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Chandra A, Sreeganga SD, Rath N, Ramaprasad A. Healthcare Policies to Eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in India: A Roadmap. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6842. [PMID: 37835112 PMCID: PMC10572727 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The need for systemic healthcare policies to systematically eliminate NTDs globally and in India has been stressed for more than two decades. Yet, the present policies and the research on them do not meet the need. We present an ontological framework, a research roadmap, and a policy brief to address the gap. The ontology clearly, concisely, and comprehensively represents the combinations of diseases, the objectives regarding the diseases, the entities to address them, the outcomes sought, and the potential policy instruments to invoke. The paper explicates the state of the-policies and state of the research on policies to eliminate NTDs in India. It highlights the significant gaps in the diseases covered, balance in the objectives, comprehensiveness of policies, portfolio of outcomes, and involvement of entities. Last, it presents a set of systemic policies congruent with the ontology to systematically address the gaps. The recommendations are aligned with the present research, policies, practices, and recommendations in India and of the WHO, UN agencies, and other similar bodies. The approach can be generalized to provide roadmaps for other countries facing a similar challenge and for other diseases of similar complexity. The roadmaps, with continuous feedback and learning, can help navigate the challenge efficiently and effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Chandra
- School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Chanakya University, Bengaluru 562110, India;
| | - S. D. Sreeganga
- Jindal School of Government and Public Policy, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat 131001, India;
| | - Nibedita Rath
- Open Source Pharma Foundation, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru 560012, India;
| | - Arkalgud Ramaprasad
- Information and Decision Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
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Palomares Velosa JE, Riaño Sánchez S, Martínez Marín A, Cediel Becerra NM. Prevention of exposure to zoonoses in rural Latin America: Social ecological factors in a diverse regional context. One Health 2022; 15:100444. [PMID: 36277084 PMCID: PMC9582569 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic diseases have serious impacts on human health and well-being, but they are often overlooked in rural Latin America. The design of effective preventive interventions is complex and requires an integrative approach from evidence-based information analyzed through robust theoretical frameworks. We conducted a systematized literature review and qualitative framework-guided thematic analysis to identify social ecological factors affecting the prevention and exposure to zoonotic diseases. Although resources for research are limited in Latin America, we found several studies with relevant results. We extracted and interpreted 8 themes as factors affecting the prevention, transmission, and exposure to zoonosis. These themes included knowledge and misconceptions, low risk perception, gaps in knowledge and communication, psychological effect of diseases, culture and traditions, inequality, disarticulated prevention programs, and organizational responsibility. Alongside this, we compiled and present the recommendations for actions to reduce the impact of zoonoses in these populations. The factors and recommendations here presented can be adapted to inform the design and improvement of preventive programs, focused on One Health and aiming to reduce the impact of zoonotic diseases in rural settings. We identified relevant social and behavioural factors affecting the prevention of Zoonotic diseases in Latin America. Knowledge, risk perceptions, and communication quality were relevant individual factors. Inequity and unarticulated programs were relevant social factors. Characterization of the context-specific social ecology can improve the development of effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo Enrique Palomares Velosa
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Medicas - CIDEIM, Cali, valle del cauca, Colombia,Corresponding author at: Calle. 18 #122-135, Icesi University campus, building O, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.
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Ghazy RM, Ellakany WI, Badr MM, Taktak NEM, Elhadad H, Abdo SM, Hagag A, Hussein AR, Tahoun MM. Determinants of Schistosoma mansoni transmission in hotspots at the late stage of elimination in Egypt. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:102. [PMID: 36138424 PMCID: PMC9503191 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-01026-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In certain settings, the prevalence and severity of schistosoma infection do not lessen despite repeated rounds of preventative chemotherapy; these areas are known as hotspots. This study aimed to investigate the role of human practices, besides environmental and malacological factors, in the maintenance of the Schistosoma mansoni infection transmission chain in hotspot areas in Egypt. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and November 2019 in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. A pre-designed structured interviewing questionnaire was used to collect humanitarian data. Stool samples were collected from children aged 6-15 years on three successive days and examined using the Kato-Katz technique. Simultaneously, water and snail samples were taken from watercourses surrounding houses. Snails were identified based on their shell morphology and structure and tested for cercaria shedding. Water samples were analyzed for their physicochemical and biological characteristics. RESULTS A total of 2259 fecal samples (1113 in summer and 1146 in fall) were collected from 861 children. About 46.9% of the participants were males, and 31.8% were aged 6-10 years. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was higher during the summer than during the fall (19.1% vs 7.2%, respectively, P < 0.01). The intensity of infection (light, moderate, and heavy) during summer versus fall was (93.55 vs 89.38%, 6.45 vs 8.85%, and 0.00% vs 1.77%), respectively (P < 0.05). A higher prevalence of human infection was observed among males than females [OR = 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.10-2.40, P = 0.015], children aged 11-15 years than among their counterparts aged 6-10 years (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.72-5.06, P < 0.001), and mothers with a low level of education (OR = 3.33, 95% CI: 1.70-6.52, P < 0.001). The main identified risk factors were contacting the main body of water-canal for washing clothes (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.12-2.49, P = 0.015), land irrigation (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.32-4.96, P = 0.004), water collection (OR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.82-4.73, P < 0.001), bathing (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.21-4.31, P = 0.009), and garbage disposal (OR = 2.38, 95% CI:1.38-4.12, P < 0.001). The count of Biomphalaria alexandrina was distinct between seasons (P < 0.01) in consistent with statistically significant differences in water temperature, salinity, turbidity, the total concentration of coliforms, depth, velocity, and water level (P < 0.01). The presence of grasses and duckweeds was significantly associated with snail infection (P = 0.00 l). Significant effects of water depth, pH, temperature, and total dissolved solids on snail count were also observed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The persistence of the infection is due to adoption of risky behaviors and environmental factors that enhance snail survival and infection. Schistosomiasis elimination in hotspots requires an integrated control approach that combines preventive chemotherapy with other complementary measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramy Mohamed Ghazy
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Walid Ismail Ellakany
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mai M. Badr
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Department of Environmental Health, High Institute of Public Health Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nehad E. M. Taktak
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Department of Environmental Health, High Institute of Public Health Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Heba Elhadad
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria university, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sarah M. Abdo
- grid.411978.20000 0004 0578 3577Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 35516 Egypt
| | - Ayat Hagag
- grid.411978.20000 0004 0578 3577Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 35516 Egypt
| | | | - Mohamed Mostafa Tahoun
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Department of Epidemiology, High Institute of Public Health Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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da Conceição JR, Lopes CPG, Ferreira EI, Epiphanio S, Giarolla J. Neglected tropical diseases and systemic racism especially in Brazil: from socio-economic aspects to the development of new drugs. Acta Trop 2022; 235:106654. [PMID: 35988823 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are highly prevalent communicable diseases in tropical and subtropical countries, generally not economically attractive for drug development and related to poverty. In Brazil, more specifically, socioeconomic inequalities and health indicators are strongly influenced by skin color, race, and ethnicity, due to the historical process of slavery. In this context, it is important to understand the concept of systemic racism: a form of indirect racial discrimination present in many institutions, which determines the process of illness and death of the black population, the ethnic group most affected by these diseases. The main objective of this paper was to carry out a literature review on the socioeconomic aspects of these diseases, relating them to institutional racism, and to encourage reflection on the influence of this type of racism in the NTDs context. Therefore, we present a paper that brings a evident correlation between racism versus neglected populations, which are affected by equally neglected diseases. A more humane and comprehensive view is needed to realize that these illnesses affect neglected and vulnerable populations, who require decent living conditions, health, and social justice. We hope to provide, with this paper, enough, but not exhaust, knowledge to initiate the discussion about neglected diseases, their socioeconomic aspects and institutional racism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Rodrigues da Conceição
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brasil, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Cidade, Universitária
| | - Cecília Petrilli Gatti Lopes
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brasil, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Cidade, Universitária
| | - Elizabeth Igne Ferreira
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brasil, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Cidade, Universitária
| | - Sabrina Epiphanio
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brasil, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Cidade, Universitária
| | - Jeanine Giarolla
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brasil, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Cidade, Universitária.
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Ochola EA, Karanja DMS, Elliott SJ. Local tips, global impact: community-driven measures as avenues of promoting inclusion in the control of neglected tropical diseases: a case study in Kenya. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:88. [PMID: 35932055 PMCID: PMC9356398 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-01011-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect poor populations with little or no 'political voice' to influence control activities. While most NTDs have interventions that work, the biggest challenge remains in delivering targeted interventions to affected populations residing in areas experiencing weak health systems. Despite the upward development trends in most countries of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the healthcare worker to population ratio remains exceptionally low, with some areas not served at all; thus, there is a need to involve other personnel for school and community-based healthcare approaches. Nonetheless, the current community-based programs suffer from inconsistent community participation due to a lack of coordinated response, and an expanded intervention agenda that lacks context-specific solutions applicable to rural, urban, and marginalized areas. METHODS This research investigated the capacity of local communities to address the burden of NTDs. Informed by the social theory of human capability, the research collected primary qualitative data by conducting key informant interviews and focus group discussions of people infected or affected by NTDs. The interview data were collected and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis using Nvivo version 12. RESULTS Our findings reveal, first, a need for intersectoral collaboration between governments and affected populations for inclusive and sustainable NTD solutions. Second, a 'bottom-up' approach that enhances capacity building, sensitization, and behaviour change for improved uptake of NTD interventions. Third, the enforcement of Public Health Legislative Acts that mandates the reporting and treatment of NTDs such as leprosy. Fourth, the establishment of support groups and counseling services to assist persons suffering from debilitating and permanent effects of NTDs. CONCLUSIONS Our research demonstrates the importance of human agency in encouraging new forms of participation leading to the co-production of inclusive and sustainable solutions against NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Ochola
