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Lamberti O, Kayuni S, Kumwenda D, Ngwira B, Singh V, Moktali V, Dhanani N, Wessels E, Van Lieshout L, Fleming FM, Mzilahowa T, Bustinduy AL. Female genital schistosomiasis burden and risk factors in two endemic areas in Malawi nested in the Morbidity Operational Research for Bilharziasis Implementation Decisions (MORBID) cross-sectional study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012102. [PMID: 38718065 PMCID: PMC11104661 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), caused by the parasite Schistosoma haematobium (Sh), is prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. FGS is associated with sexual dysfunction and reproductive morbidity, and increased prevalence of HIV and cervical precancerous lesions. Lack of approved guidelines for FGS screening and diagnosis hinder accurate disease burden estimation. This study evaluated FGS burden in two Sh-endemic areas in Southern Malawi by visual and molecular diagnostic methods. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Women aged 15-65, sexually active, not menstruating, or pregnant, were enrolled from the MORBID study. A midwife completed a questionnaire, obtained cervicovaginal swab and lavage, and assessed FGS-associated genital lesions using hand-held colposcopy. 'Visual-FGS' was defined as specific genital lesions. 'Molecular-FGS' was defined as Sh DNA detected by real-time PCR from swabs. Microscopy detected urinary Sh egg-patent infection. In total, 950 women completed the questionnaire (median age 27, [IQR] 20-38). Visual-and molecular-FGS prevalence were 26·9% (260/967) and 8·2% (78/942), respectively. 6·5% of women with available genital and urinary samples (38/584) had egg-patent Sh infection. There was a positive significant association between molecular- and visual-FGS (AOR = 2·9, 95%CI 1·7-5·0). 'Molecular-FGS' was associated with egg-patent Sh infection (AOR = 7·5, 95% CI 3·27-17·2). Some villages had high 'molecular-FGS' prevalence, despite <10% prevalence of urinary Sh among school-age children. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Southern Malawi carries an under-recognized FGS burden. FGS was detectable in villages not eligible for schistosomiasis control strategies, potentially leaving girls and women untreated under current WHO guidelines. Validated field-deployable methods could be considered for new control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olimpia Lamberti
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sekeleghe Kayuni
- Centre for Health, Agriculture and Development Research and Consulting (CHAD), Blantyre, Malawi
- MASM Medi Clinics Limited, Medical Aid Society of Malawi (MASM), Lilongwe, Malawi
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme (MLW), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Dingase Kumwenda
- Centre for Health, Agriculture and Development Research and Consulting (CHAD), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Bagrey Ngwira
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Els Wessels
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lisette Van Lieshout
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Themba Mzilahowa
- Centre for Health, Agriculture and Development Research and Consulting (CHAD), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Amaya L. Bustinduy
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Makau-Barasa L, Assefa L, Aderogba M, Bell D, Solomon J, Urude RO, Nebe OJ, A-Enegela J, Damen JG, Popoola S, Diehl JC, Vdovine G, Agbana T. Performance evaluation of the AiDx multi-diagnostic automated microscope for the detection of schistosomiasis in Abuja, Nigeria. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14833. [PMID: 37684541 PMCID: PMC10491799 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42049-6] [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: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In this research, we report on the performance of automated optical digital detection and quantification of Schistosoma haematobium provided by AiDx NTDx multi-diagnostic Assist microscope. Our study was community-based, and a convenient sampling method was used in 17 communities in Abuja Nigeria, based on the disease prevalence information extracted from the baseline database on schistosomiasis, NTD Division, of the Federal Ministry of Health. At baseline, samples from 869 participants were evaluated of which 358 (34.1%) tested S. haematobium positive by the reference diagnostic standard. Registered images from the fully automated (autofocusing, scanning, image registration and processing, AI image analysis and automatic parasite count) AiDx assist microscope were analyzed. The Semi automated (autofocusing, scanning, image registration & processing and manual parasite count) and the fully automated AiDx Assist showed comparable sensitivities and specificities of [90.3%, 98%] and [89%, 99%] respectively. Overall, estimated egg counts of the semi-automated & fully automated AiDx Assist correlated significantly with the egg counts of conventional microscopy (r = 0.93, p ≤ 0.001 and r = 0.89, p ≤ 0.001 respectively). The AiDx Assist device performance is consistent with requirement of the World Health Organization diagnostic target product profile for monitoring, evaluation, and surveillance of Schistosomiasis elimination Programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liya Assefa
- The Ending Neglected Diseases (END) Fund, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Jacob Solomon
- NTD Division, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - James G Damen
- Medical Lab Department, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Gleb Vdovine
- Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Temitope Agbana
- AiDx Medical Bv, Pijnacker, The Netherlands.
- Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.
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Sarink MJ, Koelewijn R, Stelma F, Kortbeek T, van Lieshout L, Smit PW, Tielens AGM, van Hellemond JJ. An International External Quality Assessment Scheme to Assess the Diagnostic Performance of Polymerase Chain Reaction Detection of Acanthamoeba Keratitis. Cornea 2023; 42:1027-1033. [PMID: 37155347 PMCID: PMC10306335 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess the variation in methods and to determine whether an External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of Acanthamoeba keratitis is valuable for the diagnostic process. METHODS A multicenter EQAS was introduced, covering 16 diagnostic laboratories. Using Acanthamoeba castellanii ATCC strain 30010, 3 sets of samples were prepared, containing different amounts of DNA, cysts, or trophozoites. Samples were masked and sent to the participants with instructions for use and a questionnaire concerning the applied methodologies. Special attention in this questionnaire was given to the used pretreatment methods to assess existing variations in these procedures. RESULTS A large variation in the methodologies and substantial differences in the diagnostic performance were found between participants. In contrast to the DNA samples where all participants had a perfect score, several false negative results were reported for the samples containing cysts or trophozoites. Only 9 participants had an optimal score, whereas one participant reported all samples as negative, one participant reported failures due to inhibition, and the other 5 reported in total 7 false negative results. A clear correlation was noticed between the PCR detection rate and the number of cysts or trophozoites in the sample. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that a pretreatment procedure can be a risky step in PCR-based detections of Acanthamoeba , but it improves the sensitivity and reliability, especially of samples containing cysts. Therefore, participation in an EQAS is informative for routine diagnostic laboratories and can assist in improving the laboratory procedures used for the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten J. Sarink
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rob Koelewijn
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Foekje Stelma
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Titia Kortbeek
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and
| | - Pieter W. Smit
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Aloysius G. M. Tielens
