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Sata E, Seife F, Ayele Z, Murray SA, Wickens K, Le P, Zerihun M, Melak B, Chernet A, Jensen KA, Gessese D, Zeru T, Dawed AA, Debebe H, Tadesse Z, Callahan EK, Martin DL, Nash SD. Wait and watch: A trachoma surveillance strategy from Amhara region, Ethiopia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011986. [PMID: 38386689 PMCID: PMC10914254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma recrudescence after elimination as a public health problem has been reached is a concern for control programs globally. Programs typically conduct district-level trachoma surveillance surveys (TSS) ≥ 2 years after the elimination threshold is achieved to determine whether the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) among children ages 1 to 9 years remains <5%. Many TSS are resulting in a TF prevalence ≥5%. Once a district returns to TF ≥5%, a program typically restarts costly mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns and surveys at least twice, for impact and another TSS. In Amhara, Ethiopia, most TSS which result in a TF ≥5% have a prevalence close to 5%, making it difficult to determine whether the result is due to true recrudescence or to statistical variability. This study's aim was to monitor recrudescence within Amhara by waiting to restart MDA within 2 districts with a TF prevalence ≥5% at TSS, Metema = 5.2% and Woreta Town = 5.1%. The districts were resurveyed 1 year later using traditional and alternative indicators, such as measures of infection and serology, a "wait and watch" approach. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS These post-surveillance surveys, conducted in 2021, were multi-stage cluster surveys whereby certified graders assessed trachoma signs. Children ages 1 to 9 years provided a dried blood spot and children ages 1 to 5 years provided a conjunctival swab. TF prevalence in Metema and Woreta Town were 3.6% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]:1.4-6.4) and 2.5% (95% CI:0.8-4.5) respectively. Infection prevalence was 1.2% in Woreta Town and 0% in Metema. Seroconversion rates to Pgp3 in Metema and Woreta Town were 0.4 (95% CI:0.2-0.7) seroconversions per 100 child-years and 0.9 (95% CI:0.6-1.5) respectively. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Both study districts had a TF prevalence <5% with low levels of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and transmission, and thus MDA interventions are no longer warranted. The wait and watch approach represents a surveillance strategy which could lead to fewer MDA campaigns and surveys and thus cost savings with reduced antibiotic usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshetu Sata
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fikre Seife
- Disease Prevention and Control Directorate, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Zebene Ayele
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sarah A. Murray
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Karana Wickens
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Internships and Fellowships, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Phong Le
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Mulat Zerihun
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Berhanu Melak
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ambahun Chernet
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Kimberly A. Jensen
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Demelash Gessese
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Taye Zeru
- Research and Technology Transfer Directorate, Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Adisu Abebe Dawed
- Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Hiwot Debebe
- Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Zerihun Tadesse
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - E. Kelly Callahan
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Diana L. Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Scott D. Nash
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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D. Nash S, Chernet A, Weiss P, W. Nute A, Zerihun M, Sata E, Gessese D, A. Jensen K, Ayele Z, Melak B, Zeru T, Mengistu A, Abebe A, Seife F, Tadesse Z, Callahan EK. Prevalence of Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Amhara Region, Ethiopia, after 8 Years of Trachoma Control Interventions. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 108:261-267. [PMID: 36623484 PMCID: PMC9896333 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although trachoma mass drug administration (MDA) programs target ocular Chlamydia trachomatis, the global trachoma control program does not monitor infection as a measure of impact but instead relies on monitoring clinical indicators. This study aimed to monitor the prevalence of ocular C. trachomatis among a population-based sample of children ages 1-5 years throughout Amhara, Ethiopia, a region that has received approximately 8 years of annual MDA as part of trachoma control. Between 2014 and 2021, trachoma impact surveys and surveillance surveys were conducted in all 156 districts of Amhara using a multistage cluster randomized methodology. Certified graders assessed individuals ages ≥ 1 year for trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF), and a random subset of children ages 1-5 years also provided a conjunctival swab. Polymerase chain reaction was used to test for C. trachomatis. A total of 28,410 conjunctival swabs were collected from children ages 1-5 years across Amhara. The regional C. trachomatis infection prevalence was 4.7% (95% uncertainty interval: 4.3-5.1%). Infection was detected in all 10 zones of the region and ranged from 0.2% in Awi Zone to 11.9% in Waghemra Zone. Infection was detected in 17 (26%) districts with a TF prevalence < 10% and in 7 (21%) districts with a TF prevalence < 5%. Through programmatic monitoring of C. trachomatis infection, this study demonstrated that considerable infection remained throughout Amhara despite approximately 8 years of trachoma interventions and that enhanced interventions such as more frequent than annual MDA will be needed if elimination thresholds are to be reached.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott D. Nash
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia;,Address correspondence to Scott Nash, The Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Pkwy. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. E-mail:
