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Zaw AS, Win ESS, Yan SW, Thein KS, Verma V, McLean ARD, Kyaw TT, White NJ, Smithuis FM. Successful elimination of falciparum malaria following the introduction of community-based health workers in Eastern Myanmar: A retrospective analysis. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004318. [PMID: 38033155 PMCID: PMC10721164 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myanmar has a large majority of all malaria in the Greater Mekong Subregion. In the past decade, substantial progress was made in malaria control. The residual burden of malaria is in remote areas where currently recommended malaria elimination approaches are generally not feasible. In such hard-to-reach communities in Mon state, East Myanmar, Medical Action Myanmar introduced community health workers (CHWs) to deliver early diagnosis and treatment for malaria. We conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the impact of this intervention. METHODS AND FINDINGS This retrospective analysis involved data collected routinely from a CHW programme in Mon state conducted between 2011 and 2018. A network of 172 CHWs serving a population of 236,340 was deployed. These CHWs carried out 260,201 malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to investigate patients with acute febrile illness. The median blood examination rate was 1.33%; interquartile range (IQR) (0.38 to 3.48%); 95% CI [1.28%, 1.36%] per month. The changes in malaria incidence and prevalence in patients presenting with fever were assessed using negative binomial regression mixed effects models fitted to the observed data. The incidence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria (including mixed infections) declined by 70%; 95% CI [65%, 75%]; p < 0.001 for each year of CHW operation. The incidence of P. vivax malaria declined by 56%; 95% CI [50%, 62%]; p < 0.001 per year. Malaria RDT positivity rates for P. falciparum and P. vivax declined by 69%; 95% CI [62%, 75%]; p < 0.001 and 53%; 95% CI [47%, 59%]; p < 0.001 per year, respectively. Between 2017 and 2018, only 1 imported P. falciparum case was detected in 54,961 RDTs. The main limitations of the study are use of retrospective data with possible unidentified confounders and uncharacterised population movement. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of CHWs providing community-based malaria diagnosis and treatment and basic health care services in remote communities in Mon state was associated with a substantial reduction in malaria. Within 6 years, P. falciparum was eliminated and the incidence of P. vivax fell markedly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aye Sandar Zaw
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | | | | | | | - Alistair R. D. McLean
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Thar Tun Kyaw
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Nicholas J. White
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Frank M. Smithuis
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Greer RC, Althaus T, Dittrich S, Butler CC, Cheah PY, Wangrangsimakul T, Smithuis FM, Day NP, Lubell Y. The impact of C-reactive protein testing on treatment-seeking behavior and patients' attitudes toward their care in Myanmar and Thailand. Healthc Low Resour Settings 2023; 11:11278. [PMID: 38332803 PMCID: PMC7615608 DOI: 10.4081/hls.2023.11278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) point-of-care testing can reduce antibiotic prescribing in primary care patients with febrile and respiratory illness, yet little is known about its effects on treatment-seeking behavior. If patients go on to source antibiotics elsewhere, the impact of CRP testing will be limited. A randomized controlled trial assessed the impact of CRP testing on antibiotic prescriptions in Myanmar and Thai primary care patients with a febrile illness. Here we report patients' treatment-seeking behavior before and during the two-week study period. Self-reported antibiotic use is compared against urine antibacterial activity. Patients' opinions towards CRP testing were evaluated. Antibiotic use before study enrolment was reported by 5.4% while antimicrobial activity was detected in 20.8% of samples tested. During the study period, 14.8% of the patients sought additional healthcare, and 4.3% sourced their own antibiotics. Neither were affected by CRP testing. Overall, patients' satisfaction with their care and CRP testing was high. CRP testing did not affect patients' treatment-seeking behavior during the study period whilst modestly reducing antibiotic prescriptions. CRP testing appears to be acceptable to patients and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C. Greer
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas Althaus
- The Department of Health Action, Monaco, Monaco
- Monaco Scientific Centre, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- FIND, global alliance for diagnostic, Geneva, Switzerland
- Deggendorf Institute of Technology, European-Campus Rottal Inn, Pfarrkirchen, Germany
| | - Christopher C. Butler
- Clinical Trials Unit, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tri Wangrangsimakul
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Frank M. Smithuis
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Nicolas P.J. Day
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Abstract
The countries of the Greater Mekong subregion-Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam-have set a target of eliminating all Plasmodium falciparum malaria by 2025. Generous funding has been provided, principally by The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, to achieve this objective and thereby prevent the spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum to India and Africa. As the remaining time to reach agreed targets is limited and future external funding is uncertain, it is important to be realistic about the future and spend what remaining funding is left, wisely. New, labour intensive, vertical approaches to malaria elimination (such as the 1-3-7 approach) should not be promoted as these are unproven, likely to be ineffective, costly, and unlikely to be sustainable in the most remote areas where malaria prevalence is highest. Instead, the focus should be on reducing the malaria burden more rapidly in the remaining localised high transmission foci with proven effective interventions, including mass drug administration. Well supported community-based health workers are the key operatives in controlling malaria, but their remit should be broadened to sustain the uptake of their services as malaria declines. This strategy is a sustainable evolution, which will improve rural health care while ensuring progress towards malaria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M Smithuis
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar; Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Nicholas J White
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Mansoor R, Commons RJ, Douglas NM, Abuaku B, Achan J, Adam I, Adjei GO, Adjuik M, Alemayehu BH, Allan R, Allen EN, Anvikar AR, Arinaitwe E, Ashley EA, Ashurst H, Asih PBS, Bakyaita N, Barennes H, Barnes KI, Basco L, Bassat Q, Baudin E, Bell DJ, Bethell D, Bjorkman A, Boulton C, Bousema T, Brasseur P, Bukirwa H, Burrow R, Carrara VI, Cot M, D’Alessandro U, Das D, Das S, Davis TME, Desai M, Djimde AA, Dondorp AM, Dorsey G, Drakeley CJ, Duparc S, Espié E, Etard JF, Falade C, Faucher JF, Filler S, Fogg C, Fukuda M, Gaye O, Genton B, Ghulam Rahim A, Gilayeneh J, Gonzalez R, Grais RF, Grandesso F, Greenwood B, Grivoyannis A, Hatz C, Hodel EM, Humphreys GS, Hwang J, Ishengoma D, Juma E, Kachur SP, Kager PA, Kamugisha E, Kamya MR, Karema C, Kayentao K, Kazienga A, Kiechel JR, Kofoed PE, Koram K, Kremsner PG, Lalloo DG, Laman M, Lee SJ, Lell B, Maiga AW, Mårtensson A, Mayxay M, Mbacham W, McGready R, Menan H, Ménard D, Mockenhaupt F, Moore BR, Müller O, Nahum A, Ndiaye JL, Newton PN, Ngasala BE, Nikiema F, Nji AM, Noedl H, Nosten F, Ogutu BR, Ojurongbe O, Osorio L, Ouédraogo JB, Owusu-Agyei S, Pareek A, Penali LK, Piola P, Plucinski M, Premji Z, Ramharter M, Richmond CL, Rombo L, Roper C, Rosenthal PJ, Salman S, Same-Ekobo A, Sibley C, Sirima SB, Smithuis FM, Somé FA, Staedke SG, Starzengruber P, Strub-Wourgaft N, Sutanto I, Swarthout TD, Syafruddin D, Talisuna AO, Taylor WR, Temu EA, Thwing JI, Tinto H, Tjitra E, Touré OA, Tran TH, Ursing J, Valea I, Valentini G, van Vugt M, von Seidlein L, Ward SA, Were V, White NJ, Woodrow CJ, Yavo W, Yeka A, Zongo I, Simpson JA, Guerin PJ, Stepniewska K, Price RN. Haematological consequences of acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria: a WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network pooled analysis of individual patient data. BMC Med 2022; 20:85. [PMID: 35249546 PMCID: PMC8900374 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02265-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium falciparum malaria is associated with anaemia-related morbidity, attributable to host, parasite and drug factors. We quantified the haematological response following treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria to identify the factors associated with malarial anaemia. METHODS Individual patient data from eligible antimalarial efficacy studies of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, available through the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network data repository prior to August 2015, were pooled using standardised methodology. The haematological response over time was quantified using a multivariable linear mixed effects model with nonlinear terms for time, and the model was then used to estimate the mean haemoglobin at day of nadir and day 7. Multivariable logistic regression quantified risk factors for moderately severe anaemia (haemoglobin < 7 g/dL) at day 0, day 3 and day 7 as well as a fractional fall ≥ 25% at day 3 and day 7. RESULTS A total of 70,226 patients, recruited into 200 studies between 1991 and 2013, were included in the analysis: 50,859 (72.4%) enrolled in Africa, 18,451 (26.3%) in Asia and 916 (1.3%) in South America. The median haemoglobin concentration at presentation was 9.9 g/dL (range 5.0-19.7 g/dL) in Africa, 11.6 g/dL (range 5.0-20.0 g/dL) in Asia and 12.3 g/dL (range 6.9-17.9 g/dL) in South America. Moderately severe anaemia (Hb < 7g/dl) was present in 8.4% (4284/50,859) of patients from Africa, 3.3% (606/18,451) from Asia and 0.1% (1/916) from South America. The nadir haemoglobin occurred on day 2 post treatment with a mean fall from baseline of 0.57 g/dL in Africa and 1.13 g/dL in Asia. Independent risk factors for moderately severe anaemia on day 7, in both Africa and Asia, included moderately severe anaemia at baseline (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 16.10 and AOR = 23.00, respectively), young age (age < 1 compared to ≥ 12 years AOR = 12.81 and AOR = 6.79, respectively), high parasitaemia (AOR = 1.78 and AOR = 1.58, respectively) and delayed parasite clearance (AOR = 2.44 and AOR = 2.59, respectively). In Asia, patients treated with an artemisinin-based regimen were at significantly greater risk of moderately severe anaemia on day 7 compared to those treated with a non-artemisinin-based regimen (AOR = 2.06 [95%CI 1.39-3.05], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, the nadir haemoglobin occurs 2 days after starting treatment. Although artemisinin-based treatments increase the rate of parasite clearance, in Asia they are associated with a greater risk of anaemia during recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J White
