Article
Immunology
Housseini Dolo, Yaya Coulibaly, Moussa Sow, Massitan Dembele, Salif S. Doumbia, Siaka Y. Coulibaly, Moussa B. Sangare, Ilo Dicko, Abdallah A. Diallo, Lamine Soumaoro, Michel E. Coulibaly, Dansine Diarra, Robert Colebunders, Thomas B. Nutman, Martin Walker, Maria-Gloria Basanez
Summary: The seroprevalence of Ov16 and Wb123 among children in Bakoye and Faleme is consistent with achieving the goals of onchocerciasis elimination and LF elimination as a public health problem after 24-25 years of treatment. Testing and follow-up are suggested for the few Ov16-seropositive children.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Ameyo Monique Dorkenoo, Adjaho Koba, Wemboo A. Halatoko, Minongblon Teko, Komlan Kossi, Kossi Yakpa, Rachel N. Bronzan
Summary: A study in Togo showed that while the Wb123 ELISA may have limitations in surveillance for lymphatic filariasis, there is still a need to develop a reliable test for post-elimination surveillance.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Reda M. R. Ramzy, Abdul Samid Al Kubati
Summary: Over the past two decades, progress has been made in controlling and eliminating LF in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Egypt and Yemen have been successfully validated by WHO for LF elimination, with Sudan scaling up MDA efforts. The four suspected countries showed no signs of LF transmission, eliminating the need for MDA.
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bhupendra Tripathi, Nupur Roy, Neeraj Dhingra
Summary: India has 670 million people at risk of contracting lymphatic filariasis, accounting for 40% of global cases. The country adopted a single-drug therapy in 2004, followed by a two-drug therapy. In 2017, a new triple-drug therapy was endorsed by the World Health Organization. India began implementing this protocol in five districts in 2018 to accelerate the elimination of lymphatic filariasis.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Review
Immunology
S. Sabesan, K. Krishnamoorthy, S. L. Hoti, S. Subramanian, A. Srividya, Nupur Roy, Tanu Jain, Ashwani Kumar, Manju Rahi
Summary: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a vector-borne neglected tropical disease that India aims to eliminate through mass drug administration (MDA) programs, but the progress has been suboptimal. To address poor compliance, the use of DEC-fortified salt is proposed as a well-researched approach recommended by the World Health Organization. This strategy has been successful in small- and large-scale trials and offers a safe, less expensive, more efficient, and prompt solution for LF elimination.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Aashna Sinha, Sudhashekhar Kumar, Deen Dayal, Vaishali Yadav, Atreyi Pramanik, Kundan Kumar Chaubey, Sanjay Kumar
Summary: Lymphatic filariasis is a common vector-borne disease that poses a significant health threat globally. To eliminate the transmission of LF, various measures and programs have been implemented, including mass drug administration, epidemiological assessment, and monitoring. Additionally, potential diagnostic methods and surveillance systems can help prevent the recurrence of LF.
ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jonathan Mnkai, Thomas F. Marandu, Jacklina Mhidze, Agatha Urio, Lucas Maganga, Antelmo Haule, Godfrey Kavishe, Elizabeth Ntapara, Nhamo Chiwerengo, Petra Clowes, Sacha Horn, Maureen Mosoba, Wilfred Lazarus, Abdallah Ngenya, Akili Kalinga, Alex Debrah, Friedrich Riess, Elmar Saathoff, Christof Geldmacher, Achim Hoerauf, Michael Hoelscher, Mkunde Chachage, Inge Kroidl
Summary: This study demonstrates a significant reduction in the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in the Southwest region of Tanzania after seven years of annual treatment and three years of surveillance. The national control program has achieved successful treatment outcomes. Risk factors for W. bancrofti infection include occupation as a farmer, male sex, and older age.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Paul S. Weiss, Edwin Michael, Frank O. Richards
Summary: The study investigated the impact of assessment methods for LF transmission elimination on EU evaluation, finding flaws in the current TAS methodology that may lead to inaccurate predictions of LF transmission interruption. It is suggested to modify the TAS method to address extreme cluster results, which will help achieve the global goal of LF elimination more effectively.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gary J. Weil, Peter U. Fischer, Alison Krentel
Summary: Early clinical trials showed the effectiveness of triple drug therapy with ivermectin plus DEC and albendazole for clearing microfilaremia in lymphatic filariasis patients. However, further large-scale studies were needed to justify policy changes. The World Health Organization's endorsement of this regimen for mass drug administration relied on the results of these studies.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Christabel Khaemba, Abbie Barry, Wyckliff P. Omondi, Kefa Bota, Sultani Matendechero, Cecilia Wandera, Fred Siyoi, Elvis Kirui, Margaret Oluka, Pamela Nambwa, Parthasarathi Gurumurthy, Sammy M. Njenga, Anastacia Guantai, Eleni Aklillu
Summary: A large-scale prospective study in Kenya investigated adverse events following mass drug administration of diethylcarbamazine citrate and albendazole for lymphatic filariasis elimination. The study found a high cumulative incidence of AEs, with most being mild and resolving within 72 hours. Factors such as older age, concurrent medication use, and type of meal before administration were significant predictors of AEs.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gilberto Fontes, Eliana Maria Mauricio da Rocha, Ronaldo Guilherme Carvalho Scholte, Ruben Santiago Nicholls
Summary: In South and Central America, progress has been made in eliminating LF transmission, with countries like Brazil, Dominican Republic, Guyana, and Haiti achieving important milestones such as stopping mass drug administration and interrupting transmission in certain endemic areas. Efforts should continue to improve morbidity management to prevent disabilities in affected populations.