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | | | - Susan J Elliott
- Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
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Shenoy S, Rajan AK, Rashid M, Chandran VP, Poojari PG, Kunhikatta V, Acharya D, Nair S, Varma M, Thunga G. Artificial intelligence in differentiating tropical infections: A step ahead. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010455. [PMID: 35771774 PMCID: PMC9246149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Differentiating tropical infections are difficult due to its homogenous nature of clinical and laboratorial presentations among them. Sophisticated differential tests and prediction tools are better ways to tackle this issue. Here, we aimed to develop a clinician assisted decision making tool to differentiate the common tropical infections. Methodology A cross sectional study through 9 item self-administered questionnaire were performed to understand the need of developing a decision making tool and its parameters. The most significant differential parameters among the identified infections were measured through a retrospective study and decision tree was developed. Based on the parameters identified, a multinomial logistic regression model and a machine learning model were developed which could better differentiate the infection. Results A total of 40 physicians involved in the management of tropical infections were included for need analysis. Dengue, malaria, leptospirosis and scrub typhus were the common tropical infections in our settings. Sodium, total bilirubin, albumin, lymphocytes and platelets were the laboratory parameters; and abdominal pain, arthralgia, myalgia and urine output were the clinical presentation identified as better predictors. In multinomial logistic regression analysis with dengue as a reference revealed a predictability of 60.7%, 62.5% and 66% for dengue, malaria and leptospirosis, respectively, whereas, scrub typhus showed only 38% of predictability. The multi classification machine learning model observed to have an overall predictability of 55–60%, whereas a binary classification machine learning algorithms showed an average of 79–84% for one vs other and 69–88% for one vs one disease category. Conclusion This is a first of its kind study where both statistical and machine learning approaches were explored simultaneously for differentiating tropical infections. Machine learning techniques in healthcare sectors will aid in early detection and better patient care. Distinguishing tropical infections is difficult due to its homogeneous nature from clinical and laboratory presentations among them. This is a first of its kind study where both statistical and machine learning approaches were explored simultaneously for differentiating tropical infections. Dengue, malaria, leptospirosis and scrub typhus were the common tropical infections in our settings as per the need analysis. Better predictors in terms of laboratory parameters and clinical presentations were identified from retrospective analysis and used for the regression and machine learning models. The parameters such as accuracy, true positive rate/sensitivity/recall, false positive rate, precision/positive predictive value, F-measure and ROC area for both the training and validation sets (10-fold cross validation) for all modelling approaches and diseases (One vs One and One vs others) were calculated. All the models observed to have an acceptable range of model performance in differentiating tropical infections. Albumin can be considered as the main parameter in differentiating these tropical infections. These models should be implemented in daily clinical routine practice via mobile or desktop assisted applications or tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreelaxmi Shenoy
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Asha K. Rajan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Muhammed Rashid
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Viji Pulikkel Chandran
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Pooja Gopal Poojari
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Vijayanarayana Kunhikatta
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Dinesh Acharya
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Sreedharan Nair
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Muralidhar Varma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Girish Thunga
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
- * E-mail:
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He YT, Huang XH, Fang YY, Zeng QS, Li LD, Luo L, Lai YS. Cost-effectiveness evaluation of different control strategies for Clonorchis sinensis infection in a high endemic area of China: A modelling study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010429. [PMID: 35605030 PMCID: PMC9166357 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Clonorchiasis is an important food-borne parasitic disease caused by Clonorchis sinensis infection. The evaluation of long-term cost-effectiveness of control strategies is important for disease control and prevention. The present study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of the three recommended strategies (i.e., WHO, Chinese and Guangdong strategies) and different combinations of commonly used measures (i.e., preventive chemotherapy, information, education, and communication (IEC) and environmental improvement) on clonorchiasis. The study area, Fusha town in Guangdong Province, was a typical high endemic area in China. The analysis was based on a multi-group transmission model of C. sinensis infection. We set the intervention duration for 10 years and post-intervention period for 50 years. The corresponding costs and DALYs were estimated. Strategies with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) less than 1/5 of the willingness-to-pay threshold were identified as highly cost-effective strategies. The optimal control strategy was obtained using the next best comparator method. The ICERs of Guangdong strategy were $172 (95% CI: $143-$230) US for praziquantel and $106 (95% CI: $85-$143) US for albendazole, suggesting the highest cost-effectiveness among the three recommended