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Frank M Smithuis
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Francois H Nosten
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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6
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Warrell CE, Phyo AP, Win MM, McLean ARD, Watthanaworawit W, Swe MMM, Soe K, Lin HN, Aung YY, Ko CK, Waing CZ, Linn KS, Aung YPW, Aung NM, Tun NN, Dance DAB, Smithuis FM, Ashley EA. Observational study of adult respiratory infections in primary care clinics in Myanmar: understanding the burden of melioidosis, tuberculosis and other infections not covered by empirical treatment regimes. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 115:914-921. [PMID: 33681986 PMCID: PMC8326957 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower respiratory infections constitute a major disease burden worldwide. Treatment is usually empiric and targeted towards typical bacterial pathogens. Understanding the prevalence of pathogens not covered by empirical treatment is important to improve diagnostic and treatment algorithms. METHODS A prospective observational study in peri-urban communities of Yangon, Myanmar was conducted between July 2018 and April 2019. Sputum specimens of 299 adults presenting with fever and productive cough were tested for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (microscopy and GeneXpert MTB/RIF [Mycobacterium tuberculosis/resistance to rifampicin]) and Burkholderia pseudomallei (Active Melioidosis Detect Lateral Flow Assay and culture). Nasopharyngeal swabs underwent respiratory virus (influenza A, B, respiratory syncytial virus) polymerase chain reaction testing. RESULTS Among 299 patients, 32% (95% confidence interval [CI] 26 to 37) were diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB), including 9 rifampicin-resistant cases. TB patients presented with a longer duration of fever (median 14 d) and productive cough (median 30 d) than non-TB patients (median fever duration 6 d, cough 7 d). One case of melioidosis pneumonia was detected by rapid test and confirmed by culture. Respiratory viruses were detected in 16% (95% CI 12 to 21) of patients. CONCLUSIONS TB was very common in this population, suggesting that microscopy and GeneXpert MTB/RIF on all sputum samples should be routinely included in diagnostic algorithms for fever and cough. Melioidosis was uncommon in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare E Warrell
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar.,Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | - Mo Mo Win
- Department of Medical Research, Myanmar
| | - Alistair R D McLean
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wanitda Watthanaworawit
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | | | - Kyaw Soe
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Htet Naing Lin
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar.,Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ne Myo Aung
- Department of Medicine, Insein General Hospital, Min Gyi Road, Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar.,Department of Medicine, University of Medicine 2, Khaymar Thi Road, North Okkalapa Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Ni Ni Tun
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar.,Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - David A B Dance
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic.,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Frank M Smithuis
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar.,Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar.,Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic.,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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7
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McLean ARD, Indrasuta C, Khant ZS, Phyo AK, Maung SM, Heaton J, Aung H, Aung Y, Soe K, Swe MMM, von Seidlein L, Tun NN, Tun KM, Day NPJ, Ashley EA, Hlaing T, Kyaw TT, Dondorp AM, Imwong M, White NJ, Smithuis FM. Mass drug administration for the acceleration of malaria elimination in a region of Myanmar with artemisinin-resistant falciparum malaria: a cluster-randomised trial. Lancet Infect Dis 2021; 21:1579-1589. [PMID: 34147154 PMCID: PMC7614510 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30997-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To contain multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum, malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong subregion needs to be accelerated while current antimalarials remain effective. We evaluated the safety, effectiveness, and potential resistance selection of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine mass drug administration (MDA) in a region with artemisinin resistance in Myanmar. METHODS We did a cluster-randomised controlled trial in rural community clusters in Kayin (Karen) state in southeast Myanmar. Malaria prevalence was assessed using ultrasensitive quantitative PCR (uPCR) in villages that were operationally suitable for MDA (villages with community willingness, no other malaria control campaigns, and a population of 50-1200). Villages were eligible to participate if the prevalence of malaria (all species) in adults was greater than 30% or P falciparum prevalence was greater than 10% (or both). Contiguous villages were combined into clusters. Eligible clusters were paired based on P falciparum prevalence (estimates within 10%) and proximity. Community health workers provided routine malaria case management and distributed long-lasting insecticidal bed-nets (LLINs) in all clusters. Randomisation of clusters (1:1) to the MDA intervention group or control group was by public coin-flip. Group allocations were not concealed. Three MDA rounds (3 days of supervised dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine [target total dose 7 mg/kg dihydroartemisinin and 55 mg/kg piperaquine] and single low-dose primaquine [target dose 0·25 mg base per kg]) were delivered to intervention clusters. Parasitaemia prevalence was assessed at 3, 5, 10, 15, 21, 27, and 33 months. The primary outcomes were P falciparum prevalence at months 3 and 10. All clusters were included in the primary analysis. Adverse events were monitored from the first MDA dose until 1 month after the final dose, or until resolution of any adverse event occurring during follow-up. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01872702. FINDINGS Baseline uPCR malaria surveys were done in January, 2015, in 43 villages that were operationally suitable for MDA (2671 individuals). 18 villages met the eligibility criteria. Three villages in close proximity were combined into one cluster because a border between them could not be defined. This gave a total of 16 clusters in eight pairs. In the intervention clusters, MDA was delivered from March 4 to March 17, from March 30 to April 10, and from April 27 to May 10, 2015. The weighted mean absolute difference in P falciparum prevalence in the MDA group relative to the control group was -10·6% (95% CI -15·1 to -6·1; p=0·0008) at month 3 and -4·5% (-10·9 to 1·9; p=0·14) at month 10. At month 3, the weighted P falciparum prevalence was 1·4% (0·6 to 3·6; 12 of 747) in the MDA group and 10·6% (7·0 to 15·6; 56 of 485) in the control group. Corresponding prevalences at month 10 were 3·2% (1·5 to 6·8; 34 of 1013) and 5·8% (2·5 to 12·9; 33 of 515). Adverse events were reported for 151 (3·6%) of 4173 treated individuals. The most common adverse events were dizziness (n=109) and rash or itching (n=20). No treatment-related deaths occurred. INTERPRETATION In this low-transmission setting, the substantial reduction in P falciparum prevalence resulting from support of community case management was accelerated by MDA. In addition to supporting community health worker case management and LLIN distribution, malaria elimination programmes should consider using MDA to reduce P falciparum prevalence rapidly in foci of higher transmission. FUNDING The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair R D McLean
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar; Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hein Aung
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Ye Aung
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Kyaw Soe
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ni Ni Tun
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar; Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Kyaw Myo Tun
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Defence Services Medical Academy, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thaung Hlaing
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Thar Tun Kyaw
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas J White
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Frank M Smithuis
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar; Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Aung H, Soe K, Smithuis FF, Lamb T, Aung MW, Smithuis FM. Case Report: Children with Severe Nutritional Rickets in the Naga Region in Northwest Myanmar, on the border with India. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 105:217-221. [PMID: 34097648 PMCID: PMC8274785 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickets is an often-neglected, painful, and disabling childhood condition of impaired bone mineralization. In this case series we describe a cluster of 29 children with severe, painful bone deformities who live in the very remote region of Nagaland in northwest Myanmar. Children were found to have low 25-hydroxyvitamin D, elevated parathyroid hormone, and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, consistent with nutritional rickets secondary to vitamin D deficiency, calcium deficiency, or a combination of the two. After treatment with vitamin D3 and calcium carbonate, significant improvement was seen in symptoms, biochemistry, and radiography. This is the first report of nutritional rickets in Myanmar in more than 120 years. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation, and food fortification for pregnant women and young children may be required to prevent this potentially devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hein Aung
- 1Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Kyaw Soe
- 2Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Frank F Smithuis
