1
|
Arango-Londoño MM, López-Osorio S, Rojas-Bermudéz F, Chaparro-Gutiérrez JJ. The Frequency of Porcine Cysticercosis and Factors Associated with Taenia solium Infection in the Municipality of Tuchín-Córdoba, Colombia. Pathogens 2024; 13:311. [PMID: 38668266 PMCID: PMC11054264 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040311] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Taeniasis and cysticercosis are parasitic infections that affect humans and pigs. Their global distribution constitutes a serious public health issue with significant implications for pork production. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of porcine cysticercosis in backyard swine from 42 indigenous communities throughout Tuchín-Córdoba, Colombia. Between December 2020 and March 2021, free-range pigs (n = 442) were assessed using the ELISA cysticercosis Ag test; 85 pigs were examined through sublingual visual evaluation, and 4 slaughtered pig carcasses were subjected to standard operation inspection. The collected cysticercus underwent histological and PCR analysis. Furthermore, 192 surveys of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) were used to identify the factors that facilitate infection transmission. Serological investigation revealed that 9.7% (46/472) of the animals were positive for cysticerci Ag. Sublingual inspection identified cysticercus in 28.7% (25/87) of the animals, while PCR analysis indicated that cysticercus corresponded to the T. solium American/African genotype. The factors associated with T. solium infection in the pigs in the surveyed areas numbered 14. The majority are associated with factors that promote the active persistence of Taenia solium's life cycle in an area, such as lack of environmental sanitation, a lack of coverage or care for drinking water and wastewater treatment services, and no solid waste disposal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarita M. Arango-Londoño
- CIBAV Research Group, Veterinary Medicine School, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, Universidad de Antioquia, UdeA, Medellín 050034, Colombia; (M.M.A.-L.); (S.L.-O.)
| | - Sara López-Osorio
- CIBAV Research Group, Veterinary Medicine School, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, Universidad de Antioquia, UdeA, Medellín 050034, Colombia; (M.M.A.-L.); (S.L.-O.)
| | | | - Jenny J. Chaparro-Gutiérrez
- CIBAV Research Group, Veterinary Medicine School, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, Universidad de Antioquia, UdeA, Medellín 050034, Colombia; (M.M.A.-L.); (S.L.-O.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pizzitutti F, Bonnet G, Gonzales-Gustavson E, Gabriël S, Pan WK, Gonzalez AE, Garcia HH, O'Neal SE. Spatial transferability of an agent-based model to simulate Taenia solium control interventions. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:410. [PMID: 37941062 PMCID: PMC10634186 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06003-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Models can be used to study and predict the impact of interventions aimed at controlling the spread of infectious agents, such as Taenia solium, a zoonotic parasite whose larval stage causes epilepsy and economic loss in many rural areas of the developing nations. To enhance the credibility of model estimates, calibration against observed data is necessary. However, this process may lead to a paradoxical dependence of model parameters on location-specific data, thus limiting the model's geographic transferability. METHODS In this study, we adopted a non-local model calibration approach to assess whether it can improve the spatial transferability of CystiAgent, our agent-based model of local-scale T. solium transmission. The calibration dataset for CystiAgent consisted of cross-sectional data on human taeniasis, pig cysticercosis and pig serology collected in eight villages in Northwest Peru. After calibration, the model was transferred to a second group of 21 destination villages in the same area without recalibrating its parameters. Model outputs were compared to pig serology data collected over a period of 2 years in the destination villages during a trial of T. solium control interventions, based on mass and spatially targeted human and pig treatments. RESULTS Considering the uncertainties associated with empirical data, the model produced simulated pre-intervention pig seroprevalences that were successfully validated against data collected in 81% of destination villages. Furthermore, the model outputs were able to reproduce validated pig seroincidence values in 76% of destination villages when compared to the data obtained after the interventions. The results demonstrate that the CystiAgent model, when calibrated using a non-local approach, can be successfully transferred without requiring additional calibration. CONCLUSIONS This feature allows the model to simulate both baseline pre-intervention transmission conditions and the outcomes of control interventions across villages that form geographically homogeneous regions, providing a basis for developing large-scale models representing T. solium transmission at a regional level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabrielle Bonnet
