de l'hygiène publique, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Sarjo Kebba Kanyi
- The National Eye Health Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Banjul, Kanifing, The Gambia
| | - Lucienne Bella
- Programme National De Lutte Contre La Cécité, Ministère De La Santé Publique, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Nekoua M’po
- Programme National De Lutte Contre Les Maladies Transmissibles, Ministère De La Santé, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Michael Masika
- Department of Clinical Services, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Abdellahi Minnih
- Département Des Maladies Transmissibles, Ministère De La Santé Nouakchott, Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Henis Mior Sitoe
- Direcção Nacional De Saúde Pública Ministerio Da Saude, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Nicholas Olobio
- National Trachoma Elimination Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Isaac Phiri
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, Ministry of Health & Child Welfare, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Salimato Sanha
- Programa Nacional De Saúde De Visão, Minsap, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Fikre Seife
- Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Rabebe Tekeraoi
- Eye Department, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, South Tarawa, Kiribati
| | - Lamine Traore
- Programme National de la Santé Oculaire, Ministère de la Santé, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Yak Yak Bol
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, Ministry of Health, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Anna Borlase
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael S Deiner
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kristen K Renneker
- International Trachoma Initiative, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - P J Hooper
- International Trachoma Initiative, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Paul M Emerson
- International Trachoma Initiative, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Andreia Vasconcelos
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin F Arnold
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Travis C Porco
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - T Déirdre Hollingsworth
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas M Lietman
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Seth Blumberg
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Dyer CEF, Kalua K, Chisambi AB, Wand H, McManus H, Liu B, Kaldor JM, Vaz Nery S. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Mass Drug Administration to Eliminate Trachoma as a Public Health Problem in Malawi. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2024; 31:127-133. [PMID: 36987395 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2023.2194409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Following a national population-based trachoma survey in Malawi one round of azithromycin mass drug administration (MDA) was carried out, with a post-MDA impact survey showing TF prevalence below 5% and considered eliminated as a public health problem. However, active trachoma was still present in over 200 children. We assessed whether water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) factors were associated with ongoing presence of TF in children aged 1-9 years following MDA. METHODS A secondary analysis was performed on a sub-set of the post-MDA impact survey data for children aged 1-9 years. We used a logistic regression analysis, adjusted for clustering at the household and village level. RESULTS Among 16,142 children aged 1-9 years, 209 (1.3%) had TF after MDA. Factors associated with a significantly lower odds of TF after MDA were living in a household with a handwashing facility (aOR: 0.37) and living in a household where water for washing is located further away from the home (30 min away aOR: 0.39, p = .034, or more than 1 h away aOR: 0.31, p = .018) compared with water in the yard. CONCLUSION The inverse association between a domestic handwashing facility and TF is consistent with previous findings, but the association of increasing distance to collect water for washing with a reduced risk of TF was unexpected and may reflect the impact of drought and unmeasured behavioural factors related to water usage. A more comprehensive collection of sociodemographic and WASH factor information in population-based trachoma surveys will provide insight into achieving and maintaining low levels of trachoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare E F Dyer
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Khumbo Kalua
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Blantyre Institute for Community Ophthalmology, Lions Sight First Eye Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alvin B Chisambi
- Blantyre Institute for Community Ophthalmology, Lions Sight First Eye Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Handan Wand
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hamish McManus
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bette Liu
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - John M Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Susana Vaz Nery
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Harte AJ, Ghasemian E, Pickering H, Houghton J, Chernet A, Sata E, Yismaw G, Zeru T, Tadesse Z, Callahan EK, Nash SD, Holland MJ. Unravelling Chlamydia trachomatis diversity in Amhara, Ethiopia: MLVA-ompA sequencing as a molecular typing tool for trachoma. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012143. [PMID: 38662795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide and is now largely confined to around 40 low- and middle-income countries. It is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), a contagious intracellular bacterium. The World Health Organization recommends mass drug administration (MDA) with azithromycin for treatment and control of ocular Ct infections, alongside improving facial cleanliness and environmental conditions to reduce transmission. To understand the molecular epidemiology of trachoma, especially in the context of MDA and transmission dynamics, the identification of Ct genotypes could be useful. While many studies have used the Ct major outer membrane protein gene (ompA) for genotyping, it has limitations. Our study applies a typing system novel to trachoma, Multiple Loci Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis combined with ompA (MLVA-ompA). Ocular swabs were collected post-MDA from four trachoma-endemic zones in Ethiopia between 2011-2017. DNA from 300 children with high Ct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) loads was typed using MLVA-ompA, utilizing 3 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) loci within the Ct genome. Results show that MLVA-ompA exhibited high discriminatory power (0.981) surpassing the recommended threshold for epidemiological studies. We identified 87 MLVA-ompA variants across 26 districts. No significant associations were found between variants and clinical signs or chlamydial load. Notably, overall Ct diversity significantly decreased after additional MDA rounds, with a higher proportion of serovar A post-MDA. Despite challenges in sequencing one VNTR locus (CT1299), MLVA-ompA demonstrated cost-effectiveness and efficiency relative to whole genome sequencing, providing valuable information for trachoma control programs on local epidemiology. The findings suggest the potential of MLVA-ompA as a reliable tool for typing ocular Ct and understanding transmission dynamics, aiding in the development of targeted interventions for trachoma control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Harte
- The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ehsan Ghasemian
- The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Harry Pickering
- The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Houghton
- The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Taye Zeru
- The Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Scott D Nash
- The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Martin J Holland
- The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Ghasemian E, Faal N, Pickering H, Sillah A, Breuer J, Bailey RL, Mabey D, Holland MJ. Genomic insights into local-scale evolution of ocular Chlamydia trachomatis strains within and between individuals in Gambian trachoma-endemic villages. Microb Genom 2024; 10:001210. [PMID: 38445851 PMCID: PMC10999739 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) serovars A-C, is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Africa bears the highest burden, accounting for over 86 % of global trachoma cases. We investigated Ct serovar A (SvA) and B (SvB) whole genome sequences prior to the induction of mass antibiotic drug administration in The Gambia. Here, we explore the factors contributing to Ct strain diversification and the implications for Ct evolution within the context of ocular infection. A cohort study in 2002-2003 collected ocular swabs across nine Gambian villages during a 6 month follow-up study. To explore the genetic diversity of Ct within and between individuals, we conducted whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on a limited number (n=43) of Ct-positive samples with an omcB load ≥10 from four villages. WGS was performed using target enrichment with SureSelect and Illumina paired-end sequencing. Out of 43 WGS samples, 41 provided sufficient quality for further analysis. ompA analysis revealed that 11 samples had highest identity to ompA from strain A/HAR13 (NC_007429) and 30 had highest identity to ompA from strain B/Jali20 (NC_012686). While SvB genome sequences formed two distinct village-driven subclades, the heterogeneity of SvA sequences led to the formation of many individual branches within the Gambian SvA subclade. Comparing the Gambian SvA and SvB sequences with their reference strains, Ct A/HAR13 and Ct B/Jali20, indicated an single nucleotide polymorphism accumulation rate of 2.4×10-5 per site per year for the Gambian SvA and 1.3×10-5 per site per year for SvB variants (P<0.0001). Variant calling resulted in a total of 1371 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) with a frequency >25 % in SvA sequences, and 438 SNVs in SvB sequences. Of note, in SvA variants, highest evolutionary pressure was recorded on genes responsible for host cell modulation and intracellular survival mechanisms, whereas in SvB variants this pressure was mainly on genes essential for DNA replication/repair mechanisms and protein synthesis. A comparison of the sequences between observed separate infection events (4-20 weeks between infections) suggested that the majority of the variations accumulated in genes responsible for host-pathogen interaction such as CTA_0166 (phospholipase D-like protein), CTA_0498 (TarP) and CTA_0948 (deubiquitinase). This comparison of Ct SvA and SvB variants within a trachoma endemic population focused on their local evolutionary adaptation. We found a different variation accumulation pattern in the Gambian SvA chromosomal genes compared with SvB, hinting at the potential of Ct serovar-specific variation in diversification and evolutionary fitness. These findings may have implications for optimizing trachoma control and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Ghasemian
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nkoyo Faal
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Harry Pickering
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ansumana Sillah
- National Eye Health Programme, Ministry of Health, Kanifing, Gambia
| | - Judith Breuer
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Robin L. Bailey
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - David Mabey
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Martin J. Holland
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Altaseb T, Lingerew M, Adane M. Prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular and associated factors among children aged 1-9 years in northeastern Ethiopia. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:128. [PMID: 38373921 PMCID: PMC10875859 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04587-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma is the most prevalent eye disease in Ethiopia, especially among children aged 1-9 years and continues to be a public health concern. Nevertheless, in Ethiopia's rural Jamma district in South Wollo Zone of Amhara Regional State, factors associated with trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) among children aged 1-9 years have not yet been studied. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 616 children aged 1-9 years in rural Jamma district in Ethiopia from January-March, 2019. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, an observation checklist and clinical examination of study participants for active trachoma. The presence of TF and trachomatous inflammation-intense (TI) was clinically assessed by integrated eye care workers using the World Health Organization simplified grading system. Data were analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) Version 25.0. A logistic regression model with 95% CI was used. From the multivariable analysis, variables with p-value < 0.05 were declared as associated factors of TF. RESULT The prevalence of TF was 10.9% (95% CI [8.6 - 13.6%]) among the rural children aged 1-9 years. The mean family size was 5.5 ± 1.9 persons. About one-fifth (20.6%) of households kept domestic animals overnight in the same room as family. Almost one-sixth (17.5%) of the children involved in this study had an ocular discharge. Two-thirds of the children (68.8%) washed their hands once per day and just over half (55.8%) washed their faces once per day. From multivariable analysis, we found that the presence of domestic animals kept overnight in the same room as the family (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.32; 95%CI [2.49-9.52]), mother's/caregiver's illiteracy (AOR = 2.01; 95%CI [1.11-4.67]), household size (> 7 persons) (AOR = 3.50; 95%CI [1.66-8.50]), washing of children's hands and face without soap (AOR = 2.41; 95%CI [1.29-5.18]), feces observed in the compound (AOR = 5.10; 95%CI [2.01-10.14]), presence of ocular discharge (AOR = 7.23, 95%CI [4.10-12.51]) and nasal discharge (AOR = 4.54, 95%CI [1.95-9.26]) were significantly associated with TF. CONCLUSION The prevalence of TF among rural children aged 1-9 years in this study was almost two times higher than the WHO-recommended threshold (TF < 5%) for trachoma elimination and beyond the trachoma control target (TF < 10%). Presence of domestic animals kept overnight in the same room as the family, mother's/caregiver's illiteracy, household size (> 7 persons), washing of children's hands and face without soap, feces observed in the compound, presence of ocular and nasal discharge were significantly associated with TF. We recommended interventions that will help household income to be improved to enable families to be able to construct separate rooms in which to keep animals overnight. Furthermore, we also recommend to policy makers to design mechanisms for enhancement of behavioural change among householders to keep household compounds clean and creating awareness among mothers/caregivers about prevention of trachoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadesse Altaseb
- Jamma District Health Office, South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
| | - Mistir Lingerew
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Metadel Adane
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia.
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Sata E, Seife F, Ayele Z, Murray SA, Wickens K, Le P, Zerihun M, Melak B, Chernet A, Jensen KA, Gessese D, Zeru T, Dawed AA, Debebe H, Tadesse Z, Callahan EK, Martin DL, Nash SD. Wait and watch: A trachoma surveillance strategy from Amhara region, Ethiopia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011986. [PMID: 38386689 PMCID: PMC10914254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma recrudescence after elimination as a public health problem has been reached is a concern for control programs globally. Programs typically conduct district-level trachoma surveillance surveys (TSS) ≥ 2 years after the elimination threshold is achieved to determine whether the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) among children ages 1 to 9 years remains <5%. Many TSS are resulting in a TF prevalence ≥5%. Once a district returns to TF ≥5%, a program typically restarts costly mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns and surveys at least twice, for impact and another TSS. In Amhara, Ethiopia, most TSS which result in a TF ≥5% have a prevalence close to 5%, making it difficult to determine whether the result is due to true recrudescence or to statistical variability. This study's aim was to monitor recrudescence within Amhara by waiting to restart MDA within 2 districts with a TF prevalence ≥5% at TSS, Metema = 5.2% and Woreta Town = 5.1%. The districts were resurveyed 1 year later using traditional and alternative indicators, such as measures of infection and serology, a "wait and watch" approach. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS These post-surveillance surveys, conducted in 2021, were multi-stage cluster surveys whereby certified graders assessed trachoma signs. Children ages 1 to 9 years provided a dried blood spot and children ages 1 to 5 years provided a conjunctival swab. TF prevalence in Metema and Woreta Town were 3.6% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]:1.4-6.4) and 2.5% (95% CI:0.8-4.5) respectively. Infection prevalence was 1.2% in Woreta Town and 0% in Metema. Seroconversion rates to Pgp3 in Metema and Woreta Town were 0.4 (95% CI:0.2-0.7) seroconversions per 100 child-years and 0.9 (95% CI:0.6-1.5) respectively. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Both study districts had a TF prevalence <5% with low levels of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and transmission, and thus MDA interventions are no longer warranted. The wait and watch approach represents a surveillance strategy which could lead to fewer MDA campaigns and surveys and thus cost savings with reduced antibiotic usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshetu Sata
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fikre Seife
- Disease Prevention and Control Directorate, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Zebene Ayele
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sarah A. Murray
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Karana Wickens
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Internships and Fellowships, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Phong Le
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Mulat Zerihun
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Berhanu Melak
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ambahun Chernet
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Kimberly A. Jensen
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Demelash Gessese
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Taye Zeru
- Research and Technology Transfer Directorate, Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Adisu Abebe Dawed
- Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Hiwot Debebe
- Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Zerihun Tadesse
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - E. Kelly Callahan
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Diana L. Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Scott D. Nash
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Schaal LF, Meneghim RLFDS, Ferraz LCB, Padovani CR, Victoria C, Schellini SA. Trachoma: an underdiagnosed disease revealed by a survey carried out at Jaú, São Paulo. BMC Ophthalmol 2024; 24:43. [PMID: 38287315 PMCID: PMC10823718 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03302-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma is a notifiable disease in the state of São Paulo- Brazil. However, in Jaú, a municipality located in this state, in the last 10 years there are no records of cases. This study purpose is to assess if there are cases of inflammatory trachoma in schoolchildren aged 1 to 9 years in the municipality of Jaú as well if it is possible to detect clusters areas of the disease to establish elimination programs. METHODS An epidemiological study was performed in 2018, involving a stratified random sample of schoolchildren aged 1- to 9-year-old, from public day care centers and elementary schools in the municipality of Jaú. A trachoma screening following the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the distribution of cases was assessed using geoprocessing. RESULTS Four thousand-six hundred-nineteen children from 44 elementary schools were examined, and 126 children with active trachoma were detected, with an adjusted prevalence rate of 2.65%. The prevalence was higher (3.01%) in children aged 6- to 9-year-old compared to children aged 1-to 5-year-old (2.42%). There were clusters with a higher concentration of positive cases of the disease in three schools located in the neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic conditions. CONCLUSION Inflammatory trachoma still present in children aged 1- to 9-year-old in the city of Jaú. The positive cases were located mainly in areas with low socioeconomic conditions. Health promotion with active search and periodical treatment must be planned to fight this important blinding cause, that persists in our municipality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Fioravanti Schaal
- Surgical Specialties and Anesthesiology Department, Botucatu Medical School, State University of São Paulo- UNESP, Avenida Professor Mário Rubens Montenegro, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil.