- 3Department of Radiology, Amsterdam UMC Imaging Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Lamb
- 2Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Moe Wint Aung
- 4Department of Endocrinology, Yangon General Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Frank M Smithuis
- 1Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar.,2Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
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9
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Elders PND, Swe MMM, Phyo AP, McLean ARD, Lin HN, Soe K, Htay WYA, Tanganuchitcharnchai A, Hla TK, Tun NN, Nwe TT, Moe MM, Thein WM, Zaw NN, Kyaw WM, Linn H, Htwe YY, Smithuis FM, Blacksell SD, Ashley EA. Serological evidence indicates widespread distribution of rickettsioses in Myanmar. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 103:494-501. [PMID: 33310022 PMCID: PMC7862081 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of rickettsial infections is difficult in low-resource settings; this leads to delays in receiving appropriate treatment. Before this study, the distribution of rickettsioses in Myanmar was not known. This serosurvey shows that rickettsioses are widespread in Myanmar. Particularly high prevalence of scrub typhus was found in central and northern regions.
Background Little research has been published on the prevalence of rickettsial infections in Myanmar. This study determined the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to rickettsial species in different regions of Myanmar. Methods Seven hundred leftover blood samples from patients of all ages in primary care clinics and hospitals in seven regions of Myanmar were collected. Samples were screened for scrub typhus group (STG), typhus group (TG) and spotted fever group (SFG) IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Immunofluorescence assays were performed for the same rickettsial groups to confirm seropositivity if ELISA optical density ≥0.5. Results Overall IgG seroprevalence was 19% [95% confidence interval (CI) 16–22%] for STG, 5% (95% CI 3–7%) for TG and 3% (95% CI: 2–5%) for SFG. The seroprevalence of STG was particularly high in northern and central Myanmar (59% and 19–33%, respectively). Increasing age was associated with higher odds of STG and TG seropositivity [per 10-year increase, adjusted odds ratio estimate 1.68 (p < 0.01) and 1.24 (p = 0.03), respectively]. Conclusion Rickettsial infections are widespread in Myanmar, with particularly high seroprevalence of STG IgG antibodies in central and northern regions. Healthcare workers should consider rickettsial infections as common causes of fever in Myanmar.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alistair R D McLean
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kyaw Soe
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | - Ampai Tanganuchitcharnchai
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thel K Hla
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar; Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Ni Ni Tun
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Thin Thin Nwe
- Magway General Hospital and University of Medicine, Magway, Myanmar; University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Myat Myat Moe
- Magway General Hospital and University of Medicine, Magway, Myanmar
| | - Win May Thein
- Mandalay General Hospital and University of Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Ni Ni Zaw
- Mandalay General Hospital and University of Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar
| | | | - Htun Linn
- Monywa General Hospital, Monywa, Myanmar
| | | | - Frank M Smithuis
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Stuart D Blacksell
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People's Republic.
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10
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Imwong M, Dhorda M, Myo Tun K, Thu AM, Phyo AP, Proux S, Suwannasin K, Kunasol C, Srisutham S, Duanguppama J, Vongpromek R, Promnarate C, Saejeng A, Khantikul N, Sugaram R, Thanapongpichat S, Sawangjaroen N, Sutawong K, Han KT, Htut Y, Linn K, Win AA, Hlaing TM, van der Pluijm RW, Mayxay M, Pongvongsa T, Phommasone K, Tripura R, Peto TJ, von Seidlein L, Nguon C, Lek D, Chan XHS, Rekol H, Leang R, Huch C, Kwiatkowski DP, Miotto O, Ashley EA, Kyaw MP, Pukrittayakamee S, Day NPJ, Dondorp AM, Smithuis FM, Nosten FH, White NJ. Molecular epidemiology of resistance to antimalarial drugs in the Greater Mekong subregion: an observational study. Lancet Infect Dis 2020; 20:1470-1480. [PMID: 32679084 PMCID: PMC7689289 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30228-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Greater Mekong subregion is a recurrent source of antimalarial drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This study aimed to characterise the extent and spread of resistance across this entire region between 2007 and 2018. METHODS P falciparum isolates from Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia were obtained from clinical trials and epidemiological studies done between Jan 1, 2007, and Dec 31, 2018, and were genotyped for molecular markers (pfkelch, pfcrt, pfplasmepsin2, and pfmdr1) of antimalarial drug resistance. Genetic relatedness was assessed using microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphism typing of flanking sequences around target genes. FINDINGS 10 632 isolates were genotyped. A single long pfkelch Cys580Tyr haplotype (from -50 kb to +31·5 kb) conferring artemisinin resistance (PfPailin) now dominates across the eastern Greater Mekong subregion. Piperaquine resistance associated with pfplasmepsin2 gene amplification and mutations in pfcrt downstream of the Lys76Thr chloroquine resistance locus has also developed. On the Thailand-Myanmar border a different pfkelch Cys580Tyr lineage rose to high frequencies before it was eliminated. Elsewhere in Myanmar the Cys580Tyr allele remains widespread at low allele frequencies. Meanwhile a single artemisinin-resistant pfkelch Phe446Ile haplotype has spread across Myanmar. Despite intense use of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine in Kayin state, eastern Myanmar, both in treatment and mass drug administrations, no selection of piperaquine resistance markers was observed. pfmdr1 amplification, a marker of resistance to mefloquine, remains at low prevalence across the entire region. INTERPRETATION Artemisinin resistance in P falciparum is now prevalent across the Greater Mekong subregion. In the eastern Greater Mekong subregion a multidrug resistant P falciparum lineage (PfPailin) dominates. In Myanmar a long pfkelch Phe446Ile haplotype has spread widely but, by contrast with the eastern Greater Mekong subregion, there is no indication of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) partner drug resistance from genotyping known markers, and no evidence of spread of ACT resistant P falciparum from the east to the west. There is still a window of opportunity to prevent global spread of ACT resistance. FUNDING Thailand Science Research and Innovation, Initiative 5%, Expertise France, Wellcome Trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallika Imwong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Mehul Dhorda
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Worldwide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kyaw Myo Tun
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Defence Services Medical Academy, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Aung Myint Thu
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Aung Pyae Phyo
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand; Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Stephane Proux
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Kanokon Suwannasin
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanon Kunasol
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suttipat Srisutham
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jureeporn Duanguppama
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Aungkana Saejeng
- Bureau of Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | | | - Rungniran Sugaram
- Bureau of Vector-borne Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | | | - Nongyao Sawangjaroen
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Kreepol Sutawong
- Buntharik Hospital, Amphoe Buntharik, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
| | - Kay Thwe Han
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Ye Htut
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Khin Linn
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Aye Aye Win
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine 1, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Tin M Hlaing
- Defence Services Medical Research Centre, Naypyitaw, Myanmar
| | - Rob W van der Pluijm
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Institute of Research and Education Development, University of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Laos; Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Tiengkham Pongvongsa
- Savannakhet Provincial Health Department, Phonsavangnuea village, Kaysone-Phomvihan district, Savannakhet, Laos
| | - Koukeo Phommasone
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Rupam Tripura
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas J Peto
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chea Nguon
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology, and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Dysoley Lek
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology, and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Xin Hui S Chan
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Huy Rekol
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology, and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Rithea Leang
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology, and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Cheah Huch
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology, and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Dominic P Kwiatkowski
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK; Medical Research Council Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Olivo Miotto
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK; Medical Research Council Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Myat Phone Kyaw
- Department of Medical Research, Myanmar Health Network Organization, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Sasithon Pukrittayakamee
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; The Royal Society of Thailand, Dusit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Frank M Smithuis
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Francois H Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas J White
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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11
