Article
Microbiology
Stephen Raimon Jada, Alfred Dusabimana, Gasim Abd-Elfarag, Samuel Okaro, Nele Brusselaers, Jane Y. Carter, Makoy Yibi Logora, Jacopo Mattia Rovarini, Charles R. Newton, Robert Colebunders
Summary: A two-phase survey conducted in Mundri villages in South Sudan revealed a high prevalence and incidence of epilepsy. Urgent action is needed to prevent onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy by strengthening elimination programs.
Article
Microbiology
Stephen Raimon, Alfred Dusabimana, Gasim Abd-Elfarag, Samuel Okaro, Jane Y. Carter, Charles R. Newton, Makoy Yibi Logora, Robert Colebunders
Summary: A study conducted in Mvolo County, South Sudan, revealed a high prevalence and incidence of epilepsy, with factors such as younger age, male gender, skin itching, blindness, and living near the Naam River identified as risk factors for epilepsy. Additionally, the transmission of parasites remains high in the region, with a low percentage of individuals receiving treatment.
Article
Parasitology
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Leonard Ngarka, Wepnyu Yembe Njamnshi, Peter Ayuk Enyong, Anne-Cecile Zoung-Kanyi Bissek, Alfred Kongnyu Njamnshi
Summary: This study investigated the onchocerciasis situation in the Ntui Health District in Cameroon, revealing high biting rates but low black fly infection rates, with a higher prevalence in epilepsy patients. It also found evidence of ongoing O. volvulus infection endemicity in these communities.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Adam Hendy, Meryam Krit, Kenneth Pfarr, Christine Laemmer, Jacobus De Witte, Philippe Nwane, Joseph Kamgno, Hugues C. Nana-Djeunga, Michel Boussinesq, Jean-Claude Dujardin, Rory Post, Robert Colebunders, Sarah O'Neill, Peter Enyong, Alfred K. Njamnshi
Summary: The study found high densities of biting black flies sustaining transmission of O. volvulus along the lower Mbam river, despite relatively low infection rates that do not meet the WHO threshold for interruption of transmission.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Bin Zhan, Maria Elena Bottazzi, Peter J. Hotez, Sara Lustigman
Summary: Human onchocerciasis is a devastating tropical disease caused by infection of Onchocerca volvulus, leading to visual impairment and dermatitis. Mass drug administration has reduced prevalence, but challenges such as drug resistance and adverse events remain, highlighting the need for vaccine development.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kenneth Bentum Otabil, Blessing Ankrah, Emmanuel John Bart-Plange, Emmanuel Sam Donkoh, Fiona Amoabil Avarikame, Fredrick Obeng Ofori-Appiah, Theophilus Nti Babae, Prince-Charles Kudzordzi, Vera Achiaa Darko, Joseph Ameyaw, Joseph Gyekye Bamfo, Raji Abdul Sakibu, Daniel Antwi-Berko, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Maria-Gloria Basanez, Henk D. F. H. Schallig, Robert Colebunders
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of epilepsy in the Bono Region of Ghana after 27 years of ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA). The prevalence of epilepsy in the Bono region was found to be 1.4%, with generalized seizures being the most common type. The study also revealed a high microfilarial prevalence and low coverage of ivermectin treatment. Therefore, there is a need for the Ghana Onchocerciasis Elimination Programme to enhance its efforts to achieve the elimination of onchocerciasis by 2030.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2023)
Review
Dermatology
T. Ju, A. Vander Does, G. Ingrasci, S. A. Norton, G. Yosipovitch
Summary: Itch is a common symptom in tropical parasitic diseases and studying its characteristics can improve diagnosis and management. This review examines major itch-inducing tropical parasitic diseases, focusing on the link between itch and other symptoms, etiology, clinical staging, and therapeutic options.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY AND VENEREOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Nathan M. Ryan, Jessica A. Hess, Fernando Pardo-Manuel de Villena, Benjamin E. Leiby, Ayako Shimada, Lei Yu, Amir Yarmahmoodi, Nikolai Petrovsky, Bin Zhan, Maria Elena Bottazzi, Benjamin L. Makepeace, Sara Lustigman, David Abraham
Summary: This study demonstrated that an Onchocerca volvulus vaccine can induce protective immunity in genetically diverse mice, with each mouse line showing a unique immune response to the vaccine and challenge. The findings suggest that the vaccine is polyfunctional and effective in genetically complex populations.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shabnam Jawahar, Nancy Tricoche, Christina A. Bulman, Judy Sakanari, Sara Lustigman
Summary: In the process of eliminating onchocerciasis, the addition of prophylactic drugs or therapeutic drugs may improve the chances of achieving the elimination goals, hasten the time to elimination, and support sustained elimination.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shannon M. Hedtke, Anusha Kode, Tony O. Ukety, Joeel L. Mande, Germain M. Abhafule, Anuarite A. Raciu, Claude B. Uvon, Stephen R. Jada, An Hotterbeekx, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Makedonka Mitreva, Wilson Sebit, Robert Colebunders, Warwick N. Grant, Annette C. Kuesel