| | - Roberta Lilian Fernandes de Sousa Meneghim
- Surgical Specialties and Anesthesiology Department, Botucatu Medical School, State University of São Paulo- UNESP, Avenida Professor Mário Rubens Montenegro, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Roberto Padovani
- Department of Biostatistics, Plant Biology, Parasitology and Zoology, Botucatu Institute of Biosciences - State University of São Paulo- UNESP, Rua Professor Doutor Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, 250, Botucatu-São Paulo, 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Cassiano Victoria
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics of Botucatu, State University of São Paulo- UNESP, Rua Prof. Doutor Walter Maurício Correa S/N, São Paulo, CEP: 18618-681, Brazil
| | - Silvana Artioli Schellini
- Surgical Specialties and Anesthesiology Department, Botucatu Medical School, State University of São Paulo- UNESP, Avenida Professor Mário Rubens Montenegro, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil
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Chweya RN, Onyango CA, Saigilu S, Mwangi C, Gachohi JM. Spatial and network mapping of comorbidity with trachoma and visual-impairing NCDs in a pastoralist community in Kenya: implications for SDGs and UHC. Int Health 2024; 16:35-44. [PMID: 37528750 PMCID: PMC10759297 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We explore the spatial distribution of comorbidity with trachoma and potentially visual-impairing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors among Kenyan pastoralists. METHODS Using a cross-sectional study design, we recruited and clinically examined 262 study participants for NCDs (hypertension or diabetes) and trachoma using the World Health Organization grading system. Network models estimated interactions and risks linked with trachoma and NCDs while the Poisson point process determined their spatial distribution. RESULTS Of the 262 participants, 140 (53%) had trachoma, with >71% of these cases identified among females and those >60 y of age. A total of 36 trachoma cases co-occurred with hypertension (26%) and diabetes (0.01%). NCDs were frequent among those with recurring trachoma (21%) and trachomatous trichiasis (14.3%). Trachoma and NCDs clustered together in <1 km distances (R=0.18, p=0.02). In network analysis, age was strongly associated with trachoma and NCDs. Trachoma was linked with geographic location while diabetes was linked with water source distances. Education level became the central risk factor. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate a twin trachoma-NCD burden that is higher among elderly pastoralists in southern Kenya. Attenuating adverse population-level visual impairment, including integrating the trachoma SAFE strategy with NCD comprehensive care, amplifies the benefits from economies of scale, accelerating realization of Sustainable Development Goal 3 and universal health coverage in hard-to-reach areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Chweya
- Airbel Labs, International Rescue Committee, P.O. Box 62727-00200 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - C A Onyango
- Airbel Labs, International Rescue Committee, P.O. Box 62727-00200 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - S Saigilu
- Public Health Service, Kajiado County Government, P.O. Box 11-01100, Kajiado, Kenya
| | - C Mwangi
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - J M Gachohi
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200 Nairobi, Kenya
- Global Health Program, Washington State University, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul G. Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University, P.O. Box 62000-00200 Nairobi, Kenya
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Wolle MA, Muñoz BE, Mgboji G, Naufal F, Kashaf MS, Mkocha H, West SK. Gender differences in trachomatous scarring prevalence in a formerly trachoma hyperendemic district in Tanzania. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011861. [PMID: 38277341 PMCID: PMC10817155 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma is a chronic conjunctivitis caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Repeated infections lead to trachomatous conjunctival scarring which can progress to potentially blinding trachomatous trichiasis (TT). In trachoma hyperendemic conditions, women compared to men have an increased risk of scarring and TT, which can progress to blinding corneal opacification. This study determined if there were gender differences in scarring prevalence and severity when trachoma prevalence approaches elimination, in a formerly trachoma hyperendemic region. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted amongst adults age 15 years and older in Kongwa district, Tanzania in 2019. 3168 persons over age 15 years agreed to be examined and had at least one eye with a gradable image. Ocular photographs were graded for scarring according to a published four-step severity scale. Overall, about half of all study participants had scarring. However, more females (52.3%) had any scarring compared to males (47.2%), OR = 1.22 (95% CI = 1.05-1.43). For every year increase in age, there was a 6.5% increase in the odds of having more severe scarring (95% CI: 5.8%, 7.2%). Women were more likely than men to have severe scarring, OR 2.36 (95% CI: 1.84-3.02). Residence in a community with TF≥10% was associated with a 1.6-fold increased odds of any scarring. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Overall scarring prevalence and more severe scarring prevalence was higher in females compared to males, even adjusting for age and community TF prevalence. The data suggest that processes occur that lead to women preferentially progressing towards more severe scarring compared to men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meraf A. Wolle
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Beatriz E. Muñoz
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Glory Mgboji
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Fahd Naufal
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael Saheb Kashaf
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Sheila K. West
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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10
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Aguwa UT, Mkocha H, Munoz B, Wolle MA, Brady CJ, West SK. Comparing image quality and trachoma detection across three camera types from a survey in Kongwa, Tanzania. Int Health 2023; 15:ii19-ii24. [PMID: 38048378 PMCID: PMC10695420 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increasing demand for photography for trachoma prevalence surveys. In previous studies, digital single lens reflex (DSLR) images were superior to smartphone images, but newer-model smartphones and/or lens attachments may be able to bridge this gap. This study compares the image quality and ability to detect trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) of three camera types: a DSLR Nikon camera, an iPhone SE and an iPhone 13 Pro with a cell scope. METHODS We surveyed 62 children ages 1-7 y from two Tanzanian communities. Upper tarsal conjunctiva images of both eyes were graded for TF by two standardized graders. The McNemar's test and a logistic regression model were used for analyses. RESULTS The DSLR camera malfunctioned during the study, thus the iPhone SE and iPhone 13 Pro with cell scope were both more likely to take high-quality, gradable photographs (88% and 86%, respectively) compared with the DSLR camera (69%) (p<0.001 and p=0.02, respectively). TF was detected in gradable images from the iPhone SE (8.8%) and iPhone 13 Pro with cell scope (9.0%) at the same rate (p=1.0) as images from the DSLR camera (9.7%). CONCLUSION Smartphones with high-quality image capture, like the iPhone SE/13 Pro, have the potential for use in trachoma surveys if the proportion of gradable images can be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugochi T Aguwa
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | | | - Beatriz Munoz
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Meraf A Wolle
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Christopher J Brady
- Robert Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont School of Medicine, 111 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
| | - Sheila K West
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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11
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Baayenda G, Opon R, Waititu T, Kabona G. 'Follow the cattle': a joint cross-border trachoma MDA perspective. Int Health 2023; 15:ii68-ii72. [PMID: 38048373 PMCID: PMC10695424 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Trachoma, a disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, is the leading infectious cause of blindness. To fight it, endemic East African countries adopted the World Health Organization's SAFE Strategy, targeting surgery, antibiotics through mass drug administration (MDA), facial cleanliness and environmental improvement. Trachoma persists among nomadic communities along the Kenya-Uganda and Kenya-Tanzania borders. To address this, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda launched synchronized MDA campaigns, simultaneously treating populations across borders. Successes included joint planning, community involvement and intergovernmental cooperation, although challenges remained in resourcing MDA cross-border focal points and in addressing coverage and funding. Novel strategies like synchronized joint cross-border MDA with community engagement are vital for sustainable trachoma elimination in these nomadic settings.
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12
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Kamuyu MK, Kelly M, Somerville S. A secondary analysis to determine countries and districts eligible for documented full geographic coverage for trichiasis case finding and outreaches. Int Health 2023; 15:ii53-ii57. [PMID: 38048374 PMCID: PMC10695425 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommends house-to-house case searches as an option to evidence whether the elimination of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) has been reached. We sought to determine the number of trachoma-endemic countries and districts that will require either documented full geographic coverage (DFGC) or TT-only surveys. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Trachoma Atlas to identify evaluation units (EUs) that require house-to-house case searches or TT-only surveys to demonstrate achievement of the elimination of TT. RESULTS There were 1710 EUs with TT above the elimination prevalence target in all trachoma-endemic countries. Of those EUs, 852 (49.8%) do not have a future survey planned and will therefore potentially have to evidence through DFGC or TT-only surveys whether the elimination prevalence target for TT has been reached. CONCLUSION Of the large number of EUs that require TT-related activities, nearly half of them will need to evidence that every household in the EU has been visited by a case finder and all confirmed cases managed. Given that this is a relatively new way to evidence elimination, and countries face different sociopolitical challenges, cross-country learning and improved guidance is key to support global elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michaela Kelly
- Neglected Tropical Diseases, Sightsavers, Haywards Heath, RH16 3BW, UK
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13
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Sullivan KM, Harding-Esch EM, Batcho WE, Issifou AAB, Lopes MDFC, Szwarcwald CL, Vaz Ferreira Gomez D, Bougouma C, Christophe N, Kabore M, Bucumi V, Bella AL, Epee E, Yaya G, Trujillo-Trujillo J, Dejene M, Gebretsadik FS, Gebru G, Kebede F, Mathewos T, Cassama ETDS, Sanha S, Barasa E, Sultani HM, Watitu T, Tekeraoi R, Kalua KM, Masika MP, Traoré L, Minnih AO, Abdala M, Massangaie ME, Win Y, Apadinuwe SC, Mishra SK, Sharma S, Amza A, Kadri B, Nassirou B, Mpyet CD, Olobio N, Hussain A, Khan AA, Jambi G, Ko R, Kello AB, Badiane MD, Sarr B, Dalmar A, Elshafie BE, Kabona GE, Kaitaba O, Mwingira U, Simon A, Kanyi S, Awoussi MS, Togbey K, Baayenda G, Francis M, Tukahebwa EM, Bakhtiari A, Keil AP, Maselko J, Westreich D, Garae M, Taleo F, Al-Khateeb TQ, Mwale C, Solomon AW, Gower EW. Gender differences in the surgical management of trachomatous trichiasis: an exploratory analysis of global trachoma survey data, 2015-2019. Int Health 2023; 15:ii58-ii67. [PMID: 38048383 PMCID: PMC10695456 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachomatous trichiasis (TT) is a painful, potentially blinding eye condition that can be managed through epilation or surgery. Women are affected by TT approximately twice as often as men and are believed to face gendered barriers to receiving surgical care to prevent vision loss. METHODS We used data from 817 cross-sectional surveys conducted during 2015-2019 in 20 African countries to estimate the prevalence difference (PD) between female and male eyes for four outcomes potentially indicating gender-related differences in TT management: (1) received surgery and developed postoperative TT (PTT), (2) never offered surgery, (3) offered surgery but declined it, and (4) offered epilation but never offered surgery. RESULTS The prevalence was modestly elevated among female eyes compared with male eyes for having PTT (PD:1.8 [95% confidence limits (CL): 0.6, 3.0]) and having declined surgery for the eye (PD: 6.2 [95% CL: 1.8, 10.7]). The proportion offered epilation was similar by gender (PD:0.5 [95% CL: -0.4, 1.3]), while never having been offered surgery was somewhat more prevalent among male eyes (PD: -2.1 [95% CL: -3.5, -0.7]). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest potential gender differences in TT management. More research is needed to determine the causes and implications of the observed differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emma M Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Wilfrid E Batcho
- Programme National De Lutte Contre Les Maladies Transmissibles, Ministère De La Santé, Cotonou, Benin
| | | | | | - Celia Landmann Szwarcwald
- Institute of Scientific and Technological Communication and Information in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Clarisse Bougouma
- Direction de la Protection de la Santé de la Population, Ministère de la Santé, Burkina Faso
| | - Nassa Christophe
- Attaché de Santé en Épidémiologie, Programme National de Lutte Contre Les MTN, Burkina Faso
| | - Martin Kabore
- L'unité d'élimination du trachome, PNMTN, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Victor Bucumi
- Département En Charge des Maladies Tropicales, Négligées Ministère De La Santé Publique Et De La Lutte Contre Le Sida, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Assumpta L Bella
- Programme National de Lutte Contre La Cecite, Ministère de la Santé Publique, Yaoundé, Cameroun
| | - Emilienne Epee
- Department Of Ophthalmology, University of Yaoundé Yaounde Centre/Ministère de la Santé Publique, Yaoundé, Cameroun
| | - Georges Yaya
- Ministère de la Santé Publique, Bangui, Central African Republic
| | - Julian Trujillo-Trujillo
- Subdirectorate of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Fikre Seife Gebretsadik
- Neglected Tropical Disease Prevention and Control Program, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Genet Gebru
- Neglected Tropical Disease Prevention and Control Program, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fikreab Kebede
- Neglected Tropical Disease Prevention and Control Program, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tsedeke Mathewos
- Neglected Tropical Disease Prevention and Control Program, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Salimato Sanha
- Programa Nacional De Sau´de De Visão, Minsap, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | | | | | | | | | - Khumbo M Kalua
- Blantyre Institute for Community Outreach, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Michael P Masika
- Department of Clinical and Medical Rehabilitation Services, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Lamine Traoré
- National Eye Health Program, Ministry of Health and Social Development, Mali
| | - Abdallahi O Minnih
- Département Des Maladies Transmissibles, Ministère De La Santé Nouakchott, Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Mariamo Abdala
- Direção Nacional de Saúde Pública, Ministerio Da Saude, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Ye Win
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | | | - Sailesh Kumar Mishra
- National Society for Comprehensive Eye Care, Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Abdou Amza
- Programme National De Santé Oculaire, Ministère De La Santé Publique, Niamey, Niger
| | - Boubacar Kadri
- Programme National De Santé Oculaire, Ministère De La Santé Publique, Niamey, Niger
| | - Beido Nassirou
- Programme National De Santé Oculaire, Ministère De La Santé Publique, Niamey, Niger
| | - Caleb D Mpyet
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau, Nigeria
| | - Nicholas Olobio
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Division, Department of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Arif Hussain
- Community Ophthalmology, College of Ophthalmology & Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS), Mayo Hospital Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asad Aslam Khan
- College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Garap Jambi
- Prevention of Blindness Committee, PNG Eye Care, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
| | - Robert Ko
- National Department of Health, Waigani, Papua New Guinea
| | - Amir B Kello
- AF/UCU UHC/Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases Unit, ESPEN, World Health Organization, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Mouctar D Badiane
- Programme National de Promotion de La Santé Oculaire, Ministère de la Santé et de L'Action Sociale, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Boubacar Sarr
- Ministère de la Santé et de l'Action Sociale, Senegal
| | | | - Balgesa E Elshafie
- National Program for Prevention of Blindness, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - George E Kabona
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Oscar Kaitaba
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Upendo Mwingira
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Alistidia Simon
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Sarjo Kanyi
- National Eye Health Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Banjul, The Gambia
| | | | - Kwamy Togbey
- Programme National des Maladies Tropicales Negligées, Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Access to Care, Lomé, Togo
| | - Gilbert Baayenda
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Control, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mugume Francis
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Control, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edridah M Tukahebwa
