scholarly journals Predicting the impact of disruptions in lymphatic filariasis elimination programmes due to the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and possible mitigation strategies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquín M. Prada ◽  
Wilma A. Stolk ◽  
Emma L. Davis ◽  
Panayiota Touloupou ◽  
Swarnali Sharma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Modelling ◽  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Short Delay ◽  
Catch Up ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Transmission Models

AbstractBackgroundIn view of the current global COVID-19 pandemic, mass drug administration interventions for neglected tropical diseases, including lymphatic filariasis, have been halted. We used mathematical modelling to estimate the impact of delaying or cancelling treatment rounds and explore possible mitigation strategies.MethodsWe used three established lymphatic filariasis transmission models to simulate infection trends in settings with annual treatment rounds and programme delays in 2020 of 6, 12, 18 or 24 months. We then evaluated the impact of various mitigation strategies upon resuming activities.ResultsThe delay in achieving the elimination goals is on average similar to the number of years the treatment rounds are missed. Enhanced interventions implemented for as little as one year can allow catch-up on the progress lost, and if maintained throughout the programme can lead to acceleration of up to 3 years.ConclusionsIn general, a short delay in the programme does not cause major delay in achieving the goals. Impact is strongest in high endemicity areas. Mitigation strategies such as biannual treatment or increased coverage are key to minimizing the impact of the disruption once the programme resumes; and lead to potential acceleration, should these enhanced strategies be maintained.

scholarly journals Delays in lymphatic filariasis elimination programmes due to COVID-19, and possible mitigation strategies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquín M Prada ◽  
Wilma A Stolk ◽  
Emma L Davis ◽  
Panayiota Touloupou ◽  
Swarnali Sharma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Modelling ◽  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Short Delay ◽  
Catch Up ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Transmission Models

Abstract Background In view of the current global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, mass drug administration interventions for neglected tropical diseases, including lymphatic filariasis (LF), have been halted. We used mathematical modelling to estimate the impact of delaying or cancelling treatment rounds and explore possible mitigation strategies. Methods We used three established LF transmission models to simulate infection trends in settings with annual treatment rounds and programme delays in 2020 of 6, 12, 18 or 24 months. We then evaluated the impact of various mitigation strategies upon resuming activities. Results The delay in achieving the elimination goals is on average similar to the number of years the treatment rounds are missed. Enhanced interventions implemented for as little as 1 y can allow catch-up on the progress lost and, if maintained throughout the programme, can lead to acceleration of up to 3 y. Conclusions In general, a short delay in the programme does not cause a major delay in achieving the goals. Impact is strongest in high-endemicity areas. Mitigation strategies such as biannual treatment or increased coverage are key to minimizing the impact of the disruption once the programme resumes and lead to potential acceleration should these enhanced strategies be maintained.

scholarly journals Modelling the impact of COVID-19-related control programme interruptions on progress towards the WHO 2030 target for soil-transmitted helminths

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica Malizia ◽  
Federica Giardina ◽  
Carolin Vegvari ◽  
Sumali Bajaj ◽  
Kevin McRae-McKee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Control Programme ◽  
Mitigation Strategy ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
Soil Transmitted Helminths ◽  
Individual Based Models ◽  
Control Programmes ◽  
Catch Up ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background On 1 April 2020, the WHO recommended an interruption of all activities for the control of neglected tropical diseases, including soil-transmitted helminths (STH), in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper investigates the impact of this disruption on the progress towards the WHO 2030 target for STH. Methods We used two stochastic individual-based models to simulate the impact of missing one or more preventive chemotherapy (PC) rounds in different endemicity settings. We also investigated the extent to which this impact can be lessened by mitigation strategies, such as semiannual or community-wide PC. Results Both models show that without a mitigation strategy, control programmes will catch up by 2030, assuming that coverage is maintained. The catch-up time can be up to 4.5 y after the start of the interruption. Mitigation strategies may reduce this time by up to 2 y and increase the probability of achieving the 2030 target. Conclusions Although a PC interruption will only temporarily impact the progress towards the WHO 2030 target, programmes are encouraged to restart as soon as possible to minimise the impact on morbidity. The implementation of suitable mitigation strategies can turn the interruption into an opportunity to accelerate progress towards reaching the target.

scholarly journals Predicting lymphatic filariasis elimination in data-limited settings: a reconstructive computational framework for combining data generation and model discovery

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgan E. Smith ◽  
Emily Griswold ◽  
Brajendra K. Singh ◽  
Emmanuel Miri ◽  
Abel Eigege ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Data Model ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Parasite Transmission ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Computational Framework ◽  
Discovery System ◽  
Monitoring Survey ◽  
Local Transmission ◽  
Transmission Models