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap J. van Hellemond
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Marlais T, Bickford-Smith J, Talavera-López C, Le H, Chowdhury F, Miles MA. A comparative 'omics' approach for prediction of candidate Strongyloides stercoralis diagnostic coproantigens. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0010777. [PMID: 37068106 PMCID: PMC10138266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Human infection with the intestinal nematode Strongyloides stercoralis is persistent unless effectively treated, and potentially fatal in immunosuppressed individuals. Epidemiological data are lacking, partially due to inadequate diagnosis. A rapid antigen detection test is a priority for population surveillance, validating cure after treatment, and for screening prior to immunosuppression. We used a targeted analysis of open access 'omics' data sets and used online predictors to identify S. stercoralis proteins that are predicted to be present in infected stool, Strongyloides-specific, and antigenic. Transcriptomic data from gut and non-gut dwelling life cycle stages of S. stercoralis revealed 328 proteins that are differentially expressed. Strongyloides ratti proteomic data for excreted and secreted (E/S) proteins were matched to S. stercoralis, giving 1,057 orthologues. Five parasitism-associated protein families (SCP/TAPS, prolyl oligopeptidase, transthyretin-like, aspartic peptidase, acetylcholinesterase) were compared phylogenetically between S. stercoralis and outgroups, and proteins with least homology to the outgroups were selected. Proteins that overlapped between the transcriptomic and proteomic datasets were analysed by multiple sequence alignment, epitope prediction and 3D structure modelling to reveal S. stercoralis candidate peptide/protein coproantigens. We describe 22 candidates from seven genes, across all five protein families for further investigation as potential S. stercoralis diagnostic coproantigens, identified using open access data and freely-available protein analysis tools. This powerful approach can be applied to many parasitic infections with 'omic' data to accelerate development of specific diagnostic assays for laboratory or point-of-care field application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tegwen Marlais
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Bickford-Smith
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos Talavera-López
- Institute of Computational Biology, Computational Health Centre, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Hai Le
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fatima Chowdhury
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Miles
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Tamarozzi F, Guevara ÁG, Anselmi M, Vicuña Y, Prandi R, Marquez M, Vivero S, Robinzón Huerlo F, Racines M, Mazzi C, Denwood M, Buonfrate D. Accuracy, acceptability, and feasibility of diagnostic tests for the screening of Strongyloides stercoralis in the field (ESTRELLA): a cross-sectional study in Ecuador. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e740-e748. [PMID: 36972722 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00108-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND WHO recommends the implementation of control programmes for strongyloidiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. Specific recommendations on the diagnostic test or tests to be used for such programmes have yet to be defined. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the accuracy of five tests for strongyloidiasis. Secondary objectives were to evaluate acceptability and feasibility of use in an endemic area. METHODS The ESTRELLA study was a cross-sectional study for which we enrolled school-age children living in remote villages of Ecuador. Recruitment took place in two periods (Sept 9-19, 2021, and April 18-June 11, 2022). Children supplied one fresh stool sample and underwent blood collection via finger prick. Faecal tests were a modified Baermann method and an in-house real-time PCR test. Antibody assays were a recombinant antigen rapid diagnostic test; a crude antigen-based ELISA (Bordier ELISA); and an ELISA based on two recombinant antigens (Strongy Detect ELISA). A Bayesian latent class model was used to analyse the data. FINDINGS 778 children were enrolled in the study and provided the required samples. Strongy Detect ELISA had the highest sensitivity at 83·5% (95% credible interval 73·8-91·8), while Bordier ELISA had the highest specificity (100%, 99·8-100). Bordier ELISA plus either PCR or Baermann had the best performance in terms of positive and negative predictive values. The procedures were well accepted by the target population. However, study staff found the Baermann method cumbersome and time-consuming and were concerned about the amount of plastic waste produced. INTERPRETATION The combination of Bordier ELISA with either faecal test performed best in this study. Practical aspects (including costs, logistics, and local expertise) should, however, also be taken into consideration when selecting tests in different contexts. Acceptability might differ in other settings. FUNDING Italian Ministry of Health. TRANSLATION For the Spanish translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Tamarozzi
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Ángel G Guevara
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina, carrera de Medicina, Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Mariella Anselmi
- Centro de Epidemiologia Comunitaria y Medicina Tropical (CECOMET), Esmeraldas, Ecuador
| | - Yosselin Vicuña
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina, carrera de Medicina, Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Rosanna Prandi
- Centro de Epidemiologia Comunitaria y Medicina Tropical (CECOMET), Esmeraldas, Ecuador
| | - Monica Marquez
- Centro de Epidemiologia Comunitaria y Medicina Tropical (CECOMET), Esmeraldas, Ecuador
| | - Sandra Vivero
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina, carrera de Medicina, Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Marcia Racines
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina, carrera de Medicina, Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Cristina Mazzi
- Clinical Research Unit, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Matthew Denwood
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy.
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A review on innovative optical devices for the diagnosis of human soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis: from research and development to commercialization. Parasitology 2023; 150:137-149. [PMID: 36683384 PMCID: PMC10090604 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) and schistosome infections relies largely on conventional microscopy which has limited sensitivity, requires highly trained personnel and is error-prone. Rapid advances in miniaturization of optical systems, sensors and processors have enhanced research and development of digital and automated microscopes suitable for the detection of these diseases in resource-limited settings. While some studies have reported proof-of-principle results, others have evaluated the performance of working prototypes in field settings. The extensive commercialization of these innovative devices has, however, not yet been achieved. This review provides an overview of recent publications (2010–2022) on innovative field applicable optical devices which can be used for the diagnosis of STH and schistosome infections. Using an adapted technology readiness level (TRL) scale taking into account the WHO target product profile (TPP) for these diseases, the developmental stages of the devices were ranked to determine the readiness for practical applications in field settings. From the reviewed 18 articles, 19 innovative optical devices were identified and ranked. Almost all of the devices (85%) were ranked with a TRL score below 8 indicating that, most of the devices are not ready for commercialization and field use. The potential limitations of these innovative devices were discussed. We believe that the outcome of this review can guide the end-to-end development of automated digital microscopes aligned with the WHO TPP for the diagnosis of STH and schistosome infections in resource-limited settings.