- Vector-Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ana Bakhtiari
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Alexander P Keil
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joanna Maselko
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel Westreich
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mackline Garae
- Department of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Vanuatu Ministry of Health, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| | - Fasiah Taleo
- Department of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Vanuatu Ministry of Health, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| | | | - Consity Mwale
- Kitwe Teaching Eye Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kitwe, Zambia
| | - Anthony W Solomon
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emily W Gower
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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14
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Atekem K, Harding-Esch EM, Martin DL, Downs P, Palmer SL, Kaboré A, Kelly M, Bovary A, Sarr A, Nguessan K, James F, Gwyn S, Wickens K, Bakhtiari A, Boyd S, Aba A, Senyonjo L, Courtright P, Meite A. High prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular with no trachomatous trichiasis: can alternative indicators explain the epidemiology of trachoma in Côte d'Ivoire? Int Health 2023; 15:ii3-ii11. [PMID: 38048384 PMCID: PMC10695457 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Baseline trachoma surveys in Côte d'Ivoire (2019) identified seven evaluation units (EUs) with a trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) prevalence ≥10%, but a trachomatous trichiasis (TT) prevalence in individuals ≥15 y of age below the elimination threshold (0.2%). Two of these EUs, Bondoukou 1 and Bangolo 2, were selected for a follow-up survey to understand the epidemiology of trachoma using additional indicators of Chlamydia trachomatis infection (DNA from conjunctival swabs) and exposure (anti-Pgp3 and Ct694 antibodies from dried blood spots [DBSs]). A two-stage cluster sampling methodology was used to select villages and households. All individuals 1-9 y of age from each selected household were recruited, graded for trachoma and had a conjunctival swab and DBS collected. Conjunctival swabs and DBSs were tested using Cepheid GeneXpert and a multiplex bead assay, respectively. The age-adjusted TF and infection prevalence in 1- to 9-year-olds was <1% and <0.3% in both EUs. Age-adjusted seroprevalence was 5.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5 to 15.6) in Bondoukou 1 and 8.2% (95% CI 4.3 to 13.7) in Bangolo 2. The seroconversion rate for Pgp3 was low, at 1.23 seroconversions/100 children/year (95% CI 0.78 to 1.75) in Bondoukou 1 and 1.91 (95% CI 1.58 to 2.24) in Bangolo 2. Similar results were seen for CT694. These infection, antibody and clinical data provide strong evidence that trachoma is not a public health problem in either EU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kareen Atekem
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA,USA
- Sightsavers
| | | | - Diana L Martin
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA,USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sarah Gwyn
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA,USA
| | - Karana Wickens
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Atlanta, GA,USA
| | - Ana Bakhtiari
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA,USA
| | - Sarah Boyd
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA,USA
| | | | | | - Paul Courtright
- Sightsavers
- Kilimanajaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology, Division of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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15
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Mwangi G, Harding-Esch E, Kabona G, Watitu T, Mpyet C, Gemechu A, Abdeta A, Wamyil-Mshelia T, Ajege G, Kelly M, Abony M, Otinda P, Chege M, Courtright P, Geneau R. Explaining the continuing high prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis unknown to the health system in evaluation units: a mixed methods explanatory study in four trachoma-endemic countries. Int Health 2023; 15:ii44-ii52. [PMID: 38048377 PMCID: PMC10695428 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We explored reasons for continuing higher-than-anticipated prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) unknown to the health system in population-based prevalence surveys in evaluation units where full geographical coverage of TT case finding was reported. METHODS A mixed-methods study in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania was conducted. We compared data from clinical examination, campaign documentation and interviews with original trachoma impact survey (TIS) results. RESULTS Of 169 TT cases identified by TIS teams, 130 (77%) were examined in this study. Of those, 90 (69%) were a match (both TIS and study teams agreed on TT classification) and 40 (31%) were a mismatch. Of the 40 mismatches, 22 (55%) were identified as unknown to the health system by the study team but as known to the health system by the TIS team; 12 (30%) were identified as not having TT by the study team but as having TT by the TIS team; and six (15%) were identified as unknown to the health system in the TIS team but as known to the health system by the study team based on documentation reviewed. CONCLUSIONS Incorrectly reported geographical coverage of case-finding activities, and discrepancies in TT status between TIS results and more detailed assessments, are the key reasons identified for continuing high TT prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Mwangi
- Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Emma Harding-Esch
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - George Kabona
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | - Caleb Mpyet
- Sightsavers, Abuja, Nigeria
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Courtright
- Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology, Moshi, Tanzania
- Sightsavers, Haywards Heath, UK
- Division of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robert Geneau
- Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology, Moshi, Tanzania
- Division of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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16
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Maciel AMS, Ramos Junior AN, Ferreira AF, de Almeida NMGS, de Almeida PC, Szwarcwald CL, Favacho JDFR, Franco Filho LC, Gomes VDS, Damasceno LS, Maciel MMS, Delerino AL, Pires Neto RDJ. Prevalence of trachoma in the non-indigenous Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region, Ceará State, Northeast Brazil. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2023; 117:844-851. [PMID: 37551629 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the current study was to estimate the population prevalence of trachoma in non-indigenous populations in the Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region, in the state of Ceará, northeast region of Brazil, 2021-2022. METHODS A population-based prevalence survey focusing on detecting cases of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) in children aged 1-9 y and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) 'unknown to the health system' in people aged ≥15 y, was conducted in rural areas of the Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region in the state of Ceará. Indigenous populations will be further researched. RESULTS There was no detection of cases of TF and TT. In 900 households, 2234 people were examined. In the Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region, females (54.6%; 1219/2234) and the mixed/Pardo-Brazilian ethnicity (68.1%; 1521/2234) predominated. The most commonly reported educational level was elementary and middle school (41.8%; 702/1679). In 56.2% (506/900) of households, there was a source of water within the household. The monthly income range of 50%-100% of the minimum wage predominated in the families of the Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region (43.1%; 388/900). CONCLUSIONS Although no cases of TF and TT were detected in the Baixo Jaguaribe micro-region in the state of Ceará during the study period, considering the historical endemicity, we emphasise the need for monitoring and sustainability of surveillance actions in areas at risk for trachoma, common contexts for neglected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adjoane Maurício Silva Maciel
- Postgraduate Program of Public Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430140, Ceará, Brazil
- Municipal Secretary of Health, Russas, 62900000, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Alberto Novaes Ramos Junior
- Postgraduate Program of Public Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430140, Ceará, Brazil
- Department of Community Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430140, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Anderson Fuentes Ferreira
- Postgraduate Program of Public Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430140, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Luciano Chaves Franco Filho
- Secretary of Health Surveillance, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ministry of Health, Belém, 67030000, Pará, Brazil
| | - Vivian da Silva Gomes
- Postgraduate Program of Public Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430140, Ceará, Brazil
- Secretary of Health of the State of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60060440, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Lisandra Serra Damasceno
- Postgraduate Program of Public Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430140, Ceará, Brazil
- Department of Community Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430140, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Antônio Lucas Delerino
- Department of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430160, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Roberto da Justa Pires Neto
- Postgraduate Program of Public Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430140, Ceará, Brazil
- Department of Community Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430140, Ceará, Brazil
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Gebreselassie G, Negash K, Tsegaye S, Makonnen M, Deneke B, Desalegn M, Harding-Esch EM, Harte A, Solomon AW, Boyd S, Bakhtiari A, Hassen MA, Hambali A, Dejene M, Beckwith C, Tadesse F, Seifu F, Kiflu G, Kebede F. Prevalence of trachoma in Somali region, Ethiopia: results from trachoma impact surveys in 50 woredas. Int Health 2023; 15:ii30-ii37. [PMID: 38048381 PMCID: PMC10695430 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following interventions to eliminate trachoma in Somali region, Ethiopia, we aimed to re-estimate the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) and trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) at woreda level and identify the factors associated with the disease. METHODS We implemented cross-sectional community-based surveys in 50 trachoma-endemic woredas, using a standardized survey. Households were the secondary sampling unit. Surveys were undertaken through a combination of interviews of household heads and direct inspection of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) access, plus clinical evaluation of eligible household members for TT and TF. RESULTS Overall, 41 (82%) of the 50 woredas had met the WHO-recommended active trachoma elimination threshold (prevalence of TF <5% in 1-9-y-olds) and 42 (84%) had met the TT threshold (prevalence of TT unknown to the health system <0.2% in ≥15-y-olds). Only 18% of households had access to an improved drinking water source within a 30-min trip and only 25% had an improved latrine. CONCLUSIONS Additional rounds of antibiotic mass drug administration, plus interventions to enhance facial cleanliness and improve the environment, are required in nine woredas. TT surgical campaigns are needed in eight woredas. Greater access to WASH is required across all the woredas that were surveyed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Emma M Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Harte
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony W Solomon
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Boyd
- Task Force for Global Health, Decatur GA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fikre Seifu
- Ethiopia Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Genet Kiflu
- Ethiopia Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Wamyil-Mshelia T, Madaki S, Isiyaku S, Shu'aibu J, Olobio NP, Aliero AA, Abdulsalam M, Taiwo J, McDickoh VJ. Treatment coverage of mass administration of azithromycin among children aged 1-11 months in 21 districts of Kebbi state, Nigeria. Int Health 2023; 15:ii12-ii18. [PMID: 38048379 PMCID: PMC10695469 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The WHO recommends mass drug administration (MDA) as a strategy to deliver safe and cost-effective medicines to prevent and treat diseases. The antibiotic, azithromycin, has been used during MDA for the treatment and prevention of trachoma in Nigeria. Azithromycin has recently been shown to reduce infant mortality in communities receiving it for trachoma-elimination purposes in sub-Saharan Africa. This article reports on the implementation strategies for the safety and antimicrobial resistance of mass administration of azithromycin to children aged 1-11 mo using the trachoma programme platform in Kebbi state. METHODS The mass administration of azithromycin among 1-11-mo-olds in Kebbi was implemented in three phases: (i) the preimplementation phase, during which specific activities were conducted to achieve government and community buy-in, ownership and capacity building; (ii) the implementation phase, which included the mass administration of azithromycin carried out by community volunteers (also known as community-directed distributors [CDDs]), monitoring (by health workers and independent monitors) and reporting of the distribution by all personnel; and (iii) the postimplementation phase, which included the validation of community data, where each item of community summary data is verified and checked for completeness and accuracy before uploading to the District Health Information System platform, where data are visualised, analysed and stored. RESULTS In total, 97% of the target population received treatment; the remaining 3% were not treated due to signs of ill health, history of allergy to antibiotics, parental refusal or absence at the time of MDA. Children aged 1-11 mo accounted for 17% of the under-5 population, with females constituting 56% of the target population. In communities that were monitored, reports showed that only 5% lacked distribution materials (scales, slings or registers), >80% correctly entered data into community registers and 5% of children were not treated due to inadequate azithromycin provided to the CDDs for distribution. CONCLUSION The implementation of azithromycin MDA for children aged 1-11 mo in Kebbi, utilising the trachoma platform, exhibited commendable coverage due to existing programme platform, healthcare and community structures, intensive advocacy and social mobilisation, real-time monitoring and progress-tracking strategies. It also demonstrated that the trachoma platform is suitable for implementing public health interventions, even after the elimination of trachoma in previously endemic districts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suzie Madaki
- Sightsavers Nigeria Country Office, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Joy Shu'aibu
- Sightsavers Nigeria Country Office, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Nicholas P Olobio
- National Trachoma Elimination Programme, Neglected Tropical Diseases Division (NTDs), Department of Public Health Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Attahiru A Aliero
- Neglected Tropical Disease Office, Department of Public Health, State Ministry of Health, Kebbi State, Nigeria
| | | | - Joshua Taiwo
- Sightsavers Nigeria Country Office, Abuja, Nigeria
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19
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Olamiju F, Isiyaku S, Olobio N, Mogaji H, Achu I, Muhammad N, Boyd S, Bakhtiari A, Ebenezer A, Jimenez C, Solomon AW, Harding-Esch EM, Mpyet CD. Prevalence of Trachoma following Implementation of the SAFE Strategy in Three Local Government Areas of Taraba State, North Eastern Nigeria. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:619-627. [PMID: 35353025 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2022.2045025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2019-2020, one round of antibiotic mass drug administration (MDA) was implemented for trachoma elimination purposes in Donga, Gashaka, and Ussa local government areas (LGAs) of Taraba State, Nigeria, following baseline surveys in 2009 (Donga and Gashaka) and 2013-2014 (Ussa). Here, trachoma prevalence post-MDA in these three LGAs is reported. METHODS In 2019 (Gashaka and Ussa) and 2020 (Donga), population-based, cross-sectional surveys were conducted following World Health Organization (WHO) guidance. A two-stage cluster sampling strategy was used. All residents of selected households aged ≥1 year were examined by Tropical Data-certified graders for trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) using the WHO simplified trachoma grading scheme. Data on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access were also collected. RESULTS A total of 1,883 households participated. From these households, 4,885 children aged 1-9 years were enumerated, and 4,866 (99.6%) examined. There were 5,050 eligible adults (aged ≥15 years) enumerated in the same households, of whom 4,888 (96.8%) were examined. Age-adjusted TF prevalence in children aged 1-9 years was 0.22% (95% CI: 0.00-0.65) in Donga, 0.0% in Gashaka, and 0.19% (95% CI: 0.00-0.44) in Ussa. The age- and gender-adjusted TT prevalence unknown to the health system in adults aged ≥15 years was 0.08% (95% CI: 0.00-0.19) in Donga, 0.02% (95% CI: 0.00-0.06) in Gashaka, and 0.10% (95% CI: 0.01-0.18) in Ussa. In Donga, Gashaka, and Ussa, respectively, 66%, 49% and 63% of households had access to an improved drinking water source, and 68%, 56% and 29% had access to an improved latrine. CONCLUSION In all LGAs, the elimination thresholds for TF and TT unknown to the health system have been attained in the target age groups. These LGAs should be re-surveyed after 2 years to show that reductions in TF prevalence have been sustained in the absence of MDA. Health authorities should continue to improve WASH facilities to reduce the risk of later recrudescence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hammed Mogaji
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Ijeoma Achu
- Mission To Save The Helpless (MITOSATH), Jos, Nigeria
| | - Nasiru Muhammad
