Parasite Epidemiology and Control最新文献

{"title":"Preliminary assessment of Onchocerca-induced visual impairment using clinical fundus camera in Gashaka local government area of Taraba state, north eastern Nigeria","authors":"Francisca O. Olamiju ,&nbsp;Hammed O. Mogaji ,&nbsp;Marcus Trappaud Bjørn ,&nbsp;Ayodele J. Marcus ,&nbsp;Vera Oduwa ,&nbsp;Olatunwa J. Olamiju ,&nbsp;Markus Nzunde ,&nbsp;David K. Ikyerga ,&nbsp;Adrian Hopkins","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00296","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00296","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Onchocerciasis is the world's second leading cause of infectious blindness and remains a major problem in parts of Africa. In light of the efforts targeted towards improving ongoing elimination program, this study assessed onchocerca-induced visual impairments in Gashaka local government areas (LGA) in Taraba State, north-eastern Nigeria.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>In 2019, we recruited 158 consenting visually impaired persons across three communities in Garbabi ward of Gashaka LGA. To avoid confusion with co-endemic trachoma, the integrity of the tarsal conjunctiva, eyelashes were assessed using direct light. The anterior segment of the eye was also examined using a torchlight with oblique illumination. However, the posterior segment of the eye was assessed using a fundus camera. Two photographic images for the left and right eye of each participant were captured using the clinical fundus camera. The photographic eye images that were too dark were discarded, and only clear images were analyzed by two ophthalmologists. An ocular manifestation report was recorded for each participant following consensus between the ophthalmologists.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Of the 316 photographic eye images, almost half 146 (46.2%) from 73 participants were just too destroyed for light to penetrate and was not included in the analysis. Only 170 from 85 participants were clear and examinable. A total of 33 (39%) participants had chorioretinitis suggestive of onchocerciasis, including 22(25.9%) with chorio-retinal atrophy, 7(8.2%) and 4(4.7%) had chorioretinal atrophy in combination with early cataract and signs of trachoma respectively. In addition, 3(3.5%) of the participant had eye images which showed lens opacities, 1(1.2%) showed signs of keratoconus and 1(1.2%) showed a scared and pigmented cornea, possibly due to onchocerciasis. Furthermore, 28 (32.9%) had some ill-defined changes and 19 (22.4%) showed poorly defined chorio-retinal atrophy.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>In a bid to sustain MDA gains towards elimination of onchocerciasis, this work highlights the need for continuous assessment of onchocerciasis induced visual impairment, strengthening of ivermectin delivery and optimizing compliance and patient care among affected populations. These would require resource acquisition and local capacity building. Our preliminary findings call for further operational research on ocular morbidity as well as future stakeholders' consultations in this important and understudied area.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2023-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49816371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytaemia in asymptomatic school children before and after treatment with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP)","authors":"Bismarck Dinko ,&nbsp;Dennis Awuah ,&nbsp;Kwadwo Boampong ,&nbsp;John A. Larbi ,&nbsp;Teun Bousema ,&nbsp;Colin J. Sutherland","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00292","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00292","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Asymptomatic Plasmodium carriers form the majority of malaria-infected individuals in most endemic areas. A proportion of these asymptomatically infected individuals carry gametocytes, the transmissible stages of malaria parasites, that sustain human to mosquito transmission. Few studies examine gametocytaemia in asymptomatic school children who may form an important reservoir for transmission. We assessed the prevalence of gametocytaemia before antimalarial treatment and monitored clearance of gametocytes after treatment in asymptomatic malaria children.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 274 primary school children were screened for <em>P. falciparum</em> parasitaemia by microscopy. One hundred and fifty-five (155) parasite positive children were treated under direct observation with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP). Gametocyte carriage was determined by microscopy seven days prior to treatment, day 0 before treatment, and on days 7, 14 and 21 post initiation of treatment.