strategies. For praziquantel, 470 sets of control strategies were identified as highly cost-effective strategies for achieving infection control (prevalence<5%). The optimal strategy consisted of chemotherapy targeted on at-risk population, IEC and environmental improvement, with coverages all being 100%, and with the ICER of $202 (95% CI: $168-$271) US. The results for transmission control (prevalence<1%) and albendazole were obtained with the same procedures. The findings may help to develop control policies for C. sinensis infection in high endemic areas. Moreover, the method adopted is applicable for assessment of optimal strategies in other endemic areas. Clonorchiasis, a food-borne trematodiases, affects millions of people in Asia. Highly cost-effective control strategies are critical for its control. Previous studies considering the economic evaluation of control strategies were rare, mostly based on interventions in practical, and not capable of evaluating long-term cost-effectiveness of strategies with possible combinations of control measures or under various coverages. Based on a dynamic, multi-group transmission model, we simulated different control strategies in a high clonorchiasis endemic area, and evaluated their cost-effectiveness. Among the three recommended strategies (i.e., WHO, Chinese and Guangdong strategies), the Guangdong strategy was the most cost-effective. For praziquantel, 470 sets of control strategies were identified as highly cost-effective strategies for achieving infection control (prevalence<5%) among the strategies of possible combinations of the three common measures (i.e., preventive chemotherapy, information, education, and communication (IEC) and environmental modification). The optimal strategy consisted of chemotherapy targeted on at-risk population, IEC and environmental improvement, with coverages all being 100%. The results for transmission control (prevalence<1%) and albendazole were obtained with the same procedures. The numerical results may help to develop control strategies for C. sinensis infection in high endemic areas. The methodology is applicable for other different endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ting He
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Hong Huang
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Statistics Office of network data information department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Yi Fang
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing-Sheng Zeng
- Xinhui District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lai-De Li
- Xinhui District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Le Luo
- Zhongshan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying-Si Lai
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Mitchell E, Kelly-Hanku A, Krentel A, Romani L, Robinson LJ, Vaz Nery S, Kaldor J, Steer AC, Bell S. Community perceptions and acceptability of mass drug administration for the control of neglected tropical diseases in Asia-Pacific countries: A systematic scoping review of qualitative research. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010215. [PMID: 35275932 PMCID: PMC8916618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preventative chemotherapy and mass drug administration have been identified as effective strategies for the prevention, treatment, control and elimination of several NTDs in the Asia-Pacific region. Qualitative research can provide in-depth insight into the social dynamics and processes underlying effective implementation of and adherence to mass drug administration programs. This scoping review examines published qualitative literature to examine factors influencing community perceptions and acceptability of mass drug administration approaches to control NTDs in the Asia-Pacific region. Methodology Twenty-four peer reviewed published papers reporting qualitative data from community members and stakeholders engaged in the implementation of mass drug administration programs were identified as eligible for inclusion. Findings This systematic scoping review presents available data from studies focussing on lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminths and scabies in eight national settings (India, Indonesia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Laos, American Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Fiji). The review highlights the profoundly social nature of individual, interpersonal and institutional influences on community perceptions of willingness to participate in mass drug administration programs for control of neglected tropical diseases (NTD). Future NTD research and control efforts would benefit from a stronger qualitative social science lens to mass drug administration implementation, a commitment to understanding and addressing the social and structural determinants of NTDs and NTD control in complex settings, and efforts to engage local communities as equal partners and experts in the co-design of mass drug administration and other efforts to prevent, treat, control and eliminate NTDs. Conclusion For many countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the “low hanging fruit has been picked” in terms of where mass drug administration has worked and transmission has been stopped. The settings that remain–such as remote areas of Fiji and Papua New Guinea, or large, highly populated, multi-cultural urban settings in India and Indonesia–present huge challenges going forward. Qualitative research can provide in-depth insight into the social dynamics and processes underlying effective implementation of and adherence to mass drug administration programs. This scoping review examines published qualitative literature to examine factors influencing community perceptions and acceptability of mass drug administration approaches to control neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the Asia-Pacific region. Our analyses highlight the profoundly social nature of individual, interpersonal and institutional influences on community perceptions of willingness to participate in mass drug administration programs for control of NTDs. For many countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the “low hanging fruit has been picked” in terms of where mass drug administration has worked and transmission has been stopped. The settings that remain–e.g. remote areas of Fiji and Papua New Guinea, or large, highly populated, multi-cultural urban settings in India and Indonesia–present huge challenges going forward. Future NTD research and control efforts would benefit from a stronger qualitative social science lens to mass drug administration implementation, a commitment to understanding the socio-structural determinants of NTDs and NTD control in complex settings, and engaging local communities as equal partners and experts in the co-design of mass drug administration and other efforts to prevent, treat, control and eliminate NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Mitchell
