Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tolulope Alade, Thuy-Huong Ta-Tang, Sulaiman Adebayo Nassar, Akeem Abiodun Akindele, Raquel Capote-Morales, Tosin Blessing Omobami, Pedro Berzosa
Summary: This study found that schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases are still endemic in Osun State, Nigeria, with a low prevalence and light infection intensity. Urinary infection was the most common, with higher prevalence in children over 10 years old. There were no significant associations between gender and age and urogenital or intestinal parasites.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Cara Tupps, Ibrahim Kargbo-Labour, Jusufu Paye, Sanjaya Dhakal, Mary H. Hodges, Alexander H. Jones, Stacy Davlin, Mustapha Sonnie, Sallay Manah, Rubina Imtiaz, Yaobi Zhang
Summary: This study assessed the prevalence of parasitic infections in different age groups in Sierra Leone. The results showed that treatment for STH infection is needed annually in children and should also be considered for women of reproductive age. The study also found that having access to toilet facilities significantly reduced the infection rates of various parasites. Therefore, improving sanitation at the community and household levels is crucial for controlling these diseases.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Javier Gandasegui, Berta Grau-Pujol, Maria Cambra-Pelleja, Valdemiro Escola, Maria Antonietta Demontis, Anelsio Cossa, Jose Carlos Jamine, Rafael Balana-Fouce, Lisette van Lieshout, Jose Munoz, Maria Martinez-Valladares
Summary: This study optimized the sample processing methodology and standardized pyrosequencing in soil-transmitted helminth (STH) pooled eggs. The protocols developed in this study can be used for large-scale screenings or anthelmintic efficacy trials in STH populations. The results suggest that the new pyrosequencing assays designed in this study provided accurate SNP frequencies in simulated resistance levels.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yonas Alemu, Teshome Degefa, Mitiku Bajiro, Getachew Teshome
Summary: This study assessed the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infection among individuals in model and non-model households in Jimma zone. The study found that the prevalence and intensity of STH infection were higher in non-model households than in model households. Factors such as household training status, age of participants, and latrine use pattern were found to be significant predictors of STH infection prevalence.
Article
Parasitology
Obiora A. Eneanya, Lincoln Gankpala, Charles W. Goss, Aaron T. Momolu, Enoch S. Nyan, Emmanuel B. Gray, Kerstin Fischer, Kurt Curtis, Fatorma K. Bolay, Gary J. Weil, Peter U. Fischer
Summary: This study assessed the impact of different mass drug administration (MDA) schedules on multiple parasitic infections in Liberia. Results showed that both annual and semiannual MDA had similar beneficial effects on lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, and soil-transmitted helminth infections. However, MDA with praziquantel had little impact on schistosomiasis. A long-term follow-up survey indicated that routine annual MDA provided by the Liberian Ministry of Health sustained the improvements in infection parameters.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Robert J. Hardwick, James E. Truscott, William E. Oswald, Marleen Werkman, Katherine E. Halliday, Rachel L. Pullan, Roy M. Anderson
Summary: This study presents a general framework to understand the impact of adherence and non-adherence behavior on mass drug administration (MDA) programs for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). By developing probability models informed by observed adherence behavior, the study explores how different patterns influence the success of MDA programs. The analysis conducted on the TUMIKIA data highlights the importance of accurately capturing non-adherence patterns for effective control measures.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Benjamin S. S. Collyer, James E. E. Truscott, Charles S. S. Mwandawiro, Sammy M. M. Njenga, Roy M. M. Anderson
Summary: Human mobility is a contributing factor to the spread of infectious diseases, and understanding this can aid in planning interventions. This study focuses on the spatial dynamics of hookworm, a common parasitic infection, and develops a transmission model based on data from Kenya. The model considers human mobility and successfully reproduces observed patterns of infection decline during a mass chemotherapy trial. The results highlight the importance of considering mobility in the design of elimination programs for helminth transmission.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alemayehu Assefa, Berhanu Erko, Svein Gunnar Gundersen, Girmay Medhin, Nega Berhe
Summary: Despite ongoing mass drug administration campaigns, Schistosoma mansoni infection remains prevalent in the study areas, with a significant proportion of heavy infections. The study suggests conducting mass treatment campaigns early after the rainy season, alongside provisions of clean water and sanitation facilities, to prevent reinfection.
