scholarly journals Prevalence of asymptomatic P. falciparum gametocyte carriage in schoolchildren and assessment of the association between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection and mosquito infection prevalence

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 259
Author(s):  
Abdoulie O. Touray ◽  
Victor A. Mobegi ◽  
Fred Wamunyokoli ◽  
Hellen Butungi ◽  
Jeremy K. Herren
Keyword(s):  
Significant Risk ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Multiplicity Of Infection ◽  
Gametocyte Density ◽  
Feeding Method ◽  
Gametocyte Carriage ◽  
Membrane Feeding ◽  
Mosquito Infection

Background: Malaria is a major public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa. Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte carriers are potential infectious reservoirs for sustaining transmission in many malaria endemic regions. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of gametocyte carriage and some of its associated risk factors among asymptomatic schoolchildren in Western Kenya and further analyse the association between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection (MOI) and mosquito infection prevalence. Methods: Rapid diagnostic tests were used to screen for P. falciparum parasite infection among schoolchildren (5-15 years old) and the results were verified using microscopy. Microscopy positive gametocyte carriers were selected to feed laboratory reared An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes using membrane feeding method. Genomic DNA was extracted from dry blood spot samples and P. falciparum populations were genotyped using 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Assessment of the association between MOI and gametocyte density and mosquito infection prevalence was conducted. Results: A significantly higher prevalence of P. falciparum infection was found in males 31.54% (764/2422) (p-value < 0.001) compared to females 26.72% (657/2459). The microscopy gametocyte prevalence among the study population was 2% (84/4881). Children aged 5-9 years have a higher prevalence of gametocyte carriage (odds ratios = 2.1 [95% CI = 1.3–3.4], P = 0.002) as compared to children aged 10-15 years. After challenging An. gambiae s.l. by membrane feeding assay on gametocyte positive patient blood, our results indicate that 68.1% of the variation in mosquito infection prevalence is accounted for by gametocyte density and MOI (R-SQR. = 0.681, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Age was a significant risk factor for gametocyte carriage, as indicated by the higher risk of gametocyte carriage among the younger children (5-9 years). Gametocyte density and MOI statistically significantly predicted mosquito infection prevalence. Both of the variables added significantly to the prediction (p < 0.05).

scholarly journals Assessment of the Relationship Between Gametocyte Density, Multiplicity of Infection and Mosquito Infectivity in Plasmodium Falciparum Infections

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdoulie O. Touray ◽  
Victor Atunga Mobegi ◽  
Fred Wamunyokoli ◽  
Hellen Butungi ◽  
Jeremy K. Herren
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Multiplicity Of Infection ◽  
Gametocyte Density ◽  
Western Kenya ◽  
Gametocyte Carriage ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Mosquito Infection

Abstract Background: Malaria is a major public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa. Asymptomatic P. falciparum gametocyte carriers are potential infectious reservoirs for sustaining transmission in many malaria endemic regions. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of gametocyte carriage and some of its associated risk factors among asymptomatic schoolchildren (age 5-15 years) in Mbita, western Kenya and further analyse the association between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection (MOI) and mosquito infection prevalence.Methods: Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) was used to screen for P. falciparum parasite infection among asymptomatic schoolchildren (5-15 years old) residing in Mbita, Western Kenya and the results were further verified using microscopy. Microscopy positive gametocyte carriers were selected to feed laboratory reared An. gambiae s.s. mosquitoes using membrane feeding method. Genomic DNA was extracted from dry blood spots (DBS) samples and P. falciparum populations were genotyped using 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Assessment of the association between MOI and gametocyte density and mosquito infection rates was conducted. Results: The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection among the study population was 29.11% (1421/4881). A significantly higher prevalence of P. falciparum infection was found among the male gender 31.54% (764/2422) (p-value < 0.001) compared to the females 26.72% (657/2459). The microscopy gametocyte prevalence among the study population was 2% (84/4881). Children (5-9 years) have a higher risk of gametocyte carriage (Odd Ratios = 2.1 [95% CI = 1.3–3.4], P = 0.002) as compared to those between the ages of 10-15 years. Our results indicate that, about 68.1% of the variation in mosquito infection prevalence is accounted for by the gametocytes density and MOI (R-SQR. = 0.681, p < 0.001).Conclusion: The study reports a P. falciparum infection prevalence of 29.11% with a gametocyte prevalence of 2% among the study population as determined by microscopy. Age was a significant risk factor for gametocyte carriage as indicated by the higher risk of gametocyte carriage among the younger children (5-9 years). The gametocyte density and multiplicity of infection statistically significantly predicted mosquito infection prevalence. Both of the variables added significantly to the prediction, (p < 0.05).

scholarly journals Prevalence of asymptomatic P. falciparum gametocyte carriage among school children in Mbita, Western Kenya and assessment of the association between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection and mosquito infection prevalence.