Summary: This article discusses the importance of population genetic analysis of Onchocerca volvulus, the parasite causing onchocerciasis, and introduces a microfilariae transfer procedure for large-scale studies comparing different drugs. The results of the study also indicate variations in the quality and genetic analysis success rate of microfilariae from different regions.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Luis-Jorge Amaral, Dan Bhwana, Athanas D. Mhina, Bruno P. Mmbando, Robert Colebunders
Summary: Epidemiological studies suggest that onchocerciasis may be one of the causes of nodding syndrome (NS), but other causes have been considered. A study in Mahenge found that a probable Mansonella perstans infection was associated with a higher epilepsy rate, but onchocerciasis and onchocerciasis-associated skin lesions were stronger risk factors. Therefore, onchocerciasis remains the most likely main risk factor for NS.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Benjamin Jacob, Denis Loum, Denis Munu, Thomson Lakwo, Edson Byamukama, Peace Habomugisha, Eddie W. Cupp, Thomas R. Unnasch
Summary: Studies have shown that conducting slash and clear interventions within 2 km of affected communities can reduce vector biting by 95%. Interventions conducted at the start of the rainy season led to a 97% reduction in biting rate, while interventions at the end of the season resulted in a 94% reduction. Vector numbers in intervention villages did not fully recover by the following rainy season.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Paul M. Airs, Kathy Vaccaro, Kendra J. Gallo, Nathalie Dinguirard, Zachary W. Heimark, Nicolas J. Wheeler, Jiaye He, Kurt R. Weiss, Nathan E. Schroeder, Jan Huisken, Mostafa Zamanian
Summary: Lymphatic filariasis is a chronic disease affecting over 60 million people, and the current control methods are ineffective against adults. By using spatial transcriptomic approaches, researchers have identified new drug and vaccine targets, as well as potential hidden antigens. This study is of great importance for the development of antiparasitic drugs and vaccines.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Xiaolong Chen, Yi Chai, Qie Liu, Pengfei Huang, Linchuan Fan
Summary: In this paper, a novel Bayesian sparse multiple kernel-based identification method (BSMKM) for multiple-input single-output (MISO) Hammerstein system is proposed. The method represents the nonlinear part and the linear part using basis-function model and finite impulse response model respectively and estimates all unknown model parameters through hierarchical prior distribution and full Bayesian method based on variational Bayesian inference.
Article
Immunology
Yannick Niamsi-Emalio, Hugues C. Nana-Djeunga, Cedric B. Chesnais, Sebastien D. S. Pion, Jules B. Tchatchueng-Mbougua, Michel Boussinesq, Maria-Gloria Basanez, Joseph Kamgno
Summary: This study found a significant relationship between L. loa microfilarial density (Loa MFD) and the probability of testing positive by skin snip technique (SST). The probability of testing SST positive exceeded 27% when Loa MFD was above 4080 mf/mL, indicating a considerable impact of L. loa density on SST results.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Anthony O. Etyang, Ruth Lucinde, Henry Karanja, Catherine Kalu, Daisy Mugo, James Nyagwange, John Gitonga, James Tuju, Perpetual Wanjiku, Angela Karani, Shadrack Mutua, Hosea Maroko, Eddy Nzomo, Eric Maitha, Evanson Kamuri, Thuranira Kaugiria, Justus Weru, Lucy B. Ochola, Nelson Kilimo, Sande Charo, Namdala Emukule, Wycliffe Moracha, David Mukabi, Rosemary Okuku, Monicah Ogutu, Barrack Angujo, Mark Otiende, Christian Bottomley, Edward Otieno, Leonard Ndwiga, Amek Nyaguara, Shirine Voller, Charles N. Agoti, David James Nokes, Lynette Isabella Ochola-Oyier, Rashid Aman, Patrick Amoth, Mercy Mwangangi, Kadondi Kasera, Wangari Ng'ang'a, Ifedayo M. O. Adetifa, E. Wangeci Kagucia, Katherine Gallagher, Sophie Uyoga, Benjamin Tsofa, Edwine Barasa, Philip Bejon, J. Anthony G. Scott, Ambrose Agweyu, George M. Warimwe
Summary: The study reveals significant regional differences in seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers in Kenya, but no differences based on professional cadre.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ilias Hossain, Philip Hill, Christian Bottomley, Momodou Jasseh, Kalifa Bojang, Markieu Kaira, Alhagie Sankareh, Golam Sarwar, Brian Greenwood, Steve Howie, Grant MacKenzie
Summary: In low-income countries, children with acute infectious diseases are less likely to seek care at health facilities and more likely to go to pharmacies or informal drug-sellers. Surveillance data underestimates disease incidence.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Julia Ledien, Zulma M. Cucunuba, Gabriel Parra-Henao, Eliana Rodriguez-Mongui, Andrew P. Dobson, Maria-Gloria Basanez, Pierre Nouvellet
Summary: Age-stratified serosurvey data are often used to understand spatiotemporal trends in disease incidence and exposure. However, the uncertainty in estimated Force-of-Infection (FoI) values is often overlooked when fitting and evaluating predictive models, leading to a risk of overconfidence in model predictions.