- Ophthalmology Department, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Sarah Boyd
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Ana Bakhtiari
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - Anthony W Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emma M Harding-Esch
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, UK
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Caleb D Mpyet
- Sightsavers, Nigeria Country Office, Kaduna, Nigeria
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
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20
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Salam AS, Qayumi R, Majeed Siddiqi A, Naseem M, Mansoor M, Butcher R, Bakhtiari A, Renneker K, Willis R, Jimenez C, Dejene M, Safi N, Heggen A, Solomon AW, Harding-Esch EM, Alizoi N. Prevalence of Trachoma in 72 Districts of Afghanistan in 2018-2019: Results of 35 Population-based Prevalence Surveys. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:608-618. [PMID: 35272540 PMCID: PMC10581673 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2021.2015784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine where interventions are needed to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, prevalence data are needed. We aimed to generate baseline population-based data on trachoma prevalence in suspected-endemic areas of Afghanistan. METHODS Cross-sectional population-based prevalence surveys designed according to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations were conducted in 35 evaluation units (EUs) covering 72 districts. In selected households, all resident individuals aged ≥1 year were examined for trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) according to the WHO simplified trachoma grading system. Water, sanitation and hygiene access was assessed in households of survey participants. RESULTS 104,104 people aged ≥1 year were examined, including 43,774 children aged 1-9 years and 46,439 people aged ≥15 years. The age-adjusted prevalence of TF in 1-9-year-olds was ≥5% in 3 EUs, with the highest EU TF prevalence being 7.8%. The age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of TT unknown to the health system in ≥15-year-olds was <0.2% in all EUs. The majority of households had access to an improved water source within 30 minutes of the house. However, only a minority of households had an improved latrine and/or a handwash station. CONCLUSIONS Trachoma is not a public health problem in the majority of EUs surveyed. However, antibiotic mass drug administration, promotion of facial cleanliness and environmental improvement (the A, F and E components of the SAFE strategy) are needed for trachoma elimination purposes in three of the EUs surveyed in Afghanistan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Robert Butcher
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Naimullah Safi
- Afghanistan Country Office, World Health Organization, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | | | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emma M. Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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21
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Miecha H, Dejene M, Adugna D, Kebede A, Yadeta D, Alemayehu A, Abateneh A, Wondimu A, Dayessa M, Shafi M, Taye E, Balcha L, Gadisa S, Negussu N, Mengistu B, Willis R, Jimenez C, Bakhtiari A, Boyd S, Kebede B, Tadesse F, Mamo A, Bekele M, Sinke Z, Solomon AW, Harding-Esch EM. Prevalence of Trachoma after Implementation of Trachoma Elimination Interventions in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: Results of Impact Surveys in 131 Evaluation Units Covering 139 Districts. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:647-654. [PMID: 36519534 PMCID: PMC10581666 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2022.2119257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF), trachomatous trichiasis (TT), water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access in 131 evaluation units (EUs) after implementation of trachoma elimination interventions in Oromia Region, Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in each EU using the World Health Organization-recommended two-stage cluster-sampling methodology. Twenty-six clusters, each with a mean of 30 households were enumerated in each EU. All residents aged ≥1 year in selected households were examined for TF and TT. Information on WASH access in surveyed households was also collected through questioning the household head and direct observation. RESULTS A total of 419,858 individuals were enumerated in 131 EUs, of whom 396,134 (94%) were examined, 54% being female. Age-adjusted EU-level prevalence of TF in children aged 1-9 years ranged from 0.15% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0-0.4) to 37.5% (95% CI: 31.1-43.7). The TF prevalence was <5% in 73/131 (56%) EUs. The EU-level age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of TT unknown to the health system among people aged ≥15 years ranged from 0.001% (95% CI: 0.00-0.02) to 2.2% (95% CI: 1.1-3.1) with 37/131 (28%) EUs having a prevalence <0.2%. Only 48% of all households surveyed had access to improved water sources for drinking. Approximately 96% of households did not have an improved latrine. CONCLUSION Oromia is on the path towards elimination of trachoma as a public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirpa Miecha
- Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Dereje Adugna
- Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ageru Kebede
- The Fred Hollows Foundation, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Damtew Yadeta
- Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Asfaw Wondimu
- Asfaw Wondimu Health Research and Consultancy, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Leta Balcha
- The Fred Hollows Foundation, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Rebecca Willis
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Jimenez
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Ana Bakhtiari
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Boyd
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Biruk Kebede
- Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Ayele Mamo
- Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Zelalem Sinke
- Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emma M. Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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22
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Miecha H, Dejene M, Adugna D, Kebede A, Yadeta D, Alemayehu A, Abateneh A, Dayessa M, Shafi M, Taye E, Balcha L, Negussu N, Mengistu B, Willis R, Jimenez C, Bakhtiari A, Boyd S, Kebede B, Tadesse F, Mamo A, Bekele M, Sinke Z, Solomon AW, Harding-Esch EM. Prevalence of Trachoma in Pre-validation Surveillance Surveys in 11 Evaluation Units (Covering 12 Districts) in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: Results from 2018-2020. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:655-662. [PMID: 36519777 PMCID: PMC10581667 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2022.2119258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Interventions to reduce the prevalence of trachoma and transmission of ocular Chlamydia trachomatis have been implemented in Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Following an impact survey in which the trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) prevalence in 1-9-year-olds is <5%, a surveillance survey is recommended 2 years later, without additional antibiotic treatment. We report results of surveillance surveys in 11 evaluation units (EUs) covering 12 districts in Oromia Region, to plan whether future interventions are needed. METHOD We use a two-stage cluster-sampling cross-sectional survey design. In each EU, 26 clusters (villages) were systematically selected with probability proportional to size; from each cluster, 30 households were selected using compact segment sampling. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) access was assessed in all selected households. All residents of selected households aged ≥1 year were examined for TF and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) by certified graders. RESULT Of 31,991 individuals enumerated, 29,230 (91% of) individuals were examined. Eight EUs had an age-adjusted TF prevalence in 1-9-year-olds of ≥5% and seven had a TT prevalence unknown to the health system among adults aged ≥15 years of ≥0.2%. About one-third of visited households had access to an improved water source for drinking, and 5% had access to an improved latrine. CONCLUSION Despite TF reductions to <5% at impact survey, prevalence recrudesced to ≥5% in all but three of the 11 EUs. Operational research is needed to understand transmission dynamics and epidemiology, in order to optimise elimination strategies in high-transmission settings like these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirpa Miecha
- Oromia Regional State Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Dereje Adugna
- Oromia Regional State Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ageru Kebede
- The Fred Hollows Foundation, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Damtew Yadeta
- Oromia Regional State Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Leta Balcha
- The Fred Hollows Foundation, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Rebecca Willis
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, USA
| | | | - Ana Bakhtiari
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Boyd
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Ayele Mamo
- Oromia Regional State Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Zelalem Sinke
- Oromia Regional State Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emma M. Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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23
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Getachew D, Woldekidan F, Ayele G, Bekele Y, Sleshi S, Tekalgn E, Worku T, Ayenew M, Bogale B, Asres A. High prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among school-aged children in Southwest Ethiopia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011846. [PMID: 38100523 PMCID: PMC10756553 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active trachoma is a highly contagious ongoing stage of trachoma that predominantly occurs during childhood in an endemic area. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with active trachoma among school-aged children. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A community-based analytical cross-sectional study was done from March 1st to June 30th, 2021, in Southwest Ethiopia's people's regional state. A total of 1292 school-aged children were surveyed. The quantitative data were collected using a pre-tested, structured interview-based questionnaire and observation check list. The World health organization (WHO) simplified trachoma grading system was used to assess stages of trachoma. In this study, the prevalence of active trachoma was 570(44.1%), 95% CI (41.4, 46.9). Also, age group 6-10; being female; flies at household (HH), flies on child's face, improved water source, improved sanitation, presence of ocular discharge, presence of nasal discharge, and unclean faces of the child were significantly associated with active trachoma. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The very high prevalence of active trachoma in the study area is significantly associated with; age group 6-10, female gender, presence of flies in household and on child's face, presence of ocular and nasal discharge, unclean faces, improved water source, improved sanitation in the household. Thus, environmental sanitation and facial cleans trachoma elimination strategy should be intensified in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Getachew
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Fekede Woldekidan
- Department of Public Health, Ethiopian Defense University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew Ayele
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Yordanos Bekele
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Samrawit Sleshi
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Eyob Tekalgn
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Teshale Worku
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Mengistu Ayenew
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Biruk Bogale
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Abyot Asres
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
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Adamu MD, Mohammed Jabo A, Orji P, Zhang Y, Isiyaku S, Olobio N, Muhammad N, Barem B, Willis R, Bakhtiari A, Jimenez C, Solomon AW, Harding-Esch EM, Mpyet CD. Baseline Prevalence of Trachoma in 21 Local Government Areas of Adamawa State, North East Nigeria. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:599-607. [PMID: 34955073 PMCID: PMC10581668 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2021.2013899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the prevalence of trachoma in each of the 21 local government areas (LGAs) of Adamawa State, Nigeria. METHODS A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in each of the 21 LGAs of Adamawa State between 2017 and 2019. With the support of Tropical Data (TD), surveys were planned and implemented in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. A two-stage cluster sampling technique was used in each LGA, 25 or 30 clusters were selected with a probability of selection proportionate to cluster size, and in each of these clusters, 25 or 30 households were enrolled for the survey. All residents aged 1 year and older within selected households were examined by TD-certified graders for trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) using the WHO simplified grading scheme. Additionally, data were collected on household water and sanitation access. RESULTS All 21 LGAs had TF prevalence in 1-9-year-olds below 5%. The prevalence of TT unknown to the health system in people aged ≥15 years was ≥0.2% in three of the 21 LGAs. Access to improved water and sanitation facilities was <80% in the majority of the surveyed LGAs. Only 12 of the 21 LGAs had ≥50% household-level improved latrine access, and only Yola North had ≥80% household-level improved latrine access. CONCLUSION There is no need for mass treatment with antibiotics for trachoma elimination purposes in any of these LGAs. There is a need for active TT case finding and provision of community-based TT surgical services in three LGAs. Furthermore, engagement with water and sanitation agencies is needed to augment access to improved water and sanitation facilities across the State; this will help to avoid the recrudescence of active trachoma in the State.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Philomena Orji
- Helen Keller International, Nigeria Country Office, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Yaobi Zhang
- Helen Keller International, Regional Office for Africa, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Nasiru Muhammad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | | | - Rebecca Willis
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Ana Bakhtiari
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emma M. Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, UK
| | - Caleb D. Mpyet
- Sightsavers Nigeria Country Office, Kaduna, Nigeria
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
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Adamu MD, Mohammed Jabo A, Orji P, Zhang Y, Isiyaku S, Olobio N, Muhammad N, Mshelia Auta L, Willis R, Bakhtiari A, Jimenez C, Solomon AW, Harding-Esch EM, Mpyet CD. Baseline Prevalence of Trachoma in 13 Local Government Areas of Borno State, Nigeria. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:628-636. [PMID: 36469560 PMCID: PMC10581670 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2022.2053550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We set out to determine the baseline prevalence of trachoma in 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno State, Nigeria. METHODS A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in each of 13 LGAs from 2017 to 2019, with the support of Tropical Data (TD). World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended protocols were used. With a probability-proportional-to-size systematic sampling method, 25 villages were selected per LGA in 2017 and 30 villages per LGA in 2019; in each village, 25 households were enrolled for 2017 surveys, while 30 were enrolled for 2019 surveys. All present, consenting residents aged ≥1 year were examined by TD-certified graders for trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) using the WHO simplified grading scheme. Additionally, we collected data on household-level access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. RESULTS One LGA (Magumeri) had TF prevalence in 1-9-year-olds ≥10%; two other LGAs (Monguno and Kaga) had TF prevalence between 5.0% and 9.9%. The prevalence of TT unknown to the health system was ≥0.2% in six LGAs. The proportion of households with access to improved water sources ranged from 30% (Kwaya Kusar) to 95% (Monguno); household-level access to improved latrines was lowest in Shani (7%) and highest in Maiduguri (95%). CONCLUSION Active TT case finding and strengthening of TT surgical services are needed in six LGAs. Mass drug administration (MDA) of antibiotics is needed in three LGAs to reduce the prevalence of active trachoma to below elimination thresholds. The trachoma elimination programme should engage WASH agencies to augment access to improved WASH facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Philomena Orji
- Helen Keller International, Nigeria Country office, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Yaobi Zhang
- Helen Keller International, Regional Office for Africa, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Nasiru Muhammad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | | | - Rebecca Willis
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Ana Bakhtiari
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emma M. Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, UK
| | - Caleb D. Mpyet
- Sightsavers Nigeria Country Office, Kaduna, Nigeria
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