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 259
Author(s):  
Abdoulie O. Touray ◽  
Victor A. Mobegi ◽  
Fred Wamunyokoli ◽  
Hellen Butungi ◽  
Jeremy K. Herren
Keyword(s):  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Multiplicity Of Infection ◽  
Gametocyte Density ◽  
Western Kenya ◽  
Gametocyte Carriage ◽  
Membrane Feeding ◽  
Parasite Infections ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
Mosquito Infection

Background: Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte carriers are reservoirs for sustaining transmission in malaria endemic regions. Gametocyte presence in the host peripheral blood is a predictor of capacity to transmit malaria. However, it does not always directly translate to mosquito infectivity. Factors that affect mosquito infectivity include, gametocyte sex-ratio and density, multiplicity of infection (MOI), and host and vector anti-parasite immunity. We assess the prevalence of gametocyte carriage and some of its associated risk factors among asymptomatic schoolchildren in Western Kenya and to further analyse the association between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection (MOI) and mosquito infection prevalence. Methods: P. falciparum parasite infections were detected by RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test) and microscopy among schoolchildren (5-15 years old). Blood from 37 microscopy positive gametocyte carriers offered to laboratory reared An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes. A total of 3395 fully fed mosquitoes were screened for Plasmodium sporozoites by ELISA. P. falciparum was genotyped using 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers. The association between MOI and gametocyte density and mosquito infection prevalence was investigated. Results: A significantly higher prevalence of P. falciparum infection was found in males 31.54% (764/2422) (p-value < 0.001) compared to females 26.72% (657/2459). The microscopic gametocyte prevalence among the study population was 2% (84/4881). Children aged 5-9 years have a higher prevalence of gametocyte carriage (odds ratios = 2.1 [95% CI = 1.3–3.4], P = 0.002) as compared to children aged 10-15 years. After offering gametocyte positive blood to An. gambiae s.l. by membrane feeding assay, our results indicated that 68.1% of the variation in mosquito infection prevalence was accounted for by gametocyte density and MOI (R-SQR. = 0.681, p < 0.001). Conclusions: We observed a higher risk of gametocyte carriage among the younger children (5-9 years). Gametocyte density and MOI significantly predicted mosquito infection prevalence.

scholarly journals Assessment of the relationship between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection and mosquito infectivity in Plasmodium falciparum infections

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdoulie Touray ◽  
Victor Atunga Mobegi ◽  
Fred Wamunyokoli ◽  
Hellen Butungi ◽  
Jeremy K. Herren
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Falciparum Infection ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Multiplicity Of Infection ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Gametocyte Density ◽  
Western Kenya ◽  
Gametocyte Carriage ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Mosquito Infection

Abstract Background: Malaria is a major public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa. Asymptomatic P. falciparum gametocyte carriers are potential infectious reservoirs for sustaining transmission in many malaria endemic regions. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of gametocyte carriage and some of its associated risk factors among asymptomatic schoolchildren (age 5-15 years) in Mbita, western Kenya and further analyse the association between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection (MOI) and mosquito infectivity. Methods: Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) was used to screen for P. falciparum parasite infection among asymptomatic schoolchildren (5-15 years old) residing in Mbita, Western Kenya and the results were further verified using microscopy. Participants positive for P. falciparum infection were further screened for gametocyte carriage and those positive were used to feed laboratory reared An. gambiae s.s. mosquitoes using membrane feeding method. Genomic DNA was extracted from dry blood spots (DBS) samples and P. falciparum populations were genotyped using 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Assessment of the association between MOI and gametocyte density and mosquito infection rates was conducted. Results: The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection among the study population was 29.1%. A significantly higher P. falciparum infection was found among the male gender (n=764, p -value < 0.05) compared to the females (n=657). Gametocyte prevalence among the study population was 2%. Children (5-9 years) have a higher risk of gametocyte carriage (Odd Ratios = 2.1 [95% CI = 1.3–3.4], P = 0.002). Our results indicate a significant and positive combined effect of gametocyte density and MOI on mosquito infection rate (R = 0.825, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The study reports a relatively stable year-round gametocyte carriage among the study population. This pattern of gametocyte carriage signals the role of schoolchildren in maintaining malaria transmission in the study area. A strong positive correlation was found between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection and mosquito infectivity.