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anjali Modi, Keshav G. Vaishnav, Kailash Kothiya, Neal Alexander
Summary: The study in Surat City, India, highlights the importance of monitoring residual microfilaremia in high-risk populations to secure the gains of LF elimination programs. Despite reaching MDA endpoints, a sub-group analysis revealed that high-risk groups still had higher prevalence of microfilaremia, emphasizing the need for customized surveillance and treatment strategies.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Dana Busschots, Cecile Kremer, Ozgur M. Koc, Leen Heyens, Rob Bielen, Ludwig Apers, Eric Florence, Peter Messiaen, Kristel Van Laethem, Eric Van Wijngaerden, Frederik Nevens, Niel Hens, Geert Robaeys
Summary: This study investigated the HCV infection situation of 4607 PLHIV in Belgium, with high rates of treatment initiation and sustained virologic response (SVR). Implementation of a national HCV register for tracking progress and yearly screening is crucial for achieving HCV elimination in PLHIV by 2030.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tijana Williams, Rachel Taylor, Minne Iwamoto, Takayuki Hida, Fabian Gusovsky
Summary: The World Health Assembly Resolution committed to eliminating LF as a public health problem, leading to the creation of the GPELF in 2000. The GPELF strategy consists of stopping infection spread and alleviating suffering, with crucial contributions from pharmaceutical companies' medicine donations. As we celebrate progress towards LF elimination, continued commitments and perspectives on the next decade are emphasized.
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah Martindale, Hayley Mableson, Christopher Bodimeade, Hannah Hume, Xavier Badia, Jahirul Karim, A. S. M. Sultan Mahmood, John Chiphwanya, Pradip Rimal, Pelagie Boko-Collins, Roland Bougma, David Agyemang, Bright Alomatu, Abdourahim Cisse, Salissou Adamou Bathiri, Joy Shu'aibu, Hannah Betts, Louise A. Kelly-Hope, Nick Riches
Summary: A hydrocoele surgery facility assessment tool (HSFAT) was developed to assess the readiness of hydrocoele surgery services. The tool evaluates facilities across multiple domains and identifies key areas for improvement, enabling the development of a quality improvement plan to meet the requirements set by the World Health Organization.
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Louise A. Kelly-Hope, Angelia M. Sanders, Emma Harding-Esch, Johan Willems, Fatima Ahmed, Fiona Vincer, Rebecca Hill
Summary: This study focused on developing a new methodological approach for decision-making on safe and effective mapping and mass drug administration (MDA) intervention strategies in NTD endemic countries with ongoing complex emergencies in sub-Saharan Africa. Data from the 47 World Health Organization's African Region countries were analyzed to create a decision tree, and a case study on South Sudan demonstrated the need for specialized methods in conflict-affected areas. This approach aims to address challenges and achieve progress towards the NTD Roadmap targets by 2030.