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Disease (CMMID), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Eloy Gonzales-Gustavson
- Tropical and Highlands Veterinary Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Sarah Gabriël
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - William K Pan
- Nicholas School of Environment and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | - Armando E Gonzalez
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Hector H Garcia
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Cysticercosis Unit, National Institute of Neurological Sciences, Lima, Peru
| | - Seth E O'Neal
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, Portland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hossain MS, Shabir S, Toye P, Thomas LF, Falcone FH. Insights into the diagnosis, vaccines, and control of Taenia solium, a zoonotic, neglected parasite. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:380. [PMID: 37876008 PMCID: PMC10594694 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05989-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis (TSTC) is a foodborne, zoonotic neglected tropical disease affecting predominately low- and middle-income countries. Humans are definitive hosts for T. solium, whereas pigs act as intermediate hosts. Taeniasis, i.e. intestinal infection with adult T. solium in the human host, occurs through ingestion of undercooked pork infected with the larval stage (porcine cysticercosis, PCC). Human cysticercosis occurs after humans ingest T. solium eggs, acting as accidental intermediate hosts. Migration of cysticerci to the human brain results in neurocysticercosis (NCC), manifesting in a variety of clinical symptoms, most notably epilepsy. NCC is the leading cause of acquired epilepsy cases in endemic areas. PCC results in reduced pork value because of condemnation or the risk of condemnation of the meat. Available serological diagnostic tests for porcine and human cysticercosis are characterized by low sensitivity and are not cost-effective. An effective vaccine for T. solium cysticercosis in pigs has been developed, although it is not yet commercially available in all endemic countries, and still no vaccine is available for use in humans. This primer highlights the recent development in the field of diagnostic tests and vaccine production and explores possible strategies for future control and eradication of T. solium. In the absence of highly specific diagnostic tests and human vaccines, treatment of infected pigs and tapeworm carriers and prevention of disease transmission remain the principal means to interrupt the zoonotic cycle of T. solium in endemic countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Shahadat Hossain
- Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Shafqat Shabir
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Philip Toye
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lian F Thomas
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK
| | - Franco H Falcone
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wells K, Flynn R. Managing host-parasite interactions in humans and wildlife in times of global change. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3063-3071. [PMID: 36066742 PMCID: PMC9446624 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07649-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Global change in the Anthropocene has modified the environment of almost any species on earth, be it through climate change, habitat modifications, pollution, human intervention in the form of mass drug administration (MDA), or vaccination. This can have far-reaching consequences on all organisational levels of life, including eco-physiological stress at the cell and organism level, individual fitness and behaviour, population viability, species interactions and biodiversity. Host-parasite interactions often require highly adapted strategies by the parasite to survive and reproduce within the host environment and ensure efficient transmission among hosts. Yet, our understanding of the system-level outcomes of the intricate interplay of within host survival and among host parasite spread is in its infancy. We shed light on how global change affects host-parasite interactions at different organisational levels and address challenges and opportunities to work towards better-informed management of parasite control. We argue that global change affects host-parasite interactions in wildlife inhabiting natural environments rather differently than in humans and invasive species that benefit from anthropogenic environments as habitat and more deliberate rather than erratic exposure to therapeutic drugs and other control efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstans Wells
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea, SA28PP, UK.