Article
Infectious Diseases
G. Akosah-Brempong, S. K. Attah, I. A. Hinne, A. Abdulai, K. Addo-Osafo, E. L. Appiah, M-M Osei, Y. A. Afrane
Summary: The study found a relatively low burden of parasites co-infection among children only in the Southern communities, but a high prevalence of single infections of P. falciparum and S. mansoni in those communities. Control measures for the helminths need to be restarted in the island communities with a high burden of S. mansoni infections, and efforts to control Plasmodium need to be scaled up in Ada Foah where P. falciparum infections are high.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Ameyo M. Dorkenoo, Anna E. Phillips, Luke Klein, Fiali Lack, Essoham Ataba, Kossi Yakpa, Atna-Edi Tagba, Bozi-Esso Assoti, Efoe Sossou, Maweke Tchalim, Gbati Datagni, Anders Seim, Marie Denise Milord, Yao Kassankogno
Summary: After 10 years of high coverage integrated mass drug administration, Togo has achieved a low prevalence of schistosomiasis infection through sub-district implementation. However, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection remains a problem in some areas. additional measures such as improving treatment coverage among preschool age children and hygiene and sanitation practices are needed.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Peter Makaula, Sekeleghe Amos Kayuni, Kondwani Chidzammbuyo Mamba, Grace Bongololo, Mathias Funsanani, Janelisa Musaya, Lazarus Tito Juziwelo, Peter Furu
Summary: This study examined the implementation of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in Malawi for the prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases (NTD). The findings showed that MDA had high coverage rates in the target districts and was perceived positively by both health authorities and community members. However, there were challenges such as uneven knowledge levels that hindered progress towards the global NTD goals. The study highlights the need for community participation, partnerships, and other interventions for sustainable prevention and control of the diseases.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
James E. Truscott, Robert J. Hardwick, Marleen Werkman, Puthupalayam Kaliappan Saravanakumar, Malathi Manuel, Sitara S. R. Ajjampur, Kristjana H. Asbjornsdottir, Kalua Khumbo, Stefan Witek-McManus, James Simwanza, Gilles Cottrell, Parfait Houngbegnon, Moudachirou Ibikounle, Judd L. Walson, Roy M. Anderson
Summary: The DeWorm3 project utilizes statistical and mathematical methods to forecast the outcome of mass drug administration in reducing soil-transmitted helminth infections below 2%, highlighting the importance of assessing geographical and cluster-level heterogeneities in transmission and aggregation for effective control of neglected tropical diseases.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Daniel Getacher Feleke, Abdurahaman Ali, Habtye Bisetegn, Habtu Debash, Workineh Birara, Alehegn Andualem
Summary: This study aimed to determine the burden of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni among primary school children in Ambesame, North-West Ethiopia. The results showed a relatively high prevalence of intestinal helminths among the school children, with significant associations found with the father's educational status, absence of latrine, and untrimmed fingernails.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
John Paul Caesar delos Trinos, Dinh Ng-Nguyen, Luc E. Coffeng, Clare E. F. Dyer, Naomi Clarke, Rebecca Traub, Kate Halton, Virginia Wiseman, Caroline Watts, Susana Vaz Nery
Summary: This study compared the cost and cost-effectiveness of mass drug administration (MDA) and school-based targeted preventive chemotherapy (PC) for soil-transmitted helminths (STH) control in Dak Lak, Vietnam. It found that MDA was more cost-effective than school-based targeted PC, resulting in greater DALYs averted over a ten-year period at a lower cost.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maurice M. Nigo, Peter Odermatt, Georgette B. Salieb-Beugelaar, Oleksii Morozov, Manuel Battegay, Patrick R. Hunziker
Summary: The study assessed the geographical distribution of S. mansoni infection in Ituri province, DRC, identifying key risk factors. Results revealed high endemicity of the disease with main risk factors including poor housing structure, proximity to water bodies, and long-term residence in a community.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Johnny Vlaminck, Ole Lagatie, Daniel Dana, Zeleke Mekonnen, Peter Geldhof, Bruno Levecke, Lieven J. Stuyver
Summary: The study found that for soil-transmitted helminths, testing linear epitopes for antibody response was not sensitive or species-specific enough, while for schistosomes, some promising peptides were identified for future research.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Abebaw Tiruneh, Endalew Zemene, Zeleke Mekonnen
Summary: Strongyloidiasis is the most neglected of the neglected tropical diseases in Ethiopia due to lack of clear category within the NTDs, underestimation of disease magnitude, and issues with the use of ivermectin for control and elimination. It is essential to use sensitive diagnostic tools and reliable evidence for the control and elimination programs of strongyloidiasis in Ethiopia.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tsegaye Melaku, Mulatu Gashaw, Legese Chelkeba, Melkamu Berhane, Sisay Bekele, Gemechu Lemi, Tekle Wakjira, Getnet Tesfaw, Zeleke Mekonnen, Solomon Ali, Arne Kroidl, Andreas Wieser, Guenter Froeschl, Esayas Kebede Gudina
Summary: This study aimed to measure the volume of antibiotic consumption at a hospital outpatient setting in Ethiopia, revealing a high consumption level, particularly of ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, and azithromycin. Half of the antibiotics used were classified as Watch group. Further scrutiny and implementation of antibiotic stewardship program are needed to address this issue.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Legese Chelkeba, Tsegaye Melaku, Dereje Lemma, Zeleke Mekonnen