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Krolewiecki A, Enbiale W, Gandasegui J, van Lieshout L, Kepha S, Messa Junior A, Bengtson M, Gelaye W, Escola V, Martinez-Valladares M, Cambra-Pellejà M, Algorta J, Martí-Soler H, Fleitas P, Ballester MR, Doyle SR, Williams NA, Legarda A, Mandomando I, Mwandawiro C, Muñoz J. An adaptive phase II/III safety and efficacy randomized controlled trial of single day or three-day fixed-dose albendazole-ivermectin co-formulation versus albendazole for the treatment of Trichuris trichiura and other STH infections. ALIVE trial protocol. Gates Open Res 2022; 6:62. [PMID: 36540062 PMCID: PMC9714317 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13615.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are targeted for control through mass drug-administration campaigns to prevent morbidity affecting at-risk groups in endemic regions. Although broadly successful, the use of albendazole and mebendazole achieved variable progress, with deficiencies against Trichuris trichiura and a predictable low efficacy against Strongyloides stercoralis. Novel drug combinations offer a potential solution, providing they can be delivered safely and maintain efficacy against all STH species. Here we present the protocol of a clinical trial to evaluate a fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet containing albendazole and ivermectin that will be compared against albendazole against STH . Methods: An adaptive phase II/III randomized controlled trial will be undertaken in STH endemic sites in Ethiopia, Kenya and Mozambique to evaluate an oral FDC of 400 mg albendazole and either 9- or 18 mg ivermectin. FDC will be administered as a single dose or single doses over three-consecutive days and assessed against a single dose of 400 mg albendazole. In the phase II trial, 126 T. trichiura-infected children weighting 15 to 45 kg will be treated in a dose-escalation manner to determine safety objectives. In the phase III trial, 1097 participants aged 5 to 18 years old infected with T. trichiura, hookworm and S. stercoralis will be recruited to determine safety and efficacy. The trial will be open-label with blinded outcome assessors. Cure rate measured 21-days after-treatment in duplicate Kato-Katz is the primary efficacy outcome. Secondary objectives include efficacy evaluation by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as an outcome measurement, description of pharmacokinetic parameters, palatability and acceptability evaluations, and monitoring of anthelmintic resistance. Conclusions: This trial with registrational goals seeks to evaluate an innovative fixed-dose combination of albendazole and ivermectin co-formulated tablets, with the goal of providing an anthelmintic regimen with improved efficacy and spectrum of coverage against STH. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT05124691 (18/11/2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Krolewiecki
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Oran, Salta, 4530, Argentina
| | - Wendemagegn Enbiale
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.,Department of Dermatology,, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Javier Gandasegui
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Stella Kepha
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Michel Bengtson
- Department of Parasitology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Woyneshet Gelaye
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Valdemiro Escola
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - María Martinez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-Universidad de León, Grulleros, León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, León, Spain
| | - María Cambra-Pellejà
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-Universidad de León, Grulleros, León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, León, Spain
| | | | - Helena Martí-Soler
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Fleitas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Oran, Salta, 4530, Argentina
| | - Maria Rosa Ballester
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of Health Sciences Blanquerna,, University Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Nana Aba Williams
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Almudena Legarda
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inácio Mandomando
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Charles Mwandawiro
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - José Muñoz
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Limited efficacy of repeated praziquantel treatment in Schistosoma mansoni infections as revealed by highly accurate diagnostics, PCR and UCP-LF CAA (RePST trial). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0011008. [PMID: 36548444 PMCID: PMC9822103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most studies assessing praziquantel (PZQ) efficacy have used relatively insensitive diagnostic methods, thereby overestimating cure rate (CR) and intensity reduction rate (IRR). To determine accurately PZQ efficacy, we employed more sensitive DNA and circulating antigen detection methods. METHODOLOGY A sub-analysis was performed based on a previously published trial conducted in children from Côte d'Ivoire with a confirmed Schistosoma mansoni infection, who were randomly assigned to a standard (single dose of PZQ) or intense treatment group (4 repeated doses of PZQ at 2-week intervals). CR and IRR were estimated based on PCR detecting DNA in a single stool sample and the up-converting particle lateral flow (UCP-LF) test detecting circulating anodic antigen (CAA) in a single urine sample, and compared with traditional Kato-Katz (KK) and point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Individuals positive by all diagnostic methods (i.e., KK, POC-CCA, PCR, and UCP-LF CAA) at baseline were included in the statistical analysis (n = 125). PCR showed a CR of 45% (95% confidence interval (CI) 32-59%) in the standard and 78% (95% CI 66-87%) in the intense treatment group, which is lower compared to the KK results (64%, 95% CI 52-75%) and 88%, 95% CI 78-93%). UCP-LF CAA showed a significantly lower CR in both groups, 16% (95% CI 11-24%) and 18% (95% CI 12-26%), even lower than observed by POC-CCA (31%, 95% CI 17-35% and 36%, 95% CI 26-47%). A substantial reduction in DNA and CAA-levels was observed after the first treatment, with no further decrease after additional treatment and no significant difference in IRR between treatment groups. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE The efficacy of (repeated) PZQ treatment was overestimated when using egg-based diagnostics (i.e. KK and PCR). Quantitative worm-based diagnostics (i.e. POC-CCA and UCP-LF CAA) revealed that active Schistosoma infections are still present despite multiple treatments. These results stress the need for using accurate diagnostic tools to monitor different PZQ treatment strategies, in particular when moving toward elimination of schistosomiasis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02868385.
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Advantages and Limitations of Microscopy and Molecular Detections for Diagnosis of Soil-transmitted Helminths: An Overview. Helminthologia 2022; 59:321-340. [PMID: 36875683 PMCID: PMC9979072 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2022-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
World Health Organization (WHO) reported that over 1.5 billion people are infected by soil-transmitted helminths (STH) worldwide in sub-Saharan Africa, the United States of America, China, and East Asia. Heavy infections and polyparasitism are associated with higher morbidity rates, and the patients are exposed to increased vulnerability to other diseases. Therefore, accurate diagnosis followed by mass treatment for morbidity control is necessary.STH diagnosis commonly involves the microscopic observation of the presence of the STH eggs and larvae in the faecal samples. Furthermore, molecular approaches are increasingly utilised in monitoring and surveillance as they show higher sensitivity. Their capability to differentiate hookworm species is an advantage over the Kato-Katz technique. This review discusses the advantages and limitations of microscopy and various molecular tools used for STH detection.
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Intestinal Helminth Infections in Ghanaian Children from the Ashanti Region between 2007 and 2008—A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Real-Time PCR-Based Assessment. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7110374. [DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7110374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of ongoing eradication programs, helminth infections are still a medical issue in Ghana. For follow-up assessments on the decline of regional helminth infections, historic baseline prevalence values obtained with standardized diagnostic procedures can be helpful. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, real-time PCR targeting the nematodes Ancylostoma spp. (ITS2), Ascaris lumbricoides (ITS1), Enterobius vermicularis (ITS1), Necator americanus (ITS2), Strongyloides stercoralis (18S rRNA) and Trichuris trichiura (18S rRNA), the trematodes Schistosoma spp. (ITS2) as well as the cestodes Hymenolepis nana (ITS1), Taenia saginata (ITS1) and Taenia solium (ITS1) was applied with 2046 DNA eluates from stool samples of Ghanaian children from the Ashanti region collected between 2007 and 2008 in order to retrospectively define prevalence values. The overall prevalence was low with 3.8% (n = 77) and only 0.1% (n = 2) double infections with helminths were recorded. The three most frequently detected enteric helminth species comprised 2% S. stercoralis (n = 41), 0.8% H. nana (n = 16), and 0.7% N. americanus (n = 14), while only sporadic infection events were recorded for other helminth species comprising 0.1% E. vermicularis (n = 2), 0.1% Schistosoma spp. (n = 2), 0.1% T. saginata (n = 1) and 0.1% T. trichiura (n = 1). A. lumbricoides, Ancylostoma spp. and T. solium were not detected at all. In conclusion, the retrospective assessment suggests a low prevalence of enteric helminth infections in Ghanaian children from the Ashanti Region within the assessment period between 2007 and 2008.