BMC MEDICAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Laura Willen, Philip Milton, Jonathan I. D. Hamley, Martin Walker, Mike Osei-Atweneboana, Petr Volf, Maria-Gloria Basanez, Orin Courtenay
Summary: In onchocerciasis endemic areas, the heterogeneity of blackfly biting rates on humans may partially explain the age- and sex-dependent infection patterns. By evaluating the antibody responses to blackfly saliva antigens, we can gain insights into blackfly exposure and improve onchocerciasis transmission models for control and surveillance.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Robert Colebunders, Christoph Kaiser, Maria-Gloria Basanez, Piero Olliaro, Tom Lakwo, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo
Summary: Efforts are underway to eliminate onchocerciasis transmission through community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) in Africa, but it remains a major public health problem in several countries. Strengthening elimination efforts in high-prevalence areas is crucial. Clinical trials are needed to investigate the safety and efficacy of ivermectin treatment for pregnant women and children. Additionally, supplementing annual CDTI with extra rounds of ivermectin treatment for at-risk school-age children could help achieve elimination.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Inaki Tirados, Edward Thomsen, Eve Worrall, Lassane Koala, Tito T. Melachio, Maria-Gloria Basanez
Summary: This study discusses strategies for the elimination of onchocerciasis transmission, highlighting the achievements and challenges of mass drug administration (MDA) and vector control interventions. It explores the potential of combining MDA with vector control to accelerate and protect the elimination process. The study also emphasizes the importance of modeling and strengthening entomological capacity in endemic countries.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Abagael L. Sykes, Edmundo Larrieu, Thelma Veronica Poggio, M. Graciela Cespedes, Guillermo B. Mujica, Maria-Gloria Basanez, Joaquin M. Prada
Summary: Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato is a globally prevalent zoonotic parasitic cestode causing cystic echinococcosis in humans and sheep. A One Health approach is needed for its control. The study evaluated the performance of a novel ELISA diagnostic tool for detecting E. granulosus in sheep, showing promising results for flock-level surveillance.
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
C. Bottomley, M. Ooko, A. Gasparrini, R. H. Keogh
Summary: Interrupted time series are increasingly used in assessing population impact of public health interventions. Proper analysis takes into account the auto correlation of the data, which can be addressed using the Prais-Winsten method, the Newey-West method, or autoregressive-moving-average (ARMA) modeling. This study explores the performance of these methods in 20 simulated autocorrelation scenarios and suggests that the Prais-Winsten and ARMA methods perform best in terms of mean square error, while the Prais-Winsten method generally performs better in terms of coverage. The authors recommend using the Prais-Winsten method due to its good statistical properties and decision-free nature.
STATISTICS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Anna Roca, Bully Camara, Joel D. Bognini, Usman N. Nakakana, Athasana M. Some, Nathalie Beloum, Toussaint Rouamba, Fatoumata Sillah, Madikoi Danso, Joquina C. Jones, Shashu Graves, Isatou Jagne, Pauline Getanda, Saffiatou Darboe, Marc C. Tahita, Ebrahim Ndure, Hien S. Franck, Sawadogo Y. Edmond, Bai L. Dondeh, Wilfried G. J. Nassa, Zakaria Garba, Abdoulie Bojang, Yusupha Njie, Christian Bottomley, Halidou Tinto, Umberto D'Alessandro
Summary: This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intrapartum azithromycin in reducing neonatal sepsis or mortality, as well as its impact on neonatal and maternal infections. The trial results showed that oral intrapartum azithromycin did not reduce the incidence of neonatal sepsis or mortality, suggesting it should not be routinely used for this purpose.