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Elshafie BE, Elsanosi MSA, El Amin A, Butcher R, Willis R, Bakhtiari A, Jimenez C, Dejene M, Solomon AW, Harding-Esch EM, Binnawi KH. Trachoma Prevalence in Four Localities of Darfur Region, Sudan, following One Round of Antibiotic Mass Drug Administration. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:571-579. [PMID: 34423732 PMCID: PMC10581671 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2021.1953538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) in 1-9-year-olds and of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in ≥15-year-olds in four endemic evaluation units (EUs) of Darfur region, Sudan, was measured more than a year after the required single round of antibiotic mass drug administration (MDA). METHODS Surveys were conducted using highly standardised, World Health Organization-recommended methodologies. Individuals aged ≥1 year, resident in selected households, were chosen for the survey using a two-stage cluster sampling process. Consenting adults and children were examined for the signs TF and TT by graders trained to international standards. Prevalence of disease in key indicator groups was calculated and weighted to the underlying population structure. RESULTS A mean of 1,415 (range: 1,253-1,611) children aged 1-9 years were examined in each EU. The age-adjusted prevalence of TF in 1-9-year-olds in each of the four surveyed EUs was <5%. A mean of 1,139 people aged ≥15 years (range: 1,080-1,201) were examined in each EU. The estimated age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of TT in ≥15-year-olds was <0.2% in all four EUs. In general, the proportion of households with access to improved WASH facilities was generally lower in this study than in corresponding baseline studies. CONCLUSIONS No further MDA should be conducted in these four EUs for the next 2 years, at which point they should be re-surveyed to determine whether the prevalence of TF in 1-9-year-olds has remained <5%. Active TT case-finding is also not indicated. Environmental improvement and promotion of facial cleanliness measures should continue to be implemented to prevent disease recrudescence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Atif El Amin
- Sudan National Trachoma Control Programme, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Robert Butcher
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Anthony W Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emma M Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Lynch KD, Brian G, Ahwang T, Morotti W, Wharton G, Newie T, Newie V, Perrett C, Ware W, Mosby L, Walters S, Brown A, Whop LJ, Lambert SB. Assessing the Prevalence of Trachoma: Lessons from Community Screening with Laboratory Testing in Australia's Torres Strait Islands. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:663-670. [PMID: 36281525 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2022.2136389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We undertook a screening program between 2016 and 2019 to determine if trachoma was endemic in the Torres Strait Islands of Queensland, Australia. METHODS Eleven screening surveys assessing trachoma prevalence were undertaken in seven communities using the World Health Organization (WHO) simplified grading tool. Additionally, an ophthalmologist performed a detailed clinical assessment including examination for Herbert's pits and corneal pannus and, where clinically indicated, collection of conjunctival specimens to investigate the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis nucleic acid. RESULTS Prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) in children aged 5-9 years for the aggregated first survey across all communities was 6% (17/284). No child had trachomatous inflammation-intense, trachomatous scarring, corneal pannus, or Herbert's pits. Of the 66 times any child was tested for C. trachomatis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the result was negative. No cicatricial trachoma was identified amongst the adults (n = 186) who were opportunistically offered examination. CONCLUSION Whilst TF was present, the lack of intense inflammatory thickening in any child examined, the lack of end-stage trachomatous disease, and the lack of ocular C. trachomatis detection by PCR indicate trachoma is not endemic in the Torres Strait Islands, and no ongoing public health intervention is required. These findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that use of the WHO simplified grading tool alone in the peri-elimination setting may overestimate the community burden of trachoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen D Lynch
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Prevention Division, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Garry Brian
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Prevention Division, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tomisina Ahwang
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
| | - Wendy Morotti
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Prevention Division, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ghislaine Wharton
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
- Best Practice Eyecare, Golden Beach, Australia
| | - Tomi Newie
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
| | - Victoria Newie
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
| | - Christine Perrett
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
| | - Wagie Ware
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
| | - Lucy Mosby
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
| | - Shelley Walters
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
| | - Anthony Brown
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
- Chief Executive, South West Hospital and Health Service, Roma, Australia
| | - Lisa J Whop
- National Centre for Epidemiology & Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Stephen B Lambert
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Prevention Division, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Surveillance, Coverage, Evaluation and Social Science, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Westmead, Australia
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Al-Khatib T, Bella AL, Saboyá-Díaz MI, Solomon AW. Trachoma: The Last Decade? Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:541-543. [PMID: 38085790 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2023.2270045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tawfik Al-Khatib
- Prevention of Blindness Program, Ministry of Public Health & Population, Sana'a, Yemen
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Sana'a, Sana'a, Yemen
- Eye Unit, Al-Thawra Hospital, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Assumpta Lucienne Bella
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences Biomédicales, Université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroun
| | - Martha Idalí Saboyá-Díaz
- Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, USA
| | - Anthony W Solomon
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Ilako D, Barasa E, Gichangi M, Mwatha S, Watitu T, Bore J, Rajamani A, Butcher R, Flueckiger RM, Bakhtiari A, Willis R, Solomon AW, Harding-Esch EM, Matendechero SH. Prevalence of Trachomatous Trichiasis in Ten Evaluation Units of Embu and Kitui Counties, Kenya. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:591-598. [PMID: 35037814 PMCID: PMC10581664 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2021.1986549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late-stage blinding sequalae of trachoma such as trachomatous trichiasis (TT) typically take decades to develop and often do so in the absence of ongoing ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection. This suggests that most TT risk accumulates in early life; as a result, population-level TT incidence and prevalence can remain high years after C. trachomatis transmission among children has decreased. In Embu and Kitui counties, Kenya, the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation - follicular is low in children. In this survey, we set out to determine the prevalence of TT in ten evaluation units (EUs) in these counties. METHODS We undertook ten cross-sectional prevalence surveys for TT. In each EU, people aged ≥15 years were selected by a two-stage cluster sampling method and examined for TT. Those with TT were asked questions on whether they had been offered management for it. Prevalence was adjusted to the underlying age and gender structure of the population. RESULTS A total of 18,987 people aged ≥15 years were examined. Per EU, the median number of examined participants was 1,656 (range: 1,451 - 3,016) and median response rate was 86% (range: 81 - 95%). The prevalence of TT unknown to the health system in people aged ≥15 years was above the threshold for elimination (≥0.2%) in all ten EUs studied (range: 0.2-0.7%). TT was significantly more common in older than younger individuals and in women than in men. DISCUSSION Provision of surgical services should be strengthened in Embu and Kitui counties of Kenya to achieve the World Health Organization threshold for eliminating TT as a public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ilako
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - E Barasa
- Ophthalmic Services Unit, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - M Gichangi
- Ophthalmic Services Unit, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - S Mwatha
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - T Watitu
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - J Bore
- Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Planning, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - A Rajamani
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - R Butcher
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - A Bakhtiari
- Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - R Willis
- Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - AW Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - EM Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - SH Matendechero
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
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30
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Seyum D, Fetene N, Kifle T, Negash H, Kabeto T, Gebre M, Data T, Tadele T, Abayo G, Wondimu A, Butcher R, Bakhtiari A, Willis R, Boyd S, Jimenez C, Negussu N, Tadesse F, Kebede F, Dejene M, Solomon AW, Harding-Esch EM, Sisay A. Prevalence of Trachoma from 66 Impact Surveys in 52 Woredas of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' and Sidama Regions of Ethiopia, 2017-2019. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:637-646. [PMID: 35473569 PMCID: PMC10581674 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2022.2065313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Trachoma is endemic in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' (SNNP) and Sidama regions of Ethiopia. We aimed to measure the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) among children aged 1 - 9 years and the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) unknown to the health system among people aged ≥15 years following interventions for trachoma in 52 woredas of SNNP and Sidama regions. METHODS From 2017 - 2019, 66 two-stage cluster sampling cross-sectional population-based surveys were carried out in 52 woredas (third-level administrative divisions) using a standardized World Health Organization-recommended survey methodology. This included one impact survey in 40 woredas, two consecutive impact surveys in 10 woredas and three consecutive impact surveys in two woredas. Water, sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) access was assessed using a modified version of the United Nations Children's Fund/WHO Joint Monitoring Programme questionnaire. RESULTS By the end of this survey series, 15 (23%) of the woredas had met the active trachoma elimination threshold (TF prevalence <5%) and 12 (18%) had met the TT threshold (TT ≤ 0.2%). Regarding WASH coverage, 20% of households had access to an improved drinking water source within a 30-min journey and 3% had an improved latrine. There was strong evidence that TF was less common in 4 - 6-year-olds and 7 - 9-year-olds than 1 - 3-year-olds. CONCLUSION Based on the findings, further antibiotic mass drug administration is required in 37 woredas and active TT case finding is needed in 40 woredas. In these surveys, access to WASH facilities was very low; WASH improvements are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Seyum
- Orbis International Ethiopia, Orbis International Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - N Fetene
- Orbis International Ethiopia, Orbis International Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tezera Kifle
- Orbis International Ethiopia, Orbis International Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Negash
- Orbis International Ethiopia, Orbis International Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Temesgen Kabeto
- Orbis International Ethiopia, Orbis International Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mulatu Gebre
- Orbis International Ethiopia, Orbis International Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Data
- Orbis International Ethiopia, Orbis International Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tafese Tadele
- Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Regional Health Bureau, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Ana Bakhtiari
- ITI, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GEORGIA, USA
| | - Rebecca Willis
- ITI, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GEORGIA, USA
| | - Sarah Boyd
- ITI, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GEORGIA, USA
| | | | - Nebiyu Negussu
- Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fentahun Tadesse
- Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fikreab Kebede
- Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emma M. Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alemayehu Sisay
- Orbis International Ethiopia, Orbis International Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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31
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Harding-Esch EM, Burgert-Brucker CR, Jimenez C, Bakhtiari A, Willis R, Dejene Bejiga M, Mpyet C, Ngondi J, Boyd S, Abdala M, Abdou A, Adamu Y, Alemayehu A, Alemayehu W, Al-Khatib T, Apadinuwe SC, Awaca N, Awoussi MS, Baayendag G, Badiane Mouctar D, Bailey RL, Batcho W, Bay Z, Bella A, Beido N, Bol YY, Bougouma C, Brady CJ, Bucumi V, Butcher R, Cakacaka R, Cama A, Camara M, Cassama E, Chaora SG, Chebbi AC, Chisambi AB, Chu B, Conteh A, Coulibaly SM, Courtright P, Dalmar A, Dat TM, Davids T, DJAKER MEA, de Fátima Costa Lopes M, Dézoumbé D, Dodson S, Downs P, Eckman S, Elshafie BE, Elmezoghi M, Elvis AA, Emerson P, Epée EEE, Faktaufon D, Fall M, Fassinou A, Fleming F, Flueckiger R, Gamael KK, Garae M, Garap J, Gass K, Gebru G, Gichangi MM, Giorgi E, Goépogui A, Gómez DVF, Gómez Forero DP, Gower EW, Harte A, Henry R, Honorio-Morales HA, Ilako DR, Issifou AAB, Jones E, Kabona G, Kabore M, Kadri B, Kalua K, Kanyi SK, Kebede S, Kebede F, Keenan JD, Kello AB, Khan AA, KHELIFI H, Kilangalanga J, KIM SH, Ko R, Lewallen S, Lietman T, Logora MSY, Lopez YA, MacArthur C, Macleod C, Makangila F, Mariko B, Martin DL, Masika M, Massae P, Massangaie M, Matendechero HS, Mathewos T, McCullagh S, Meite A, Mendes EP, Abdi HM, Miller H, Minnih A, Mishra SK, Molefi T, Mosher A, M’Po N, Mugume F, Mukwiza R, Mwale C, Mwatha S, Mwingira U, Nash SD, NASSA C, Negussu N, Nieba C, Noah Noah JC, Nwosu CO, Olobio N, Opon R, Pavluck A, Phiri I, Rainima-Qaniuci M, Renneker KK, Saboyá-Díaz MI, Sakho F, Sanha S, Sarah V, Sarr B, Szwarcwald CL, Shah Salam A, Sharma S, Seife F, Serrano Chavez GM, Sissoko M, Sitoe HM, Sokana O, Tadesse F, Taleo F, Talero SL, Tarfani Y, Tefera A, Tekeraoi R, Tesfazion A, Traina A, Traoré L, Trujillo-Trujillo J, Tukahebwa EM, Vashist P, Wanyama EB, WARUSAVITHANA SD, Watitu TK, West S, Win Y, Woods G, YAJIMA A, Yaya G, Zecarias A, Zewengiel S, Zoumanigui A, Hooper PJ, Millar T, Rotondo L, Solomon AW. Tropical Data: Approach and Methodology as Applied to Trachoma Prevalence Surveys. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:544-560. [PMID: 38085791 PMCID: PMC10751062 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2023.2249546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Population-based prevalence surveys are essential for decision-making on interventions to achieve trachoma elimination as a public health problem. This paper outlines the methodologies of Tropical Data, which supports work to undertake those surveys. METHODS Tropical Data is a consortium of partners that supports health ministries worldwide to conduct globally standardised prevalence surveys that conform to World Health Organization recommendations. Founding principles are health ministry ownership, partnership and collaboration, and quality assurance and quality control at every step of the survey process. Support covers survey planning, survey design, training, electronic data collection and fieldwork, and data management, analysis and dissemination. Methods are adapted to meet local context and needs. Customisations, operational research and integration of other diseases into routine trachoma surveys have also been supported. RESULTS Between 29th February 2016 and 24th April 2023, 3373 trachoma surveys across 50 countries have been supported, resulting in 10,818,502 people being examined for trachoma. CONCLUSION This health ministry-led, standardised approach, with support from the start to the end of the survey process, has helped all trachoma elimination stakeholders to know where interventions are needed, where interventions can be stopped, and when elimination as a public health problem has been achieved. Flexibility to meet specific country contexts, adaptation to changes in global guidance and adjustments in response to user feedback have facilitated innovation in evidence-based methodologies, and supported health ministries to strive for global disease control targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amza Abdou
- Programme National de Santé Oculaire, Niger
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Naomie Awaca
- Ministère de la Santé Publique, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Clarisse Bougouma
- Programme national de lutte contre les maladies tropicales négligées (PNMTN), Burkina Faso
| | | | - Victor Bucumi
- National Integrated Programme for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases and Blindness (PNIMTNC), Burundi
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Brian Chu
- International Trachoma Initiative, USA
| | | | | | - Paul Courtright
- Division of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, South Africa
| | - Abdi Dalmar
- Ministry of Human Development and Public Services, Somalia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ange Aba Elvis
- Programme National de la Santé Oculaire et de la lutte contre l’Onchocercose, Côte d’Ivoire
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jambi Garap
- Port Moresby General Hospital, Papua New Guinea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anna Harte
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK
| | - Rob Henry
- U.S. Agency for International Development, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Martin Kabore
- Programme national de lutte contre les maladies tropicales négligées (PNMTN), Burkina Faso
| | | | - Khumbo Kalua
- Blantyre Institute for Community Outreach, Malawi