| | - Ambahun Chernet
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Paul Weiss
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Andrew W. Nute
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mulat Zerihun
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eshetu Sata
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Demelash Gessese
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Zebene Ayele
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Berhanu Melak
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Taye Zeru
- Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir, Dar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Adisu Abebe
- Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Zerihun Tadesse
- Trachoma Control Program, The Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Nourimand F, Keramat A, Sayahi M, Bozorgian L, Hashempour Z. A systematic review of eHealth modes in preventing sexually transmitted infections. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS 2022; 43:117-127. [PMID: 36743108 PMCID: PMC9890991 DOI: 10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_55_22] [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: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is critical. Despite developing treatment and prevention programs, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are essential in developing acute and chronic diseases. Because "eHealth" (electronic-Health) has excellent potential for disseminating health information to the public regarding STDs, we aimed to identify and review all published articles focusing on preventing STIs. After constructing the design and answering population, intervention, comparison, and outcome questions, two authors conducted a systematic literature search in four online databases in January 2022. The screening process and data extraction were conducted by two authors independently, and then, a quality assessment was performed. After removing duplicates, and two rounds of shortlisting, 16 articles were included for data extraction out of 5113 entries. Included studies were of different designs and assessed six preventive outcomes categories, with condom use being the most frequent result among studies. We also extracted implementation outcomes and reviewed them. Included studies with 13,137 participants have provided reasonable evidence of the effectiveness of different types of eHealth in improving STI prevention interventions. Although this systematic review was not without limitations, it can no longer be ignored that eHealth modes offer many opportunities to prevent STDs, especially among the young population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firoozeh Nourimand
- Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Keramat
- Center for Health Related Social and Behavioral Sciences Research, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Sayahi
- Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Leila Bozorgian
- Midwifery Department, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Zahra Hashempour
- Students Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Solomon AW, Hooper PJ, Bangert M, Mwingira UJ, Bakhtiari A, Brady MA, Fitzpatrick C, Jones I, Kabona G, Kello AB, Millar T, Mosher AW, Ngondi JM, Nshala A, Renneker K, Rotondo LA, Stelmach R, Harding-Esch EM, Malecela MN. The Importance of Failure: How Doing Impact Surveys That Fail Saves Trachoma Programs Money. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:2481-2487. [PMID: 33025878 PMCID: PMC7695084 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Trachoma programs use annual antibiotic mass drug administration (MDA) in evaluation units (EUs) that generally encompass 100,000–250,000 people. After one, three, or five MDA rounds, programs undertake impact surveys. Where impact survey prevalence of trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) in 1- to 9-year-olds is ≥ 5%, ≥ 1 additional MDA rounds are recommended before resurvey. Impact survey costs, and the proportion of impact surveys returning TF prevalence ≥ 5% (the failure rate or, less pejoratively, the MDA continuation rate), therefore influence the cost of eliminating trachoma. We modeled, for illustrative EU sizes, the financial cost of undertaking MDA with and without conducting impact surveys. As an example, we retrospectively assessed how conducting impact surveys affected costs in the United Republic of Tanzania for 2017–2018. For EUs containing 100,000 people, the median (interquartile range) cost of continuing MDA without doing impact surveys is USD 28,957 (17,581–36,197) per EU per year, whereas continuing MDA solely where indicated by impact survey results costs USD 17,564 (12,158–21,694). If the mean EU population is 100,000, then continuing MDA without impact surveys becomes advantageous in financial cost terms only when the continuation rate exceeds 71%. For the United Republic of Tanzania in 2017–2018, doing impact surveys saved enough money to provide MDA for > 1,000,000 people. Although trachoma impact surveys have a nontrivial cost, they generally save money, providing EUs have > 50,000 inhabitants, the continuation rate is not excessive, and they generate reliable data. If all EUs pass their impact surveys, then we have waited too long to do them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony W Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pamela J Hooper
- Task Force for Global Health, International Trachoma Initiative, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mathieu Bangert
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Upendo J Mwingira
- Neglected Tropical Disease Control Program, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Ana Bakhtiari
- Task Force for Global Health, International Trachoma Initiative, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Christopher Fitzpatrick
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Iain Jones
- Sightsavers, Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
| | - George Kabona
- Neglected Tropical Disease Control Program, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Amir B Kello
- Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Tom Millar
- Sightsavers, Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
| | - Aryc W Mosher