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The prevalence of microscopically-detectable gametocytes at screening (day −7) and enrolment (day 0) were 9% (25/274) and 13.6% (21/155) respectively. Following DP treatment, gametocyte carriage dropped to 4% (6/135), 3% (5/135) and 6% (10/151) on days 7, 14 and 21 respectively. Asexual parasites persisted in a minority of treated children, resulting in microscopically detectable parasites on days 7 (9%, 12/135), 14 (4%, 5/135) and 21 (7%, 10/151). Gametocyte carriage was inversely correlated with the age of the participants (<em>p</em> = 0.05) and asexual parasite density (<em>p</em> = 0.08). In a variate analysis, persistent gametocytaemia 7 or more days after treatment was significantly associated with post-treatment asexual parasitaemia at day 7 (<em>P</em> = 0.027) and presence of gametocytes on the day of treatment (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Though DP provides both excellent cure rates for clinical malaria and a long prophylactic half-life, our findings suggest that after treatment of asymptomatic infections, both asexual parasites and gametocytes may persist in a minority of individuals during the first 3 weeks after treatment. This indicates DP may be unsuitable for use in mass drug administration strategies towards malaria elimination in Africa.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2023-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49863999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biology and epidemiology of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax gametocyte carriage: Implication for malaria control and elimination","authors":"Aklilu Alemayehu","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00295","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00295","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Malaria is among the leading public health problems worldwide. Female anopheles mosquito orchestrates the transmission of malaria by taking gametocytes and introducing sporozoite while taking blood meals. Interrupting transmission is the major strategy for malaria elimination. The gametocyte stage is essential for the onward transmission of malaria. Thus, understanding its basic biology and epidemiology is key to malaria control and elimination. Therefore, the current review focuses on revealing the biology, prevalence, and determinants of gametocyte carriage as well as its implication on mitigation of malaria. It also illustrates the role of asymptomatic and sub-microscopic <em>Plasmodium</em> infections and G-6-PD deficiency in gametocyte carriage and hence malaria transmission.</p><p>Gametocytogenesis is initiated at committed merozoites and gives rise to the development of gametocytes. The trigger for gametocytogenesis depends on the host, parasite, and intervention factors. Gametocytes pass through five developmental stages identifiable by molecular markers. A considerable number of malaria patients carry gametocytes at a sub-microscopic level, thereby serving as a potential infectious reservoir of transmission. Factors involving the human host, <em>Plasmodium</em> parasite, and intervention parameters play a critical role in gametocyte biology and prevalence.</p><p>The contribution of asymptomatic and sub-microscopic infections to malaria transmission is unknown. The clear impact of G-6-PD deficiency on malaria control and elimination remains unclear. Lack of clarity on such issues might impede the success of interventions. Basic science and epidemiological studies should continue to overcome the challenges and cope with the ever-evolving parasite and guide interventions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2023-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49863998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence, seasonal dynamics and associated variables of ixodid tick cattle infestation in Gondar, northwestern Ethiopia","authors":"Abdifetah Mohamed ,&nbsp;Muhammed Fedlu ,&nbsp;Taju Nigussie ,&nbsp;Mahamed Abdi Wali","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00294","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00294","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Ticks are ectoparasites that impact the health and productivity in farm animals. They are also important vectors for pathogens transmitted to animals and humans. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to April 2019 with the objectives of determining the prevalence, identifying genera and seasonal dynamics of adult ixodid ticks infesting cattle in and around Gondar, northwestern Ethiopia. Pearson Chi-square Test was used to evaluate the association of tick prevalence with explanatory variables. One way analysis of variance was used to compare mean tick density of cattle with the explanatory variables. The overall prevalence of cattle ixodid tick infestation was found to be 65.8% (95% CI = 60.0–71.2%). The effect of breed, sex, age and body condition score on tick prevalence was investigated. However, only the body condition score of study animals was found to have statistically significant effect on the prevalence of tick infestation. Monthly analysis of tick infestation showed statistically significant variation (χ2 = 36.17, <em>p</em> = 0.00) during the study period (November 2018 – April 2019). The highest monthly prevalence was recorded in March (85.0%), and the least in February (42.0%). A comparison of the tick prevalence across seasons showed statistically significant differences (χ = 34.10, <em>p</em> = 0.00), being highest (82.5%) during the short rainy season. During the study period, a total of 3796 adult ixodid ticks were collected from different body regions of the study animals. Three ixodid tick genera were identified, with the genus <em>Rhipicephalus</em> being the most prevalent (<em>n</em> = 2122 (55.9%) of the total adult ticks (3796). The overall mean tick density per host for all genera was 12.78 ticks, with a marked difference in tick density during the three study seasons. The highest MTD was recorded during the short rainy season (MTD = 18.58), (<em>F</em> = 19.71, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). The present study has shown that ticks are highly prevalent in the study area. Therefore, an appropriate tick control program should be designed and implemented.