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Robert Ko
- Port Moresby General Hospital, Papua New Guinea
| | - Susan Lewallen
- Division of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, South Africa
| | | | | | - Yuri A Lopez
- SACAICET / MINISTERIO DEL PODER POPULAR PARA LA SALUD, Venezuela
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Aboulaye Meite
- Ministère de la Santé et de l’Hygiène Publique, Cote d’Ivoire
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Aryc Mosher
- U.S. Agency for International Development, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cece Nieba
- Ministère de la Santé et de l’Hygiene Publique, Guinea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Oliver Sokana
- Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Solomon Islands
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Baayenda G, Mugume F, Mubangizi A, Turyaguma P, Tukahebwa EM, Byakika S, Kahwa B, Kusasira D, Bakhtiari A, Boyd S, Butcher R, Solomon AW, Binagwa B, Agunyo S, Osilo M, Crowley K, Thuo W, French M, Plunkett E, Mosher AW, Harding-Esch EM, Ngondi J. Baseline Prevalence of Trachoma in Refugee Settlements in Uganda: Results of 11 Population-based Surveys. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:580-590. [PMID: 34488539 PMCID: PMC10581675 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2021.1961816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There are several settlements in the Northern and Western Regions of Uganda serving refugees from South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), respectively. Trachoma prevalence surveys were conducted in a number of those settlements with the aim of determining whether interventions for trachoma are required. METHODS An evaluation unit (EU) was defined as all refugee settlements in one district. Cross-sectional population-based trachoma prevalence survey methodologies designed to adhere to World Health Organization recommendations were deployed in 11 EUs to assess prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) in 1-9-year-olds and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) unknown to the health system in ≥15-year-olds. Household-level water, sanitation and hygiene coverage was also assessed in study populations. RESULTS A total of 40,892 people were examined across 11 EUs between 2018 and 2020. The prevalence of TF in 1-9-year-olds was <5% in all EUs surveyed. The prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) unknown to the health system in ≥15-year-olds was <0.2% in 5 out of 11 EUs surveyed and ≥0.2% in the remaining 6 EUs. A high proportion of households had improved water sources, but a low proportion had improved latrines or quickly (within a 30-minute return journey) accessible water sources. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of the antibiotic, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement components of the SAFE strategy is not needed for the purposes of trachoma's elimination as a public health problem in these refugee settlements; however, intervention with TT surgery is needed in six EUs. Since instability continues to drive displacement of people from South Sudan and DRC into Uganda, there is likely to be a high rate of new arrivals to the settlements over the coming years. These populations may therefore have trachoma surveillance needs that are distinct from the surrounding non-refugee communities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Binta Kahwa
- Kampala International University Medical School, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Darlson Kusasira
- Refugees Department, Office of the Prime Minister, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Sarah Boyd
- Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Robert Butcher
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Aryc W. Mosher
- United States Agency for International Development, Washington DC, USA
| | - Emma M. Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Szwarcwald CL, Lopes MDFC, Borges de Souza Junior PR, Vaz Ferreira Gómez D, Luna EJDA, da Silva de Almeida W, Damacena GN, Ribeiro Favacho JDF, Germano de Frias P, Butcher R, Boyd S, Bakhtiari A, Willis R, Jimenez C, Harding-Esch E, Saboyá-Díaz MI, Solomon AW. Population Prevalence of Trachoma in Nine Rural Non-Indigenous Evaluation Units of Brazil. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:561-570. [PMID: 34711133 PMCID: PMC10581672 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2021.1941127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the contemporary prevalence of trachoma in Brazil's non-indigenous population, surveys of those thought to be at greatest risk of disease were conducted. METHODS Rural census tracts of non-indigenous population from nine mesoregions were selected to compose the survey evaluation units (EUs) by considering previously endemic municipalities at greatest risk of trachoma. In each of the nine EUs, we conducted a population-based prevalence survey. Every resident of selected households aged ≥ 1 year was examined for trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT). Additionally, data were collected on household-level access to water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) and education. RESULTS A total of 27,962 individuals were examined across nine EUs. The age-adjusted TF prevalence in 1-9-year-olds was <5% in each EU. The age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of TT unknown to the health system in ≥15-year-olds was <0.2% in eight EUs; in one EU, it was 0.22%. The median number of households surveyed per EU with access to an improved drinking water source within a 30-minute roundtrip of the house was 66%. School attendance was >99% of surveyed children. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of TF was well below the target for elimination as a public health problem in all EUs. Because EUs surveyed were selected to represent the highest-risk non-indigenous areas of the country, TF prevalence is unlikely to be ≥5% in non-indigenous populations elsewhere. In one EU, the prevalence of TT was above the target threshold for elimination. Further investigation and possibly improvement in TT surgical provision are required in that EU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Landmann Szwarcwald
- Institute of Scientific and Technological Communication and Information in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria de Fátima Costa Lopes
- Coordination of Surveillance of Zoonoses and Vector Transmission Diseases, Department of Immunization and Communicable Diseases, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Ministry of Health, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela Vaz Ferreira Gómez
- Coordination of Surveillance of Zoonoses and Vector Transmission Diseases, Department of Immunization and Communicable Diseases, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Ministry of Health, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Wanessa da Silva de Almeida
- Institute of Scientific and Technological Communication and Information in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Giseli Nogueira Damacena
- Institute of Scientific and Technological Communication and Information in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Germano de Frias
- Board of Education and Research, Study Group on Health Assessment and Management, Professor Fernando Figueira Integral Medicine Institute (IMIP), Recife, Brazil
| | - Robert Butcher
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Boyd
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ana Bakhtiari
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rebecca Willis
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Emma Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Martha Idalí Saboyá-Díaz
- Neglected, Tropical, and Vector-Borne Diseases Unit, Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health Department, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Kitu M, Mihretie K, Abuhay T. Case-control study of determinants of corrective upper eyelid surgery refusals among trachomatous trichiasis patients in Ethiopia. East Mediterr Health J 2023; 26:903-911. [PMID: 38279886 DOI: 10.26719/emhj.23.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Repeated infection with Chlamydia trachomatis causes trachomatous trichiasis (TT). Surgery is the main and preferred method of treatment. However, many people decline surgery despite the availability of free services in nearby health facilities. Aimz To identify the determinants of surgery refusal among TT patients in Ethiopia. Methods This community-based, case-control study was conducted among 338 cases and 338 controls from 5 October to 17 December 2018. Using systematic random sampling, we selected people who had been operated on (controls) and those who refused surgery (cases) from registration documents and used a pre-tested, interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire for data collection. We used SPSS version 23 to analyse the data and used multivariate logistic regression to identify the determinants. Results Having witnessed a poor surgical outcome [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.51, 95% CI: 1.94-6.35] and lack of knowledge about TT (aOR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.18-2.65) increased the refusal rate for surgery. Having trust in the surgeon (aOR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.15-0.45), knowledge about eyelid surgery (aOR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.16-0.64), long duration of trichiasis (aOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31-0.79), decision-making via discussion with the family (aOR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.13-0.64), frequent epilation (aOR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.17-0.60), and receiving personal advice (aOR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.04-0.28) reduced refusal rates. Conclusion Refusing to have TT surgery was significantly related to knowledge about upper eyelid surgery, past surgical outcomes, decision-making capacity, and personal influences. Improved systems for upper eyelid surgery should be established in Ethiopia to better manage, and reduce unfavourable, surgical outcomes, and reduce surgery refusal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melese Kitu
- Eyu-Ethiopia, Kebele 14, Dagmawi Menelik Sub-city, Bahirdar, Ethiopia
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Kebadnew Mihretie
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Taye Abuhay
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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Adimassu NF, Assem AS, Fekadu SA. Postoperative trachomatous trichiasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis study. Int Health 2023; 15:623-629. [PMID: 36852770 PMCID: PMC10629961 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachomatous trichiasis is the potential stage of trachoma in which the eyelashes scratch the surface of the globe, ultimately causing corneal opacity, visual impairment and blindness. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to obtain the pooled prevalence and associated factors of postoperative trachomatous trichiasis (PTT) in World Health Organization (WHO) trachoma-endemic regions. METHODS An inclusive literature search was undertaken using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases from 30 May 2022 to 28 June 2022. I2 statistics and funnel plots were used to determine heterogeneity and publication bias among included studies. A random effects model was used to estimate pooled prevalence, incidence and odds ratios (ORs) with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS Eighteen articles were included in this meta-analysis and systematic review. The pooled prevalence of PTT was 19% (range 18-21). PTT was lower among young adults compared with old adults (OR 0.63 [95% CI 0.44 to 0.92]), single-dose oral azithromycin as compared with tetracycline eye ointment users (OR 0.82 [95% CI 0.69 to 0.99]) and minor trichiasis before surgery as compared with major trichiasis (OR 0.63 [95% CI 0.47 to 0.85]). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of PTT was higher than the WHO's recommendation. Prescribing single-dose oral azithromycin after surgery, periodic training for trichiasis surgeons, close follow-up and health education after surgery are crucial to minimize the recurrence.Study protocol registration on PROSPERO: CRD42022336003.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nebiyat Feleke Adimassu
- Department of Optometry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Abel Sinshaw Assem
- Department of Optometry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Sofonias Addis Fekadu
- Department of Optometry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Diallo AO, Bayissasse B, Sisay A, Seyum D, Weaver J, Munoz B, Merbs SL, Gower EW. Effectiveness of Trachomatous Trichiasis Case-identification Approaches in Ethiopia. Epidemiology 2023; 34:909-920. [PMID: 37757880 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma control programs use multiple approaches to identify individuals with trachomatous trichiasis (TT). Evidence is limited regarding which approaches are most effective and cost-efficient. METHODS We evaluated the effectiveness of two TT case-identification approaches in Ethiopia: community mobilization to encourage self-referral for centralized screening and house-to-house screenings conducted by case finders. We compared the number of true cases found per 1000 population and costs associated with case identification under each approach, stratified by villages that received one or multiple screening visits. RESULTS We conducted screenings in 396 villages. In villages receiving one house-to-house visit, case finders identified 14,229 suspected cases, of whom 10,513 (73.9%) presented for TT confirmation. A median of 17.2% (interquartile range [IQR]: 9.1%-27.8%) of those presenting truly had TT (positive predictive value). In single-visit villages, the community mobilization approach yielded higher rates of confirmed cases than the house-to-house approach (1.5 [IQR: 1.1, 2.6] vs. 1.1 [IQR: 0.5, 1.9] cases per 1000 population), and the median cost of identifying a TT case was less ($5.59 vs. $31.18) using community mobilization than house-to-house. In multiple-visit villages, additional screening visits increased the median rate of confirmed cases to 2.5 per 1000 population in community mobilization villages, but the rate remained unchanged in house-to-house villages. CONCLUSIONS Community mobilization-based TT case finding had a higher yield than house-to-house, at a substantially lower cost. Future research should examine whether additional tools to aid case finders in their diagnosis increases case-finding efficiency and accuracy and whether TT prevalence and surgical program duration impact case-finding success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpha Oumar Diallo
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | - Dawit Seyum
- Orbis International Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Jerusha Weaver
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Beatriz Munoz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Shannath L Merbs
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Emily W Gower
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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Selby R, Jeyam A, Tate A, Kebede F, Downs P. Potential mitigating role of ivermectin on the spread of Chlamydia trachomatis by Musca sorbens. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011662. [PMID: 37883529 PMCID: PMC10602231 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Trachoma is the world's most frequent cause of blindness from an infectious agent. The disease caused by infection is associated with lack of access to sanitation and low hygiene standards. Trachoma is controlled through the Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement (SAFE) strategy, which delivers azithromycin (AZM) mass drug administration (MDA) in endemic areas. The putative vector Musca sorbens principally reproduce in human faecal matter left in the environment due to open defecation. Ivermectin (IVM) is on the WHO's essential medicines list and is administered as preventative chemotherapy against two neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)-onchocerciasis, as an annual or bi-annual treatment, and lymphatic filariasis, as an annual treatment in combination with albendazole. Ivermectin has a known inhibitive effect on insects that reproduce in dung. To assess if IVM could be a viable vector control tool against M. sorbens, this study evaluates existing data from trachoma, onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis mass drug administration (MDA) operations in Ethiopia. Persistent and recrudescent trachoma in evaluation units (EUs) were examined for whether AZM MDA in EUs was accompanied by IVM MDA, and whether co-administration was associated with greater likelihood of trachoma control. Results show an association suggesting that EUs that received both IVM and AZM MDA benefit from improved control of trachoma in persistent or recrudescent areas, when compared to EUs that received AZM MDA. This initial investigation supports the potential for ivermectin's use to support SAFE. Findings warrant further work to validate ivermectin's impact on M. sorbens reproduction through controlled lab and field-based studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Selby
- Sightsavers international, 35 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Anita Jeyam
- Sightsavers international, 35 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Tate
- Sightsavers international, 35 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, United Kingdom
| | | | - Philip Downs
- Sightsavers international, 35 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, United Kingdom
