Article
Biology
Klodeta Kura, Philip Milton, Jonathan I. D. Hamley, Martin Walker, Didier K. Bakajika, Eric M. Kanza, Nicholas O. Opoku, Hayford Howard, Maurice M. Nigo, Sampson Asare, George Olipoh, Simon K. Attah, Germain L. Mambandu, Kambale Kasonia Kennedy, Kambale Kataliko, Mupenzi Mumbere, Christine M. Halleux, Adrian Hopkins, Annette C. Kuesel, Sally Kinrade, Maria-Gloria Basanez
Summary: Epidemiological and modelling studies suggest that annual mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin alone may not be enough to eliminate Onchocerca volvulus transmission. Clinical trials have shown that moxidectin is more effective in clearing O. volvulus microfilariae. The EPIONCHO-IBM model predicts that biannual moxidectin MDA can achieve elimination in mesoendemic and hyperendemic areas faster than ivermectin.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Wilma A. Stolk, David J. Blok, Jonathan I. D. Hamley, Paul T. Cantey, Sake J. de Vlas, Martin Walker, Maria-Gloria Basanez
Summary: The study results indicate that the geographical scale at which stop-MDA decisions are made strongly influences the speed at which national onchocerciasis programs can scale down MDA programs. Stopping in portions of project areas or transmission zones would free up human and economic resources.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Andre Domche, Hugues C. Nana-Djeunga, Philippe B. Nwane, Guy R. Njitchouang, Dirane C. Dzune-Fossouo, Betrand Nono Fesuh, Flobert Njiokou, Joseph Kamgno
Summary: This study investigates the differences in biting rates and transmission potential between three catch points to guide the placement of Esperanza Window Traps (EWTs). The results show that the riverside catch points have the highest biting rates and transmission potentials, indicating that EWTs should be prioritized at riverside locations for optimal onchocerciasis control.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Uwem F. Ekpo, Obiora A. Eneanya, Edith N. Nwankwo, Islamiat Y. Soneye, Gary J. Weil, Peter U. Fischer, Obioma C. Nwaorgu
Summary: This study conducted cross-sectional community surveys in villages in Enugu and Ogun states to determine the current prevalence of onchocerciasis. The results indicate that despite multiple rounds of ivermectin mass drug administration, the infection still persists in adults in these villages.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Alfred Dusabimana, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Michel Mandro Ndahura, Bruno P. Mmbando, Stephen Raimon Jada, Annelies Boven, Eric De Smet, Tony Ukety, Alfred K. Njamnshi, Anne Laudisoit, Steven Abrams, Robert Colebunders
Summary: Through surveys and antibody testing in onchocerciasis-endemic villages, it was found that there is a correlation between high epilepsy prevalence and high Onchocerca volvulus antibody seroprevalence among children aged 6-10. However, in some areas, there is a higher epilepsy prevalence but lower Ov16 antibody seroprevalence among young children, which may be due to a decrease in the Simulium vector population caused by deforestation.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Negar Alami, David Carter, Nisha R. Kwatra, Weihan E. Zhao, Linda E. Snodgrass, Ariel Porcalla, Cheri Klein, Daniel A. Cohen, Loretta C. Gallenberg, Melina J. Neenan, Robert Carr, Kennan Marsh, Dale Kempf
Summary: This study investigated the safety and pharmacokinetics of flubentylosin in healthy adults. The results showed that a dosage of 400 mg for 7 or 14 days was well tolerated and selected for further investigation in Phase-II studies.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Alfred Dusabimana, Solomon Tsebeni Wafula, Stephen Jada Raimon, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Dan Bhwana, Floribert Tepage, Gasim Abd-Elfarag, An Hotterbeekx, Steven Abrams, Robert Colebunders
Summary: The study evaluated the effect of ivermectin on seizure frequency in epilepsy patients, showing that ivermectin can significantly reduce seizure frequency and may indirectly affect seizure frequency by reducing microfilariae densities.
Article
Parasitology
Nana-Kwadwo Biritwum, Dziedzom K. de Souza, Odame Asiedu, Benjamin Marfo, Uche Veronica Amazigo, John Owusu Gyapong
Summary: The control of onchocerciasis in Ghana has been successful, with a significant decrease in infection prevalence and microfilaria load. However, there are still communities with microfilaria prevalence above 1%. Guidance and financial support are needed to ensure the elimination goal is met as the focus shifts from control to elimination.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Guillaume Trotignon, Ruth Dixon, Kareen Atekem, Laura Senyonjo, Joseph Kamgno, Didier Biholong, Iain Jones, Rogers Nditanchou
Summary: The cost of test-and-treat with doxycycline for onchocerciasis in Massangam district, Cameroon was estimated to be US$168,345. Unit costs of test-and-treat in both settled and semi-nomadic communities were higher than unit costs of community-directed treatment with ivermectin. However, the test-and-treat strategy showed a larger reduction in infection prevalence compared to the 20-year annual ivermectin treatment.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Leonard Ngarka, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Calson Ambomatei, Wepnyu Yembe Njamnshi, Julius Ndi Taryunyu Njamnshi, Leonard N. Nfor, Michel K. Mengnjo, Alfred K. Njamnshi
Summary: The epidemiology of epilepsy in onchocerciasis-endemic villages in Cameroon was documented, and its relation to onchocerciasis prevalence was investigated. The study found a high prevalence of epilepsy associated with onchocerciasis. Therefore, more effective elimination measures are urgently needed in these endemic areas to reduce the burden of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy.
EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR
(2023)
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)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Melissa Krizia Vieri, Makoy Yibi Logora, Kamran Rafiq, Robert Colebunders
Summary: The World Health Organization's new roadmap for neglected tropical diseases includes three important strategic shifts: stronger accountability, intensified cross-cutting approaches, and stronger country ownership. This paper discusses the implementation of these strategies in the context of a high onchocerciasis disease burden in South Sudan.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kathryn H. Jacobsen, Bailey C. Andress, Elina A. Bhagwat, Ciera A. Bryant, Vipusha R. Chandrapu, Caroline G. Desmonts, Tania M. Matthews, Akeem Ogunkoya, Tristan J. Wheeler, A'kayla S. Williams
Summary: Loiasis, a neglected tropical disease, is not currently prioritized by WHO, despite its potential complications. It affects at least 10 million people in central and west Africa, causing pain and itchiness. Expanded use of diagnostic tests, treatment, and vector control could greatly reduce the disease burden.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nicole Hassoun, Leon Cosler
Summary: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have a significant impact on lifespan and livelihood, but receive little research and development. Using existing data on treatment effectiveness, our models estimate that in 2015, NTD treatments averted 2,778,131.78 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Treatments targeting soil-transmitted helminths accounted for the majority of DALYs averted, followed by schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and onchocerciasis.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Obiora A. Eneanya, Benjamin G. Koudou, Meite Aboulaye, Aba Ange Elvis, Yeo Souleymane, Marie-Madeleine Kouakou, Gary J. Weil, Peter U. Fischer
Summary: Cote d'Ivoire has made significant progress in reducing onchocerciasis infection through various interventions from 1975 to the present. By utilizing machine learning algorithms, the study was able to predict areas at risk for infection and identify infection hotspots. These results provide valuable information for future interventions to eliminate onchocerciasis in Cote d'Ivoire.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)