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Gandasegui J, Onwuchekwa C, Krolewiecki AJ, Doyle SR, Pullan RL, Enbiale W, Kepha S, Hatherell HA, van Lieshout L, Cambra-Pellejà M, Escola V, Muñoz J. Ivermectin and albendazole coadministration: opportunities for strongyloidiasis control. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:e341-e347. [PMID: 35850127 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00369-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, WHO recognised the importance of strongyloidiasis alongside soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in their 2021-30 roadmap, which aspires to target Strongyloides stercoralis with preventive chemotherapy by use of ivermectin. Combination treatment with both albendazole, the primary drug used to treat STH, and ivermectin, would improve the efficiency of mass drug administration targeting both STH and S stercoralis. In this Personal View, we discuss the challenges and opportunities towards the development of an efficient control programme for strongyloidiasis, particularly if it is to run concurrently with STH control. We argue the need to define the prevalence threshold to implement preventive chemotherapy for S stercoralis, the target populations and optimal dosing schedules, and discuss the added benefits of a fixed-dose coformulation of ivermectin and albendazole. Implementation of an efficient control programme will require improvements to current diagnostics, and validation of new diagnostics, to target and monitor S stercoralis infections, and consideration of the challenges of multispecies diagnostics for S stercoralis and STH control. Finally, the evolution of ivermectin resistance represents a credible risk to control S stercoralis; we argue that genome-wide approaches, together with improved genome resources, are needed to characterise and prevent the emergence of resistance. Overcoming these challenges will help to reduce strongyloidiasis burden and enhance the feasibility of controlling it worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gandasegui
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Chukwuemeka Onwuchekwa
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro J Krolewiecki
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Orán, Argentina
| | | | - Rachel L Pullan
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Wendemagegn Enbiale
- Bahir Dar University, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stella Kepha
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control, Nairobi, Kenya; Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hollie Ann Hatherell
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - María Cambra-Pellejà
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Universidad de León, Grulleros, Spain; Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, León, Spain
| | | | - José Muñoz
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Hoekstra PT, Madinga J, Lutumba P, van Grootveld R, Brienen EAT, Corstjens PLAM, van Dam GJ, Polman K, van Lieshout L. Diagnosis of Schistosomiasis without a Microscope: Evaluating Circulating Antigen (CCA, CAA) and DNA Detection Methods on Banked Samples of a Community-Based Survey from DR Congo. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7100315. [PMID: 36288056 PMCID: PMC9608707 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7100315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection of Schistosoma eggs in stool or urine is known for its low sensitivity in diagnosing light infections. Alternative diagnostics with better sensitivity while remaining highly specific, such as real-time PCR and circulating antigen detection, are progressively used as complementary diagnostic procedures but have not yet replaced microscopy. This study evaluates these alternative methods for the detection of Schistosoma infections in the absence of microscopy. Schistosomiasis presence was determined retrospectively in 314 banked stool and urine samples, available from a previous survey on the prevalence of taeniasis in a community in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, using real-time PCR, the point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) test, as well as the up-converting particle lateral flow circulating anodic antigen (UCP-LF CAA) test. Schistosoma DNA was present in urine (3%) and stool (28%) samples, while CCA (28%) and CAA (69%) were detected in urine. Further analysis of the generated data indicated stool-based PCR and the POC-CCA test to be suitable diagnostics for screening of S. mansoni infections, even in the absence of microscopy. A substantial proportion (60%) of the 215 CAA-positive cases showed low antigen concentrations, suggesting that even PCR and POC-CCA underestimated the “true” number of schistosome positives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pytsje T. Hoekstra
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - Joule Madinga
- Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pascal Lutumba
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa 1197, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of Tropical Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa 7948, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Rebecca van Grootveld
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eric A. T. Brienen
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Paul L. A. M. Corstjens
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Govert J. van Dam
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Katja Polman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Health Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Kann S, Concha G, Köller T, Alker J, Schotte U, Hahn A, Frickmann H, Warnke P. Enteric Bacteria and Parasites with Pathogenic Potential in Individuals of the Colombian Indigenous Tribe Kogui. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091862. [PMID: 36144464 PMCID: PMC9500837 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091862] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Kogui tribe is an indigenous population living in Colombia. The prevalence values of some enteric bacteria, parasites and microsporidia in Kogui stool samples (n = 192) were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thus, genus- or species-specifically recorded positivity rates among the Kogui community were assessed. Protozoa were the leading microorganisms in the stool samples of the Kogui, with an average of 1.5 pathogens per sample, followed by bacteria, with 0.6 pathogens per samples and helminths, with 0.3 pathogens per sample. Microsporidia were not detected. Thereby, the majority of detected protozoa comprised species with questionable etiological relevance such as Blastocystis hominis (n = 173) and Dientamoeba fragilis (n = 44), but also a considerable proportion of Giardia duodenalis (n = 71). Cryptosporidium spp., in contrast, was found in a single instance only. The majority of recorded bacteria were Campylobacter spp., with a strikingly high proportion of 50% (n = 96), followed by Shigella spp./enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) (n = 14) and Aeromonas spp. (n = 4). The quantitatively most important detected helminths were Ascaris spp. (n = 15), Hymenolepis spp. (n = 14) and Trichuris trichiura (n = 12), followed by Necator americanus (n = 6), Taenia spp. (n = 3) and Strongyloides stercoralis (n = 3) in descending order of abundance. As expected, the Kogui people's living conditions comprising poverty, lack of access to clean water and simple housing favor a high number of gastrointestinal infections. Preventive approaches are needed to reduce their risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Kann
- Missionsärztliches Institut, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.K.); (P.W.)
| | - Gustavo Concha
- Organization Wiwa Yugumaiun Bunkauanarrua Tayrona (OWYBT), Department Health Advocacy, Valledupar 2000001, Colombia
| | - Thomas Köller
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Juliane Alker
- Department A-Veterinary Medicine, Central Institute of the Bundeswehr Medical Service Kiel, 24119 Kronshagen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schotte
- Department A-Veterinary Medicine, Central Institute of the Bundeswehr Medical Service Kiel, 24119 Kronshagen, Germany
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Warnke
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.K.); (P.W.)