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Tun NN, McLean A, Wilkins E, Hlaing M, Aung YY, Linn T, Ashley EA, Smithuis FM. Integration of HIV services with primary care in Yangon, Myanmar: a retrospective cohort analysis. HIV Med 2020; 21:547-556. [PMID: 32687684 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Integration of HIV care with general healthcare may improve patient engagement. We assessed patient outcomes in four clinics offering HIV care integrated into primary care clinics in Yangon, Myanmar. METHODS We carried out a retrospective cohort analysis of 4551 patients who started antiretroviral therapy between 2009 and 2017. Mortality and disengagement from care were assessed using Cox regression. RESULTS People living with HIV presented late with low CD4 counts [median (25th , 75th percentile) = 178 (65, 308) from 4216 patients] and advanced HIV (69% with stage 3 or 4). Survival was 0.95 at 1 year and 0.90 at 5 years. Males were at a higher risk of mortality than females [unadjusted hazard ratio (uHR) = 1.6 (95% CI: 1.3-2.0). Patients linked to HIV care via antenatal care or partner/parent notification were at reduced risk of mortality [uHR = 0.4 (95% CI: 0.1-1.0) and uHR = 0.5 (95% CI: 0.3-0.7)] relative to patients who presented for HIV testing. The cumulative incidence of disengagement was 0.06 at 1 year and 0.15 at 5 years. Young adults had a higher risk of disengagement than did children and older patients. Women linked to HIV care via antenatal care services were at increased risk of disengagement relative to patients who came for HIV testing (uHR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7-3.4). Mortality and disengagement remained steady over calendar time as the programme scaled up. CONCLUSIONS HIV care within a primary care model is effective to attain early linkage to care, with high survival. However, close attention should be given to disengagement from care, in particular for pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- N N Tun
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar.,Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Ard McLean
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar.,Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - E Wilkins
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | - Y Y Aung
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - T Linn
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - E A Ashley
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar.,Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - F M Smithuis
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar.,Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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12
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Srisutham S, Suwannasin K, Mathema VB, Sriprawat K, Smithuis FM, Nosten F, White NJ, Dondorp AM, Imwong M. Utility of Plasmodium falciparum DNA from rapid diagnostic test kits for molecular analysis and whole genome amplification. Malar J 2020; 19:193. [PMID: 32460780 PMCID: PMC7251736 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03259-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have become the most common diagnostic tool for detection of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, in particular in remote areas. RDT blood spots provide a source of parasite DNA for molecular analysis. In this study, the utility of RDTs for molecular analysis and the performance of different methods for whole genome amplification were investigated. Methods Positive P. falciparum RDTs were collected from Kayin, Myanmar from August 2014 to January 2016. The RDT samples were stored for 6 months, 9 months, 20 months, 21 months, and 32 months before DNA extraction and subsequent molecular analysis of P. falciparum kelch 13 (pfkelch13) mutations, P. falciparum multidrug resistance 1 (pfmdr1), and P. falciparum plasmepsin 2 (pfplasmepsin2) gene amplification. In addition, performance of four whole genome amplification (WGA) kits were compared, including REPLI-g®, MALBACTM, PicoPLEX®, and GenomePlex®, for which DNA quantity and quality were compared between original DNA and post-WGA products. Results The proportion of successful amplification of the different molecular markers was similar between blood spots analysed from RDTs stored for 6, 9, 20, 21, or 32 months. Successful amplification was dependent on the molecular markers fragment length (p value < 0.05): 18% for a 1245 bp fragment of pfkelch13, 71% for 364 bp of pfkelch13, 81% for 87 bp of pfmdr1, 81% for 108 bp of pfplasmepsin2. Comparison of the four WGA assay kits showed that REPLI-g®, MALBACTM, and PicoPLEX® increased the quantity of DNA 60 to 750-fold, whereas the ratio of parasite DNA amplification over human DNA was most favourable for MALBAC®. Sequencing results of pfkelch13, P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt), P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (pfdhfr) and six microsatellite markers assessed from the post-WGA product was the same as from the original DNA. Conclusions Blood spots from RDTs are a good source for molecular analysis of P. falciparum, even after storage up to 32 months. WGA of RDT-derived parasite DNA reliably increase DNA quantity with sufficient quality for molecular analysis of resistance markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suttipat Srisutham
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanokon Suwannasin
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Vivek Bhakta Mathema
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanlaya Sriprawat
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Frank M Smithuis
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Francois Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas J White
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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13
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Pell CL, Adhikari B, Myo Thwin M, Kajeechiwa L, Nosten S, Nosten FH, Sahan KM, Smithuis FM, Nguyen TN, Hien TT, Tripura R, Peto TJ, Sanann N, Nguon C, Pongvongsa T, Phommasone K, Mayxay M, Mukaka M, Peerawaranun P, Kaehler N, Cheah PY, Day NPJ, White NJ, Dondorp AM, von Seidlein L. Community engagement, social context and coverage of mass anti-malarial administration: Comparative findings from multi-site research in the Greater Mekong sub-Region. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214280. [PMID: 30908523 PMCID: PMC6433231 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 2013 and 2017, targeted malaria elimination (TME), a package of interventions that includes mass drug administration (MDA)-was piloted in communities with reservoirs of asymptomatic P. falciparum across the Greater Mekong sub-Region (GMS). Coverage in target communities is a key determinant of the effectiveness of MDA. Drawing on mixed methods research conducted alongside TME pilot studies, this article examines the impact of the community engagement, local social context and study design on MDA coverage. METHODS AND FINDINGS Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using questionnaire-based surveys, semi-structured and in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, informal conversations, and observations of study activities. Over 1500 respondents were interviewed in Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Interview topics included attitudes to malaria and experiences of MDA. Overall coverage of mass anti-malarial administration was high, particularly participation in at least a single round (85%). Familiarity with and concern about malaria prompted participation in MDA; as did awareness of MDA and familiarity with the aim of eliminating malaria. Fear of adverse events and blood draws discouraged people. Hence, community engagement activities sought to address these concerns but their impact was mediated by the trust relationships that study staff could engender in communities. In contexts of weak healthcare infrastructure and (cash) poverty, communities valued the study's ancillary care and the financial compensation. However, coverage did not necessarily decrease in the absence of cash compensation. Community dynamics, affected by politics, village conformity, and household decision-making also affected coverage. CONCLUSIONS The experimental nature of TME presented particular challenges to achieving high coverage. Nonetheless, the findings reflect those from studies of MDA under implementation conditions and offer useful guidance for potential regional roll-out of MDA: it is key to understand target communities and provide appropriate information in tailored ways, using community engagement that engenders trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L. Pell
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Social Science and Global Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bipin Adhikari
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - May Myo Thwin
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Ladda Kajeechiwa
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Suphak Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Francois H. Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UPMC UMRS CR7, Paris, France
| | - Kate M. Sahan
- Ethox Centre and Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, Nuffield Department of Population Health, Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frank M. Smithuis
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Thuy-Nhien Nguyen
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Asia Programme, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tran Tinh Hien
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Asia Programme, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Rupam Tripura
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J. Peto
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nou Sanann
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chea Nguon
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Koukeo Phommasone
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Vientiane, Lao PDR
- Institute of Research and Educational Development, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Mavuto Mukaka
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pimnara Peerawaranun
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nils Kaehler
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Ethox Centre and Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, Nuffield Department of Population Health, Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas P. J. Day
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J. White
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Arjen M. Dondorp