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Mahmud H, Haile BA, Tadesse Z, Gebresillasie S, Shiferaw A, Zerihun M, Liu Z, Callahan EK, Cotter SY, Varnado NE, Oldenburg CE, Porco TC, Lietman TM, Keenan JD. Targeted Mass Azithromycin Distribution for Trachoma: A Community-Randomized Trial (TANA II). Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:388-395. [PMID: 37021692 PMCID: PMC10681647 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current guidelines recommend annual community-wide mass administration of azithromycin for trachoma. Targeting treatments to those most likely to be infected could reduce the amount of unnecessary antibiotics distributed. METHODS In a cluster-randomized trial conducted from 1 November 2010 through 8 November 2013, 48 Ethiopian communities previously treated with annual mass azithromycin distributions for trachoma were randomized in equal numbers to (1) annual azithromycin distributions targeted to children aged 0-5 years, (2) annual azithromycin distributions targeted to households with a child aged 0-5 years found to have clinically active trachoma, (3) continued annual mass azithromycin distributions to the entire community, or (4) cessation of treatment. The primary outcome was the community prevalence of ocular chlamydia infection among children aged 0-9 years at month 36. Laboratory personnel were masked to treatment allocation. RESULTS The prevalence of ocular chlamydia infection among children aged 0-9 years increased from 4.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], .9%-8.6%) at baseline to 8.7% (95% CI, 4.2%-13.9%) at month 36 in the age-targeted arm, and from 2.8% (95% CI, .8%-5.3%) at baseline to 6.3% (95% CI, 2.9%-10.6%) at month 36 in the household-targeted arm. After adjusting for baseline chlamydia prevalence, the 36-month prevalence of ocular chlamydia was 2.4 percentage points greater in the age-targeted group (95% CI, -4.8% to 9.6%; P = .50; prespecified primary analysis). No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS Targeting azithromycin treatment to preschool children was no different than targeting azithromycin to households with a child with clinically active trachoma. Neither approach reduced ocular chlamydia over the 3-year study. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT01202331.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidah Mahmud
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zijun Liu
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Sun Y Cotter
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nicole E Varnado
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Catherine E Oldenburg
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Travis C Porco
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Thomas M Lietman
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jeremy D Keenan
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Asmare ZA, Seifu BL, Mare KU, Asgedom YS, Kase BF, Shibeshi AH, Tebeje TM, Lombebo AA, Sabo KG, Fente BM, Teshale AB, Asebe HA. Prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among 1-9 years of age children in Andabet district, northwest Ethiopia, 2023: A multi-level mixed-effect analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011573. [PMID: 37590321 PMCID: PMC10464999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma is the chief cause of preventable blindness worldwide and has been earmarked for elimination as a public health problem by 2030. Despite the five-year Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement (SAFE)-based interventions in the Andabet district, the prevalence of trachomatous follicular (TF) was 37%. With such a high prevalence of TF, the determinant factors were not revealed. Besides, there were no reports on the overall prevalence of active trachoma (i.e.TF and or trachomatous intense (TI)). OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among 1-9 years of age children in the Andabet district. METHOD A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged under nine years from March 1-30, 2023 in Andabet district, Northwest Ethiopia. Multi-stage systematic random sampling was employed to reach 540 children. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was employed to assess factors associated with active trachoma. We fitted both random effect and fixed effect analysis. Finally, variables with p<0.05 in the multivariable multilevel analysis were claimed to be significantly associated with active trachoma. RESULT In this study, the overall prevalence of active trachoma was 35.37% (95% CI: 31.32%, 39.41%). The prevalence of TF and TI was 31.3% and 4.07% respectively. In the multilevel logistic regression analysis ocular discharge, fly-eye contact, latrine utilization, and source of water were significantly associated with the prevalence of active trachoma. CONCLUSION In this study, the prevalence of active trachoma was much higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold prevalence. Ocular discharge, fly-eye contact, latrine utilization, and source of water were independent determinants of active trachoma among children (1-9 years). Therefore, paying special attention to these high-risk groups could decrease the prevalence of a neglected hyperendemic disease, active trachoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zufan Alamrie Asmare
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Beminate Lemma Seifu
- Department of Public Health, Collage of Medicine and Health Science, Samara University, Afar, Ethiopia
| | - Kusse Urmale Mare
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Samara University, Afar, Ethiopia
| | - Yordanos Sisay Asgedom
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Bizunesh Fantahun Kase
- Department of Public Health, Collage of Medicine and Health Science, Samara University, Afar, Ethiopia
| | - Abdu Hailu Shibeshi
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural and Computational Science, Samara University, Afar, Ethiopia
| | - Tsion Mulat Tebeje
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Afework Alemu Lombebo
- School of Medicine, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Kebede Gemeda Sabo
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Samara University, Afar, Ethiopia
| | - Bezawit Melak Fente
- Department of General Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Hiwot Altaye Asebe
- Department of Public Health, Collage of Medicine and Health Science, Samara University, Afar, Ethiopia
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Sasanami M, Amoah B, Diori AN, Amza A, Souley ASY, Bakhtiari A, Kadri B, Szwarcwald CL, Ferreira Gomez DV, Almou I, Lopes MDFC, Masika MP, Beidou N, Boyd S, Harding-Esch EM, Solomon AW, Giorgi E. Using model-based geostatistics for assessing the elimination of trachoma. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011476. [PMID: 37506060 PMCID: PMC10381061 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma is the commonest infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Efforts are being made to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem globally. However, as prevalence decreases, it becomes more challenging to precisely predict prevalence. We demonstrate how model-based geostatistics (MBG) can be used as a reliable, efficient, and widely applicable tool to assess the elimination status of trachoma. METHODS We analysed trachoma surveillance data from Brazil, Malawi, and Niger. We developed geostatistical Binomial models to predict trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) prevalence. We proposed a general framework to incorporate age and gender in the geostatistical models, whilst accounting for residual spatial and non-spatial variation in prevalence through the use of random effects. We also used predictive probabilities generated by the geostatistical models to quantify the likelihood of having achieved the elimination target in each evaluation unit (EU). RESULTS TF and TT prevalence varied considerably by country, with Brazil showing the lowest prevalence and Niger the highest. Brazil and Malawi are highly likely to have met the elimination criteria for TF in each EU, but, for some EUs, there was high uncertainty in relation to the elimination of TT according to the model alone. In Niger, the predicted prevalence varied significantly across EUs, with the probability of having achieved the elimination target ranging from values close to 0% to 100%, for both TF and TT. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the wide applicability of MBG for trachoma programmes, using data from different epidemiological settings. Unlike the standard trachoma prevalence survey approach, MBG provides a more statistically rigorous way of quantifying uncertainty around the achievement of elimination prevalence targets, through the use of spatial correlation. In addition to the analysis of existing survey data, MBG also provides an approach to identify areas in which more sampling effort is needed to improve EU classification. We advocate MBG as the new standard method for analysing trachoma survey outputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misaki Sasanami
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Amoah
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Nouhou Diori
- Ophtalmologie de l’Hôpital Amirou Boubacar Diallo de Niamey, Niamey, Niger
| | - Abdou Amza
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niamey, Niger
| | | | - Ana Bakhtiari
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Boubacar Kadri
- Programme National de Sante Oculaire (PNSO), Niamey, Niger
| | - Célia L. Szwarcwald
- Institute of Scientific and Technological Communication and Information in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Ibrahim Almou
- Programme National de Sante Oculaire (PNSO), Niamey, Niger
| | | | | | | | - Sarah Boyd
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Emma M. Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emanuele Giorgi
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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Goodhew EB, Taoaba R, Harding-Esch EM, Gwyn SE, Bakhtiari A, Butcher R, Cama A, Guagliardo SAJ, Jimenez C, Mpyet CD, Tun K, Wickens K, Solomon AW, Martin DL, Tekeraoi R. Changes in trachoma indicators in Kiribati with two rounds of azithromycin mass drug administration, measured in serial population-based surveys. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011441. [PMID: 37418501 PMCID: PMC10355439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Baseline mapping in the two major population centers of Kiribati showed that trachoma was a public health problem in need of programmatic interventions. After conducting two annual rounds of antibiotic mass drug administration (MDA), Kiribati undertook trachoma impact surveys in 2019, using standardized two-stage cluster surveys in the evaluation units of Kiritimati Island and Tarawa. In Kiritimati, 516 households were visited and in Tarawa, 772 households were visited. Nearly all households had a drinking water source and access to an improved latrine. The prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis remained above the elimination threshold (0.2% in ≥15-year-olds) and was virtually unchanged from baseline. The prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) in 1-9-year-olds decreased by approximately 40% from baseline in both evaluation units but remained above the 5% TF prevalence threshold for stopping MDA. TF prevalence at impact survey was 11.5% in Kiritimati and 17.9% in Tarawa. Infection prevalence in 1-9-year-olds by PCR was 0.96% in Kiritimati and 3.3% in Tarawa. Using a multiplex bead assay to measure antibodies to the C. trachomatis antigen Pgp3, seroprevalence in 1-9-year-olds was 30.2% in Kiritimati and 31.4% in Tarawa. The seroconversion rate, in seroconversion events/100 children/year, was 9.0 in Kiritimati and 9.2 in Tarawa. Seroprevalence and seroconversion rates were both assessed by four different assays, with strong agreement between tests. These results show that, despite decreases in indicators associated with infection at impact survey, trachoma remains a public health problem in Kiribati, and provide additional information about changes in serological indicators after MDA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emma M. Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E. Gwyn
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta Georgia
| | - Ana Bakhtiari
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Robert Butcher
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Caleb D. Mpyet
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos; Jos, Nigeria, and Sightsavers, Nigeria Country Office, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Kab Tun
- Ministry of Health and Medical Services, South Tarawa, Kiribati
| | - Karana Wickens
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
| | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Rabebe Tekeraoi
- Ministry of Health and Medical Services, South Tarawa, Kiribati
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42
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Barazanji M, Ngo JD, Powe JA, Schneider KP, Rychtář J, Taylor D. Modeling the "F" in "SAFE": The dynamic game of facial cleanliness in trachoma prevention. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287464. [PMID: 37352249 PMCID: PMC10289400 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease (NTDs) caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is a leading cause of infectious blindness. Efforts are underway to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem by using the "SAFE" strategy. While mathematical models are now standard tools used to support elimination efforts and there are a variety of models studying different aspects of trachoma transmission dynamics, the "F" component of the strategy corresponding to facial cleanliness has received very little attention so far. In this paper, we incorporate human behavior into a standard epidemiological model and develop a dynamical game during which individuals practice facial cleanliness based on their epidemiological status and perceived benefits and costs. We found that the number of infectious individuals generally increases with the difficulty to access a water source. However, this increase happens only during three transition periods and the prevalence stays constant otherwise. Consequently, improving access to water can help eliminate trachoma, but the improvement needs to be significant enough to cross at least one of the three transition thresholds; otherwise the improved access will have no noticeable effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Barazanji
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Janesah D. Ngo
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Jule A. Powe
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Kimberley P. Schneider
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - 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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Tedijanto C, Solomon AW, Martin DL, Nash SD, Keenan JD, Lietman TM, Lammie PJ, Aiemjoy K, Amza A, Aragie S, Arzika AM, Callahan EK, Carolan S, Dawed AA, Goodhew EB, Gwyn S, Hammou J, Kadri B, Kalua K, Maliki R, Nassirou B, Seife F, Tadesse Z, West SK, Wittberg DM, Zeru Tadege T, Arnold BF. Monitoring transmission intensity of trachoma with serology. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3269. [PMID: 37277341 PMCID: PMC10241377 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38940-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Trachoma, caused by ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection, is targeted for global elimination as a public health problem by 2030. To provide evidence for use of antibodies to monitor C. trachomatis transmission, we collated IgG responses to Pgp3 antigen, PCR positivity, and clinical observations from 19,811 children aged 1-9 years in 14 populations. We demonstrate that age-seroprevalence curves consistently shift along a gradient of transmission intensity: rising steeply in populations with high levels of infection and active trachoma and becoming flat in populations near elimination. Seroprevalence (range: 0-54%) and seroconversion rates (range: 0-15 per 100 person-years) correlate with PCR prevalence (r: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.57, 0.97). A seroprevalence threshold of 13.5% (seroconversion rate 2.75 per 100 person-years) identifies clusters with any PCR-identified infection at high sensitivity ( >90%) and moderate specificity (69-75%). Antibody responses in young children provide a robust, generalizable approach to monitor population progress toward and beyond trachoma elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Tedijanto
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Anthony W Solomon
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Diana L Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | | | - Jeremy D Keenan
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Thomas M Lietman
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Patrick J Lammie
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, 30030, USA
| | - Kristen Aiemjoy
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Abdou Amza
- Programme National de Santé Oculaire, Niamey, Niger
- Programme National de Lutte Contre la Cecité, Niamey, Niger
| | - Solomon Aragie
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- The Carter Center Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Infection Biology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Sydney Carolan
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | | | - E Brook Goodhew
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Sarah Gwyn
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Jaouad Hammou
- Service of Ocular and Otological Diseases, Epidemiology and Disease Control Directorate, Ministry of Health, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Boubacar Kadri
- Programme National de Santé Oculaire, Niamey, Niger
- Programme National de Lutte Contre la Cecité, Niamey, Niger
| | - Khumbo Kalua
- Blantyre Institute for Community Outreach, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Beido Nassirou
- Programme National de Santé Oculaire, Niamey, Niger
- Programme National de Lutte Contre la Cecité, Niamey, Niger
| | - Fikre Seife
- Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Sheila K West
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dionna M Wittberg
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | | | - Benjamin F Arnold
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
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Barton A, Rosenkrands I, Pickering H, Faal N, Harte A, Joof H, Makalo P, Ragonnet M, Olsen AW, Bailey RL, Mabey DCW, Follmann F, Dietrich J, Holland MJ. A systems serology approach to the investigation of infection-induced antibody responses and protection in trachoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1178741. [PMID: 37287960 PMCID: PMC10242090 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1178741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ocular infections with Chlamydia trachomatis serovars A-C cause the neglected tropical disease trachoma. As infection does not confer complete immunity, repeated infections are common, leading to long-term sequelae such as scarring and blindness. Here, we apply a systems serology approach to investigate whether systemic antibody features are associated with susceptibility to infection. Methods Sera from children in five trachoma endemic villages in the Gambia were assayed for 23 antibody features: IgG responses towards two C. trachomatis antigens and three serovars [elementary bodies and major outer membrane protein (MOMP), serovars A-C], IgG responses towards five MOMP peptides (serovars A-C), neutralization, and antibody-dependent phagocytosis. Participants were considered resistant if they subsequently developed infection only when over 70% of other children in the same compound were infected. Results The antibody features assayed were not associated with resistance to infection (false discovery rate < 0.05). Anti-MOMP SvA IgG and neutralization titer were higher in susceptible individuals (p < 0.05 before multiple testing adjustment). Classification using partial least squares performed only slightly better than chance in distinguishing between susceptible and resistant participants based on systemic antibody profile (specificity 71%, sensitivity 36%). Conclusions Systemic infection-induced IgG and functional antibody responses do not appear to be protective against subsequent infection. Ocular responses, IgA, avidity, or cell-mediated responses may play a greater role in protective immunity than systemic IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Barton