| | - Robin Flynn
- Graduate Studies Office, South East Technological University, Cork Road Campus, Waterford, X91 K0EK, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dixon MA, Winskill P, Harrison WE, Whittaker C, Schmidt V, Flórez Sánchez AC, Cucunuba ZM, Edia-Asuke AU, Walker M, Basáñez MG. Global variation in force-of-infection trends for human T aenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis. eLife 2022; 11:76988. [PMID: 35984416 PMCID: PMC9391040 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection by Taenia solium poses a major burden across endemic countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) 2021–2030 Neglected Tropical Diseases roadmap has proposed that 30% of endemic countries achieve intensified T. solium control in hyperendemic areas by 2030. Understanding geographical variation in age-prevalence profiles and force-of-infection (FoI) estimates will inform intervention designs across settings. Human taeniasis (HTT) and human cysticercosis (HCC) age-prevalence data from 16 studies in Latin America, Africa, and Asia were extracted through a systematic review. Catalytic models, incorporating diagnostic performance uncertainty, were fitted to the data using Bayesian methods, to estimate rates of antibody (Ab)-seroconversion, infection acquisition and Ab-seroreversion or infection loss. HCC FoI and Ab-seroreversion rates were also estimated across 23 departments in Colombia from 28,100 individuals. Across settings, there was extensive variation in all-ages seroprevalence. Evidence for Ab-seroreversion or infection loss was found in most settings for both HTT and HCC and for HCC Ab-seroreversion in Colombia. The average duration until humans became Ab-seropositive/infected decreased as all-age (sero)prevalence increased. There was no clear relationship between the average duration humans remain Ab-seropositive and all-age seroprevalence. Marked geographical heterogeneity in T. solium transmission rates indicate the need for setting-specific intervention strategies to achieve the WHO goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Dixon
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,SCI Foundation, Edinburgh House, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Winskill
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Charles Whittaker
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Veronika Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.,Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Zulma M Cucunuba
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Martin Walker
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - María-Gloria Basáñez
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zupin L, dos Santos-Silva CA, Al Mughrbi ARH, Vilela LMB, Benko-Iseppon AM, Crovella S. Bioactive Antimicrobial Peptides: A New Weapon to Counteract Zoonosis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1591. [PMID: 36014009 PMCID: PMC9414035 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonoses have recently become the center of attention of the general population and scientific community. Notably, more than 30 new human pathogens have been identified in the last 30 years, 75% of which can be classified as zoonosis. The complete eradication of such types of infections is far out of reach, considering the limited understanding of animal determinants in zoonoses and their causes of emergence. Therefore, efforts must be doubled in examining the spread, persistence, and pathogenicity of zoonosis and studying possible clinical interventions and antimicrobial drug development. The search for antimicrobial bioactive compounds has assumed great emphasis, considering the emergence of multi-drug-resistant microorganisms. Among the biomolecules of emerging scientific interest are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), potent biomolecules that can potentially act as important weapons against infectious diseases. Moreover, synthetic AMPs are easily tailored (bioinformatically) to target specific features of the pathogens to hijack, inducing no or very low resistance. Although very promising, previous studies on SAMPs' efficacy are still at their early stages. Indeed, further studies and better characterization on their mechanism of action with in vitro and in vivo assays are needed so as to proceed to their clinical application on human beings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Zupin
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | - Livia Maria Batista Vilela
- Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-420, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Benko-Iseppon
- Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife 50670-420, Brazil
| | - Sergio Crovella
- Biological Science Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Clark J, Stolk WA, Basáñez MG, Coffeng LE, Cucunubá ZM, Dixon MA, Dyson L, Hampson K, Marks M, Medley GF, Pollington TM, Prada JM, Rock KS, Salje H, Toor J, Hollingsworth TD. How modelling can help steer the course set by the World Health Organization 2021-2030 roadmap on neglected tropical diseases. Gates Open Res 2022; 5:112. [PMID: 35169682 PMCID: PMC8816801 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13327.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization recently launched its 2021-2030 roadmap, Ending the Neglect to Attain the Sustainable Development Goals , an updated call to arms to end the suffering caused by neglected tropical diseases. Modelling and quantitative analyses played a significant role in forming these latest goals. In this collection, we discuss the insights, the resulting recommendations and identified challenges of public health modelling for 13 of the target diseases: Chagas disease, dengue, gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (gHAT), lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis, rabies, scabies, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH), Taenia solium taeniasis/ cysticercosis, trachoma, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and yaws. This piece reflects the three cross-cutting themes identified across the collection, regarding the contribution that modelling can make to timelines, programme design, drug development and clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Clark