- United States Agency for International Development, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Andreas Nshala
- Department of International Maternal and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden.,IMA World Health, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Kristen Renneker
- Task Force for Global Health, International Trachoma Initiative, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | - Emma M Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mwelecele N Malecela
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Hart JD, Kalua K, Keenan JD, Lietman TM, Bailey RL. Cost-Effectiveness of Mass Treatment with Azithromycin for Reducing Child Mortality in Malawi: Secondary Analysis from the MORDOR Trial. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:1283-1290. [PMID: 32342840 PMCID: PMC7470598 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent Macrolides Oraux pour Réduire les Décès avec un Oeil sur la Résistance (MORDOR) trial reported a reduction in child mortality following biannual azithromycin mass drug administration (MDA). Here, we investigate the financial costs and cost-effectiveness from the health provider perspective of azithromycin MDA at the MORDOR-Malawi study site. During MORDOR, a cluster-randomized trial involving biannual azithromycin MDA or placebo to children aged 1–59 months, fieldwork-related costs were collected, including personnel, transport, consumables, overheads, training, and supervision. Mortality rates in azithromycin- and placebo-treated clusters were calculated overall and for the five health zones of Mangochi district. These were used to estimate the number needed to treat to avert one death and the costs per death and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted. The cost per dose of MDA was $0.74 overall, varying between $0.63 and $0.94 in the five zones. Overall, the number needed to treat to avert one death was 1,213 children; the cost per death averted was $898.47, and the cost per DALY averted was $9.98. In the three zones where mortality was lower in azithromycin-treated clusters, the number needed to treat to avert one death, cost per death averted, and cost per DALY averted, respectively, were as follows: 3,070, $2,899.24, and $32.31 in Monkey Bay zone; 1,530, $1,214.42, and $13.49 in Chilipa zone; and 344, $217.98, and $2.42 in Namwera zone. This study is a preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis that indicates azithromycin MDA for reducing child mortality has the potential to be highly cost-effective in some settings in Malawi, but the reasons for geographical variation in effectiveness require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Hart
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Khumbo Kalua
- Blantyre Institute for Community Outreach, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Jeremy D Keenan
- Francis I Proctor Foundation and Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Califorina
| | - Thomas M Lietman
- Francis I Proctor Foundation and Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Califorina
| | - Robin L Bailey
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Evans JR, Solomon AW, Kumar R, Perez Á, Singh BP, Srivastava RM, Harding‐Esch E. Antibiotics for trachoma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 9:CD001860. [PMID: 31554017 PMCID: PMC6760986 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001860.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma is the world's leading infectious cause of blindness. In 1996, WHO launched the Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by the year 2020, based on the 'SAFE' strategy (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement). OBJECTIVES To assess the evidence supporting the antibiotic arm of the SAFE strategy by assessing the effects of antibiotics on both active trachoma (primary objective), Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the conjunctiva, antibiotic resistance, and adverse effects (secondary objectives). SEARCH METHODS We searched relevant electronic databases and trials registers. The date of the last search was 4 January 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that satisfied either of two criteria: (a) trials in which topical or oral administration of an antibiotic was compared to placebo or no treatment in people or communities with trachoma, (b) trials in which a topical antibiotic was compared with an oral antibiotic in people or communities with trachoma. We also included studies addressing different dosing strategies in the population. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methods expected by Cochrane. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We identified 14 studies where individuals with trachoma were randomised and 12 cluster-randomised studies. Any antibiotic versus control (individuals)Nine studies (1961 participants) randomised individuals with trachoma to antibiotic or control (no treatment or placebo). All of these studies enrolled children and young people with active trachoma. The antibiotics used in these studies included topical (oxy)tetracycline (5 studies), doxycycline (2 studies), and sulfonamides (4 studies). Four studies had more than two study arms. In general these studies were poorly reported, and it was difficult to judge risk of bias.These studies provided low-certainty evidence that people with active trachoma treated with antibiotics experienced a reduction in active trachoma at three months (risk ratio (RR) 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 0.89; 1961 people; 9 RCTs; I2 = 73%) and 12 months (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.00; 1035 people; 4 RCTs; I2 = 90%). Low-certainty evidence was available for ocular infection at three months (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.04; 297 people; 4 RCTs; I2 = 0%) and 12 months (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.78; 129 people; 1 RCT). None of these studies assessed antimicrobial resistance. In those studies that reported harms, no serious adverse effects were reported (low-certainty evidence).Oral versus topical antibiotics (individuals)Eight studies (1583 participants) compared oral and topical antibiotics. Only one study included people older than 21 years of age. Oral antibiotics included azithromycin (5 studies), sulfonamides (2 studies), and doxycycline (1 study). Topical antibiotics included (oxy)tetracycline (6 studies), azithromycin (1 study), and