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ida Rosenkrands
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Harry Pickering
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nkoyo Faal
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Anna Harte
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hassan Joof
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Pateh Makalo
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Manon Ragonnet
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Anja Weinreich Olsen
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robin L. Bailey
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - David C. W. Mabey
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Follmann
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jes Dietrich
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin J. Holland
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Trujillo-Trujillo J, Meza-Cárdenas M, Sánchez SB, Zamora SM, Porras A, López de Mesa CB, Bernal Parra LM, Bernal Lizarazú MC, Miller H, Silva JC. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Hygiene and the Prevention of Trachoma in the Indigenous Population of the Colombian Amazon Vaupés Department. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:4632. [PMID: 36901643 PMCID: PMC10001660 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The Colombian program to end trachoma implements the component F of the SAFE strategy in the Vaupés department of the Amazon rainforest. Cultural, linguistic, and geographical barriers and the coexistence of an ancestral medical system demand the technical and sociocultural adaptation of this component. A cross-sectional survey combined with focus-group discussions to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the indigenous population related to trachoma was conducted in 2015. Of the 357 heads of households that participated, 45.1% associated trachoma with a lack of hygiene, and 94.7% associated the concept of hygiene with taking one or more body baths per day, using commercial or handcrafted soap. In total, 93% reported cleaning their children's faces and eyes more often when they have conjunctivitis, but 66.1% also did this with clothes or towels in use, and 52.7% of people shared towels; in total, 32.8% indicated that they would use ancestral medicine to prevent and treat trachoma. The SAFE strategy in Vaupés requires an intercultural approach to facilitate stakeholder support and participation to promote general and facial hygiene, washing clothes with soap, and not sharing towels and clothes to dry and clean children's faces for effective and sustainable elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. This qualitative assessment facilitated an intercultural approach locally and in other Amazonian locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Trujillo-Trujillo
- Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Bogotá 110311, Colombia
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud—ECISA, Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia, UNAD, Bogotá 111511, Colombia
| | - Mónica Meza-Cárdenas
- Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Bogotá 110311, Colombia
- Grupo de Medicina Comunitaria y Salud Colectiva, Maestría en Epidemiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá 110111, Colombia
| | | | | | - Alexandra Porras
- Grupo de Medicina Comunitaria y Salud Colectiva, Maestría en Epidemiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá 110111, Colombia
| | | | - Luz Mery Bernal Parra
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud—ECISA, Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia, UNAD, Bogotá 111511, Colombia
| | | | - Hollman Miller
- Department of Vaupés, Secretariate of Health, Mitú 970001, Colombia
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Barksby R. Trachoma elimination targets missed in Australia. Lancet Microbe 2022; 3:e903. [PMID: 36265506 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(22)00294-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Borlase A, Le Rutte EA, Castaño S, Blok DJ, Toor J, Giardina F, Davis EL. Evaluating and mitigating the potential indirect effect of COVID-19 on control programmes for seven neglected tropical diseases: a modelling study. Lancet Glob Health 2022; 10:e1600-e1611. [PMID: 36240827 PMCID: PMC9579354 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00360-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background In line with movement restrictions and physical distancing essential for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO recommended postponement of all neglected tropical disease (NTD) control activities that involve community-based surveys, active case finding, and mass drug administration in April, 2020. Following revised guidance later in 2020, and after interruptions to NTD programmes of varying lengths, NTD programmes gradually restarted in the context of an ongoing pandemic. However, ongoing challenges and service gaps have been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effect of the programmatic interruptions and strategies to mitigate this effect. Methods For seven NTDs, namely soil-transmitted helminths, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, trachoma, visceral leishmaniasis, and human African trypanosomiasis, we used mathematical transmission models to simulate the effect of programme interruptions on the dynamics of each of these diseases in different endemic settings. We also explored the potential benefit of implementing mitigation strategies, primarily in terms of minimising the delays to control targets. Findings We show that the effect of the COVID-19-induced interruption in terms of delay to achieving elimination goals might in some cases be much longer than the duration of the interruption. For schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, trachoma, and visceral leishmaniasis, a mean delay of 2–3 years for a 1-year interruption is predicted in areas of highest prevalence. We also show that these delays can largely be mitigated by measures such as additional mass drug administration or enhanced case-finding. Interpretation The COVID-19 pandemic has brought infectious disease control to the forefront of global consciousness. It is essential that the NTDs, so long neglected in terms of research and financial support, are not overlooked, and remain a priority in health service planning and funding. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Medical Research Council, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Borlase
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Epke A Le Rutte
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Soledad Castaño
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; LYO-X, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - David J Blok
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jaspreet Toor
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Federica Giardina
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Emma L Davis
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
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Mekonnen J, Kassim J, Ahmed M, Gebeyehu N. Prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children 1-9 years old at Arsi Negele Town, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Southern Ethiopia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273808. [PMID: 36206245 PMCID: PMC9543983 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma is a public health issue in more than 50 nations worldwide, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where hundreds of millions of people are considered blind. Ethiopia is projected to have 30% of the global active trachoma burden. The frequency of Trachoma Folliculitis in children aged 1 to 9 years old is 30% in the Oromia Region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of active trachoma and associated variables among children aged 1 to 9 years old in Arsi Negele Town, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Southern Ethiopia, December 24-26, 2019. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Arsi Negele town community on December 24-26, 2019. A total of 178 study volunteers were recruited using a single population proportion formula and assigned to families in the town's three kebeles in proportion. A simple random selection procedure was used to choose study participants from the identified households. Madda Walabu University provided ethical approval, and different government structures provided letters of permission. Pre-tested structured questionnaires and binocular loupes X 2.5 were used to collect data from either mothers or fathers of eligible children for eye examination; torches with bottles of alcohol were used to gather data from either mothers or fathers of eligible children for eye examination. For analysis, data was entered into (IBM, SPSS) version 22. To assess factors associated with active trachoma, bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used. The crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to investigate the degree of association between the independent variables and active trachoma. Multivariate logistic regression was used to find connections between dependent and independent variables with a p≤ 0.05 confidence levels and a 95% confidence interval. RESULT The prevalence of active trachoma was determined to be 21.91% TF among 178 children aged 1 to 9 years. Flies on children's faces (AOR = 3.427; 95 percent CI: 1.432-8.171), unclean children's faces (AOR = 3.99; 95 percent CI: 1.427-11.158), face washing habits (AOR = 3.064; 95 percent CI: 1.273-7.373), and not using soap while face washing (AOR = 4.564; 95 percent CI 1.561-13.342) were found to be statistically significant associated factors with the prevalence of active trachoma. CONCLUSION The prevalence of active trachoma was found to be relatively high. Face washing practices and the lack of soap use while washing faces were found as associated factors requiring optimal interventions to prevent trachoma infection among children aged 1-9 years in Arsi Negele town.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemal Mekonnen
- Department of Malaria Prevention & Control, West Arsi Zone Health Office, Shashemene, Ethiopia
| | - Jeylan Kassim
- Department of Public Health, Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale Goba, Ethiopia
| | - Muluneh Ahmed
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Science, Madda Walabu University, Shashemene campus, Shashemene, Ethiopia
| | - Negeso Gebeyehu
- Department of Midwifery, School of Health Science, Madda Walabu University, Shashemene Campus, Shashemene, Ethiopia
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Doan T, Gebre T, Ayele B, Zerihun M, Hinterwirth A, Zhong L, Chen C, Ruder K, Zhou Z, Emerson PM, Porco TC, Keenan JD, Lietman TM. Effect of Azithromycin on the Ocular Surface Microbiome of Children in a High Prevalence Trachoma Area. Cornea 2022; 41:1260-1264. [PMID: 34483276 PMCID: PMC8894504 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the 4 times per year mass azithromycin distributions on the ocular surface microbiome of children in a trachoma endemic area. METHODS In this cluster-randomized controlled trial, children aged 1 to 10 years in rural communities in the Goncha Seso Enesie district of Ethiopia were randomized to either no treatment or treatment with a single dose of oral azithromycin (height-based dosing to approximate 20 mg/kg) every 3 months for 1 year. Post hoc analysis of ocular surface Chlamydia trachomatis load, microbial community diversity, and macrolide resistance determinants was performed to evaluate differences between treatment arms. RESULTS One thousand two hundred fifty-five children from 24 communities were included in the study. The mean azithromycin coverage in the treated communities was 80% (95% CI: 73%-86%). The average age was 5 years (95% CI: 4-5). Ocular surface C. trachomatis load was reduced in children treated with the 4 times per year azithromycin ( P = 0.0003). Neisseria gonorrhoeae , Neisseria lactamica , and Neisseria meningitidis were more abundant in the no-treatment arm compared with the treated arm. The macrolide resistance gene ermB was not different between arms ( P = 0.63), but mefA / E was increased ( P = 0.04) in the azithromycin-treated arm. CONCLUSIONS We found a reduction in the load of C. trachomatis and 3 Neisseria species in communities treated with azithromycin. These benefits came at the cost of selection for macrolide resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Doan
- Francis I Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Berhan Ayele
- The Carter Center Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Armin Hinterwirth
- Francis I Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | - Lina Zhong
- Francis I Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | - Cindi Chen
- Francis I Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | - Kevin Ruder
- Francis I Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | - Zhaoxia Zhou
- Francis I Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | - Paul M. Emerson
- International Trachoma Initiative, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- International Trachoma Initiative, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Travis C. Porco
- Francis I Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | - Jeremy D. Keenan
- Francis I Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | - Thomas M. Lietman
- Francis I Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, USA
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, USA
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Quesada-Cubo V, Damián-González DC, Prado-Velasco FG, Fernández-Santos NA, Sánchez-Tejeda G, Correa-Morales F, Domínguez-Zárate H, García-Orozco A, Saboyá-Díaz MI, Sánchez-Martín MJ. The elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Mexico: From national health priority to national success story. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010660. [PMID: 36037211 PMCID: PMC9462675 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mexico was the first country in the Americas and the third in the world to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, as validated by the WHO in 2017. Objective To describe the critical elements that favored the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Mexico and the public health impact of this success. Methodology A revision and compilation of data and information contained in the dossier presented by the country to PAHO/WHO to obtain the validation of trachoma elimination as a public health problem was conducted by a group of delegates from the national and local trachoma prevention and control program. Data from the national and local surveillance systems and reports of actions conducted after achieving the elimination goal were also included. Critical elements that favored the achievement of the elimination goal from 1896 to 2019 were extracted. Results Mexico reached the elimination of trachoma in 2016 obtaining the validation in 2017. 264 communities were no longer endemic and 151,744 people were no longer at risk of visual impairment or possible blindness due to trachoma. The key to the success of this elimination process was primarily the local leadership of health authorities with sustained funding for brigades, increased access to potable water and sanitation, and key alliances with indigenous authorities, health authorities, and government institutions that contributed to the achievement of the goal. The SAFE strategy started implementation in Mexico in 2004 as a comprehensive package of interventions. SAFE stands for surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and improvement of the environmental conditions. These actions impacted drastically on the number of new cases trachmatous trichiasis (TT) and trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF), which decreased from 1,794 in 2004 to zero in 2016. Conclusions The elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Mexico is a true success story that may serve as a model example for the elimination of other neglected infectious diseases in the Americas. Trachoma is an eye disease caused by an infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the principal infectious cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and is one of the 20 neglected tropical diseases which is present in 1,338 districts worldwide with an estimated 154.5 million people living in endemic areas. Globally, the disease was earmarked for elimination as a public health problem by the year 2020 and later extended to the year 2030. The WHO elimination strategy SAFE includes Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement. This paper describes the SAFE activities implemented and actions taken for Mexico to achieve the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. From the compilation of national and local data and information, it was possible to identify that local and federal political commitment and leadership, effective coordination across health institutions and critical sectors such as water and sanitation agencies, and consistent communication and health promotion activities that supported the implementation of SAFE strategies were determinant in driving trachoma elimination. The model of coordinated work and collaboration serves as a model example for the elimination of trachoma and other Neglected Infectious Diseases in Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nadia Angélica Fernández-Santos
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Reynosa, Mexico
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gustavo Sánchez-Tejeda
- Vector-Borne Diseases Program, National Center for Disease Control and Preventive Programs (CENAPRECE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fabián Correa-Morales
- Vector-Borne Diseases Program, National Center for Disease Control and Preventive Programs (CENAPRECE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Martha Idalí Saboyá-Díaz
- Department of Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - María Jesús Sánchez-Martín
- Department of Communicable Diseases and Health Determinants, Pan American Health Organization, Mexico City, Mexico
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