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Annabel A. Powell, Georgina Ireland, Rebecca Leeson, Andrea Lacey, Ben Ford, John Poh, Samreen Ijaz, Justin Shute, Peter Cherepanov, Richard Tedder, Christian Bottomley, Fiona Dawe, Punam Mangtani, Peter Jones, Patrick Nguipdop-Djomo, Shamez N. Ladhani, Shazaad Ahmad, Frances Baawuah, Joanne Beckmann, Andrew Brent, Bernadette Brent, Joanna Garstang, Ifeanyichukwu O. Okike, Kevin Brown, Mary Ramsay, Chris Bonell, Sarah Cook, Charlotte Warren-Gash, Jody Phelan, James Hargreaves, Sinead Langan, Neisha Sundaram, Elliot McClenaghan, Gillian McKay, John Edmunds, Paul Fine
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the national and regional prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in primary and secondary school children in England. The results showed that the national prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in unvaccinated primary school students was 40.1%, while in unvaccinated secondary school students it was 82.4%. These findings highlight the importance of seroprevalence studies in estimating prior exposure to the virus.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Jienchi Dorward, Yukteshwar Sookrajh, Thokozani Khubone, Johan van der Molen, Riona Govender, Sifiso Phakathi, Lara Lewis, Christian Bottomley, Munthra Maraj, Richard J. Lessells, Kogieleum Naidoo, Christopher C. Butler, Rose Van Heerden, Nigel Garrett
Summary: This study examined the uptake of dolutegravir among men and women living with HIV in South Africa and its impact on clinical outcomes. The findings showed that women were less likely to receive dolutegravir compared to men, but the drug was associated with improved clinical outcomes. Therefore, the roll-out of dolutegravir should continue with a focus on including women.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kenneth Bentum Otabil, Maria-Gloria Basanez, Blessing Ankrah, Stephen Agyemang Opoku, Dennis Ofori Kyei, Rhoda Hagan, Richmond Ababio, Emmanuel John Bart-Plange, Theophilus Nti Babae, Prince-Charles Kudzordzi, Vera Achiaa Darko, Joseph G. Bamfo, Joseph Ameyaw, Abdul Sakibu Raji, Amber Hadermann, Henk D. F. H. Schallig, Robert Colebunders
Summary: The prevalence of onchocerciasis and associated dermatological and ophthalmological manifestations in the Bono Region of Ghana after 27 years of ivermectin mass treatment was determined. The persistence of Onchocerca volvulus infection and related pathologies despite prolonged treatment is concerning, indicating the need to include morbidity management in elimination programmes and better understand treatment coverage and adherence to ivermectin.
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. Otiende, A. Nyaguara, C. Bottomley, D. Walumbe, G. Mochamah, D. Amadi, C. Nyundo, E. W. Kagucia, A. O. Etyang, I. M. O. Adetifa, S. P. C. Brand, E. Maitha, E. Chondo, E. Nzomo, R. Aman, M. Mwangangi, P. Amoth, K. Kasera, W. Ng'ang'a, E. Barasa, B. Tsofa, J. Mwangangi, P. Bejon, A. Agweyu, T. N. Williams, J. A. G. Scott
Summary: The mortality impact of COVID-19 in Africa remains controversial due to lack of comprehensive surveillance systems. A study in Kilifi, Kenya found relatively low excess mortality rates during the pandemic, except for older adults. This highlights the importance of achieving high vaccine coverage in this high-risk group.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Medical Informatics
Gabriel Davis Jones, Symon M. Kariuki, Anthony K. Ngugi, Angelina Kakooza Mwesige, Honorati Masanja, Seth Owusu-Agyei, Ryan Wagner, J. Helen Cross, Josemir W. Sander, Charles R. Newton, Arjune Sen
Summary: Researchers have developed a machine-learning questionnaire and predictive model to identify convulsive seizures in sub-Saharan Africa, and implemented them into a free app for healthcare workers in multiple African countries.
LANCET DIGITAL HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Kallista Chan, Lucy S. Tusting, Christian Bottomley, Kazuki Saito, Rousseau Djouaka, Jo Lines
Summary: The study found that in the past, there was no significant difference in malaria rates between villages with irrigated rice fields and those without in areas with relatively intense malaria transmission. However, with the massive scale-up of interventions in recent years, there has been a significant increase in malaria risk in villages with irrigated rice fields.
LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH
(2022)