Summary: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among pregnant women in Ethiopia is relatively high, with hookworms and Ascaris lumbricoides being the most common helminth species. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the dominant protozoa species found among pregnant women in Ethiopia.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mengistu Hailemariam Zenebe, Zeleke Mekonnen, Eskindir Loha, Elizaveta Padalko
Summary: The study found a high prevalence of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection in Southern Ethiopia, with significant associations with maternal exposure through nursery school children in the household, women sharing a feeding cup with children, and any of the detected curable STIs during pregnancy. Birth weight was negatively associated with CMV infection, while maternal age, gravidity, level of education, and sharing of children feeding utensils were not associated with cCMV infection.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gebremedhin Gebrezgabiher, Delenasaw Yewhalaw, Mio Ayana, Asrat Hailu, Zeleke Mekonnen
Summary: The study conducted in Ethiopia showed that long-term Community-directed treatment with ivermectin has significantly reduced the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections, specifically A. lumbricoides and hookworm, while having no impact on T. trichiura infections.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mengistu Hailemariam Zenebe, Zeleke Mekonnen, Eskindir Loha, Elizaveta Padalko
Summary: The study identified a high rate of CMV IgM and CMV IgG seroprevalence among pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia, with factors such as older age, currently unmarried, having nursery-schooled children, and having any curable sexually transmitted infections associated with higher IgM seroprevalence, and only nursery-schooled children associated with IgG seroprevalence.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Daniel Dana, Sara Roose, Johnny Vlaminck, Mio Ayana, Zeleke Mekonnen, Peter Geldhof, Bruno Levecke
Summary: The study found that more children in Ethiopian school children are exposed to worm infections, and different types of antibody assays can better evaluate this exposure.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sara Roose, Russell W. Avramenko, Stephen M. J. Pollo, James D. Wasmuth, Shaali Ame, Mio Ayana, Martha Betson, Piet Cools, Daniel Dana, Ben P. Jones, Zeleke Mekonnen, Arianna Morosetti, Abhinaya Venkatesan, Johnny Vlaminck, Matthew L. Workentine, Bruno Levecke, John S. Gilleard, Peter Geldhof
Summary: This study characterized the beta-tubulin gene families in Ascaris worms and identified at least seven different beta-tubulin genes. Through deep amplicon sequencing, no known SNPs associated with BZ resistance were found in these genes in adult Ascaris populations. The study proposes a new nomenclature and discusses the prioritization of genes for future BZ resistance research in helminths.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Martin Walker, Piet Cools, Marco Albonico, Shaali M. Ame, Mio Ayana, Daniel Dana, Jennifer Keiser, Leonardo F. Matoso, Antonio Montresor, Zeleke Mekonnen, Rodrigo Correa-Oliveira, Simone A. Pinto, Somphou Sayasone, Jozef Vercruysse, Johnny Vlaminck, Bruno Levecke
Summary: The study revealed decreased efficacy of albendazole against soil-transmitted helminths in Pemba Island with high drug pressure, potentially due to higher infection intensity prior to drug administration. Individual age and sex also influenced drug response, but inconsistently across different helminths and study sites.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Health Care Sciences & Services
Esayas Kebede Gudina, Zeleke Mekonnen, Daniel Yilma
Summary: Despite the progress made in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still challenges in terms of vaccine supply and vaccine hesitancy. By the end of 2021, only half of WHO Member States have reached the target of immunizing 40% of their populations, while less than 10% of the population in low-income countries have received at least one dose of the vaccine. The evolution of highly mutated variants of the virus is causing more uncertainties in controlling the pandemic.
RISK MANAGEMENT AND HEALTHCARE POLICY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Marina Papaiakovou, Natalia Fraija-Fernandez, Katherine James, Andrew G. Briscoe, Andie Hall, Timothy P. Jenkins, Julia Dunn, Bruno Levecke, Zeleke Mekonnen, Piet Cools, Stephen R. Doyle, Cinzia Cantacessi, D. T. J. Littlewood
Summary: Currently, the identification of gastrointestinal helminth infections relies on traditional microscopy-based techniques, but molecular approaches using DNA detection and quantification offer increased sensitivity and specificity. In this study, low-depth whole genome sequencing (genome skimming) was used to detect and characterize helminth diversity in faecal samples. Three methods were evaluated to characterize metagenomic sequencing data, and the success of genome skimming was dependent on the availability of reference sequences and methods to detect parasite DNA in mixed samples.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Muhammad Asaduzzaman, Zeleke Mekonnen, Ernst Kristian Rodland, Sundeep Sahay, Andrea Sylvia Winkler, Christoph Gradmann
Summary: Our study explored the perspectives of stakeholders in Jimma, Ethiopia on the use of DHIS2 as a One Health Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance platform. The findings suggest that DHIS2 has the potential to be a user-friendly and acceptable platform for OH-AMR surveillance. Despite some challenges, most participants perceived DHIS2 as suitable for OH-AMR surveillance and expressed their willingness to contribute in their current professional roles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INFORMATICS
(2024)