1
|
Renneker KK, Mtuy TB, Kabona G, Mbwambo SG, Mosha P, Mollel JM, Hooper PJ, Emerson PM, Hollingsworth TD, Butcher R, Solomon AW, Harding-Esch EM. Acceptability and feasibility of tests for infection, serological testing, and photography to define need for interventions against trachoma. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011941. [PMID: 38843285 PMCID: PMC11185441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma causes blindness due to repeated conjunctival infection by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). Transmission intensity is estimated, for programmatic decision-making, by prevalence of the clinical sign trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) in children aged 1-9 years. Research into complementary indicators to field-graded TF includes work on conjunctival photography, tests for ocular Ct infection, and serology. The perceived acceptability and feasibility of these indicators among a variety of stakeholders is unknown. METHODOLOGY Focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with public health practitioners in Tanzania were conducted. FGDs explored themes including participants' experience with, and thoughts about, different diagnostic approaches. The framework method for content analysis was used. IDIs yielded lists of perceived strengths of, and barriers to, implementation for programmatic use of each indicator. These were used to form an online quantitative survey on complementary indicators distributed to global stakeholders via meetings, mailing lists, and social media posts. RESULTS Sixteen FGDs and 11 IDIs were conducted in October-November 2022. In general, all proposed sample methods were deemed acceptable by community members. Common themes included not wanting undue discomfort and a preference for tests perceived as accurate. Health workers noted the importance of community education for some sample types. The online survey was conducted in April-May 2023 with 98 starting the questionnaire and 81 completing it. Regarding barriers to implementing diagnostics, the highest agreement items related to feasibility, rather than acceptability. No evidence of significant differences was found in responses pertaining to community acceptability based on participant characteristics. CONCLUSIONS All of the indicators included were generally deemed acceptable by all stakeholders in Tanzania, although community education around the benefits and risks of different sample types, as well as addressing issues around feasibility, will be key to successful, sustainable integration of these indicators into trachoma programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen K. Renneker
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- International Trachoma Initiative, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Tara B. Mtuy
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - George Kabona
- National Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme, Preventive Services Department, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Stephen Gabriel Mbwambo
- National Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme, Preventive Services Department, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Patrick Mosha
- International Trachoma Initiative, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jeremiah Mepukori Mollel
- International Trachoma Initiative, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - PJ Hooper
- International Trachoma Initiative, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Paul M. Emerson
- International Trachoma Initiative, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - T. Deirdre Hollingsworth
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Butcher
- 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
| | - Emma M. Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kanyi S, Hydara A, Sillah A, Mpyet C, Harte A, Bakhtiari A, Willis R, Jimenez C, Aboe A, Bailey R, Harding-Esch EM, Solomon AW, Joof BM. The Gambia Trachomatous Trichiasis Surveys: Results from Five Evaluation Units Confirm Attainment of Trachoma Elimination Thresholds. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37401113 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2023.2213320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trichiasis is present when in-turned eyelashes touch the eyeball. It may result in permanent vision loss. Trachomatous trichiasis (TT) is caused by multiple rounds of inflammation associated with conjunctival Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Surveys have been designed to estimate the prevalence of TT in evaluation units (EUs) of trachoma-endemic countries in order to help develop appropriate programme-level plans. In this study, TT-only surveys were conducted in five EUs of The Gambia to determine whether further intensive programmatic action was required. METHODS Two-stage cluster sampling was used to select 27 villages per EU and ~25 households per village. Graders assessed the TT status of individuals aged ≥15 years in each selected household, including the presence or absence of conjunctival scarring in those with TT. RESULTS From February to March 2019, 11595 people aged ≥15 years were examined. A total of 34 cases of TT were identified. All five EUs had an age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of TT unknown to the health system <0.2%. Three of five EUs had a prevalence of 0.0%. CONCLUSION Using these and other previously collected data, in 2021, The Gambia was validated as having achieved national elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Trachoma is still present in the population, but as its prevalence is low, it is unlikely that today's youth will experience the exposure to C. trachomatis required to precipitate TT. The Gambia demonstrates that with political will and consistent application of human and financial resources, trachoma can be eliminated as a public health problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarjo Kanyi
- The National Eye Health Programme, Ministry of Health, Banjul, Kanifing, The Gambia
| | - Abba Hydara
- Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Center, Banjul, Kanifing, The Gambia
| | - Ansumana Sillah
- The National Eye Health Programme, Ministry of Health, Banjul, Kanifing, The Gambia
| | - Caleb Mpyet
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
- Sightsavers Nigeria Country Office, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Anna Harte
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - 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
| | | | - Agatha Aboe
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Robin Bailey
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Emma M Harding-Esch
- 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
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Trachoma is a neglected tropical disease caused by infection with conjunctival strains of Chlamydia trachomatis. It can result in blindness. Pathophysiologically, trachoma is a disease complex composed of two linked chronic processes: a recurrent, generally subclinical infectious-inflammatory disease that mostly affects children, and a non-communicable, cicatricial and, owing to trichiasis, eventually blinding disease that supervenes in some individuals later in life. At least 150 infection episodes over an individual's lifetime are needed to precipitate trichiasis; thus, opportunity exists for a just global health system to intervene to prevent trachomatous blindness. Trachoma is found at highest prevalence in the poorest communities of low-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa; in June 2021, 1.8 million people worldwide were going blind from the disease. Blindness attributable to trachoma can appear in communities many years after conjunctival C. trachomatis transmission has waned or ceased; therefore, the two linked disease processes require distinct clinical and public health responses. Surgery is offered to individuals with trichiasis and antibiotic mass drug administration and interventions to stimulate facial cleanliness and environmental improvement are designed to reduce infection prevalence and transmission. Together, these interventions comprise the SAFE strategy, which is achieving considerable success. Although much work remains, a continuing public health problem from trachoma in the year 2030 will be difficult for the world to excuse.
