Article
Parasitology
Shannon M. Hedtke, Patsy A. Zendejas-Heredia, Patricia M. Graves, Sarah Sheridan, Meru Sheel, Saipale D. Fuimaono, Colleen L. Lau, Warwick N. Grant
Summary: This study explored the genetic variation of Wuchereria bancrofti worms in Polynesia, particularly in American Samoa. The research found that the resurgent parasites in American Samoa represent a single population and did not observe significant population genetic structure among regions or villages in 2016. The study provides valuable insights for informing strategies on managing the resurgence and elimination of lymphatic filariasis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Pierre-Yves Mathonet, Antoine Altdorfer, Benoit Pirotte
Summary: This case report discusses a giant scrotal elephantiasis caused by infection with Wuchereria bancrofti, imported in Belgium. The authors briefly touch upon diagnostic methods and treatment options.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Andre Filipe Pastor, Maressa Rhuama Silva, Wagner Jose Tenorio dos Santos, Tamisa Rego, Eduardo Brandao, Osvaldo Pompilio de-Melo-Neto, Abraham Rocha
Summary: Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease affecting approximately 67 million people worldwide, caused by worms like Wuchereria bancrofti. Improved diagnostic tools using recombinant antigens play a crucial role in preventing the spread of LF. Research on antigens is expected to lead to the development of cost-effective tests with high sensitivity and specificity, aiding in the Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Marilaine Martins, Rebeca Cristina Souza Guimaraes, Gilberto Fontes
Summary: Through a field survey in 2016, it was confirmed that there were no longer autochthonous cases of Wuchereria bancrofti in Manaus, which could support the certification by the World Health Organization of the lymphatic filariasis transmission elimination exercise in Brazil.
REVISTA PANAMERICANA DE SALUD PUBLICA-PAN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Achinya Phuakrod, Witsaroot Sripumkhai, Wutthinan Jeamsaksiri, Pattaraluck Pattamang, Sumat Loymek, Paul J. Brindley, Patsharaporn T. Sarasombath, Sirichit Wongkamchai
Summary: Lymphatic filariasis is a major tropical disease that can lead to permanent disability, and a miniPCR-DLFD assay has been developed for its diagnosis. The assay showed a detection limit for both B. malayi and W. bancrofti, with no crossamplification observed with 11 other parasites, making it a promising tool for LF diagnosis in resource-limited settings.
Article
Microbiology
Alexander F. Flynn, Rebekah T. Taylor, Marzena E. Pazgier, Sasisekhar Bennuru, Alyssa R. Lindrose, Spencer L. Sterling, C. Paul Morris, Brynna Gleeson, Tim K. Maugel, Thomas B. Nutman, Edward Mitre
Summary: Lymphatic filariasis is a global disease caused by parasitic nematodes that affect millions of people. Identifying new drug and vaccine targets in adult filariae could aid elimination efforts. Bma-LAD-2 was identified as an essential protein for adult Brugia malayi, making it a potential therapeutic target.
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
Sandeep Grover, Vera S. Opoku, Linda B. Debrah, Carlo Maj, Jubin Osei-Mensah, Derrick A. Mensah, Achim Hoerauf, Alexander Y. Debrah, Johannes Schumacher, Kenneth Pfarr
Summary: This study conducted the first genome-wide association study to determine the susceptibility of lymphatic filariasis (LF). The findings identified two genetic variants near the genes HLA-DQB2 and HLA-DQA1 that contribute to LF and/or lymphedema susceptibility. The study also observed suggestive evidence of LF associations at two non-HLA loci near the genes ZFHX4-AS1 and CHP2. On the polygenic level, the data explained 24-42% of LF heritability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Paula Fernanda A. S. Melo, Maria Almerice L. Silva, Maria Rosangela G. Oliveira, Josue Araujo, Amanda Fernandes, George Tadeu N. Diniz, Eduardo Brandao, Abraham Rocha, Maria Amelia Maciel
Summary: The study demonstrates that the Filaria Detect (TM) IgG4 kit is a promising tool for investigation and monitoring of areas undergoing mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis. Using recombinant Wb123 antigen, the kit showed a sensitivity of 81.0% and specificity of 96.6% for diagnosing lymphatic filariasis in Brazil.
REVISTA PANAMERICANA DE SALUD PUBLICA-PAN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Eliza Lupenza, Dinah B. Gasarasi, Omary M. Minzi
Summary: The study found that low transmission of LF is still ongoing in Masasi District after six rounds of MDA and vector control interventions. The use of molecular tools for monitoring LF transmission during the elimination phase may be essential.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Callum Shaw, Angus McLure, Patricia Graves, Colleen Lau, Kathryn Glass
Summary: American Samoa underwent multiple rounds of drug administration for lymphatic filariasis, but ongoing transmission was still found. The effectiveness of territory-wide triple-drug administration was compared with targeted surveillance and treatment strategies using a model. Household-based strategies showed comparable control probabilities with fewer treatments compared to territory-wide administration.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Polrat Wilairatana, Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui, Wanida Mala, Kinley Wangdi, Manas Kotepui
Summary: This study compiles the evidence, probability, and characteristics of malaria and filariasis co-infections in participants among studies reporting the co-occurrence of both diseases. The prevalence of co-infections was found to be low and varied between geographical areas. Co-infections tended to occur with a low probability.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kinley Wangdi, Meru Sheel, Saipale Fuimaono, Patricia M. Graves, Colleen L. Lau
Summary: This study investigated clustering and hotspots of lymphatic filariasis using different non-spatial and spatial methods. The results showed higher intra-cluster correlation coefficients at the household level compared to the village level for all infection markers. Semivariograms identified significant spatial dependence for all markers. Significant spatial clustering was observed in certain locations using Kuldorff's scan statistic, while Getis-Ord Gi* statistic identified hotspots in different areas.
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
Immunology
Sacha Horn, Manuel Ritter, Kathrin Arndts, Dennis Borrero-Wolff, Anna Wiszniewsky, Linda Batsa Debrah, Alexander Y. Debrah, Jubin Osei-Mensah, Mkunde Chachage, Achim Hoerauf, Inge Kroidl, Laura E. Layland
Summary: Over 200 million people worldwide are infected with filariae, causing severe symptoms and disability. This study found that lymphatic filariasis patients have distinct subsets of exhausted T cells, with increased expression of exhaustion-associated receptors on CD4(+) T cells. These patterns of T cell exhaustion may have implications for susceptibility to co-infections and the management of lymphatic filariasis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Larry Sawers, Eileen Stillwaggon, John Chiphwanya, Square Z. Mkwanda, Hannah Betts, Sarah Martindale, Louise A. Kelly-Hope
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2020)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Nicholas Riches, Xavier Badia-Rius, Themba Mzilahowa, Louise A. Kelly-Hope
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hannah Betts, Sarah Martindale, John Chiphwanya, Square Z. Mkwanda, Dorothy E. Matipula, Paul Ndhlovu, Charles Mackenzie, Mark J. Taylor, Louise A. Kelly-Hope
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Janet Douglass, Hayley Mableson, Sarah Martindale, Sanya Tahmina Jhara, Mohammad Jahirul Karim, Muhammad Mujibur Rahman, Abdullah Al Kawsar, Abul Khair, A. S. M. Sultan Mahmood, A. K. M. Fazlur Rahman, Salim Mahmud Chowdhury, Susan Kim, Hannah Betts, Mark Taylor, Louise Kelly-Hope
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2020)
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
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)