sulfonamide (1 study). These studies were poorly reported, and it was difficult to judge risk of bias.There was low-certainty evidence of little or no difference in effect between oral and topical antibiotics on active trachoma at three months (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.16; 953 people; 6 RCTs; I2 = 63%) and 12 months (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.15; 886 people; 5 RCTs; I2 = 56%). There was very low-certainty evidence for ocular infection at three or 12 months. Antimicrobial resistance was not assessed. In those studies that reported adverse effects, no serious adverse effects were reported; one study reported abdominal pain with azithromycin; one study reported a couple of cases of nausea with azithromycin; and one study reported three cases of reaction to sulfonamides (low-certainty evidence).Oral azithromycin versus control (communities)Four cluster-randomised studies compared antibiotic with no or delayed treatment. Data were available on active trachoma at 12 months from two studies but could not be pooled because of reporting differences. One study at low risk of bias found a reduced prevalence of active trachoma 12 months after a single dose of azithromycin in communities with a high prevalence of infection (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.65; 1247 people). The other, lower quality, study in low-prevalence communities reported similar median prevalences of infection at 12 months: 9.3% in communities treated with azithromycin and 8.2% in untreated communities. We judged this moderate-certainty evidence for a reduction in active trachoma with treatment, downgrading one level for inconsistency between the two studies. Two studies reported ocular infection at 12 months and data could be pooled. There was a reduction in ocular infection (RR 0.36, 0.31 to 0.43; 2139 people) 12 months after mass treatment with a single dose compared with no treatment (moderate-certainty evidence). There was high-certainty evidence of an increased risk of resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli to azithromycin, tetracycline, and clindamycin in communities treated with azithromycin, with approximately 5-fold risk ratios at 12 months. The evidence did not support increased resistance to penicillin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. None of the studies measured resistance to C trachomatis. No serious adverse events were reported. The main adverse effect noted for azithromycin (˜10%) was abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea.Oral azithromycin versus topical tetracycline (communities)Three cluster-randomised studies compared oral azithromycin with topical tetracycline. The evidence was inconsistent for active trachoma and ocular infection at three and 12 months (low-certainty evidence) and was not pooled due to considerable heterogeneity. Antimicrobial resistance and adverse effects were not reported.Different dosing strategiesSix studies compared different strategies for dosing. There were: mass treatment at different dosing intervals; applying cessation or stopping rules to mass treatment; strategies to increase mass treatment coverage. There was no strong evidence to support any variation in the recommended annual mass treatment. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Antibiotic treatment may reduce the risk of active trachoma and ocular infection in people infected with C trachomatis, compared to no treatment/placebo, but the size of the treatment effect in individuals is uncertain. Mass antibiotic treatment with single dose oral azithromycin reduces the prevalence of active trachoma and ocular infection in communities. There is no strong evidence to support any variation in the recommended periodicity of annual mass treatment. There is evidence of an increased risk of antibiotic resistance at 12 months in communities treated with antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Evans
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineCochrane Eyes and Vision, ICEHKeppel StreetLondonUKWC1E 7HT
| | - Anthony W Solomon
- World Health OrganizationDepartment of Control of Neglected Tropical DiseasesGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Rahul Kumar
- King George's Medical UniversityDepartment of PharmacologyLucknowUPIndia226003
| | - Ángela Perez
- Health Technology Assessment InstituteDeveloping Clinical Practice GuidelinesAutopista Norte # 118‐30 Off 201BogotáColombia110111
| | - Balendra P Singh
- King George's Medical UniversityDepartment of Prosthodontics, Crowns and BridgesShahmina RoadFaculty of Dental SciencesLucknowUttar PradeshIndia226003
| | | | - Emma Harding‐Esch
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineClinical Research Department, Facullty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondonUK
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Sales ROD, Silva RMD. mHealth in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections STIs. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2019; 25:4315-4325. [PMID: 33175040 DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320202511.11022019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyze in the literature how the applications were developed and how they influence the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). PubMed, CAPES Periodicals and Bireme databases were searched using the descriptors sexually transmitted diseases and mHealth combined by the Boolean connector AND. The search considered studies published between 2013 to 2017 available online in Portuguese and English. The results of the studies showed formative research was the most used method and focus group was the most used technique for data collection in the development of an application. This technique aims at the exchange of experience and allows discussion about issues inherent to infections. The applications were built with methodological rigor with the participation of users and with instructional resources that influence the management of the prevention and control of infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Oliveira de Sales
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Fortaleza. Av. Washington Soares 1321, Edson Queiroz. 60811-905 Fortaleza CE Brasil.
| | - Raimunda Magalhães da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Fortaleza. Av. Washington Soares 1321, Edson Queiroz. 60811-905 Fortaleza CE Brasil.