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Frickmann H. Molecular diagnostic approaches for enteric parasites: an issue of relevance for deployed soldiers? Mil Med Res 2022; 9:28. [PMID: 35681216 PMCID: PMC9178810 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-022-00391-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 22529, Hamburg, Germany. .,Institute for Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
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15
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Liang S, Ponpetch K, Zhou YB, Guo J, Erko B, Stothard JR, Murad MH, Zhou XN, Satrija F, Webster JP, Remais JV, Utzinger J, Garba A. Diagnosis of Schistosoma infection in non-human animal hosts: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010389. [PMID: 35522699 PMCID: PMC9116658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reliable and field-applicable diagnosis of schistosome infections in non-human animals is important for surveillance, control, and verification of interruption of human schistosomiasis transmission. This study aimed to summarize uses of available diagnostic techniques through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We systematically searched the literature and reports comparing two or more diagnostic tests in non-human animals for schistosome infection. Out of 4,909 articles and reports screened, 19 met our inclusion criteria, four of which were considered in the meta-analysis. A total of 14 techniques (parasitologic, immunologic, and molecular) and nine types of non-human animals were involved in the studies. Notably, four studies compared parasitologic tests (miracidium hatching test (MHT), Kato-Katz (KK), the Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory technique (DBL), and formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation-digestion (FEA-SD)) with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and sensitivity estimates (using qPCR as the reference) were extracted and included in the meta-analyses, showing significant heterogeneity across studies and animal hosts. The pooled estimate of sensitivity was 0.21 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03-0.48) with FEA-SD showing highest sensitivity (0.89, 95% CI: 0.65-1.00). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that the parasitologic technique FEA-SD and the molecular technique qPCR are the most promising techniques for schistosome diagnosis in non-human animal hosts. Future studies are needed for validation and standardization of the techniques for real-world field applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Liang
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Keerati Ponpetch
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Sirindhorn College of Public Health Trang, Faculty of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Trang, Thailand
| | - Yi-Biao Zhou
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiagang Guo
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Berhanu Erko
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - J. Russell Stothard
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Merseyside, United Kingdom
| | - M. Hassan Murad
- Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fadjar Satrija
- Department of Animal Infectious Diseases and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Joanne P. Webster
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Justin V. Remais
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Amadou Garba
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Multicentric Evaluation of SeeGene Allplex Real-Time PCR Assays Targeting 28 Bacterial, Microsporidal and Parasitic Nucleic Acid Sequences in Human Stool Samples. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12041007. [PMID: 35454056 PMCID: PMC9032746 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12041007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior to the implementation of new diagnostic techniques, a thorough evaluation is mandatory in order to ensure diagnostic reliability. If positive samples are scarcely available, however, such evaluations can be difficult to perform. Here, we evaluated four SeeGene Allplex real-time PCR assays amplifying a total of 28 bacteria, microsporidal and parasitic nucleic acid sequence targets in human stool samples in a multicentric approach. In the assessments with strongly positive samples, sensitivity values ranging between 13% and 100% were recorded for bacteria, between 0% and 100% for protozoa and between 7% and 100% for helminths and microsporidia; for the weakly positive samples, the recorded sensitivity values for bacteria ranged from 0% to 100%; for protozoa, from 0% to 40%; and for helminths and microsporidia, from 0% to 53%. For bacteria, the recorded specificity was in the range between 87% and 100%, while a specificity of 100% was recorded for all assessed PCRs targeting parasites and microsporidia. The intra- and inter-assay variations were generally low. Specifically for some helminth species, the sensitivity could be drastically increased by applying manual nucleic acid extraction instead of the manufacturer-recommended automatic procedure, while such effects were less obvious for the bacteria and protozoa. In summary, the testing with the chosen positive control samples showed varying degrees of discordance between the evaluated Allplex assays and the applied in-house reference assays associated with higher cycle threshold values in the Allplex assays, suggesting that samples with very low pathogen densities might be missed. As the targeted species can occur as harmless colonizers in the gut of individuals in high-endemicity settings as well, future studies should aim at assessing the clinical relevance of the latter hint.
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Kazienga A, Coffeng LE, de Vlas SJ, Levecke B. Two-stage lot quality assurance sampling framework for monitoring and evaluation of neglected tropical diseases, allowing for imperfect diagnostics and spatial heterogeneity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010353. [PMID: 35394996 PMCID: PMC9020685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010353] [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: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is a key component of large-scale neglected tropical diseases (NTD) control programs. Diagnostic tests deployed in these M&E surveys are often imperfect, and it remains unclear how this affects the population-based program decision-making.
Methodology
We developed a 2-stage lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) framework for decision-making that allows for both imperfect diagnostics and spatial heterogeneity of infections. We applied the framework to M&E of soil-transmitted helminth control programs as a case study. For this, we explored the impact of the diagnostic performance (sensitivity and specificity), spatial heterogeneity (intra-cluster correlation), and survey design on program decision-making around the prevalence decisions thresholds recommended by WHO (2%, 10%, 20% and 50%) and the associated total survey costs.
Principal findings
The survey design currently recommended by WHO (5 clusters and 50 subjects per cluster) may lead to incorrect program decisions around the 2% and 10% prevalence thresholds, even when perfect diagnostic tests are deployed. To reduce the risk of incorrect decisions around the 2% prevalence threshold, including more clusters (≥10) and deploying highly specific diagnostic methods (≥98%) are the most-cost saving strategies when spatial heterogeneity is moderate-to-high (intra-cluster correlation >0.017). The higher cost and lower throughput of improved diagnostic tests are compensated by lower required sample sizes, though only when the cost per test is <6.50 US$ and sample throughput is ≥3 per hour.