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2023-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/78/e8/main.PMC10009281.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9117052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The relative effect of climate variability on malaria incidence after scale-up of interventions in western Kenya: A time-series analysis of monthly incidence data from 2008 to 2019","authors":"Bryan O. Nyawanda ,&nbsp;Anton Beloconi ,&nbsp;Sammy Khagayi ,&nbsp;Godfrey Bigogo ,&nbsp;David Obor ,&nbsp;Nancy A. Otieno ,&nbsp;Stefan Lange ,&nbsp;Jonas Franke ,&nbsp;Rainer Sauerborn ,&nbsp;Jürg Utzinger ,&nbsp;Simon Kariuki ,&nbsp;Stephen Munga ,&nbsp;Penelope Vounatsou","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00297","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00297","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Despite considerable progress made over the past 20 years in reducing the global burden of malaria, the disease remains a major public health problem and there is concern that climate change might expand suitable areas for transmission. This study investigated the relative effect of climate variability on malaria incidence after scale-up of interventions in western Kenya.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Bayesian negative binomial models were fitted to monthly malaria incidence data, extracted from records of patients with febrile illnesses visiting the Lwak Mission Hospital between 2008 and 2019. Data pertaining to bed net use and socio-economic status (SES) were obtained from household surveys. Climatic proxy variables obtained from remote sensing were included as covariates in the models. Bayesian variable selection was used to determine the elapsing time between climate suitability and malaria incidence.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Malaria incidence increased by 50% from 2008 to 2010, then declined by 73% until 2015. There was a resurgence of cases after 2016, despite high bed net use. Increase in daytime land surface temperature was associated with a decline in malaria incidence (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.70, 95% Bayesian credible interval [BCI]: 0.59–0.82), while rainfall was associated with increased incidence (IRR = 1.27, 95% BCI: 1.10–1.44). Bed net use was associated with a decline in malaria incidence in children aged 6–59 months (IRR = 0.78, 95% BCI: 0.70–0.87) but not in older age groups, whereas SES was not associated with malaria incidence in this population.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Variability in climatic factors showed a stronger effect on malaria incidence than bed net use. Bed net use was, however, associated with a reduction in malaria incidence, especially among children aged 6–59 months after adjusting for climate effects. To sustain the downward trend in malaria incidence, this study recommends continued distribution and use of bed nets and consideration of climate-based malaria early warning systems when planning for future control interventions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2023-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10068258/pdf/main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9257680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of malaria infection and the impact of mosquito bed net distribution among children aged 6–59 months in Ghana: Evidence from the Ghana demographic health and malarial indicator surveys","authors":"John Tetteh ,&nbsp;Ernest Yorke ,&nbsp;Vincent Boima ,&nbsp;Alfred Edwin Yawson","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00302","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00302","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To assess the prevalence of malaria infection and further quantify the impact of mosquito bed net distribution on malaria infection among children aged 6–59 months in Ghana.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A cross-sectional study using Ghana Demographic Health (GDHS) and Malaria Indicator (GMIS) surveys (2014 GDHS, 2016 GMIS, and 2019 GMIS). The exposure and the main outcomes were mosquito bed net use (MBU) and malaria infection (MI). Relative percentage change (Δ) and prevalence ratio (PR) were estimated to assess the changes and the risk of MI by MBU respectively. The Propensity-score matching treatment effect model was employed to estimate the average treatment effect (ATE) of MBU on MI. All analyses were performed using Stata 16.1 and <em>p</em>-value&lt;0.05 was deemed significant.