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Angela Kelly-Hanku
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Alison Krentel
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Lucia Romani
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Tropical Diseases Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Leanne J. Robinson
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - John Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew C. Steer
- Tropical Diseases Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne Children’s Global Health, Melbourne Children’s Campus, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen Bell
- UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Govindasamy K, Thompson PN, Harris BN, Rossouw J, Abernethy DA, Etter EMC. Bovine Brucellosis in Gauteng, South Africa: Seroprevalence amongst Cattle Handlers and Variables Associated with Seropositive Cattle Herds, 2014-2016. Pathogens 2021; 10:1547. [PMID: 34959502 PMCID: PMC8706623 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In South Africa, the prevalence of cattle handler exposure to Brucella on cattle farms is unknown and risk factors and cattle symptoms associated with infected cattle herds are unavailable. To address this gap, a case-control study of cattle herds was conducted in Gauteng province and farm workers and veterinary officials were tested for exposure to Brucella. Seroprevalence amongst farm workers exposed to case herds ranged from 4.0% (BrucellaCapt®) to 16.7% (IgG ELISA®), compared to those exposed to control herds, where seroprevalence ranged from 1.9% (BrucellaCapt®) to 5.7% (IgG ELISA®). Seroprevalence amongst veterinary officials was significantly greater compared to farm workers exposed to case herds for the outcome RBT+ IgM- IgG+ (OR = 11.1, 95% CI: 2.5-49.9, p = 0.002) and RBT- IgM- IgG+ (OR = 6.3, 95% CI: 2.3-17.3, p < 0.001). Risk factors associated with being an infected herd were: being a government-sponsored farm vs. private farm (OR 4.0; 95% CI: 1.4-11.3; p = 0.009), beef vs. dairy herd (OR 7.9; 95% CI: 1.4-44.9; p = 0.020), open vs. closed herd (OR 3.3; 95% CI: 1.1-10.4; p = 0.038) and the presence of antelope on the farm (OR 29.4; 95% CI: 4.0-218.2; p = 0.001). Abortions (OR = 5.1; 95% CI: 2.0-13.3; p < 0.001), weak calves in the herd (OR = 8.0; 95% CI: 2.6-24.4; p < 0.001), reduction in number of calves born (OR = 9.0; 95% CI: 2.1-43.6; p < 0.001), reduction in conception rate (OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 0.8-18.3; p = 0.046), hygromas in cattle (p = 0.011) and farmers reporting brucellosis-like symptoms in their farm workers or in him/herself (OR = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.3-8.7; p = 0.006) were more likely to be associated with Brucella infected herds than control herds. This evidence can be used in strategic planning to protect both human and herd health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krpasha Govindasamy
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; (P.N.T.); (E.M.C.E.)
| | - Peter N. Thompson
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; (P.N.T.); (E.M.C.E.)
| | - Bernice N. Harris
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0031, South Africa;
| | - Jennifer Rossouw
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa;
| | - Darrell A. Abernethy
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa;
- Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth SY23 3FL, UK
| | - Eric M. C. Etter
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa; (P.N.T.); (E.M.C.E.)
- CIRAD, UMR AnimalS Health Territories Risks Ecosystems (ASTRE), 34070 Montpellier, France
- ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, 34070 Montpellier, France
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Monnier N, Barth-Jaeggi T, Knopp S, Steinmann P. Core components, concepts and strategies for parasitic and vector-borne disease elimination with a focus on schistosomiasis: A landscape analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008837. [PMID: 33125375 PMCID: PMC7598467 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Efforts to control and eliminate human schistosomiasis have accelerated over the past decade. In a number of endemic countries and settings, interruption of schistosome transmission has been achieved. In others, Schistosoma infections continue to challenge program managers at different levels, from the complexity of the transmission cycle, over limited treatment options and lack of field-friendly accurate diagnostics, to controversy around adequate intervention strategies. We conducted a landscape analysis on parasitic and vector-borne disease elimination approaches with the aim to identify evidence-based strategies, core components and key concepts for achieving and sustaining schistosomiasis control and for progressing elimination efforts towards interruption of transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 118 relevant publications were identified from Web of Science, Pubmed and the grey literature and reviewed for their content. In addition, we conducted in-depth interviews with 23 epidemiologists, program managers, policymakers, donors and field researchers. Available evidence emphasizes the need for comprehensive, multipronged and long-term strategies consisting of multiple complementary interventions that must be sustained over time by political commitment and adequate funding in order to reach interruption of transmission. Based on the findings of this landscape analysis, we propose a comprehensive set of intervention strategies for schistosomiasis control and elimination. Before deployment, the proposed interventions will require review, evaluation and validation in the frame of an expert consultation as a step towards adaptation to specific contexts, conditions and settings. Field testing to ensure local relevance and effectiveness is paramount given the diversity of socio-ecological and epidemiological contexts. This landscape analysis explored successful concepts, approaches and interventions of past and ongoing parasitic and vector-borne disease elimination efforts and programs with regard to relevance for progress in the elimination of human schistosome infections. Schistosomiasis is a disabling, water borne parasitic disease of public health concern with an estimated 250 million people infected worldwide. The long-term morbidity of this neglected tropical disease significantly impacts growth, cognition and socioeconomic development at all ages. Despite increased global efforts to control morbidity and advance elimination, challenges in view of the complex life cycle which involves freshwater sources, intermediate snail hosts and humans, remain. This calls for targeted interventions and concerted programs. According to the evidence from the literature and as proposed by a wide range of key informants, comprehensive, multipronged and long-term strategies supported by strong political commitment and adequate funding are required in order to achieve and sustain the set goals. Based on the findings, we propose here a comprehensive set of intervention strategies for schistosomiasis control and elimination for review and evaluation to inform implementation research needs and elimination program design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Monnier