Conclusion/Significance
Our framework provides a means to assess and update M&E guidelines and guide product development choices for NTD. Using soil-transmitted helminths as a case study, we show that current M&E guidelines may severely fall short, particularly in low-endemic and post-control settings. Furthermore, specificity rather than sensitivity is a critical parameter to consider. When the geographical distribution of an NTD within a district is highly heterogeneous, sampling more clusters (≥10) may be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adama Kazienga
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- * E-mail: (KA); (BL)
| | - Luc E. Coffeng
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sake J. de Vlas
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- * E-mail: (KA); (BL)
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Walker M, Freitas LT, Halder JB, Brack M, Keiser J, King CH, Levecke B, Ai-Lian Lim Y, Pieri O, Sow D, Stothard JR, Webster JP, Zhou XN, Terry RF, Guérin PJ, Basáñez MG. Improving anthelmintic treatment for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases through sharing and reuse of individual participant data. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:5. [PMID: 35493199 PMCID: PMC9020536 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17468.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO, https://www.iddo.org) has launched a clinical data platform for the collation, curation, standardisation and reuse of individual participant data (IPD) on treatments for two of the most globally important neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs). This initiative aims to harness the power of data-sharing by facilitating collaborative joint analyses of pooled datasets to generate robust evidence on the efficacy and safety of anthelminthic treatment regimens. A crucial component of this endeavour has been the development of a Research Agenda to promote engagement with the SCH and STH research and disease control communities by highlighting key questions that could be tackled using data shared through the IDDO platform. Here, we give a contextual overview of the priority research themes articulated in the Research Agenda-a 'living' document hosted on the IDDO website-and describe the three-stage consultation process behind its development. We also discuss the sustainability and future directions of the platform, emphasising throughout the power and promise of ethical and equitable sharing and reuse of clinical data to support the elimination of NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Walker
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, Hatfield, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Luzia T. Freitas
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, Hatfield, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julia B. Halder
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, Hatfield, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew Brack
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charles H. King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Translational Physiology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Yvonne Ai-Lian Lim
- Department of Parasitology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Otavio Pieri
- Laboratory of Health and Environment Education, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janiero, Brazil
| | - Doudou Sow
- Service de Parasitologie, Université Gaston Berger de Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Senegal
| | - J. Russell Stothard
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Joanne P. Webster
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, Hatfield, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Robert F. Terry
- Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Maria-Gloria Basáñez
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Traub RJ, Zendejas-Heredia PA, Massetti L, Colella V. Zoonotic hookworms of dogs and cats - lessons from the past to inform current knowledge and future directions of research. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1233-1241. [PMID: 34748782 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The early-to-mid 1900s was an era that marked the first published reports of clinical cases and experimental human infections that provided valuable evidence to inform our current knowledge on the zoonotic nature of the canid and felid hookworms. To this day, descriptions of the pathognomonic syndromes produced in humans by these early pioneers provide vital information on the putative geographical distribution of these hookworm species, even before their discovery in dogs and cats. Cases of hookworm-related cutaneous larvae migrans and Ancylostoma caninum-induced eosinophilic enteritis continue to be reported in the medical literature, most commonly in recent migrants or returned travellers who have spent time in regions in which these canine and feline hookworms remain highly endemic. Ancylostoma ceylanicum, now recognised as the second most common hookworm infecting humans in the Asia Pacific region, is also being reported in regions of Africa and South America previously assumed free of this parasite. Despite the substantial technological progress made in the field of parasite diagnostics, our knowledge on the epidemiology and population-level morbidity impacts of these zoonotic hookworms in humans has remained relatively stagnant over the last few decades, with 'covert' infections continuing to remain undetected by currently available forms of routine diagnostics. Improved diagnostic tools that enable accurate and rapid species-specific diagnosis of zoonotic hookworm infections in humans are required to provide the necessary evidence to advocate for future investments in One Health-based intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Patsy A Zendejas-Heredia
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luca Massetti
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia
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Costa IN, Bosqui LR, Corral MA, Costa-Cruz JM, Gryschek RCB, de Paula FM. Diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis: Application in clinical practice. Acta Trop 2021; 223:106081. [PMID: 34364894 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106081] [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] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This review considers the advantages and disadvantages of parasitological techniques, methods of detecting antibodies and antigens, as well as molecular biology techniques in the diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis. In addition, it elucidates the potential of different techniques for rapid and effective detection of clinical cases, thus enabling early treatment and preventing fatal consequences of this helminthiasis.
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Grau-Pujol B, Martí-Soler H, Escola V, Demontis M, Jamine JC, Gandasegui J, Muchisse O, Cambra-Pellejà M, Cossa A, Martinez-Valladares M, Sacoor C, Van Lieshout L, Cano J, Giorgi E, Muñoz J. Towards soil-transmitted helminths transmission interruption: The impact of diagnostic tools on infection prediction in a low intensity setting in Southern Mozambique. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009803. [PMID: 34695108 PMCID: PMC8568186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
World Health Organization goals against soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) are pointing towards seeking their elimination as a public health problem: reducing to less than 2% the proportion of moderate and heavy infections. Some regions are reaching WHO goals, but transmission could rebound if strategies are discontinued without an epidemiological evaluation. For that, sensitive diagnostic methods to detect low intensity infections and localization of ongoing transmission are crucial. In this work, we estimated and compared the STH infection as obtained by different diagnostic methods in a low intensity setting. We conducted a cross-sectional study enrolling 792 participants from a district in Mozambique. Two stool samples from two consecutive days were collected from each participant. Samples were analysed by Telemann, Kato-Katz and qPCR for STH detection. We evaluated diagnostic sensitivity using a composite reference standard. By geostatistical methods, we estimated neighbourhood prevalence of at least one STH infection for each diagnostic method. We used environmental, demographical and socioeconomical indicators to account for any existing spatial heterogeneity in infection. qPCR was the most sensitive technique compared to composite reference standard: 92% (CI: 83%- 97%) for A. lumbricoides, 95% (CI: 88%- 98%) for T. trichiura and 95% (CI: 91%- 97%) for hookworm. qPCR also estimated the highest neighbourhood prevalences for at least one STH infection in a low intensity setting. While 10% of the neighbourhoods showed a prevalence above 20% when estimating with single Kato-Katz from one stool and Telemann from one stool, 86% of the neighbourhoods had a prevalence above 20% when estimating with qPCR. In low intensity settings, STH estimated prevalence of infection may be underestimated if based on Kato-Katz. qPCR diagnosis outperformed the microscopy methods. Thus, implementation of qPCR based predictive maps at STH control and elimination programmes would disclose hidden transmission and facilitate targeted interventions for transmission interruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Grau-Pujol
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
- Mundo Sano Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
| | - Helena Martí-Soler
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valdemiro Escola
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Maria Demontis
- Department of Parasitology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Javier Gandasegui
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Grulleros, León, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, León, Spain
| | - Osvaldo Muchisse
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Maria Cambra-Pellejà
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Grulleros, León, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, León, Spain
| | - Anelsio Cossa
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Maria Martinez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Grulleros, León, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, León, Spain
| | - Charfudin Sacoor
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Lisette Van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jorge Cano
- Expanded Special Project for Elimination of NTDs, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, The Republic of the Congo
| | - Emanuele Giorgi
- Centre for Health Informatics, Computing and Statistics, Lancaster Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Muñoz
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Blahove MR, Carter JR. Flavivirus Persistence in Wildlife Populations. Viruses 2021; 13:v13102099. [PMID: 34696529 PMCID: PMC8541186 DOI: 10.3390/v13102099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A substantial number of humans are at risk for infection by vector-borne flaviviruses, resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. These viruses also infect wildlife at a considerable rate, persistently cycling between ticks/mosquitoes and small mammals and reptiles and non-human primates and humans. Substantially increasing evidence of viral persistence in wildlife continues to be reported. In addition to in humans, viral persistence has been shown to establish in mammalian, reptile, arachnid, and mosquito systems, as well as insect cell lines. Although a considerable amount of research has centered on the potential roles of defective virus particles, autophagy and/or apoptosis-induced evasion of the immune response, and the precise mechanism of these features in flavivirus persistence have yet to be elucidated. In this review, we present findings that aid in understanding how vector-borne flavivirus persistence is established in wildlife. Research studies to be discussed include determining the critical roles universal flavivirus non-structural proteins played in flaviviral persistence, the advancement of animal models of viral persistence, and studying host factors that allow vector-borne flavivirus replication without destructive effects on infected cells. These findings underscore the viral–host relationships in wildlife animals and could be used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the establishment of viral persistence in these animals.