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The study involved 8781 children aged 6–59 months. MI ranged from 25.8%(22.3–29.7) in 2019 GMIS to 40.6%(37.0–44.2) in 2014 GDHS and the prevalence was significantly high among children who used mosquito bed net. The relative percentage change in MI prevalence showed a significant reduction rate and was high among non-MBU (<em>p</em>-value&lt;0.05). In all, the adjusted PR of MI among children exposed to MBU was 1.21(1.08–1.35), 1.13(1.01–1.28), and 1.50(1.20–1.75) in 2014 GDHS, 2016 GMIS, and 2019 GMIS respectively. The average MI among participants who slept in mosquito bed net significantly increased by 8%(0.04 to 0.12), 4%(0.003 to 0.08), and 7%(0.03 to 0.11) in 2014 GDHS, 2016 GMIS, and 2019 GMIS respectively.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Even though malaria infection prevalence among children aged 6–59 months is decreasing, the reduction rate seems not to be directly linked with mosquito bed nets distribution and/or use in Ghana. For a continued distribution of mosquito bed nets, and for Ghana to achieve her <em>Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP) 2021–2025,</em> program managers should ensure effective use of the distributed nets in addition to other preventive measures and nuanced consideration of community behaviours in Ghana. The effective use and care of bed nets should be emphasized as part of the distribution.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2023-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/71/9e/main.PMC10185735.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9495463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Asymptomatic Plasmodium infection among primary schoolchildren and Anopheles-mediated malaria transmission: A cross-sectional study in Ouidah; south-western Benin","authors":"Adandé A. Medjigbodo ,&nbsp;Laurette Djossou ,&nbsp;Constantin J. Adoha ,&nbsp;Oswald Y. Djihinto ,&nbsp;Aurore Ogouyemi-Hounto ,&nbsp;Martin J. Donnelly ,&nbsp;David Weetman ,&nbsp;Luc S. Djogbénou","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00285","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00285","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Understanding the contribution of asymptomatic <em>Plasmodium</em> carriers in malaria transmission might be helpful to design and implement new control measures. The present study explored the prevalence of asymptomatic and symptomatic <em>Plasmodium</em> infections (asexual and sexual stages) and the contribution of asymptomatic <em>P. falciparum</em> carriers to <em>Anopheles</em>-mediated malaria transmission in Ouidah (Benin). Thick and thin blood smears were examined from finger-prick blood specimens using light microscopy, and the density of both asexual and sexual stages of <em>Plasmodium</em> species was calculated. Infectivity of gametocyte-infected blood samples to <em>Anopheles gambiae</em> was assessed through direct membrane feeding assays. The prevalence of asymptomatic <em>Plasmodium</em> infections was 28.73% (289/1006). All the asymptomatic gametocyte-carriers (19/19), with gametocytaemia ranging from 10 ̶ 1200 gametocytes/μL of blood, were infectious to <em>An. gambiae</em> mosquitoes. The mean oocyst prevalences varied significantly (<em>χ</em>^<em>2</em> = 16.42, <em>df</em> = 7, <em>p</em> = 0.02) among laboratory mosquito strains (6.9 ̶ 39.4%) and near-field mosquitoes (4.9 ̶ 27.2%). Likewise, significant variation (<em>χ</em>^<em>2</em> = 56.85, <em>df</em> = 7, <em>p</em> = 6.39 × 10⁻¹⁰) was observed in oocyst intensity. Our findings indicate that asymptomatic <em>Plasmodium</em> carriers could significantly contribute to malaria transmission. Overall, this study highlights the importance of diagnosing and treating asymptomatic and symptomatic infection carriers during malaria control programmes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2023-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49816359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fungal and parasitic skin infections in a Swedish health region without lockdown: Focus on scabies and tinea capitis/ tinea barbae","authors":"Maria Pissa ,&nbsp;Oliver Seifert ,&nbsp;Sandra Jerkovic Gulin","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00286","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00286","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2023-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/9b/91/main.PMC9862703.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9457571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perceptions and practices of urban slum-dwelling women concerning soil-transmitted helminths infections in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Mandira Mukutmoni ,&nbsp;Fahmida Tasnim Liza ,&nbsp;Rawnaq Ara Parvin ,&nbsp;Tilak Chandra Nath","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00291","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00291","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infections are still attributed to a significant part of mortality and disabilities in developing nations. This study aimed at exploring the perceptions and practices concerning STH and to assess the associated risk of infections among slum-dwelling women of Dhaka South City Corporations (DSCC), Bangladesh.