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Kim JS, Oldenburg CE, Cooley G, Amza A, Kadri B, Nassirou B, Cotter SY, Stoller NE, West SK, Bailey RL, Keenan JD, Gaynor BD, Porco TC, Lietman TM, Martin DL. Community-level chlamydial serology for assessing trachoma elimination in trachoma-endemic Niger. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007127. [PMID: 30689671 PMCID: PMC6366708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Program decision-making for trachoma elimination currently relies on conjunctival clinical signs. Antibody tests may provide additional information on the epidemiology of trachoma, particularly in regions where it is disappearing or elimination targets have been met. METHODS A cluster-randomized trial of mass azithromycin distribution strategies for trachoma elimination was conducted over three years in a mesoendemic region of Niger. Dried blood spots were collected from a random sample of children aged 1-5 years in each of 24 study communities at 36 months after initiation of the intervention. A multiplex bead assay was used to test for antibodies to two Chlamydia trachomatis antigens, Pgp3 and CT694. We compared seropositivity to either antigen to clinical signs of active trachoma (trachomatous inflammation-follicular [TF] and trachomatous inflammation-intense [TI]) at the individual and cluster level, and to ocular chlamydia prevalence at the community level. RESULTS Of 988 children with antibody data, TF prevalence was 7.8% (95% CI 6.1 to 9.5) and TI prevalence was 1.6% (95% CI 0.9 to 2.6). The overall prevalence of antibody positivity to Pgp3 was 27.2% (95% CI 24.5 to 30), and to CT694 was 23.7% (95% CI 21 to 26.2). Ocular chlamydia infection prevalence was 5.2% (95% CI 2.8 to 7.6). Seropositivity to Pgp3 and/or CT694 was significantly associated with TF at the individual and community level and with ocular chlamydia infection and TI at the community level. Older children were more likely to be seropositive than younger children. CONCLUSION Seropositivity to Pgp3 and CT694 correlates with clinical signs and ocular chlamydia infection in a mesoendemic region of Niger. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00792922.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S. Kim
- F. I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Catherine E. Oldenburg
- F. I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Gretchen Cooley
- Divison of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Abdou Amza
- Programme FSS/Université Abdou Moumouni de Niamey, Programme Nationale des Soins Oculaire, Niger
| | - Boubacar Kadri
- Programme FSS/Université Abdou Moumouni de Niamey, Programme Nationale des Soins Oculaire, Niger
| | - Baido Nassirou
- Programme FSS/Université Abdou Moumouni de Niamey, Programme Nationale des Soins Oculaire, Niger
| | - Sun Yu Cotter
- F. I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Nicole E. Stoller
- F. I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Sheila K. West
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Robin L. Bailey
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy D. Keenan
- F. I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Bruce D. Gaynor
- F. I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Travis C. Porco
- F. I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Institute for Global Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Thomas M. Lietman
- F. I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Institute for Global Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Diana L. Martin
- Divison of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Pickering H, Holland MJ, Last AR, Burton MJ, Burr SE. Evaluation of a Chlamydia trachomatis-specific, commercial, real-time PCR for use with ocular swabs. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:102. [PMID: 29463279 PMCID: PMC5819642 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2686-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, is caused by conjunctival Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Trachoma is diagnosed clinically by observation of conjunctival inflammation and/or scarring; however, there is evidence that monitoring C. trachomatis infection may be required for elimination programmes. There are many commercial and ‘in-house’ nucleic acid amplification tests for the detection of C. trachomatis DNA, but the majority have not been validated for use with ocular swabs. This study evaluated a commercial assay, the Fast-Track Vaginal swab kit, using conjunctival samples from trachoma-endemic areas. An objective, biostatistical-based method for binary classification of continuous PCR data was developed, to limit potential user-bias in diagnostic settings. Methods The Fast-Track Vaginal swab assay was run on 210 ocular swab samples from Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania. Fit of individual amplification curves to exponential or sigmoid models, derivative and second derivative of the curves and final fluorescence value were examined for utility in thresholding for determining positivity. The results from the Fast-Track Vaginal swab assay were evaluated against a commercial test (Amplicor CT/NG) and a non-commercial test (in-house droplet digital PCR), both of whose performance has previously been evaluated. Results Significant evidence of exponential amplification (R2 > 0.99) and final fluorescence > 0.15 were combined for thresholding. This objective approach identified a population of positive samples, however there were a subset of samples that amplified towards the end of the cycling protocol (at or later than 35 cycles), which were less clearly defined. The Fast-Track Vaginal swab assay showed good sensitivity against the commercial (95.71) and non-commercial (97.18) tests. Specificity was lower against both (90.00 and 96.55, respectively). Conclusions This study defined a simple, automated protocol for binary classification of continuous, real-time qPCR data, for use in an end-point diagnostic test. This method identified a population of positive samples, however, as with manual thresholding, a subset of samples that amplified towards the end of the cycling program were less easily classified. When used with ocular swabs, the Fast-Track Vaginal swab assay had good sensitivity for C. trachomatis detection, but lower specificity than the commercial and non-commercial assays it was evaluated against, possibly leading to false positives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anna R Last
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Sarah E Burr
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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10