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Assessment of the required performance and the development of corresponding program decision rules for neglected tropical diseases diagnostic tests: Monitoring and evaluation of soil-transmitted helminthiasis control programs as a case study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009740. [PMID: 34520474 PMCID: PMC8480900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the World Health Organization established the Diagnostic Technical Advisory Group to identify and prioritize diagnostic needs for neglected tropical diseases, and to ultimately describe the minimal and ideal characteristics for new diagnostic tests (the so-called target product profiles (TPPs)). We developed two generic frameworks: one to explore and determine the required sensitivity (probability to correctly detect diseased persons) and specificity (probability to correctly detect persons free of disease), and another one to determine the corresponding samples sizes and the decision rules based on a multi-category lot quality assurance sampling (MC-LQAS) approach that accounts for imperfect tests. We applied both frameworks for monitoring and evaluation of soil-transmitted helminthiasis control programs. Our study indicates that specificity rather than sensitivity will become more important when the program approaches the endgame of elimination and that the requirements for both parameters are inversely correlated, resulting in multiple combinations of sensitivity and specificity that allow for reliable decision making. The MC-LQAS framework highlighted that improving diagnostic performance results in a smaller sample size for the same level of program decision making. In other words, the additional costs per diagnostic tests with improved diagnostic performance may be compensated by lower operational costs in the field. Based on our results we proposed the required minimal and ideal diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for diagnostic tests applied in monitoring and evaluating of soil-transmitted helminthiasis control programs. The World Health Organization established an advisory group to identify and prioritize diagnostic needs for neglected tropical diseases, and to ultimately describe the minimal and ideal characteristics for new diagnostic tests. To support this advisory group, we developed two generic frameworks, which we applied to soil-transmitted helminthiases: one to explore and determine the required sensitivity (probability to correctly detect a diseased person) and specificity (probability to correctly detect a person free of disease), and another one to determine the corresponding samples size and decision rules during surveys. We showed that specificity rather than sensitivity will become more important when the program approaches the endgame of elimination and that the requirements for both parameters are inversely correlated, resulting in multiple combinations of sensitivity and specificity that allow for reliable decision making. We also highlighted that improving diagnostic performance results in smaller sample sizes for the same level of program decision making. In other words, the additional costs per diagnostic tests with improved diagnostic performance can be compensated by the lower operational costs in the field. Based on our results we proposed to the advisory group the required performance characteristics of diagnostic tests for soil-transmitted helminthiasis control programs.
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Verweij JJ. Validation and maintaining laboratory developed molecular tests compliant with ISO15189 for diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 22:595-601. [PMID: 34424112 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1971974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although, in the past few decades molecular diagnostics of parasitic infections have been accepted as first-line diagnostics, laboratories tend to be reluctant of introducing nucleic acid based tests as they dread the validation of laboratory developed tests (LDTs) compliant with ISO1589. AREAS COVERED This paper describes how to set tailor-made performance characteristics for the validation of laboratory developed tests (LDTs) for the molecular diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections complying with the ISO 15189 guidelines. Then, just as important, maintaining these tests by daily monitoring, external quality assessment schemes, and reassessment of the test set-up. EXPERT OPINION Tailoring performance characteristics for the validation of LDTs defining criteria that make sense and actually leading to a process of continuous quality improvement in the day-to-day practice of a diagnostic laboratory. It is essential or even obligatory to modify these characteristics, skip, or to add additional characteristics based on personal or changing insights fitted for a specific setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaco J Verweij
- Microvida Laboratory for Medical Microbiology and Immunology, ElisabethTweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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25
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Hoekstra PT, van Dam GJ, van Lieshout L. Context-Specific Procedures for the Diagnosis of Human Schistosomiasis – A Mini Review. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.722438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, affecting over 250 million people mainly in the tropics. Clinically, the disease can present itself with acute symptoms, a stage which is relatively more common in naive travellers originating from non-endemic regions. It can also develop into chronic disease, with the outcome depending on the Schistosoma species involved, the duration and intensity of infection and several host-related factors. A range of diagnostic tests is available to determine Schistosoma infection, including microscopy, antibody detection, antigen detection using the Point-Of-Care Circulating Cathodic Antigen (POC-CCA) test and the Up-Converting Particle Lateral Flow Circulating Anodic Antigen (UCP-LF CAA) test, as well as Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) such as real-time PCR. In this mini review, we discuss these different diagnostic procedures and explore their most appropriate use in context-specific settings. With regard to endemic settings, diagnostic approaches are described based on their suitability for individual diagnosis, monitoring control programs, determining elimination as a public health problem and eventual interruption of transmission. For non-endemic settings, we summarize the most suitable diagnostic approaches for imported cases, either acute or chronic. Additionally, diagnostic options for disease-specific clinical presentations such as genital schistosomiasis and neuro-schistosomiasis are included. Finally, the specific role of diagnostic tests within research settings is described, including a controlled human schistosomiasis infection model and several clinical studies. In conclusion, context-specific settings have different requirements for a diagnostic test, stressing the importance of a well-considered decision of the most suitable diagnostic procedure.
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The role of diagnostic technologies to measure progress toward WHO 2030 targets for soil-transmitted helminth control programs. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009422. [PMID: 34081694 PMCID: PMC8174700 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Papaiakovou M, Littlewood DTJ, Gasser RB, Anderson RM. How qPCR complements the WHO roadmap (2021-2030) for soil-transmitted helminths. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:698-708. [PMID: 33931342 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Complementing the launch of the World Health Organization (WHO) roadmap (2021-2030) we explore key elements needing attention before recruitment of qPCR as the main diagnostics tool to confirm reduction or elimination of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) transmission in both control and elimination programmes. Given the performance limitations of conventional methods, a proposed harmonised qPCR will provide a diagnostic tool, with the sensitivity and specificity required to monitor low-intensity infections, following mass drug administration (MDA). Technical and logistical challenges associated with introducing qPCR as a stand-alone tool are highlighted, and a decision-making scheme on how qPCR can support surveillance, resistance detection, and elimination is presented. An accurate point-of-care (POC) diagnostic test needs to be developed to support STH control in the field, and STH biorepositories need to be established and maintained to ensure that reference materials are available for research and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Papaiakovou
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - D Timothy J Littlewood
- Science Directorate, Natural History Museum, London, UK; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Roy M Anderson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Imperial College London, London, UK
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28
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Quantitative PCR in soil-transmitted helminth epidemiology and control programs: Toward a universal standard. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009134. [PMID: 33661910 PMCID: PMC7932098 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
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Hoffmann T, Hahn A, Verweij JJ, Leboulle G, Landt O, Strube C, Kann S, Dekker D, May J, Frickmann H, Loderstädt U. Differing Effects of Standard and Harsh Nucleic Acid Extraction Procedures on Diagnostic Helminth Real-Time PCRs Applied to Human Stool Samples. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020188. [PMID: 33572338 PMCID: PMC7916106 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess standard and harsher nucleic acid extraction schemes for diagnostic helminth real-time PCR approaches from stool samples. A standard procedure for nucleic acid extraction from stool and a procedure including bead-beating as well as proteinase K digestion were compared with group-, genus-, and species-specific real-time PCR assays targeting helminths and nonhelminth pathogens in human stool samples. From 25 different in-house and commercial helminth real-time PCR assays applied to 77 stool samples comprising 67 historic samples and 10 external quality assessment scheme samples positively tested for helminths, higher numbers of positive test results were observed after bead-beating-based nucleic acid extraction for 5/25 (20%) real-time PCR assays irrespective of specificity issues. Lower cycle threshold values were observed for one real-time PCR assay after the standard extraction scheme, and for four assays after the bead-beating-based scheme. Agreement between real-time PCR results after both nucleic acid extraction strategies according to Cohen’s kappa ranged from poor to almost perfect for the different assays. Varying agreement was observed in eight nonhelminth real-time PCR assays applied to 67 historic stool samples. The study indicates highly variable effects of harsh nucleic acid extraction approaches depending on the real-time PCR assay used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Hoffmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (T.H.); or (H.F.)