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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McLean ARD, Wai HP, Thu AM, Khant ZS, Indrasuta C, Ashley EA, Kyaw TT, Day NPJ, Dondorp A, White NJ, Smithuis FM. Malaria elimination in remote communities requires integration of malaria control activities into general health care: an observational study and interrupted time series analysis in Myanmar. BMC Med 2018; 16:183. [PMID: 30343666 PMCID: PMC6196466 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-018-1172-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community health workers (CHWs) can provide diagnosis and treatment of malaria in remote rural areas and are therefore key to the elimination of malaria. However, as incidence declines, uptake of their services could be compromised if they only treat malaria. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of 571,286 malaria rapid diagnostic tests conducted between 2011 and 2016 by 1335 CHWs supported by Medical Action Myanmar. We assessed rates of decline in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax incidence and rapid diagnostic test (RDT) positivity rates using negative binomial mixed effects models. We investigated whether broadening the CHW remit to provide a basic health care (BHC) package was associated with a change in malaria blood examination rates. RESULTS Communities with CHWs providing malaria diagnosis and treatment experienced declines in P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria incidence of 70% (95% CI 66-73%) and 64% (59-68%) respectively each year of operation. RDT positivity rates declined similarly with declines of 70% (95% CI 66-73%) for P. falciparum and 65% (95% CI 61-69%) for P. vivax with each year of CHW operation. In four cohorts studied, adding a BHC package was associated with an immediate and sustained increase in blood examination rates (step-change rate ratios 2.3 (95% CI 2.0-2.6), 5.4 (95% CI 4.0-7.3), 1.7 (95% CI 1.4-2.1), and 1.1 (95% CI 1.0.1.3)). CONCLUSIONS CHWs have overseen dramatic declines in P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria in rural Myanmar. Expanding their remit to general health care has sustained community uptake of malaria services. In similar settings, expanding health services offered by CHWs beyond malaria testing and treatment can improve rural health care while ensuring continued progress towards the elimination of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair R D McLean
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar.,Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit (MOCRU), Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Thar Tun Kyaw
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Arjen Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas J White
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Frank M Smithuis
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar. .,Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit (MOCRU), Yangon, Myanmar. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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15
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Win MM, Ashley EA, Zin KN, Aung MT, Swe MMM, Ling CL, Nosten F, Thein WM, Zaw NN, Aung MY, Tun KM, Dance DAB, Smithuis FM. Melioidosis in Myanmar. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:tropicalmed3010028. [PMID: 30274425 PMCID: PMC6136617 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporadic cases of melioidosis have been diagnosed in Myanmar since the disease was first described in Yangon in 1911. Published and unpublished cases are summarized here, along with results from environmental and serosurveys. A total of 298 cases have been reported from seven states or regions between 1911 and 2018, with the majority of these occurring before 1949. Findings from soil surveys confirm the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei in the environment in all three regions examined. The true epidemiology of the disease in Myanmar is unknown. Important factors contributing to the current gaps in knowledge are lack of awareness among clinicians and insufficient laboratory diagnostic capacity in many parts of the country. This is likely to have led to substantial under-reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Mo Win
- Department of Medical Research, Yangon, Myanmar.
| | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Old Road Campus, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK.
| | - Khwar Nyo Zin
- Department of Microbiology, Yangon General Hospital, University of Medicine 1, Yangon, Myanmar.
| | - Myint Thazin Aung
- Pathology Department, Microbiology Section, North Okkapala General Hospital, University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Myanmar.
| | | | - Clare L Ling
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Old Road Campus, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK.
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot 63110, Thailand.
| | - François Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Old Road Campus, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK.
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot 63110, Thailand.
| | - Win May Thein
- Mandalay General Hospital, University of Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar.
| | - Ni Ni Zaw
- Mandalay General Hospital, University of Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar.
| | - May Yee Aung
- Pathology Department, Microbiology section, Thingungyun Hospital, University of Medicine 1, Yangon, Myanmar.
| | - Kyaw Myo Tun
- Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, Defence Services Medical Academy, Yangon, Myanmar.
| | - David A B Dance
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Old Road Campus, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK.
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos.
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Frank M Smithuis
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Old Road Campus, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK.
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar.
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16
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Drake TL, Lubell Y, Kyaw SS, Devine A, Kyaw MP, Day NPJ, Smithuis FM, White LJ. Geographic Resource Allocation Based on Cost Effectiveness: An Application to Malaria Policy. Appl Health Econ Health Policy 2017; 15:299-306. [PMID: 28185133 PMCID: PMC5427090 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-017-0305-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare services are often provided to a country as a whole, though in many cases the available resources can be more effectively targeted to specific geographically defined populations. In the case of malaria, risk is highly geographically heterogeneous, and many interventions, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and malaria community health workers, can be targeted to populations in a way that maximises impact for the resources available. This paper describes a framework for geographically targeted budget allocation based on the principles of cost-effectiveness analysis and applied to priority setting in malaria control and elimination. The approach can be used with any underlying model able to estimate intervention costs and effects given relevant local data. Efficient geographic targeting of core malaria interventions could significantly increase the impact of the resources available, accelerating progress towards elimination. These methods may also be applicable to priority setting in other disease areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom L Drake
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar.
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, 3/F, 60th Anniversary Chalermprakiat Building, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Shwe Sin Kyaw
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Angela Devine
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Myat Phone Kyaw
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Frank M Smithuis
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lisa J White
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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17
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Imwong M, Suwannasin K, Kunasol C, Sutawong K, Mayxay M, Rekol H, Smithuis FM, Hlaing TM, Tun KM, van der Pluijm RW, Tripura R, Miotto O, Menard D, Dhorda M, Day NPJ, White NJ, Dondorp AM. The spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum in the Greater Mekong subregion: a molecular epidemiology observational study. Lancet Infect Dis 2017; 17:491-497. [PMID: 28161569 PMCID: PMC5406483 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30048-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 314] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that the PfKelch13 mutations that confer artemisinin resistance in falciparum malaria have multiple independent origins across the Greater Mekong subregion, which has motivated a regional malaria elimination agenda. We aimed to use molecular genotyping to assess antimalarial drug resistance selection and spread in the Greater Mekong subregion. METHODS In this observational study, we tested Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Myanmar, northeastern Thailand, southern Laos, and western Cambodia for PfKelch13 mutations and for Pfplasmepsin2 gene amplification (indicating piperaquine resistance). We collected blood spots from patients with microscopy or rapid test confirmed uncomplicated falciparum malaria. We used microsatellite genotyping to assess genetic relatedness. FINDINGS As part of studies on the epidemiology of artemisinin-resistant malaria between Jan 1, 2008, and Dec 31, 2015, we collected 434 isolates. In 2014-15, a single long PfKelch13 C580Y haplotype (-50 to +31·5 kb) lineage, which emerged in western Cambodia in 2008, was detected in 65 of 88 isolates from northeastern Thailand, 86 of 111 isolates from southern Laos, and 14 of 14 isolates from western Cambodia, signifying a hard transnational selective sweep. Pfplasmepsin2 amplification occurred only within this lineage, and by 2015 these closely related parasites were found in ten of the 14 isolates from Cambodia and 15 of 15 isolates from northeastern Thailand. C580Y mutated parasites from Myanmar had a different genetic origin. INTERPRETATION Our results suggest that the dominant artemisinin-resistant P falciparum C580Y lineage probably arose in western Cambodia and then spread to Thailand and Laos, outcompeting other parasites and acquiring piperaquine resistance. The emergence and spread of fit artemisinin-resistant P falciparum parasite lineages, which then acquire partner drug resistance across the Greater Mekong subregion, threatens regional malaria control and elimination goals. Elimination of falciparum malaria from this region should be accelerated while available antimalarial drugs still remain effective. FUNDING The Wellcome Trust and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallika Imwong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Kanokon Suwannasin
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanon Kunasol
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kreepol Sutawong