CONFLICT AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Louise A. Kelly-Hope, David H. Molyneux
Summary: This study quantifies conflict events and access across Guinea worm affected areas to provide insights into the current situation in precertification and postcertification countries. The findings reveal a significant increase in conflict events, with various types of violence frequently reported. Case studies on Chad and Mali highlight the challenges of affected regions being far from the capital and having limited accessibility to cities.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Martindale, John Chiphwanya, Dorothy Emmie Matipula, Paul Ndhlovu, Hannah Betts, Louise A. Kelly-Hope
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Louise A. Kelly-Hope, Mohammad Jahirul Karim, A. S. M. Sultan Mahmood, Abdullah Al Kawsar, Abul Khair, Hannah Betts, Janet Douglass, Armelle Forrer, Mark J. Taylor
Summary: The use of an infrared thermal imaging camera showed potential in objectively assessing lower-limb lymphoedema in lymphatic filariasis patients. The tool can detect temperature differences by severity of lymphoedema and history of ADLA, helping health workers to identify subclinical cases, predict disease progression, and monitor pathological changes and stage severity following interventions.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yaya Ibrahim Coulibaly, Moussa Sangare, Housseini Dolo, Salif Seriba Doumbia, Siaka Yamoussa Coulibaly, Ilo Dicko, Abdoul Fatao Diabate, Michel Emmanuel Coulibaly, Lamine Soumaoro, Abdallah Amadou Diallo, Massitan Dembele, Sekou Fantamady Traore, Michelle Stanton, Benjamin Guibehi Koudou, Amy Deborah Klion, Thomas B. Nutman, Louise Kelly-Hope, Moses John Bockarie
Summary: This study compares different mosquito collection methods and finds that the Ifakara tent trap type C (ITTC) is a good alternative to human landing catch (HLC) for monitoring the transmission of lymphatic filariasis and malaria.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Louise Kelly-Hope
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shannon Quek, Darren A. N. Cook, Yang Wu, Amy E. Marriott, Andrew Steven, Kelly L. Johnston, Louise Ford, John Archer, Janet Hemingway, Stephen A. Ward, Simon C. Wagstaff, Joseph D. Turner, Mark J. Taylor
Summary: The research reveals that lymphatic filariasis microfilariae depleted of Wolbachia lose their ability to develop in the mosquito vector rapidly due to a down-regulation of chitinase enzymes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Relindis Ekanya, Elisabeth Dibando Obie, Louise Hamill, Sophie Thorogood, Raphael Awah Abong, Abdel Jelil Njouendou, Andrew Amuam, Bertrand Lontum Ndzeshang, Desmond Akumtoh Nkimbeng, Jerome Fru Cho, Mathias Eyong Esum, Peter Enyong, Joseph D. Turner, Mark J. Taylor, Samuel Wanji
Summary: The study in the Meme River Basin in Cameroon found active transmission of onchocerciasis, susceptibility of Simulium larvae to temephos, and identified nine cytospecies. Non-target aquatic fauna were also observed.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Amy E. Marriott, Julio Furlong Silva, Nicolas Pionnier, Hanna Sjoberg, John Archer, Andrew Steven, Dale Kempf, Mark J. Taylor, Joseph D. Turner
Summary: The lack of a robust long-term in vitro culture model for adult-stage lymphatic filarial nematodes hinders the development of new drugs. Testing potential therapeutic candidates against adult lymphatic filariae in vitro requires chronic infection of gerbils. Evaluation of parasite burden data from different animal models suggests that immune-deficient mice may be superior to gerbils in generating adult worms for drug screening.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Yaya Ibrahim Coulibaly, Moussa Sangare, Housseini Dolo, Lamine Soumaoro, Siaka Yamoussa Coulibaly, Ilo Dicko, Abdoul Fatao Diabate, Lamine Diarra, Michel Emmanuel Coulibaly, Salif Seriba Doumbia, Abdallah Amadou Diallo, Massitan Dembele, Benjamin G. Koudou, Moses John Bockarie, Louise A. Kelly-Hope, Amy D. Klion, Thomas B. Nutman
Summary: The study investigated LF endemicity level in the urban area of Bamako after three rounds of MDA, finding no active LF transmission in the low prevalence district. The data contributed to the progress of the National LF programme towards the elimination goal.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Philip Downs, Simon Bush, Ron Bannerman, Lynsey Blair, Susan D'Souza, Uwem Ekpo, Margaret Gyapong, Kamal Kar, Louise Kelly-Hope, David Mabey, Sunny Mante, Andrew Tate, Yael Velleman, David Molyneux
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah Martindale, Hayley Mableson, Christopher Bodimeade, Hannah Hume, Xavier Badia, Jahirul Karim, A. S. M. Sultan Mahmood, John Chiphwanya, Pradip Rimal, Pelagie Boko-Collins, Roland Bougma, David Agyemang, Bright Alomatu, Abdourahim Cisse, Salissou Adamou Bathiri, Joy Shu'aibu, Hannah Betts, Louise A. Kelly-Hope, Nick Riches
Summary: A hydrocoele surgery facility assessment tool (HSFAT) was developed to assess the readiness of hydrocoele surgery services. The tool evaluates facilities across multiple domains and identifies key areas for improvement, enabling the development of a quality improvement plan to meet the requirements set by the World Health Organization.
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sammy M. Njenga, Henry M. Kanyi, Cassian M. Mwatele, Dunstan A. Mukoko, Moses J. Bockarie, Louise A. Kelly-Hope
Summary: Integrated epidemiological surveys using standard parasitological and entomological methods can provide useful information on co-endemic parasitic diseases, which could help direct interventions and surveillance activities.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Xavier Badia-Rius, Salissou Adamou, Mark J. Taylor, Louise A. Kelly-Hope
Summary: The Niger LF Programme has made progress in eliminating lymphatic filariasis and scaling up morbidity management and disability prevention activities. A survey conducted in three non-endemic districts found a lower transmission rate and high bed net usage. This has implications for targeted mass drug administration and morbidity management services.
PARASITE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CONTROL
(2023)