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Wilma A. Stolk
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, 3000 CA, The Netherlands
| | - María-Gloria Basáñez
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Luc E. Coffeng
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, 3000 CA, The Netherlands
| | - Zulma M. Cucunubá
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Matthew A. Dixon
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative Foundation, London, SE11 5DP, UK
| | - Louise Dyson
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Katie Hampson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Michael Marks
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Graham F. Medley
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Disease, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Timothy M. Pollington
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Joaquin M. Prada
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Kat S. Rock
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Henrik Salje
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Jaspreet Toor
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - T. Déirdre Hollingsworth
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Spatial distribution and risk factors for human cysticercosis in Colombia. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:590. [PMID: 34838117 PMCID: PMC8626945 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05092-8] [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: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cysticercosis is a zoonotic neglected tropical disease (NTD) that affects humans and pigs following the ingestion of Taenia solium eggs. Human cysticercosis poses a substantial public health burden in endemic countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to target high-endemicity settings with enhanced interventions in 17 countries by 2030. Between 2008 and 2010, Colombia undertook a national baseline serosurvey of unprecedented scale, which led to an estimated seroprevalence of T. solium cysticercus antibodies among the general population of 8.6%. Here, we use contemporary geostatistical approaches to analyse this unique dataset with the aim of understanding the spatial distribution and risk factors associated with human cysticercosis in Colombia to inform how best to target intervention strategies. Methods We used a geostatistical model to estimate individual and household risk factors associated with seropositivity to T. solium cysticercus antibodies from 29,253 people from 133 municipalities in Colombia. We used both independent and spatially structured random effects at neighbourhood/village and municipality levels to account for potential clustering of exposure to T. solium. We present estimates of the distribution and residual correlation of seropositivity at the municipality level. Results High seroprevalence was identified in municipalities located in the north and south of Colombia, with spatial correlation in seropositivity estimated up to approximately 140 km. Statistically significant risk factors associated with seropositivity to T. solium cysticercus were related to age, sex, educational level, socioeconomic status, use of rainwater, consumption of partially cooked/raw pork meat and possession of dogs. Conclusions In Colombia, the distribution of human cysticercosis is influenced by socioeconomic considerations, education and environmental factors related to the spread of T. solium eggs. This information can be used to tailor national intervention strategies, such as targeting spatial hotspots and more highly exposed groups, including displaced people and women. Large-scale seroprevalence surveys accompanied by geospatial mapping are an essential step towards reaching the WHO’s 2021‒2030 NTD roadmap targets. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05092-8.
Collapse
|
9
|
Mubanga C, Trevisan C, Van Damme I, Schmidt V, Phiri IK, Zulu G, Noh J, Handali S, Mambo R, Chembensofu M, Masuku M, Reynders D, Jansen F, Bottieau E, Magnussen P, Winkler AS, Dorny P, Mwape KE, Gabriel S. Challenges Encountered When Evaluating an Antibody-Detecting Point-of-Care Test for Taeniosis in an Endemic Community in Zambia: A Prospective Diagnostic Accuracy Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11112039. [PMID: 34829386 PMCID: PMC8625551 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11112039] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Taenia solium taeniosis diagnosis is challenging because current tests perform sub-optimally and/or are expensive, require sophisticated equipment, infrastructure and trained manpower, and therefore are not community deployable. A recently-developed, multi-strip, T. solium point-of-care test (TS POC) for simultaneous detection of tapeworm (TS POC T) and cysticercus (TS POC CC) human antibodies was evaluated for diagnostic accuracy on consecutively recruited community participants in Sinda district, Zambia. All participants were tested using the TS POC test. All test-positives and 20% of the test-negative participants were invited to give a blood and stool sample for reference testing. Three different reference tests were used for taeniosis diagnosis: recombinant rES33 enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (rES33 EITB), copro PCR and copro Ag ELISA. Bayesian analysis with probabilistic constraints was used to estimate sensitivity and specificity. In total, 1254 participants were tested with the TS POC test, of whom 13 tested positive using the TS POC T. Based on 161 participants with complete data, the estimated sensitivity and specificity for the TS POC T test were 38% (95% CI: 5–93%) and 99% (95% CI: 98–100%), respectively. The challenge of highly variable inter-assay performance is highlighted. We recommend either increasing the sensitivity or redesigning the test.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chishimba Mubanga
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia or (C.M.); (I.K.P.); (G.Z.); (R.M.); (M.C.); (M.M.); (K.E.M.)