- Buntharik Hospital, Amphoe Buntharik, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Vientiane, Laos; Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Huy Rekol
- National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology, and Malaria Control (CNM), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Frank M Smithuis
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar; Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | - Kyaw M Tun
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar; Defence Services Medical Research Centre, Naypyitaw, Myanmar
| | - Rob W van der Pluijm
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rupam Tripura
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Olivo Miotto
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Didier Menard
- Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur in Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Mehul Dhorda
- Worldwide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J White
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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18
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Tun KM, Jeeyapant A, Imwong M, Thein M, Aung SSM, Hlaing TM, Yuentrakul P, Promnarate C, Dhorda M, Woodrow CJ, Dondorp AM, Ashley EA, Smithuis FM, White NJ, Day NPJ. Parasite clearance rates in Upper Myanmar indicate a distinctive artemisinin resistance phenotype: a therapeutic efficacy study. Malar J 2016; 15:185. [PMID: 27036739 PMCID: PMC4815199 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1240-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum extends across Southeast Asia where it is associated with worsening partner drug resistance and a decline in the efficacy of frontline artemisinin-based combination therapy. Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) is an essential component of preventive and curative treatment in the region, but its therapeutic efficacy has fallen in Cambodia. Methods A prospective clinical and parasitological evaluation of DP was conducted at two sites in Upper Myanmar between August 2013 and December 2014, enrolling 116 patients with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Patients received DP orally for 3 days together with primaquine 0.25 mg/kg on admission. Parasite clearance half-lives based on 6 hourly blood smears, and day 42 therapeutic responses were assessed as well as parasite K13 genotypes. Results Median parasite clearance half-life was prolonged, and clearance half-life was greater than 5 h in 21 % of patients. Delayed parasite clearance was significantly associated with mutations in the propeller region of the parasite k13 gene. The k13 F446I mutation was found in 25.4 % of infections and was associated with a median clearance half-life of 4.7 h compared with 2.7 h for infections without k13 mutations (p < 0.001). There were no failures after 42 days of follow-up, although 18 % of patients had persistent parasitaemia on day 3. Conclusion The dominant k13 mutation observed in Upper Myanmar, F446I, appears to be associated with an intermediate rate of parasite clearance compared to other common mutations described elsewhere in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Discerning this phenotype requires relatively detailed clearance measurements, highlighting the importance of methodology in assessing artemisinin resistance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-016-1240-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyaw Myo Tun
- Defence Services Medical Research Centre, Naypyitaw, Myanmar.,Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Atthanee Jeeyapant
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 3rd Floor, 60th Anniversary Chalermprakiat Building, 420/6 Ratchawithi Rd., Ratchathewi District, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Min Thein
- Defence Services Medical Research Centre, Naypyitaw, Myanmar
| | | | | | - Prayoon Yuentrakul
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 3rd Floor, 60th Anniversary Chalermprakiat Building, 420/6 Ratchawithi Rd., Ratchathewi District, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | | | - Mehul Dhorda
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Worldwide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Charles J Woodrow
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 3rd Floor, 60th Anniversary Chalermprakiat Building, 420/6 Ratchawithi Rd., Ratchathewi District, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 3rd Floor, 60th Anniversary Chalermprakiat Building, 420/6 Ratchawithi Rd., Ratchathewi District, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 3rd Floor, 60th Anniversary Chalermprakiat Building, 420/6 Ratchawithi Rd., Ratchathewi District, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Frank M Smithuis
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Nicholas J White
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 3rd Floor, 60th Anniversary Chalermprakiat Building, 420/6 Ratchawithi Rd., Ratchathewi District, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 3rd Floor, 60th Anniversary Chalermprakiat Building, 420/6 Ratchawithi Rd., Ratchathewi District, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. .,Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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19
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Kyaw SS, Drake T, Thi A, Kyaw MP, Hlaing T, Smithuis FM, White LJ, Lubell Y. Malaria community health workers in Myanmar: a cost analysis. Malar J 2016; 15:41. [PMID: 26809885 PMCID: PMC4727315 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1102-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myanmar has the highest malaria incidence and attributed mortality in South East Asia with limited healthcare infrastructure to manage this burden. Establishing malaria Community Health Worker (CHW) programmes is one possible strategy to improve access to malaria diagnosis and treatment, particularly in remote areas. Despite considerable donor support for implementing CHW programmes in Myanmar, the cost implications are not well understood. Methods An ingredients based micro-costing approach was used to develop a model of the annual implementation cost of malaria CHWs in Myanmar. A cost model was constructed based on activity centres comprising of training, patient malaria services, monitoring and supervision, programme management, overheads and incentives. The model takes a provider perspective. Financial data on CHWs programmes were obtained from the 2013 financial reports of the Three Millennium Development Goal fund implementing partners that have been working on malaria control and elimination in Myanmar. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were undertaken to outline parameter uncertainty and explore changes to programme cost for key assumptions. Results The range of total annual costs for the support of one CHW was US$ 966–2486. The largest driver of CHW cost was monitoring and supervision (31–60 % of annual CHW cost). Other important determinants of cost included programme management (15–28 % of annual CHW cost) and patient services (6–12 % of annual CHW cost). Within patient services, malaria rapid diagnostic tests are the major contributor to cost (64 % of patient service costs). Conclusion The annual cost of a malaria CHW in Myanmar varies considerably depending on the context and the design of the programme, in particular remoteness and the approach to monitoring and evaluation. The estimates provide information to policy makers and CHW programme planners in Myanmar as well as supporting economic evaluations of their cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shwe Sin Kyaw
- Mathematical and Economic Modelling, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Tom Drake
- Mathematical and Economic Modelling, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Aung Thi
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
| | - Myat Phone Kyaw
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Yangon, Myanmar.
| | - Thaung Hlaing
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
| | - Frank M Smithuis
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar. .,Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar.
| | - Lisa J White
- Mathematical and Economic Modelling, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Mathematical and Economic Modelling, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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20
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Drake TL, Kyaw SS, Kyaw MP, Smithuis FM, Day NPJ, White LJ, Lubell Y. Cost effectiveness and resource allocation of Plasmodium falciparum malaria control in Myanmar: a modelling analysis of bed nets and community health workers. Malar J 2015; 14:376. [PMID: 26416075 PMCID: PMC4587798 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0886-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Funding for malaria control and elimination in Myanmar has increased markedly in recent years. While there are various malaria control tools currently available, two interventions receive the majority of malaria control funding in Myanmar: (1) insecticide-treated bed nets and (2) early diagnosis and treatment through malaria community health workers. This study aims to provide practical recommendations on how to maximize impact from investment in these interventions. METHODS A simple decision tree is used to model intervention costs and effects in terms of years of life lost. The evaluation is from the perspective of the service provider and costs and effects are calculated in line with standard methodology. Sensitivity and scenario analysis are undertaken to identify key drivers of cost effectiveness. Standard cost effectiveness analysis is then extended via a spatially explicit resource allocation model. FINDINGS Community health workers have the potential for high impact on malaria, particularly where there are few alternatives to access malaria treatment, but are relatively costly. Insecticide-treated bed nets are comparatively inexpensive and modestly effective in Myanmar, representing a low risk but modest return intervention. Unlike some healthcare interventions, bed nets and community health workers are not mutually exclusive nor are they necessarily at their most efficient when universally applied. Modelled resource allocation scenarios highlight that in this case there is no "one size fits all" cost effectiveness result. Health gains will be maximized by effective targeting of both interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom L Drake
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. .,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Shwe Sin Kyaw
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Myat Phone Kyaw
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Yangon, Myanmar.
| | - Frank M Smithuis
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar.