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Tanja Barth-Jaeggi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Knopp
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Steinmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Perez-Saez J, Mande T, Zongo D, Rinaldo A. Comparative analysis of time-based and quadrat sampling in seasonal population dynamics of intermediate hosts of human schistosomes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007938. [PMID: 31860653 PMCID: PMC6957212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite their importance for designing and evaluating schistosomiasis control trials, little attention in the literature has been dedicated to sampling protocols for the parasite's snail intermediate hosts since their first development. We propose a comparative analysis of time-based and quadrat sampling protocols to quantify the seasonal variations in the abundance of these aquatic snail species of medical importance. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Snail populations were monitored during 42 consecutive months in three types of habitats (ephemeral pond, ephemeral river and permanent stream) in two sites covering different climatic zones in Burkina Faso. We employed both a widely used time-based protocol of 30min of systematic collection at a weekly interval, and a quadrat protocol of 8 replicates per sample at a monthly interval. The correspondence between the two protocols was evaluated using an ensemble of statistical models including linear and saturating-type functional forms as well as allowing for count zero-inflation. The quadrat protocol yielded on average a relative standard error of 40%, for a mean snail density of 16.7 snails/m2 and index of dispersion of 1.51. Both protocols yielded similar seasonal patterns in snail abundance, confirming the asynchrony between permanent and ephemeral habitats with respect to the country's seasonal rainfall patterns. Formal model comparison of the link between time vs. quadrat counts showed strong support of saturation for the latter and measurement zero-inflation, providing important evidence for the presence of density feedbacks in the snail's population dynamics, as well as for spatial clustering. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE In addition to the agreement with the time-based method, quadrat sampling provided insight into snail population dynamics and comparable density estimates across sites. The re-evaluation of these "traditional" sampling protocols, as well as the correspondence between their outputs, is of practical importance for the design and evaluation of schistosomiasis control trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Perez-Saez
- Laboratory of Ecohydrology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Théophile Mande
- Laboratory of Ecohydrology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dramane Zongo
- Départemente Biomédical et Santé publique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Andrea Rinaldo
- Laboratory of Ecohydrology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Dipartimento ICEA, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
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12
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de Brito CMG, Barbosa CC, de Andrade SMC, de Oliveira ALS, Montarroyos UR, Ferraz C, Vieira MDT, Lopes MDFC, Gouveia GC, de Medeiros ZM. Household Survey of Trachoma among Children Living in Pernambuco, Brazil. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8040263. [PMID: 31775360 PMCID: PMC6963545 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8040263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study analyzed the association between individual and household factors and the incidence of trachoma among a population aged between 1 and 9 years in the state of Pernambuco. This was a population-based household study conducted using a population-based sample of residents from 96 census sectors of the 1778 sectors considered to be at social risk in the state. The estimated odds ratio of the univariate analysis presented a confidence interval of 95%. Weights and clusters were adjusted through the Generalized Linear and Latent Mixed Model (GLLAM) method. Trachoma cases were the dependent variable in the multivariate analysis. The independent variables were selected through the stepwise forward method, with an input criterion of 20% (p < 0.20) and an output criterion of 10% (p < 0.10). The prevalence was 6.65%. Trachoma was associated with a female sex, age of 5–9 years, either the absence of use or infrequent use of soap to wash the hands and face, the presence of nasal secretion, a lack of piped water from a public supply system, a greater number of rooms used for sleeping, a greater number of people living in the same household, and a family income of up to one minimum monthly wage. The prevalence of follicular trachoma in Pernambuco was higher than what is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Michele Gondim de Brito
- University of Pernambuco, Recife 50100130, Pernambuco, Brazil; (U.R.M.)
- Department of Epidemiological Surveillance, First Healthcare Region of the Health Department of the State of Pernambuco, Recife 50050911, Pernambuco, Brazil;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-(81)-991388298
| | - Celivane Cavalcanti Barbosa
- Department of Epidemiological Surveillance, First Healthcare Region of the Health Department of the State of Pernambuco, Recife 50050911, Pernambuco, Brazil;
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife 50740465, Pernambuco, Brazil; (S.M.C.d.A.); (A.L.S.d.O.); (G.C.G.)
| | - Sérgio Murilo Coelho de Andrade
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife 50740465, Pernambuco, Brazil; (S.M.C.d.A.); (A.L.S.d.O.); (G.C.G.)
| | - André Luiz Sá de Oliveira
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife 50740465, Pernambuco, Brazil; (S.M.C.d.A.); (A.L.S.d.O.); (G.C.G.)
| | | | - Cristiano Ferraz
- Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670901 Pernambuco, Brazil;
| | | | | | - Giselle Campozana Gouveia
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife 50740465, Pernambuco, Brazil; (S.M.C.d.A.); (A.L.S.d.O.); (G.C.G.)
| | - Zulma Maria de Medeiros
- University of Pernambuco, Recife 50100130, Pernambuco, Brazil; (U.R.M.)