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (C.T.); (I.V.D.)
| | - Chiara Trevisan
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (C.T.); (I.V.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (F.J.); (P.D.)
| | - Inge Van Damme
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (C.T.); (I.V.D.)
| | - Veronika Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (V.S.); (A.S.W.)
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0450 Oslo, Norway
| | - Isaac K. Phiri
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia or (C.M.); (I.K.P.); (G.Z.); (R.M.); (M.C.); (M.M.); (K.E.M.)
| | - Gideon Zulu
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia or (C.M.); (I.K.P.); (G.Z.); (R.M.); (M.C.); (M.M.); (K.E.M.)
- Eastern Provincial Health Office, Ministry of Health, Chipata 510023, Zambia
| | - John Noh
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (J.N.); (S.H.)
| | - Sukwan Handali
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (J.N.); (S.H.)
| | - Richard Mambo
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia or (C.M.); (I.K.P.); (G.Z.); (R.M.); (M.C.); (M.M.); (K.E.M.)
- Eastern Provincial Health Office, Ministry of Health, Chipata 510023, Zambia
| | - Mwelwa Chembensofu
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia or (C.M.); (I.K.P.); (G.Z.); (R.M.); (M.C.); (M.M.); (K.E.M.)
| | - Maxwell Masuku
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia or (C.M.); (I.K.P.); (G.Z.); (R.M.); (M.C.); (M.M.); (K.E.M.)
| | - Dries Reynders
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Famke Jansen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (F.J.); (P.D.)
| | - Emmanuel Bottieau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Pascal Magnussen
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Andrea S. Winkler
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (V.S.); (A.S.W.)
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0450 Oslo, Norway
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (F.J.); (P.D.)
| | - Kabemba E. Mwape
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia or (C.M.); (I.K.P.); (G.Z.); (R.M.); (M.C.); (M.M.); (K.E.M.)
| | - Sarah Gabriel
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (C.T.); (I.V.D.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pray IW, Pizzitutti F, Bonnet G, Gonzales-Gustavson E, Wakeland W, Pan WK, Lambert WE, Gonzalez AE, Garcia HH, O’Neal SE. Validation of a spatial agent-based model for Taenia solium transmission ("CystiAgent") against a large prospective trial of control strategies in northern Peru. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009885. [PMID: 34705827 PMCID: PMC8575314 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009885] [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: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) is a parasitic helminth that imposes a major health and economic burden on poor rural populations around the world. As recognized by the World Health Organization, a key barrier for achieving control of T. solium is the lack of an accurate and validated simulation model with which to study transmission and evaluate available control and elimination strategies. CystiAgent is a spatially-explicit agent based model for T. solium that is unique among T. solium models in its ability to represent key spatial and environmental features of transmission and simulate spatially targeted interventions, such as ring strategy. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We validated CystiAgent against results from the Ring Strategy Trial (RST)-a large cluster-randomized trial conducted in northern Peru that evaluated six unique interventions for T. solium control in 23 villages. For the validation, each intervention strategy was replicated in CystiAgent, and the simulated prevalences of human taeniasis, porcine cysticercosis, and porcine seroincidence were compared against prevalence estimates from the trial. Results showed that CystiAgent produced declines in transmission in response to each of the six intervention strategies, but overestimated the effect of interventions in the majority of villages; simulated prevalences for human taenasis and porcine cysticercosis at the end of the trial were a median of 0.53 and 5.0 percentages points less than prevalence observed at the end of the trial, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The validation of CystiAgent represented an important step towards developing an accurate and reliable T. solium transmission model that can be deployed to fill critical gaps in our understanding of T. solium transmission and control. To improve model accuracy, future versions would benefit from improved data on pig immunity and resistance, field effectiveness of anti-helminthic treatment, and factors driving spatial clustering of T. solium infections including dispersion and contact with T. solium eggs in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian W. Pray
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Francesco Pizzitutti
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Gabrielle Bonnet
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Eloy Gonzales-Gustavson
- Tropical and Highlands Veterinary Research Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, EL Mantaro, Peru