</p></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><p>A cross-sectional study was conducted in two selected slums (Malibagh and Lalbagh) of DSCC, Bangladesh, from September 2020 to February 2021. A total of 206 women participants were requested to provide stool samples, followed by a semi-structured questionnaire survey. Parasitological assessment was done by the formol-ether concentration (FEC) technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and <em>p</em>-value &lt;<!--> <!-->0.05 was considered as statistically significant. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was estimated using logistic regression analysis to examine the association between explanatory and outcome factors.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>In total, 36 (17.5%) STH infections were observed out of 206 examined participants. Among the STH, <em>Trichuris trichiura</em> showed the highest prevalence (10.7%), followed by <em>Ascaris lumbricoides</em> (5.3%). Lack of formal education, overcrowded living, large family sizes, and using shared toilets were significantly associated with STH infections. Irregular nail cutting (AOR = 3.12), irregular soap usage after toilet (AOR = 2.98), wearing no shoes (AOR = 4.64), and failing to teach kids to wash their hands (AOR = 3.87) were revealed as practice concerns linked to high STH prevalence. Women, who had never heard about STH (AOR = 2.42) and had no misconceptions regarding STH (AOR = 1.94) were positively related to STH infection in this study.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Slum-dwelling women in Bangladesh still had a substantial infection of STH. Most of the communities under study were unaware of parasite infection and its negative effects on health. Revision of the policy of ongoing anthelmintic distribution programs and widespread health education programs are recommended aimed at controlling STH.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2023-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/53/ab/main.PMC9982025.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10849178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Concordance between Ov16 rapid diagnostic test(RDT) and Ov16 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the diagnosis of onchocerciasis in areas of contrasting endemicity in cameroon","authors":"Relindis Ekanya ,&nbsp;Amuam Andrew Beng ,&nbsp;Muwah Anastacia Anim ,&nbsp;Yokyu Zachary Pangwoh ,&nbsp;Obie Elisabeth Dibando ,&nbsp;Narcisse Victor Tchamatchoua Gandjui ,&nbsp;Abong Raphael Awah ,&nbsp;Glory N. Amambo ,&nbsp;Gordon Takop Nchanji ,&nbsp;Bertrand Lontum Ndzeshang ,&nbsp;Theobald Mue Nji ,&nbsp;Fanny Fri Fombad ,&nbsp;Abdel Jelil Njouendou ,&nbsp;Esum Mathias Eyong ,&nbsp;Jerome Fru Cho ,&nbsp;Peter A. Eyong ,&nbsp;Kebede Deribe ,&nbsp;Ntonifor Helen Ngum ,&nbsp;Allison Golden ,&nbsp;Samuel Wanji","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00290","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00290","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The diagnosis of onchocerciasis in endemic areas has been demanding given the need to replace the invasive skin snip method with a more sensitive and specific rapid point-of-contact tool. Filarial antigen detection tests are better alternative methods in diagnosing <em>Onchocercal</em> infections, as they detect infections and could be used to monitor transmission in endemic areas following mass drug administration. With the shift in paradigme from control to elimination, a rapid point- of-contact tool is required to support elimination programs. This was a cross-sectional, community-based study conducted in 50 villages selected from six health districts using a systematic sampling technique. Individuals ≥17 years who had lived in the community for a duration of 5 years and above provided blood specimens for IgG4 antibodies testing against <em>O. volvulus</em> antigens. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.20 and expectation maximization to classify optical densities for positive and negative samples from ELISA results. The kappa statistics was used to measure the level of agreement between the two tests. In a total of 5001 participants which were recruited for the study, 4416 (88.3%) participant samples passed the plate quality control criteria and were considered for the test comparison analysis. Out of the 4416 participants, 292 (6.6%) tested positive with Ov16 RDT and 310 (7.0%) with Ov16 ELISA. All those who tested positive with the rapid test agreed positive with ELISA. The overall percentage agreement was 99.2%, the Kappa score of 0.936. The results obtained indicate an excellent agreement between ELISA and RDT as measured by kappa (0.936) which was statistically significant <strong>(<em>P</em></strong> <strong>&lt;</strong> <strong>0.001)</strong>. Our experience with the Ov16 ELISA biplex rapid test was favorable. However, the Ov16 RDT test may be more appropriate to use in remote areas for the point diagnosis of onchocerciasis in view towards achieving elimination in Africa.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2023-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/85/0f/main.PMC7614264.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9127922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}