scholarly journals Incidence and Determinants of Transfusion-Transmissible Infections in Voluntary Blood Donors in Malawi, 2005-2015

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constance Wose Kinge ◽  
Juliana Kagura ◽  
Bridon M’baya ◽  
Stephen Njolomole ◽  
Charles Chasela
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Blood Supply ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Safe Blood

Abstract Background Blood transfusion has been associated with a high risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs). These infections pose great threats to the availability and safety of blood supply for transfusion, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where the burden of disease is alarmingly high. We describe the incidence and determinants of TTIs to help target interventions for safety and increased access to safe blood. Methods This was secondary data analysis of a cohort of blood donors from the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) who donated blood from 2005–2015. Incidence was obtained by dividing the number of new cases by the total person-years at risk and survival probabilities computed by Kaplan-Meier estimates. Logistic regressions were used for risk factors. Results We analysed data from 47,075 registered blood donors of which the majority were male (84%) with a median age of 22 years (IQR=18–22). Of the registered donors, 3,439 (7.31%) were infected with at least one TTI (HIV, HCV or HBV). HBV was the most common TTI with 2.63% (n=1,238), followed by HIV with 1.74% (n=818) and HCV with 1.28% (n=602). Overall, TTI incidence was 43.4 per 10,000. Donors aged 20–24 (OR= 2.15, 95% CI= 1.35–3.40), and 30–34 (OR= 2.68, 95% CI= 1.67–4.32), males (OR= 1.65; 95% CI= 1.47–1.85), and married donors (OR= 1.93; 95% CI= 1.38–2.69) had significantly higher odds of TTI in the multivariate logistic model. Infection with syphilis was a common significant risk factor for incident HIV (OR= 2.62, 95% CI= 1.57–4.38), HCV (OR= 2.03, 95% CI= 1.04–3.98), and HBV (OR= 1.71, 95% CI= 1.01–2.89). Conclusion The overall incidence of TTIs in the Malawian donor population is comparatively low. The incidence of HIV, HCV and HBV is high in males, the unemployed, donors living in the Central Region, involved in high-risk sexual behaviour, and co-infected with syphilis. HBV is most common among supposedly healthy donors, followed by HIV and HCV. TTI therefore, remains a cause for concern toward availability and safe blood supply. Implementation of strict and proper donor selection criteria and continuous screening for TTI indicators can help maximise safe blood supply and transfusion.

scholarly journals Genetic Detection of Neospora caninum in the Blood of Dairy Cattle from Boyacá, Colombia

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-263
Author(s):  
Tania-Alejandra Correa-Castro ◽  
Andrés-Mauricio Gómez-Palacio ◽  
Martin-Orlando Pulido-Medellín
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Genetic Detection

Neospora caninum is a parasite of the phylum Apicomplexa that causes significant economic losses for cattle husbandry worldwide. Despite its relevance, information regarding infection prevalence in endemic areas of Colombia is scarce. Previous studies have reported a high seroprevalence in dairy cattle from Boyacá, which suggests a significant risk factor for active transmission of neosporosis. However, there is no available data concerning the infection stage or the presence of said parasite in the peripheral blood of dairy cattle. In this study, genetic detection of N. caninum was carried out using a nested PCR with an Nc-5 marker on peripheral blood samples from dairy cows in the municipalities of Paipa, Toca, and Tuta. Four positive samples were sequenced through the Sanger method, which were then edited, aligned, and compared to sequences available in the GenBank database. The parasite’s DNA was detected in 23 out of 170 analyzed blood samples. A qualitative detection limit was estimated (~64 parasites per volume of blood sampled). This is the first report of DNA detection of N. caninum through PCR in blood from Colombian dairy cattle. Thereupon, further studies about N. caninum molecular detection and population genetics in cattle peripheral blood could be very useful for the early diagnosis of neosporosis and creating more effective epidemiological surveillance strategies.

scholarly journals Study of the Déterminants of Stillbirths in the Reference Health Centers of Sélingué and Yorosso (Sikasso Region) From January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Routine Data ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Major Public Health Problem