AbstractAlthough there is increasing recognition of the importance of mathematical models in the effective design and management of long-term parasite elimination, it is also becoming clear that to be most useful parasite transmission models must accurately reflect the processes pertaining to local infection dynamics. These models must also be identified even when the data required for characterizing the local transmission process are limited or incomplete, as is often the case for neglected tropical diseases, including the disease system studied in this work, viz. lymphatic filariasis (LF). Here, we draw on progress made in the field of computational knowledge discovery to present a reconstructive simulation framework that addresses these challenges by facilitating the discovery of data and models concurrently in order to deliver reliable location-specific predictions pertaining to LF elimination in areas where we have insufficient observational data. Using available data from eight sites from Nigeria and elsewhere, we demonstrate that our data-model discovery system is able to identify local transmission models using a generalized knowledge of filarial transmission dynamics, monitoring survey data, and details of historical interventions, which in turn can also generate information regarding the pre-control endemic status of LF in each study site. Forecasts of the impacts of interventions made by the models discovered using the reconstructed baseline data not only matched temporal infection observations, but also provided critical information regarding when transmission interruption is likely to have occurred. Assessments of elimination and recrudescence probabilities based on these models also suggested a protective effect of vector control against the reemergence of transmission after stopping drug treatments. The reconstructive computational framework for model and data discovery developed here highlights how coupling models with available data can generate new knowledge about complex, data-limited systems, and ultimately support the effective management of disease programs in the face of critical data gaps.Author summaryAs modelling becomes commonly used in the design and evaluation of parasite elimination programs, the need for well-defined models and datasets describing the nature of transmission processes in endemic settings is becoming pronounced. For many neglected tropical diseases, including the disease investigated in this study, lymphatic filariasis (LF), however, data for model identification are typically sparse or incomplete. In this study, we present a new data-model computational discovery system that couples data-assimilation methods based on existing monitoring survey data with model-generated data about baseline conditions, in order to discover the local LF transmission models required for simulating the impacts of interventions for achieving parasite elimination in typical endemic locations. Using data from eight study sites in Nigeria and elsewhere, we show that our reconstructive computational knowledge discovery system is able to combine information contained within partially-available site-specific monitoring data with knowledge of parasite transmission dynamics embedded in process-based models to generate the missing data required for inducing reliable locally applicable LF models. We also show that the models so discovered are able to generate the intervention forecasts required for supporting management-relevant decisions in parasite elimination.

The Epitome of Novel Techniques and Targeting Approaches in Drug Delivery for Treating Lymphatic Filariasis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 1250-1263
Author(s):  
Saurabh Shrivastava ◽  
Anshita Gupta ◽  
Chanchal Deep Kaur
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
Bioactive Substances ◽  
Lymphatic Diseases ◽  
Life Threatening

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is a pervasive and life-threatening disease for human beings. Currently, 893 million people in 49 countries worldwide affected by lymphatic filariasis as per WHO statistics. The concealed aspects of lymphatic diseases such as delayed disease detection, inappropriate disease imaging, the geographical outbreak of infection, and lack of preventive chemotherapy have brought this epidemic to the edge of Neglected Tropical Diseases. Many medications and natural bioactive substances have seen to promote filaricidal activity against the target parasitic species. However, the majority of failures have occurred in pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic issues. Objective: The purpose of the study is to focus on the challenges and therapeutic issues in the treatment of filariasis. The review brings novel techniques and therapeutic approaches for combating lymphatic filariasis. It also offers significant developments and opportunities for such therapeutic interventions. Conclusion: Through this review, an attempt has made to critically evaluate the avenues of innovative pharmaceuticals and molecular targeting approaches to bring an integrated solution to combat lymphatic filariasis.

scholarly journals Analisis Spasial Kejadian Filariasi di Kabupaten Demak Jawa Tengah

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Nurjazuli Nurjazuli ◽  
Hanan Lanang Dangiran ◽  
Asty Awiyatul Bari'ah
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Analysis ◽  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Water Flow ◽  
Culex Quinquefasciatus ◽  
Index Case ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Positioning System ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Cross Sectional