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Migchelsen SJ, Sepúlveda N, Martin DL, Cooley G, Gwyn S, Pickering H, Joof H, Makalo P, Bailey R, Burr SE, Mabey DCW, Solomon AW, Roberts CH. Serology reflects a decline in the prevalence of trachoma in two regions of The Gambia. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15040. [PMID: 29118442 PMCID: PMC5678181 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15056-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Trachoma is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). It is targeted for global elimination as a public health problem. In 2014, a population-based cross-sectional study was performed in two previously trachoma-endemic areas of The Gambia. Participants of all ages from Lower River Region (LRR) (N = 1028) and Upper River Region (URR) (N = 840) underwent examination for trachoma and had blood collected for detection of antibodies against the Ct antigen Pgp3, by ELISA. Overall, 30 (1.6%) individuals had active trachoma; the prevalence in children aged 1-9 years was 3.4% (25/742) with no statistically significant difference in prevalence between the regions. There was a significant difference in overall seroprevalence by region: 26.2% in LRR and 17.1% in URR (p < 0.0001). In children 1-9 years old, seroprevalence was 4.4% in LRR and 3.9% in URR. Reversible catalytic models using information on age-specific seroprevalence demonstrated a decrease in the transmission of Ct infection in both regions, possibly reflecting the impact of improved access to water, health and sanitation as well as mass drug administration campaigns. Serological testing for antibodies to Ct antigens is potentially useful for trachoma programmes, but consideration should be given to the co-endemicity of sexually transmitted Ct infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Migchelsen
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Centro de Estatística e Aplicações, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Diana L Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gretchen Cooley
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sarah Gwyn
- IHRC, Inc., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Harry Pickering
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hassan Joof
- Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council, The Gambia Unit, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Pateh Makalo
- Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council, The Gambia Unit, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Robin Bailey
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Burr
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council, The Gambia Unit, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - David C W Mabey
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony W Solomon
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chrissy H Roberts
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Butcher R, Houghton J, Derrick T, Ramadhani A, Herrera B, Last AR, Massae PA, Burton MJ, Holland MJ, Roberts CH. Reduced-cost Chlamydia trachomatis-specific multiplex real-time PCR diagnostic assay evaluated for ocular swabs and use by trachoma research programmes. J Microbiol Methods 2017; 139:95-102. [PMID: 28487054 PMCID: PMC5496587 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2017.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trachoma, caused by the intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), is the leading infectious cause of preventable blindness. Many commercial platforms are available that provide highly sensitive and specific detection of Ct DNA. However, the majority of these commercial platforms are inaccessible for population-level surveys in resource-limited settings typical to trachoma control programmes. We developed two low-cost quantitative PCR (qPCR) tests for Ct using readily available reagents on standard real-time thermocyclers. METHODS Each multiplex qPCR test targets one genomic and one plasmid Ct target in addition to an endogenous positive control for Homo sapiens DNA. The quantitative performance of the qPCR assays in clinical samples was determined by comparison to a previously evaluated droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) test. The diagnostic performance of the qPCR assays were evaluated against a commercial assay (artus C. trachomatis Plus RG PCR, Qiagen) using molecular diagnostics quality control standards and clinical samples. We examined the yield of Ct DNA prepared from five different DNA extraction kits and a cold chain-free dry-sample preservation method using swabs spiked with fixed concentrations of human and Ct DNA. RESULTS The qPCR assay was highly reproducible (Ct plasmid and genomic targets mean total coefficients of variance 41.5% and 48.3%, respectively). The assay detected 8/8 core specimens upon testing of a quality control panel and performed well in comparison to commercially marketed comparator test (sensitivity and specificity>90%). Optimal extraction and sample preservation methods for research applications were identified. CONCLUSION We describe a pipeline from collection to diagnosis providing the most efficient sample preservation and extraction with significant per test cost savings over a commercial qPCR diagnostic assay. The assay and its evaluation should allow control programs wishing to conduct independent research within the context of trachoma control, access to an affordable test with defined performance characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Butcher
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom.
| | - Jo Houghton
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Tamsyn Derrick
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Athumani Ramadhani
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Beatriz Herrera
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Anna R Last
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Matthew J Burton
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Martin J Holland
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Chrissy H Roberts
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
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12
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Migchelsen SJ, Martin DL, Southisombath K, Turyaguma P, Heggen A, Rubangakene PP, Joof H, Makalo P, Cooley G, Gwyn S, Solomon AW, Holland MJ, Courtright P, Willis R, Alexander NDE, Mabey DCW, Roberts CH. Defining Seropositivity Thresholds for Use in Trachoma Elimination Studies. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005230. [PMID: 28099433 PMCID: PMC5242428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Efforts are underway to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem by 2020. Programmatic guidelines are based on clinical signs that correlate poorly with Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection in post-treatment and low-endemicity settings. Age-specific seroprevalence of anti Ct Pgp3 antibodies has been proposed as an alternative indicator of the need for intervention. To standardise the use of these tools, it is necessary to develop an analytical approach that performs reproducibly both within and between studies. Methodology Dried blood spots were collected in 2014 from children aged 1–9 years in Laos (n = 952) and Uganda (n = 2700) and from people aged 1–90 years in The Gambia (n = 1868). Anti-Pgp3 antibodies were detected by ELISA. A number of visual and statistical analytical approaches for defining serological status were compared. Principal Findings Seroprevalence was estimated at 11.3% (Laos), 13.4% (Uganda) and 29.3% (The Gambia) by visual inspection of the inflection point. The expectation-maximisation algorithm estimated seroprevalence at 10.4% (Laos), 24.3% (Uganda) and 29.3% (The Gambia). Finite mixture model estimates were 15.6% (Laos), 17.1% (Uganda) and 26.2% (The Gambia). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis using a threshold calibrated against external reference specimens estimated the seroprevalence at 6.7% (Laos), 6.8% (Uganda) and 20.9% (The Gambia) when the threshold was set to optimise Youden’s J index. The ROC curve analysis was found to estimate seroprevalence at lower levels than estimates based on thresholds established using internal reference data. Thresholds defined using internal reference threshold methods did not vary substantially between population samples. Conclusions Internally calibrated approaches to threshold specification are reproducible and consistent and thus have advantages over methods that require external calibrators. We propose that future serological analyses in trachoma use a finite mixture model or expectation-maximisation algorithm as a means of setting the threshold for ELISA data. This will facilitate standardisation and harmonisation between studies and eliminate the need to establish and maintain a global calibration standard. Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). Individuals who have previously been infected with Ct carry specific antibodies in their blood. Recent studies have suggested that these antibodies may be a good way to estimate the intensity of transmission of this bacterium in a population. Among people who do have antibodies (seropositives) there is variation in the amount that is detectable in their blood. Some people have such low levels that differentiating them from those who don’t have antibodies (seronegatives) is challenging. We used a new test for Ct antibodies on blood specimens from three countries. Our test worked extremely well, giving reproducible results when we tested the same samples multiple times. We compared four different methods for setting the position of the threshold line between seronegatives and seropositives. The estimated transmission intensity in each country varied depending on the threshold method used, but two methods that used statistical modelling algorithms to define the two groups performed consistently across all three countries’ samples. We recommend that future studies should consider adopting the statistical modelling approaches, as they are objective tests that require no reference material and allow for standardisation between studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J. Migchelsen
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Diana L. Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - Patrick Turyaguma
- Trachoma Control Programme, Ugandan Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anne Heggen
- NTD Support Centre, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - Hassan Joof
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Pateh Makalo
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Gretchen Cooley
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sarah Gwyn
- IHRC, Inc., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Martin J. Holland
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Courtright
- Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology, University Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rebecca Willis
- International Trachoma Initiative, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Neal D. E. Alexander
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - David C. W. Mabey
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chrissy h. Roberts
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Fitzpatrick C, Fleming FM, Madin-Warburton M, Schneider T, Meheus F, Asiedu K, Solomon AW, Montresor A, Biswas G. Benchmarking the Cost per Person of Mass Treatment for Selected Neglected Tropical Diseases: An Approach Based on Literature Review and Meta-regression with Web-Based Software Application. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005037. [PMID: 27918573 PMCID: PMC5137870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Advocacy around mass treatment for the elimination of selected Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) has typically put the cost per person treated at less than US$ 0.50. Whilst useful for advocacy, the focus on a single number misrepresents the complexity of delivering “free” donated medicines to about a billion people across the world. We perform a literature review and meta-regression of the cost per person per round of mass treatment against NTDs. We develop a web-based software application (https://healthy.shinyapps.io/benchmark/) to calculate setting-specific unit costs against which programme budgets and expenditures or results-based pay-outs can be benchmarked. Methods We reviewed costing studies of mass treatment for the control, elimination or eradication of lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, onchocerciasis, trachoma and yaws. These are the main 6 NTDs for which mass treatment is recommended. We extracted financial and economic unit costs, adjusted to a standard definition and base year. We regressed unit costs on the number of people treated and other explanatory variables. Regression results were used to “predict” country-specific unit cost benchmarks. Results We reviewed 56 costing studies and included in the meta-regression 34 studies from 23 countries and 91 sites. Unit costs were found to be very sensitive to economies of scale, and the decision of whether or not to use local volunteers. Financial unit costs are expected to be less than 2015 US$ 0.50 in most countries for programmes that treat 100 thousand people or more. However, for smaller programmes, including those in the “last mile”, or those that cannot rely on local volunteers, both economic and financial unit costs are expected to be higher. Discussion The available evidence confirms that mass treatment offers a low cost public health intervention on the path towards universal health coverage. However, more costing studies focussed on elimination are needed. Unit cost benchmarks can help in monitoring value for money in programme plans, budgets and accounts, or in setting a reasonable pay-out for results-based financing mechanisms. Advocacy around mass treatment for the elimination of selected Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) has typically put the cost per person treated at less than US$ 0.50. Whilst useful for advocacy, the focus on a single number misrepresents the complexity of delivering “free” donated medicines to about a billion people across the world. Given the increasing focus of the NTD community on value for money and, in the context of universal health coverage, of the global health community on outreach beyond health facilities, there was a need for greater nuance. We performed the most comprehensive literature review and first regression analysis of differences between settings in the cost per person treated against six NTDs (excluding the cost of individual medicines). We considered more than ten possible drivers of cost. We found, for example, that the unit cost of treatment depends very much on the number of people treated (economies of scale). We then developed a web-based software application (https://healthy.shinyapps.io/benchmark/) that can be used to predict setting-specific unit costs against which programme budgets and expenditures or results-based pay-outs can be benchmarked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Fitzpatrick