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Jaco J. Verweij
- Laboratory for Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Elisabeth Tweesteden Hospital, 5042 AD Tilburg, The Netherlands;
| | | | - Olfert Landt
- TIB MOLBIOL, 12103 Berlin, Germany; (G.L.); (O.L.)
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Simone Kann
- Medical Mission Institute, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Denise Dekker
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (D.D.); (J.M.)
| | - Jürgen May
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (D.D.); (J.M.)
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (T.H.); or (H.F.)
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Ulrike Loderstädt
- Department of Hospital Hygiene & Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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30
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Lagatie O, Verheyen A, Van Hoof K, Lauwers D, Odiere MR, Vlaminck J, Levecke B, Stuyver LJ. Detection of Ascaris lumbricoides infection by ABA-1 coproantigen ELISA. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008807. [PMID: 33057357 PMCID: PMC7591086 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal worms, or soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), affect hundreds of millions of people in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The most prevalent STH is Ascaris lumbricoides. Through large-scale deworming programs, World Health Organization aims to reduce morbidity, caused by moderate-to-heavy intensity infections, below 2%. In order to monitor these control programs, stool samples are examined microscopically for the presence of worm eggs. This procedure requires well-trained personnel and is known to show variability between different operators interpreting the slides. We have investigated whether ABA-1, one of the excretory-secretory products of A. lumbricoides can be used as a coproantigen marker for infection with this parasite. Polyclonal antibodies were generated and a coproantigen ELISA was developed. Using this ELISA, it was found that ABA-1 in stool detected Ascaris infection with a sensitivity of 91.5% and a specificity of 95.3%. Our results also demonstrate that there is a correlation between ABA-1 levels in stool and A. lumbricoides DNA detected in stool. Using a threshold of 18.2 ng/g stool the ABA-1 ELISA correctly assigned 68.4% of infected individuals to the moderate-to-heavy intensity infection group, with a specificity of 97.1%. Furthermore, the levels of ABA-1 in stool were shown to rapidly and strongly decrease upon administration of a standard anthelminthic treatment (single oral dose of 400 mg albendazole). In an Ascaris suum infection model in pigs, it was found that ABA-1 remained undetectable until day 28 and was detected at day 42 or 56, concurrent with the appearance of worm eggs in the stool. This report demonstrates that ABA-1 can be considered an Ascaris -specific coproantigen marker that can be used to monitor infection intensity. It also opens the path for development of point-of-care immunoassay-based tests to determine A. lumbricoides infection in stool at the sample collection site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Lagatie
- Janssen Global Public Health, Janssen R&D, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | | | - Dax Lauwers
- Janssen Global Public Health, Janssen R&D, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Maurice R. Odiere
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Johnny Vlaminck
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, University of Ghent, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, University of Ghent, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Vlaminck J, Cools P, Albonico M, Ame S, Ayana M, Dana D, Keiser J, Matoso LF, Montresor A, Mekonnen Z, Corrêa-Oliveira R, Pinto SA, Sayasone S, Vercruysse J, Levecke B. An in-depth report of quality control on Kato-Katz and data entry in four clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of albendazole against soil-transmitted helminth infections. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008625. [PMID: 32956390 PMCID: PMC7549791 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efforts to control soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections have intensified over the past decade. Field-survey data on STH prevalence, infection intensity and drug efficacy is necessary to guide the implementation of control programs and should be of the best possible quality. METHODOLOGY During four clinical trials designed to evaluate the efficacy of albendazole against STHs in Brazil, Ethiopia, Lao PDR and Tanzania, quality control (QC) was performed on the duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears and the data entry. We analyzed datasets following QC on both fecal egg counts (FECs) and data entry, and compared the prevalence of any STH infection and moderate-to-heavy intensity (MHI) infections and the drug efficacy against STH infections. RESULTS Across the four study sites, a total of 450 out of 4,830 (9.3%) Kato-Katz thick smears were re-examined. Discrepancies in FECs varied from ~3% (hookworms) to ~6.5% (Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura). The difference in STH prevalence and prevalence of MHI infections using the datasets with and without QC of the FECs did not exceed 0.3%, except for hookworm infections in Tanzania, where we noted a 2.2 percentage point increase in MHI infections (pre-QC: 1.6% vs. post-QC: 3.8%). There was a 100% agreement in the classification of drug efficacy of albendazole against STH between the two datasets. In total, 201 of the 28,980 (0.65%) data entries that were made to digitize the FECs were different between both data-entry clerks. Nevertheless, the overall prevalence of STH, the prevalence of MHI infections and the classification of drug efficacy remained largely unaffected. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE In these trials, where staff was informed that QC would take place, minimal changes in study outcomes were reported following QC on FECs or data entry. Nevertheless, imposing QC did reduce the number of errors. Therefore, application of QC together with proper training of the personnel and the availability of clear standard operating procedures is expected to support higher data quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Vlaminck
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- * E-mail: (JV); (BL)
| | - Piet Cools
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Marco Albonico
- Center for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Shaali Ame
- Laboratory Division, Public Health Laboratory-Ivo de Carneri, Chake Chake, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Mio Ayana
- Jimma University Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Dana
- Jimma University Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo F. Matoso
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Research Center René Rachou—FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Nursing school, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Antonio Montresor
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Zeleke Mekonnen
- Jimma University Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | | | - Simone A. Pinto
- Nursing school, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Somphou Sayasone
- Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Jozef Vercruysse
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- * E-mail: (JV); (BL)
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