Latar Belakang: Filariasis merupakan salah satu penyakit tular vektor yang kurang mendapatkan perhatian, termasuk kelompok Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Kabupaten Demak merupakan salah satu wilayah di Propinsi Jawa Tengah  yang merupakan daerah endemis filarisis (mf rate>1%). Kejadian filarisis di daerah ini diduga berkaitan dengan kondisi lingkungan fisik dan biologis (nyamuk) yang mempunyai peran penting dalam penyebaran penyakit filarisis. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menemukan adanya penderita baru,  mengidentifikasi kondisi lingkungan fisik dan biologi yang berkaitan dengan sebaran filarisis di Kabupaten Demak.Matede: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian observasional dengan rancangan cross-sectional. Sebanyak 30 kasus filariasis dijadikan indek kasus yang selanjutnya dipilih secara purposif sebanyak 140 yang tinggal di sekitar 30 kasus tersebut untuk dilakukan pengamblan darah jari. Observasi lingkungan dilakukan untuk mengidentifikasi kondisi lingkungan (breeding places dan resting places) dari yang diduga sebagai nyamuk vektor filariasis. Penangkapan nyamuk dilakukan di sekitar rumah penderita filariasis. Pengukuran koordinat kasus filariais dilakukan dengan pesawat Geographic Positioning System (GPS). Pemeriksaan darah jadi jari dilakukan di Laboratorium Kesehatan Daerah (LABKESDA) Propinsi Jawa Tengah. Sedang bedah nyamuk dilakukan di Balai Penelitian Vektor Penyakit Banjarnegara. Analisis data dlakukan secara deskriptif, analisis spasial dilakukan dengan software ArcGis 9.3.Hasil: Penelitian ini tidak menemukan penderita baru filarisis (mf rate=0%). Sebanyak 129 ekor nyamuk telah dilakukan pembedahan dengan hasil semuanya negatip cacing filaria. Hasil identifikasi nyamuk menemukan spesies nyamuk Culex quinquefasciatus merupakan nyamuk yang dominan (72,86%) di lokasi penelitian.Terdapat breeding places (40%) berupa genangan air terbuka (SPAL) dan resting places (83,3%) berupa semak-semak di sekitar rumah penderita. Analisis spasial menunjukkan bahwa kasus filariasi hampir menyebar di seluruh wilayah Kaputaen Demak. Daerah cekungan aliran air nampaknya merupakan kondisi dimana kasus filariasis banyak terjadi. Simpulan: Kasus filariasis hampir menyebar di seluruh wilayah Kabupaten Demak dengan konsentrasi lebih banyak pada daerah cekungan aliran air Semarang-Demak. ABSTRACTTitle: Spatial Analysis of Lymphatic Filariasis in Demak Dictric, Central JavaBackground: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of vector related diseaseswhich less attention from goverment, It was classified as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Demak District is one of area in Central Jawa which was endemic of LF (mf rate>1%). It may be related to the physical and biologycal environment condition which have important role in the spreading of LF. This research aimed to identify new cases, find mosquitoe vector , and asses the condition of physical and biologycal environment related to the distribuion of LF cases in Demak District. Methods: It was an observational research using cross-sectional design. As more as 30 LF cases defined as index case and then 140 persons living around index case were selected for blood testing of microfilaria. Observation was conducted to assess the presence of breeding and resting places for mosquitoes development. Mosquito collection was conducted around the houses the LF cases early in the morning. Site of LF cases were measured using Geographic Positioning System (GPS) Apparatus. Blood test for identifying microfilaria was performed at Province Health Labotatory of Centra Java. Mosquotoes dissection was performed at Research Institule of  Disease Vector Banjarnegara. Data would be analyzed descriptively and spatial analysis was performed using ArcGis 9.3.Results: This research did’t find new cases of filariasis (mf rate=0%). As more as 129 mosquitoes had been dissected and all of them indicated negative of filarial worm. This research showed that Culex quinquefasciatus as dominant mosquitoe species with the proportion of 72,86%. Water puddle (40%) and small three (83,3%) were found as a good habitats located around the house of filariasis cases. Spatial analysis indicated that filariasis cases spread in all over area of Demak Distirct, and It concentated in the area of undergroud water flow of Semarang-DemakConclusion: Lymphatif Filariasis cases were nearly distributed all over area of Demak Distict and It was concentrated in area with underground water flow Semarang-Demak.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of neglected tropical diseases in transplant recipients: review of the literature and experience of a Brazilian HSCT center

2009 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 309-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clarisse Martins Machado ◽  
Talita Chaves Martins ◽  
Iago Colturato ◽  
Marília Souza Leite ◽  
Anderson João Simione ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Haematopoietic Stem Cell ◽  
Solid Organ ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Transplant Recipients ◽  
Transplant Program ◽  
The Impact