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Matthew Madin-Warburton
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | | | - Filip Meheus
- Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kingsley Asiedu
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Montresor
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gautam Biswas
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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14
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Butcher RMR, Sokana O, Jack K, Macleod CK, Marks ME, Kalae E, Sui L, Russell C, Tutill HJ, Williams RJ, Breuer J, Willis R, Le Mesurier RT, Mabey DCW, Solomon AW, Roberts CH. Low Prevalence of Conjunctival Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis in a Treatment-Naïve Trachoma-Endemic Region of the Solomon Islands. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004863. [PMID: 27603015 PMCID: PMC5014345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma is endemic in several Pacific Island states. Recent surveys across the Solomon Islands indicated that whilst trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) was present at levels warranting intervention, the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) was low. We set out to determine the relationship between chlamydial infection and trachoma in this population. METHODS We conducted a population-based trachoma prevalence survey of 3674 individuals from two Solomon Islands provinces. Participants were examined for clinical signs of trachoma. Conjunctival swabs were collected from all children aged 1-9 years. We tested swabs for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) DNA using droplet digital PCR. Chlamydial DNA from positive swabs was enriched and sequenced for use in phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS We observed a moderate prevalence of TF in children aged 1-9 years (n = 296/1135, 26.1%) but low prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-intense (TI) (n = 2/1135, 0.2%) and current Ct infection (n = 13/1002, 1.3%) in children aged 1-9 years, and TT in those aged 15+ years (n = 2/2061, 0.1%). Ten of 13 (76.9%) cases of infection were in persons with TF or TI (p = 0.0005). Sequence analysis of the Ct-positive samples yielded 5/13 (38%) complete (>95% coverage of reference) genome sequences, and 8/13 complete plasmid sequences. Complete sequences all aligned most closely to ocular serovar reference strains. DISCUSSION The low prevalence of TT, TI and Ct infection that we observed are incongruent with the high proportion of children exhibiting signs of TF. TF is present at levels that apparently warrant intervention, but the scarcity of other signs of trachoma indicates the phenotype is mild and may not pose a significant public health threat. Our data suggest that, whilst conjunctival Ct infection appears to be present in the region, it is present at levels that are unlikely to be the dominant driving force for TF in the population. This could be one reason for the low prevalence of TT observed during the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M. R. Butcher
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Sokana
- Eye Department, Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | - Kelvin Jack
- Eye Department, Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | - Colin K. Macleod
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Sightsavers, Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
| | - Michael E. Marks
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Kalae
- Primary Care Department, Lata Hospital, Lata, Santa Cruz, Solomon Islands
| | - Leslie Sui
- Primary Care Department, Lata Hospital, Lata, Santa Cruz, Solomon Islands
| | | | - Helena J. Tutill
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel J. Williams
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Breuer
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Willis
- Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Richard T. Le Mesurier
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David C. W. Mabey
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chrissy h. Roberts
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Derrick T, Holland MJ, Cassama E, Markham-David R, Nabicassa M, Marks M, Bailey RL, Last AR. Can corneal pannus with trachomatous inflammation--follicular be used in combination as an improved specific clinical sign for current ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection? Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:30. [PMID: 26812948 PMCID: PMC4729176 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1308-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma is a blinding disease caused by conjunctival infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). Mass drug administration (MDA) for trachoma control is administered based on the population prevalence of the clinical sign of trachomatis inflammation - follicular (TF). However, the prevalence of TF is often much higher than the prevalence of Ct infection. The addition of a clinical sign specific for current ocular Ct infection to TF could save resources by preventing unnecessary additional rounds of MDA. METHODS Study participants were aged between 1-9 years and resided on 7 islands of the Bijagos Archipelago, Guinea Bissau. Clinical grades for trachoma and corneal pannus and ocular swab samples were taken from 80 children with TF and from 81 matched controls without clinical evidence of trachoma. Ct infection testing was performed using droplet digital PCR. RESULTS New pannus was significantly associated with Ct infection after adjustment for TF (P = 0.009, OR = 3.65 (1.4-9.8)). Amongst individuals with TF, individuals with new pannus had significantly more Ct infection than individuals with none or old pannus (75.0% vs 45.5%, Chi(2) P = 0.01). TF and new pannus together provide a highly specific (91.7%), but a poorly sensitive (51.9%) clinical diagnostic test for Ct infection. CONCLUSIONS As we move towards trachoma elimination it may be desirable to use a combined clinical sign (new pannus in addition to TF) that is highly specific for current ocular Ct infection. This would allow national health systems to obtain a more accurate estimate of Ct population prevalence to inform further need for MDA without the expense of Ct molecular diagnostics, which are currently unaffordable in programmatic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamsyn Derrick
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Martin J Holland
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Eunice Cassama
- Programa Nacional de Saude de Visao, Ministerio de Saude Publica, Bissau, Guinea Bissau.
| | - Rod Markham-David
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Meno Nabicassa
- Programa Nacional de Saude de Visao, Ministerio de Saude Publica, Bissau, Guinea Bissau.
| | - Michael Marks
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Robin L Bailey
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Anna R Last
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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