Collapse
|
4
|
Senyonjo L, Addy J, Martin DL, Agyemang D, Yeboah-Manu D, Gwyn S, Marfo B, Asante-Poku A, Aboe A, Mensah E, Solomon AW, Bailey RL. Surveillance for peri-elimination trachoma recrudescence: Exploratory studies in Ghana. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009744. [PMID: 34543293 PMCID: PMC8519445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction To date, eleven countries have been validated as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, including Ghana in 2018. Surveillance for recrudescence is needed both pre- and post-validation but evidence-based guidance on appropriate strategies is lacking. We explored two potential surveillance strategies in Ghana. Methodology/principal findings Amongst randomly-selected communities enrolled in pre-validation on-going surveillance between 2011 and 2015, eight were identified as having had trachomatous-inflammation follicular (TF) prevalence ≥5% in children aged 1–9 years between 2012 and 2014. These eight were re-visited in 2015 and 2016 and neighbouring communities were also added (“TF trigger” investigations). Resident children aged 1–9 years were then examined for trachoma and had a conjunctival swab to test for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and a dried blood spot (DBS) taken to test for anti-Pgp3 antibodies. These investigations identified at least one community with evidence of probable recent Ct ocular transmission. However, the approach likely lacks sufficient spatio-temporal power to be reliable. A post-validation surveillance strategy was also evaluated, this reviewed the ocular Ct infection and anti-Pgp3 seroprevalence data from the TF trigger investigations and from the pre-validation surveillance surveys in 2015 and 2016. Three communities identified as having ocular Ct infection >0% and anti-Pgp3 seroprevalence ≥15.0% were identified, and along with three linked communities, were followed-up as part of the surveillance strategy. An additional three communities with a seroprevalence ≥25.0% but no Ct infection were also followed up (“antibody and infection trigger” investigations). DBS were taken from all residents aged ≥1 year and ocular swabs from all children aged 1–9 years. There was evidence of transmission in the group of communities visited in one district (Zabzugu-Tatale). There was no or little evidence of continued transmission in other districts, suggesting previous infection identified was transient or potentially not true ocular Ct infection. Conclusions/significance There is evidence of heterogeneity in Ct transmission dynamics in northern Ghana, even 10 years after wide-scale MDA has stopped. There is added value in monitoring Ct infection and anti-Ct antibodies, using these indicators to interrogate past or present surveillance strategies. This can result in a deeper understanding of transmission dynamics and inform new post-validation surveillance strategies. Opportunities should be explored for integrating PCR and serological-based markers into surveys conducted in trachoma elimination settings. The goal for trachoma programmes is elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. This means that ongoing low-level eye-to-eye transmission of the causative bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), is acceptable. Countries need to implement a suitable surveillance system to identify any return to higher transmission levels. The best methodology for doing this is not known. We first explored the approach used by Ghana in its standard programme, which involved monitoring a limited number of randomly selected communities for evidence of active (inflammatory) trachoma visible in children’s eyes on examination by trained observers. Although this strategy led to identification of at least one community that had probably had recent Ct transmission, the approach is unlikely to consistently identify places where return to higher levels of transmission is a risk. We also explored using information on infection (detected in eye swabs) and antibodies to Ct (detected in the blood) to identify communities at risk. We found evidence of both persistent eye-to-eye Ct transmission and areas where infection was transient and has now gone away. We conclude that the use of infection and antibody data for surveillance of trachoma appears promising.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Senyonjo
- Research Team, Sightsavers, Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - James Addy
- Eye Health Department, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Diana L. Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States of America
| | | | - Dorothy Yeboah-Manu
- Bacteriology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sarah Gwyn
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Marfo
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Adwoa Asante-Poku
- Bacteriology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin L. Bailey
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gebre T. Rethinking disease eradication: putting countries first. Int Health 2021; 13:ihab011. [PMID: 33693720 PMCID: PMC8079318 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihab011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been various infectious disease eradication programs implemented in various parts of the world with varying degrees of success since the early 1900s. Of all those programs, the one that achieved monumental success was the Smallpox Eradication Program (SEP). Most of the global health leaders and authorities that came up with the new idea of disease eradication in the 1980s tried to design and shape the new programs based on their experience in the SEP. The SEP had a very effective tool, vaccine, that did not require a cold chain system, and a relatively simple way of administration. The total cost of the eradication program was about US$300 million and the entire campaign took about 10 y. However, the Guinea worm and polio eradication programs that followed in the footsteps of SEP attained varying levels of success, consuming a huge amount of resources and taking a much longer time (>30 y each). This paper reviews the factors that played major roles in hindering the attainment of eradication goals and outlines possible recommendations for the way forward. Among other things, this paper strongly emphasizes that endemic countries should take the lead in all matters pertaining to making decisions for disease elimination and/or eradication initiatives and that 'elimination as a public health problem' is the preferred option rather than going for complete eradication at the expense of other health programs and thereby contributing to weakening of already fragile health systems, mainly in Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teshome Gebre
- International Trachoma Initiative, The Task Force for Global Health, PO Box 10001, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|