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. .,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Lisa J White
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. .,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. .,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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21
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White NJ, Ashley EA, Recht J, Delves MJ, Ruecker A, Smithuis FM, Eziefula AC, Bousema T, Drakeley C, Chotivanich K, Imwong M, Pukrittayakamee S, Prachumsri J, Chu C, Andolina C, Bancone G, Hien TT, Mayxay M, Taylor WRJ, von Seidlein L, Price RN, Barnes KI, Djimdé A, ter Kuile F, Gosling R, Chen I, Dhorda MJ, Stepniewska K, Guérin P, Woodrow CJ, Dondorp AM, Day NPJ, Nosten FH. Assessment of therapeutic responses to gametocytocidal drugs in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Malar J 2014; 13:483. [PMID: 25486998 PMCID: PMC4295364 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Indirect clinical measures assessing anti-malarial drug transmission-blocking activity in falciparum malaria include measurement of the duration of gametocytaemia, the rate of gametocyte clearance or the area under the gametocytaemia-time curve (AUC). These may provide useful comparative information, but they underestimate dose-response relationships for transmission-blocking activity. Following 8-aminoquinoline administration P. falciparum gametocytes are sterilized within hours, whereas clearance from blood takes days. Gametocytaemia AUC and clearance times are determined predominantly by the more numerous female gametocytes, which are generally less drug sensitive than the minority male gametocytes, whereas transmission-blocking activity and thus infectivity is determined by the more sensitive male forms. In choosing doses of transmission-blocking drugs there is no substitute yet for mosquito-feeding studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J White
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- />Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Judith Recht
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Andrea Ruecker
- />Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Frank M Smithuis
- />Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- />Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | - Teun Bousema
- />London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Chris Drakeley
- />London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kesinee Chotivanich
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- />Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mallika Imwong
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- />Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sasithon Pukrittayakamee
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- />Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jetsumon Prachumsri
- />Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Cindy Chu
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- />Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Chiara Andolina
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- />Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Germana Bancone
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- />Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Tran T Hien
- />Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- />Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Walter RJ Taylor
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ric N Price
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- />Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT Australia
| | - Karen I Barnes
- />Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Abdoulaye Djimdé
- />Malaria Research and Training Centre, Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatogy, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Roly Gosling
- />Global Health Group, UCSF Global Health Sciences, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Ingrid Chen
- />Global Health Group, UCSF Global Health Sciences, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Mehul J Dhorda
- />Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- />World Wide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, Headington, UK
| | - Kasia Stepniewska
- />World Wide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, Headington, UK
| | - Philippe Guérin
- />World Wide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, Headington, UK
| | - Charles J Woodrow
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- />Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- />Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas PJ Day
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- />Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Francois H Nosten
- />Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- />Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- />Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
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22
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frank M Smithuis
- Medical Action Myanmar Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon
| | | | - W Lawrence Drew
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - David Heiden
- SEVA Foundation, Berkeley Department of Ophthalmology, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco
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23
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Smithuis FM, Kyaw MK, Phe UO, van der Broek I, Katterman N, Rogers C, Almeida P, Kager PA, Stepniewska K, Lubell Y, Simpson JA, White NJ. The effect of insecticide-treated bed nets on the incidence and prevalence of malaria in children in an area of unstable seasonal transmission in western Myanmar. Malar J 2013; 12:363. [PMID: 24119916 PMCID: PMC3854704 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITN) reduce malaria morbidity and mortality consistently in Africa, but their benefits have been less consistent in Asia. This study’s objective was to evaluate the malaria protective efficacy of village-wide usage of ITN in Western Myanmar and estimate the cost-effectiveness of ITN compared with extending early diagnosis and treatment services. Methods A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in Rakhine State to assess the efficacy of ITNs in preventing malaria and anaemia in children and their secondary effects on nutrition and development. The data were aggregated for each village to obtain cluster-level infection rates. In total 8,175 children under 10 years of age were followed up for 10 months, which included the main malaria transmission period. The incidence and prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections, and the biting behaviour of Anopheles mosquitoes in the area were studied concurrently. The trial data along with costs for current recommended treatment practices were modelled to estimate the cost-effectiveness of ITNs compared with, or in addition to extending the coverage of early diagnosis and treatment services. Results In aggregate, malaria infections, spleen rates, haemoglobin concentrations, and weight for height, did not differ significantly during the study period between villages with and without ITNs, with a weighted mean difference of −2.6 P. falciparum episodes per 1,000 weeks at risk (95% Confidence Interval −7 to 1.8). In areas with a higher incidence of malaria there was some evidence ITN protective efficacy. The economic analysis indicated that, despite the uncertainty and variability in their protective efficacy in the different study sites, ITN could still be cost-effective, but not if they displaced funding for early diagnosis and effective treatment which is substantially more cost-effective. Conclusion In Western Myanmar deployment of ITNs did not provide consistent protection against malaria in children living in malaria endemic villages. Early diagnosis and effective treatment is a more cost effective malaria control strategy than deployment of ITNs in this area where the main vector bites early in the evening, often before people are protected by an ITN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M Smithuis
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 3rd Floor, 60th Anniversary Chalermprakiat Building, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd,, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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24
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Smithuis FM, Kyaw MK, Phe UO, van der Broek I, Katterman N, Rogers C, Almeida P, Kager PA, Stepniewska K, Lubell Y, Simpson JA, White NJ. Entomological determinants of insecticide-treated bed net effectiveness in Western Myanmar. Malar J 2013; 12:364. [PMID: 24119994 PMCID: PMC4015723 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In a large cluster randomized control trial of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITN) in Western Myanmar the malaria protective effect of ITN was found to be highly variable and, in aggregate, the effect was not statistically significant. A coincident entomological investigation measured malaria vector abundance and biting behaviour and the human population sleeping habits, factors relevant to ITN effectiveness. Methods Entomological surveys were carried out using different catching methods to identify potential malaria vector species and characterise their biting habits. The salivary glands were dissected from all female anophelines caught to identify sporozoites by microscopy. Findings Between 1995 and 2000 a total of 4,824 female anopheline mosquitoes were caught with various catching methods. A total of 916 person nights yielded 3,009 female anopheline mosquitoes between 6 pm and 6 am. Except for Anopheles annularis, which showed no apparent preference (51% outdoor biting), all major species showed a strong preference for outdoor biting; Anopheles epiroticus (79%), Anopheles subpictus (72%), Anopheles maculatus (92%), Anopheles aconitus (85%) and Anopheles vagus (72%). Most human biting occurred in the early evening with the peak biting time between 6 pm and 7 pm (35%). Overall 51% (1447/2837) of all bites recorded were between 6 pm and 8 pm. A large proportion of children were not sleeping under an ITN during peak biting times. Only one An. annularis mosquito (0.02%) had malaria sporozoites identified in the salivary glands. Conclusions Peak vector biting occurred early in the evening and mainly occurred outdoors. The limited efficacy of ITN in this area of Western Myanmar may be explained by the biting behaviour of the prevalent Anopheles mosquito vectors in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M Smithuis
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Mahidol University, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, 3rd Floor, 60th Anniversary Chalermprakiat Building, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd,, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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25