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Wayne Wakeland
- Systems Science Program, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - William K. Pan
- Duke Global Health Institute & Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - William E. Lambert
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Armando E. Gonzalez
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Hector H. Garcia
- School of Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Center for Global Health Tumbes, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Tumbes, Peru
| | - Seth E. O’Neal
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- Center for Global Health Tumbes, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Tumbes, Peru
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Clark J, Stolk WA, Basáñez MG, Coffeng LE, Cucunubá ZM, Dixon MA, Dyson L, Hampson K, Marks M, Medley GF, Pollington TM, Prada JM, Rock KS, Salje H, Toor J, Hollingsworth TD. How modelling can help steer the course set by the World Health Organization 2021-2030 roadmap on neglected tropical diseases. Gates Open Res 2021; 5:112. [PMID: 35169682 PMCID: PMC8816801 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13327.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization recently launched its 2021-2030 roadmap, Ending the Neglect to Attain the Sustainable Development Goals , an updated call to arms to end the suffering caused by neglected tropical diseases. Modelling and quantitative analyses played a significant role in forming these latest goals. In this collection, we discuss the insights, the resulting recommendations and identified challenges of public health modelling for 13 of the target diseases: Chagas disease, dengue, gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (gHAT), lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis, rabies, scabies, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH), Taenia solium taeniasis/ cysticercosis, trachoma, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and yaws. This piece reflects the three cross-cutting themes identified across the collection, regarding the contribution that modelling can make to timelines, programme design, drug development and clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Clark
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Wilma A. Stolk
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, 3000 CA, The Netherlands
| | - María-Gloria Basáñez
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Luc E. Coffeng
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, 3000 CA, The Netherlands
| | - Zulma M. Cucunubá
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Matthew A. Dixon
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative Foundation, London, SE11 5DP, UK
| | - Louise Dyson
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Katie Hampson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Michael Marks
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Graham F. Medley
- Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Disease, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Timothy M. Pollington
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Joaquin M. Prada
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Kat S. Rock
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Henrik Salje
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Jaspreet Toor
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - T. Déirdre Hollingsworth
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Foodborne Parasitic Diseases in the Neotropics - A Review. Helminthologia 2021; 58:119-133. [PMID: 34248373 PMCID: PMC8256457 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2021-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is stated that everyone has the right to an adequate standard of living, which ensures, as well as their family, health and well-being, and food, thereby ensuring adequate nutrition. One of the major threats to overcome this is to ensure food security, which becomes particularly challenging in developing countries due to the high incidence of parasitic diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO), considers it one of the main causes of morbidity, closely linked to poverty and related to inadequate personal hygiene, consumption of raw food, lack of sanitary services, limited access to drinking water and fecal contamination in the environment. It is estimated that more than a fifth of the world’s population is infected by one or several intestinal parasites, and that in many countries of Central and South America the average percentage of infected people is 45%, being Taenia solium, Echinococcus granulosus, Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp, Entamoeba histolytica, Trichinella spiralis, Ascaris spp, Trypanosoma cruzi and Fasciola hepatica some of the most important ones in the neotropics. One of the main reasons why these diseases are diffi cult to control is t he ignorance of their lifecycles, as well as symptoms and current epidemiology of the disease, which contributes to a late or erroneous diagnosis. The present work aims to discuss and make public the current knowledge as well as the general characteristics of these diseases to the general audience.