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Recife 50740465, Pernambuco, Brazil; (S.M.C.d.A.); (A.L.S.d.O.); (G.C.G.)
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13
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Donohue RE, Cross ZK, Michael E. The extent, nature, and pathogenic consequences of helminth polyparasitism in humans: A meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007455. [PMID: 31211774 PMCID: PMC6599140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Individual helminth infections are ubiquitous in the tropics; geographical overlaps in endemicity and epidemiological reports suggest areas endemic for multiple helminthiases are also burdened with high prevalences of intestinal protozoan infections, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite this, pathogens tend to be studied in isolation, and there remains a need for a better understanding of the community ecology and health consequences of helminth polyparasitism to inform the design of effective parasite control programs. Methodology We performed meta-analyses to (i) evaluate the commonality of polyparasitism for helminth-helminth, helminth-intestinal protozoa, helminth-malaria, helminth-TB, and helminth-HIV co-infections, (ii) assess the potential for interspecies interactions among helminth-helminth and helminth-intestinal protozoan infections, and (iii) determine the presence and magnitude of association between specific parasite pairs. Additionally, we conducted a review of reported health consequences of multiply-infected individuals compared to singly- or not multiply-infected individuals. Principal findings We found that helminth-helminth and helminth-intestinal protozoan multiple infections were significantly more common than single infections, while individuals with malaria, TB, and HIV were more likely to be singly-infected with these infections than co-infected with at least one helminth. Most observed species density distributions significantly differed from the expected distributions, suggesting the potential presence of interspecies interactions. All significant associations between parasite pairs were positive in direction, irrespective of the combination of pathogens. Polyparasitized individuals largely exhibited lower hemoglobin levels and higher anemia prevalence, while the differences in growth-related variables were mostly statistically insignificant. Conclusions Our findings confirm that helminth polyparasitism and co-infection with major diseases is common in the tropics. A multitude of factors acting at various hierarchical levels, such as interspecies interactions at the within-host infra-parasite community level and environmental variables at the higher host community level, could explain the observed positive associations between pathogens; there remains a need to develop new frameworks which can consider these multilevel factors to better understand the processes structuring parasite communities to accomplish their control. Helminth infections are a highly prevalent global health problem. These parasitic worm infections occur in areas also burdened with intestinal protozoan infections, malaria, tuberculosis, and human immunodeficiency virus. While these pathogens tend to be studied in isolation, there remains a need to better understand the nature, extent, and health consequences of helminth polyparasitism and co-infection with major diseases. Here, we reviewed the literature and performed meta-analyses to evaluate the commonality of helminth polyparasitism and co-infection, the potential for interspecies interactions between parasites, the association between parasite pairs, and the health consequences among multiply-infected individuals. We confirmed that polyparasitism and co-infection with major diseases are common in the global South and found that multiply-infected individuals experienced worse health consequences when compared to singly or not-multiply infected individuals. Our analysis suggested the potential presence of interspecies interactions and we identified the existence of positive associations between parasite pairs. These findings support the call for integrating deworming into malaria, TB, and HIV treatment protocols and suggest there remains a need to improve our understanding of the factors influencing co-transmission to achieve sustainable parasite control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose E. Donohue
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Zoë K. Cross
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Edwin Michael
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Peeters Grietens K, Gryseels C, Verschraegen G. Misdirection in the margins of malaria elimination methods. CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2019.1597965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte Gryseels
- Department of Public Health, Insitute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Shrivastava S, Shrivastava P. Neglected tropical diseases: The present status and the planning for the future. JOURNAL OF CURRENT RESEARCH IN SCIENTIFIC MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.4103/jcrsm.jcrsm_23_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Quantifying the value of surveillance data for improving model predictions of lymphatic filariasis elimination. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006674. [PMID: 30296266 PMCID: PMC6175292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mathematical models are increasingly being used to evaluate strategies aiming to achieve the control or elimination of parasitic diseases. Recently, owing to growing realization that process-oriented models are useful for ecological forecasts only if the biological processes are well defined, attention has focused on data assimilation as a means to improve the predictive performance of these models. Methodology and principal findings We report on the development of an analytical framework to quantify the relative values of various longitudinal infection surveillance data collected in field sites undergoing mass drug administrations (MDAs) for calibrating three lymphatic filariasis (LF) models (EPIFIL, LYMFASIM, and TRANSFIL), and for improving their predictions of the required durations of drug interventions to achieve parasite elimination in endemic populations. The relative information contribution of site-specific data collected at the time points proposed by the WHO monitoring framework was evaluated using model-data updating procedures, and via calculations of the Shannon information index and weighted variances from the probability distributions of the estimated timelines to parasite extinction made by each model. Results show that data-informed models provided more precise forecasts of elimination timelines in each site compared to model-only