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Anderson TJC, Nair S, Sudimack D, Williams JT, Mayxay M, Newton PN, Guthmann JP, Smithuis FM, Tran TH, van den Broek IVF, White NJ, Nosten F. Geographical distribution of selected and putatively neutral SNPs in Southeast Asian malaria parasites. Mol Biol Evol 2005; 22:2362-74. [PMID: 16093566 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msi235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Loci targeted by directional selection are expected to show elevated geographical population structure relative to neutral loci, and a flurry of recent papers have used this rationale to search for genome regions involved in adaptation. Studies of functional mutations that are known to be under selection are particularly useful for assessing the utility of this approach. Antimalarial drug treatment regimes vary considerably between countries in Southeast Asia selecting for local adaptation at parasite loci underlying resistance. We compared the population structure revealed by 10 nonsynonymous mutations (nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms [nsSNPs]) in four loci that are known to be involved in antimalarial drug resistance, with patterns revealed by 10 synonymous mutations (synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms [sSNPs]) in housekeeping genes or genes of unknown function in 755 Plasmodium falciparum infections collected from 13 populations in six Southeast Asian countries. Allele frequencies at known nsSNPs underlying resistance varied markedly between locations (F(ST) = 0.18-0.66), with the highest frequencies on the Thailand-Burma border and the lowest frequencies in neighboring Lao PDR. In contrast, we found weak but significant geographic structure (F(ST) = 0-0.14) for 8 of 10 sSNPs. Importantly, all 10 nsSNPs showed significantly higher F(ST) (P < 8 x 10(-5)) than simulated neutral expectations based on observed F(ST) values in the putatively neutral sSNPs. This result was unaffected by the methods used to estimate allele frequencies or the number of populations used in the simulations. Given that dense single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) maps and rapid SNP assay methods are now available for P. falciparum, comparing genetic differentiation across the genome may provide a valuable aid to identifying parasite loci underlying local adaptation to drug treatment regimes or other selective forces. However, the high proportion of polymorphic sites that appear to be under balancing selection (or linked to selected sites) in the P. falciparum genome violates the central assumption that selected sites are rare, which complicates identification of outlier loci, and suggests that caution is needed when using this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim J C Anderson
- Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
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26
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Dondorp AM, Newton PN, Mayxay M, Van Damme W, Smithuis FM, Yeung S, Petit A, Lynam AJ, Johnson A, Hien TT, McGready R, Farrar JJ, Looareesuwan S, Day NPJ, Green MD, White NJ. Fake antimalarials in Southeast Asia are a major impediment to malaria control: multinational cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of fake antimalarials. Trop Med Int Health 2005; 9:1241-6. [PMID: 15598255 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2004.01342.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of counterfeit antimalarial drugs in Southeast (SE) Asia. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Pharmacies and shops selling antimalarial drugs in Myanmar (Burma), Lao PDR, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Proportion of artemisinin derivatives or mefloquine containing drugs of substandard quality. RESULTS Of the 188 tablet packs purchased which were labelled as 'artesunate' 53% did not contain any artesunate. All counterfeit artesunate tablets were labelled as manufactured by 'Guilin Pharma', and refinements of the fake blisterpacks made them often hard to distinguish from their genuine counterparts. No other artemisinin derivatives were found to be counterfeited. Of the 44 mefloquine samples, 9% contained <10% of the expected amount of active ingredient. CONCLUSIONS An alarmingly high proportion of antimalarial drugs bought in pharmacies and shops in mainland SE Asia are counterfeit, and the problem has increased significantly compared with our previous survey in 1999-2000. This is a serious threat to public health in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Dondorp
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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27
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Nair S, Williams JT, Brockman A, Paiphun L, Mayxay M, Newton PN, Guthmann JP, Smithuis FM, Hien TT, White NJ, Nosten F, Anderson TJC. A selective sweep driven by pyrimethamine treatment in southeast asian malaria parasites. Mol Biol Evol 2003; 20:1526-36. [PMID: 12832643 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msg162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites (Plasmodium falciparum) provide an excellent system in which to study the genomic effects of strong selection in a recombining eukaryote because the rapid spread of resistance to multiple drugs during the last the past 50 years has been well documented, the full genome sequence and a microsatellite map are now available, and haplotype data can be easily generated. We examined microsatellite variation around the dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) gene on chromosome 4 of P. falciparum. Point mutations in dhfr are known to be responsible for resistance to the antimalarial drug pyrimethamine, and resistance to this drug has spread rapidly in Southeast (SE) Asia after its introduction in 1970s. We genotyped 33 microsatellite markers distributed across chromosome 4 in 61 parasites from a location on the Thailand/Myanmar border. We observed minimal microsatellite length variation in a 12-kb (0.7-cM) region flanking the dhfr gene and diminished variation for approximately 100 kb (6 cM), indicative of a single origin of resistant alleles. Furthermore, we found the same or similar microsatellite haplotypes flanked resistant dhfr alleles sampled from 11 parasite populations in five SE Asian countries indicating recent invasion of a single lineage of resistant dhfr alleles in locations 2000 km apart. Three features of these data are of especially interest. (1). Pyrimethamine resistance is generally assumed to have evolved multiple times because the genetic basis is simple and resistance can be selected easily in the laboratory. Yet our data clearly indicate a single origin of resistant dhfr alleles sampled over a large region of SE Asia. (2). The wide valley ( approximately 6 cM) of reduced variation around dhfr provides "proof-of-principle" that genome-wide association may be an effective way to locate genes under strong recent selection. (3). The width of the selective valley is consistent with predictions based on independent measures of recombination, mutation, and selection intensity, suggesting that we have reasonable estimates of these parameters. We conclude that scanning the malaria parasite genome for evidence of recent selection may prove an extremely effective way to locate genes underlying recently evolved traits such as drug resistance, as well as providing an opportunity to study the dynamics of selective events that have occurred recently or are currently in progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Nair
- Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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28
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Smithuis FM, Monti F, Grundl M, Oo AZ, Kyaw TT, Phe O, White NJ. Plasmodium falciparum: sensitivity in vivo to chloroquine, pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine and mefloquine in western Myanmar. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 1997; 91:468-72. [PMID: 9373658 DOI: 10.1016/s0035-9203(97)90288-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In Rakhine State, on the western border of Myanmar, the efficacy of chloroquine (CQ) and pyrimethamine/ sulfadoxine (PS), the current treatments for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in this area, was evaluated in an open comparative study of 289 patients, stratified prospectively into 3 age groups. Chloroquine treatment was associated with more rapid clinical recovery (P = 0.03), but the overall cure rates were worse than for PS treatment; failure to clear parasitaemia or recrudescence within 14 d occurred in 72% (102/141) of cases treated with CQ compared to 47% (69/148) of those who received PS (P < 0.0001, adjusted for age). Failure rates at day 28 increased to 82% (116/141) in the CQ group and 67% (99/148) in the PS group (P = 0.003). The risk of treatment failure was significantly higher in children under 15 years old than in adults for both CQ (relative risk [RR] = 2.6; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.3-5.2) and PS (RR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.4-3.3). Mefloquine (15 mg base/kg) proved to be highly effective as a treatment for CQ and PS resistant P. falciparum; only 2 of 75 patients (3%) had early treatment failures (< or = day 7), and the overall failure rate by day 42 was 7%. There is a very high level of chloroquine and PS resistance in P.falciparum on the western border of Myanmar, but mefloquine was effective in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Smithuis
- Artsen Zonder Grenzen, Médecins Sans Frontières-Holland, Yangon, Myanmar, Thailand
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29
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Smithuis FM, van Woensel JB, Nordlander E, Vantha WS, ter Kuile FO. Comparison of two mefloquine regimens for treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria on the northeastern Thai-Cambodian border. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1993; 37:1977-81. [PMID: 8239616 PMCID: PMC188103 DOI: 10.1128/aac.37.9.1977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1991 and 1992, a prospective randomized trial was conducted on the northern Thai-Cambodian border. That trial compared the efficacy and tolerance of two mefloquine regimens for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in an area with multi-drug-resistant P. falciparum. The resolution of fever and other symptoms was faster with high-dose mefloquine (25 mg/kg of body weight [M25 group; n = 68]) than with the conventional 15-mg/kg dose (M15 group; n = 71). There were no early treatment failures (days 7 to 9) in the M25 group, but there were 5 (7%) treatment failures in the M15 group (P = 0.03). The incidences of treatment failures by day 28 were 40% with the M15 group and 11% with the M25 group (P = 0.0004). By day 42, these values had risen to 50 and 27%, respectively (P = 0.01). The risk of treatment failure was highest in children (relative risk, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 3.4) and patients with posttreatment diarrhea (relative risk, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 3.1). Over half of the recrudescences in the M25 group occurred between days 28 and 42, whereas 17% of the recrudescences in the M15 group occurred between days 28 and 42 (P = 0.02). Thus, the sensitivity of assessment was significantly increased with longer follow-up. Treatment failure was associated with a delayed parasite clearance and an inadequate hematological recovery. Upper gastrointestinal side effects and dizziness were significantly more common in the M25 group, but overall, the high dose was relatively well tolerated, in particular by children. An increase in the dose to 25 mg/kg can prolong the therapeutic use of mefloquine in areas with multi-drug-resistant P.falciparum malaria where high-grade resistance to mefloquine is still rare.
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