Collapse
|
13
|
Dixon MA, Winskill P, Harrison WE, Whittaker C, Schmidt V, Sarti E, Bawm S, Dione MM, Thomas LF, Walker M, Basáñez MG. Force-of-infection of Taenia solium porcine cysticercosis: a modelling analysis to assess global incidence and prevalence trends. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17637. [PMID: 33077748 PMCID: PMC7572398 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74007-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) called, in 2012, for a validated strategy towards Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis control and elimination. Estimating pig force-of-infection (FoI, the average rate at which susceptible pigs become infected) across geographical settings will help understand local epidemiology and inform effective intervention design. Porcine cysticercosis (PCC) age-prevalence data (from 15 studies in Latin America, Africa and Asia) were identified through systematic review. Catalytic models were fitted to the data using Bayesian methods, incorporating uncertainty in diagnostic performance, to estimate rates of antibody seroconversion, viable metacestode acquisition, and seroreversion/infection loss. There was evidence of antibody seroreversion across 5 studies, and of infection loss in 6 studies measured by antigen or necropsy, indicating transient serological responses and natural resolution of infection. Concerted efforts should be made to collect robust data using improved diagnostics to better understand geographical heterogeneities in T. solium transmission to support post-2020 WHO targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Dixon
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK.
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK.
| | - Peter Winskill
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Wendy E Harrison
- SCI Foundation, Edinburgh House, 170 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5DP, UK
| | - Charles Whittaker
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Veronika Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elsa Sarti
- Sanofi Pasteur Latin America, Av. Universidad N° 1738, Colonia Coyoacán, 04000, Mexico, D.F., Mexico
| | - Saw Bawm
- University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw, 15013, Myanmar
| | - Michel M Dione
- International Livestock Research Institute, 01 BP 1496, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Lian F Thomas
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Old Naivasha Road, PO Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute for Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, 8 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
| | - Martin Walker
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Maria-Gloria Basáñez
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Evaluation of Taenia solium cyst fluid-based enzyme linked immunoelectro transfer blot for Neurocysticercosis diagnosis in urban and highly endemic rural population of North India. Clin Chim Acta 2020; 508:16-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
15
|
Pray IW, Wakeland W, Pan W, Lambert WE, Garcia HH, Gonzalez AE, O'Neal SE. Understanding transmission and control of the pork tapeworm with CystiAgent: a spatially explicit agent-based model. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:372. [PMID: 32709250 PMCID: PMC7379812 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04226-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, is a serious public health problem in rural low-resource areas of Latin America, Africa and Asia, where the associated conditions of nuerocysticercosis (NCC) and porcine cysticercosis cause substantial health and economic harms. An accurate and validated transmission model for T. solium would serve as an important new tool for control and elimination, as it would allow for comparison of available intervention strategies, and prioritization of the most effective strategies for control and elimination efforts. METHODS We developed a spatially-explicit agent-based model (ABM) for T. solium ("CystiAgent") that differs from prior T. solium models by including a spatial framework and behavioral parameters such as pig roaming, open human defecation, and human travel. In this article, we introduce the structure and function of the model, describe the data sources used to parameterize the model, and apply sensitivity analyses (Latin hypercube sampling-partial rank correlation coefficient (LHS-PRCC)) to evaluate model parameters. RESULTS LHS-PRCC analysis of CystiAgent found that the parameters with the greatest impact on model uncertainty were the roaming range of pigs, the infectious duration of human taeniasis, use of latrines, and the set of "tuning" parameters defining the probabilities of infection in humans and pigs given exposure to T. solium. CONCLUSIONS CystiAgent is a novel ABM that has the ability to model spatial and behavioral features of T. solium transmission not available in other models. There is a small set of impactful model parameters that contribute uncertainty to the model and may impact the accuracy of model projections. Field and laboratory studies to better understand these key components of transmission may help reduce uncertainty, while current applications of CystiAgent may consider calibration of these parameters to improve model performance. These results will ultimately allow for improved interpretation of model validation results, and usage of the model to compare available control and elimination strategies for T. solium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian W Pray
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Wayne Wakeland
- Systems Science Program, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - William Pan
- Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - William E Lambert
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Hector H Garcia
- School of Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Armando E Gonzalez
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Seth E O'Neal
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|