The rising success rate of solid organ (SOT) and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and modern immunosuppression make transplants the first therapeutic option for many diseases affecting a considerable number of people worldwide. Consequently, developing countries have also grown their transplant programs and have started to face the impact of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in transplant recipients. We reviewed the literature data on the epidemiology of NTDs with greatest disease burden, which have affected transplant recipients in developing countries or may represent a threat to transplant recipients living in other regions. Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Chagas disease, Malaria, Leishmaniasis, Dengue, Yellow fever and Measles are the topics included in this review. In addition, we retrospectively revised the experience concerning the management of NTDs at the HSCT program of Amaral Carvalho Foundation, a public transplant program of the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

scholarly journals The impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) on health and wellbeing in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): A case study of Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. e0009131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Ochola ◽  
Diana M. S. Karanja ◽  
Susan J. Elliott
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
National Level ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
The Political ◽  
Economic Opportunity ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Political Economic ◽  
The Impact

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) remain endemic to many regions of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) left behind by socioeconomic progress. As such, these diseases are markers of extreme poverty and inequity that are propagated by the political, economic, social, and cultural systems that affect health and wellbeing. As countries embrace and work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the needs of such vulnerable populations need to be addressed in local and global arenas. The research uses primary qualitative data collected from five NTD endemic counties of Kenya: interviews key informants (n = 21) involved in NTD implementation programs and focus groups (n = 5) of affected individuals. Informed by theories of political ecology of health, the research focuses on post-devolution Kenya and identifies the political, economic, social, and cultural factors that propagate NTDs and their effects on health and wellbeing. Our findings indicate that structural factors such as competing political interests, health worker strikes, inadequate budgetary allocations, economic opportunity, marginalization, illiteracy, entrenched cultural norms and practices, poor access to water, sanitation and housing, all serve to propagate NTD transmission and subsequently affect the health and wellbeing of populations. As such, we recommend that post-devolution Kenya ensures local political, economic and socio-cultural structures are equitable, sensitive and responsive to the needs of all people. We also propose poverty alleviation through capacity building and empowerment as a means of tackling NTDs for sustained economic opportunity and productivity at the local and national level.

scholarly journals Teledermatology in the Control of Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
pp. e2021130
Author(s):  
Tejas Joshi ◽  
Vicky Ren
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Potential Method ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Cutaneous Manifestations ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) include a group of about 20 illnesses that have garnered relatively little attention, despite their ability to inflict significant suffering and disability. Skin neglected tropical diseases (sNTDs) are a subset of NTDs that present with cutaneous manifestations and are well known for their ability to generate stigma and promote poverty. Teledermatology (TD) represents a potential method to control sNTDs. Objective: We sought to analyze the potential for TD to ease the burden of sNTDs. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search using the Texas Medical Center Library One Search, which scans 167 databases, including Embase, PubMed, and Scopus. We included all original investigations published after 2011 that assessed the impact of TD intervention in the control of one or more sNTDs. We excluded studies not written in English and studies that did not perform any outcome analyses. Results: 20 studies met our search criteria, and 18 expressed positive attitudes towards TD. Overall, we found that TD may be a sustainable, cost-effective strategy for expanding access to care for individuals afflicted with sNTDs. However, poor image quality, lack of access to further diagnostic tests, and ethical, legal, and cultural issues pose as barriers to TD utilization. Conclusion: TD may be helpful in achieving control of sNTDs but has its limitations. An integrated approach, which employs TD in conjunction with other strategies, represents a realistic path for alleviating sNTDs.

scholarly journals Are current preventive chemotherapy strategies for controlling and eliminating neglected tropical diseases cost-effective?

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. e005456
Author(s):  
Hugo C Turner ◽  
Wilma A Stolk ◽  
Anthony W Solomon ◽  
Jonathan D King ◽  
Antonio Montresor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Healthcare Spending ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Disability Adjusted Life ◽  
The Cost

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in many low-income and middle-income countries. Several NTDs, namely lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) and trachoma, are predominantly controlled by preventive chemotherapy (or mass drug administration), following recommendations set by the WHO. Over one billion people are now treated for NTDs with this strategy per year. However, further investment and increased domestic healthcare spending are urgently needed to continue these programmes. Consequently, it is vital that the cost-effectiveness of preventive chemotherapy is understood. We analyse the current estimates on the cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) of the preventive chemotherapy strategies predominantly used for these diseases and identify key evidence gaps that require further research. Overall, the reported estimates show that preventive chemotherapy is generally cost-effective, supporting WHO recommendations. More specifically, the cost per DALY averted estimates relating to community-wide preventive chemotherapy for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis were particularly favourable when compared with other public health interventions. Cost per DALY averted estimates of school-based preventive chemotherapy for schistosomiasis and STH were also generally favourable but more variable. Notably, the broader socioeconomic benefits are likely not being fully captured by the DALYs averted metric. No estimates of cost per DALY averted relating to community-wide mass antibiotic treatment for trachoma were found, highlighting the need for further research. These findings are important for informing global health policy and support the need for continuing NTD control and elimination efforts.

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