simulations. Data streams that included year 5 post-MDA microfilariae (mf) survey data, however, reduced each model’s uncertainty most compared to data streams containing only baseline and/or post-MDA 3 or longer-term mf survey data irrespective of MDA coverage, suggesting that data up to this monitoring point may be optimal for informing the present LF models. We show that the improvements observed in the predictive performance of the best data-informed models may be a function of temporal changes in inter-parameter interactions. Such best data-informed models may also produce more accurate predictions of the durations of drug interventions required to achieve parasite elimination. Significance Knowledge of relative information contributions of model only versus data-informed models is valuable for improving the usefulness of LF model predictions in management decision making, learning system dynamics, and for supporting the design of parasite monitoring programmes. The present results further pinpoint the crucial need for longitudinal infection surveillance data for enhancing the precision and accuracy of model predictions of the intervention durations required to achieve parasite elimination in an endemic location. Although parasite transmission models offer powerful tools for predicting the impacts of interventions, there is growing realization that these models can be useful for this purpose only if their governing biological processes are well defined. Recently, model-data assimilation has been applied to address this problem and improve the performance of process-oriented models for ecological forecasting. Here, we developed an analytical framework that allowed the sequential coupling of the three existing lymphatic filariasis (LF) models with longitudinal infection monitoring data collected in field sites undergoing mass drug administrations (MDAs) to examine the relative value of such data for parameterizing these models and for improving their predictions of the required durations of drug interventions to break parasite transmission. We found that data-informed models provided more precise and reliable forecasts of elimination timelines in the study sites compared to model-only predictions, and that data collected up to 5 years post-MDA reduced each model’s predictive uncertainty most. We also found that this improved performance may be intriguingly related to temporal changes in system dynamics. Our results underscore the significance of sequential model-data fusion for enhancing the understanding of LF transmission dynamics, design of surveillance, and generation of reliable model predictions for management decision making.
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Abstract
Epidemics, such as HIV in the early 1980s and Ebola in 2014, inspire decisive government investment and action, and individual and societal concern, sometimes bordering on panic. By contrast, endemic diseases, such as HIV in 2017 and tuberculosis, struggle to maintain the same attention. For many, the paradox is that endemic disease, in its totality, continues to impose a far higher public health burden than epidemic disease. Overall, the swift political response to epidemics has resulted in success. It has proven possible to eradicate epidemic diseases, often without the availability of vaccines and other biomedical technologies. In recent times, only HIV has made the transition from epidemic to endemic, but diseases that have existed for centuries continue to cause most of the infectious disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham F Medley
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT London, UK.
| | - Anna Vassall
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT London, UK
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Donohue RE, Mashoto KO, Mubyazi GM, Madon S, Malecela MN, Michael E. Biosocial Determinants of Persistent Schistosomiasis among Schoolchildren in Tanzania despite Repeated Treatment. Trop Med Infect Dis 2017; 2:E61. [PMID: 30270918 PMCID: PMC6082061 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed2040061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease endemic to Tanzania and other countries of the global south, which is currently being addressed through preventive chemotherapy campaigns. However, there is growing recognition that chemotherapy strategies will need to be supplemented to sustainably control and eventually eliminate the disease. There remains a need to understand the factors contributing to continued transmission in order to ensure the effective configuration and implementation of supplemented programs. We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire, to evaluate the biosocial determinants facilitating the persistence of schistosomiasis, among 1704 Tanzanian schoolchildren residing in two districts undergoing a preventive chemotherapeutic program: Rufiji and Mkuranga. A meta-analysis was carried out to select the diagnostic questions that provided a likelihood for predicting infection status. We found that self-reported schistosomiasis continues to persist among the schoolchildren, despite multiple rounds of drug administration.Using mixed effects logistic regression modeling, we found biosocial factors, including gender, socio-economic status, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-related variables, were associated with this continued schistosomiasis presence. These findings highlight the significant role that social factors may play in the persistence of disease transmission despite multiple treatments, and support the need not only for including integrated technical measures, such as WASH, but also addressing issues of poverty and gender when designing effective and sustainable schistosomiasis control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose E Donohue
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
| | - Kijakazi O Mashoto
- National Institute for Medical Research, P.O. Box 9653, 3 Barack Obama Drive, 11101 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Godfrey M Mubyazi
- National Institute for Medical Research, P.O. Box 9653, 3 Barack Obama Drive, 11101 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Shirin Madon
- Department of International Development, London School of Economics & Political Science, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, UK.
- Department of Management, London School of Economics & Political Science, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, UK.
| | - Mwele N Malecela
- Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), P.O. Box 4302, Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road, Kijitonyama, 14113 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Edwin Michael
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
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