Background: Stillbirths remain a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa and Mali. According to routine data collected from 2008 to 2016 in Sikasso, the health district of Sélingué had the highest stillbirth rate in the region (51.7 (‰) births) and that of Yorosso had the lowest (13.7 (‰) births). This led us to initiate this study to study the determinants of stillbirths in the Reference Health Centers of the two districts from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017. Methods: It was a case-control study of 440 cases including 110 cases and 330 controls in each of the Health Centers. The statistical analysis was done on SPSS version 20 and the writing was done on Word. The value of p<0.05 was found to be statistically significant. Result: The prevalence’s of stillbirths were 28, 6 ‰ in Sélingué and 140 ‰ in Yorosso. The Multivariate Analysis Yielded the Following Results: 1. Women who have not had an antenatal care have a 3 to 4 times higher risk of stillbirths than those who have had antenatal care (OR=3.87; CI: [1.86-8.04]; p=0.000); ambulance transport is a protective factor compared to other means of transport (OR: 0.27; CI: [0.09; 0.77];p=0.015); The following reasons for evacuation were risk factors for stillbirths: painful uterine contractions (OR: 4.23; CI: [1.55-11.55]; p=0.005) and stationary dilatation (OR: 6.04; CI: [1.11; 32.85], p=0.037). 2. In Yorosso, the multivariate analysis selected antenatal care as the only statistically significant risk factor for stillbirths. Women who did not have antenatal care were 4 times more likely to give birth to stillbirths than those who did (OR=4.27; CI: [1.08-16.88]; p=0.038). Conclusion: In light of these results, we believe that emphasis should be placed on the importance of prevention by strengthening antenatal care and improving evacuation conditions.

Physical Illness and Suicide Risk in Rural Residents of Contemporary China

Crisis ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 330-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cun-Xian Jia ◽  
Lin-Lin Wang ◽  
Ai-Qiang Xu ◽  
Ai-Ying Dai ◽  
Ping Qin
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Physical Illness ◽  
Rural Residents ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Population

Background: Physical illness is linked with an increased risk of suicide; however, evidence from China is limited. Aims: To assess the influence of physical illness on risk of suicide among rural residents of China, and to examine the differences in the characteristics of people completing suicide with physical illness from those without physical illness. Method: In all, 200 suicide cases and 200 control subjects, 1:1 pair-matched on sex and age, were included from 25 townships of three randomly selected counties in Shandong Province, China. One informant for each suicide or control subject was interviewed to collect data on the physical health condition and psychological and sociodemographic status. Results: The prevalence of physical illness in suicide cases (63.0%) was significantly higher than that in paired controls (41.0%; χ2 = 19.39, p < .001). Compared with suicide cases without physical illness, people who were physically ill and completed suicide were generally older, less educated, had lower family income, and reported a mental disorder less often. Physical illness denoted a significant risk factor for suicide with an associated odds ratio of 3.23 (95% CI: 1.85–5.62) after adjusted for important covariates. The elevated risk of suicide increased progressively with the number of comorbid illnesses. Cancer, stroke, and a group of illnesses comprising dementia, hemiplegia, and encephalatrophy had a particularly strong effect among the commonly reported diagnoses in this study population. Conclusion: Physical illness is an important risk factor for suicide in rural residents of China. Efforts for suicide prevention are needed and should be integrated with national strategies of health care in rural China.

scholarly journals Risk factors of poor prognosis and impairment of activities of daily living in patients with hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcers

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Junya Arai ◽  
Jun Kato ◽  
Nobuo Toda ◽  
Ken Kurokawa ◽  
Chikako Shibata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Advanced Age ◽  
Gastroduodenal Ulcers ◽  
Poor Outcomes

Abstract Background Impairment of activities of daily living (ADL) due to hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcers (HGU) has rarely been evaluated. We analyzed the risk factors of poor prognosis, including mortality and impairment of ADL, in patients with HGU. Methods In total, 582 patients diagnosed with HGU were retrospectively analyzed. Admission to a care facility or the need for home adaptations during hospitalization were defined as ADL decline. The clinical factors were evaluated: endoscopic features, need for interventional endoscopic procedures, comorbidities, symptoms, and medications. The risk factors of outcomes were examined with multivariate analysis. Results Advanced age (> 75 years) was a significant predictor of poor prognosis, including impairment of ADL. Additional significant risk factors were renal disease (odds ratio [OR] 3.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44–8.14) for overall mortality, proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) usage prior to hemorrhage (OR 5.80; 95% CI 2.08–16.2), and heart disease (OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.11–8.43) for the impairment of ADL. Analysis of elderly (> 75 years) subjects alone also revealed that use of PPIs prior to hemorrhage was a significant predictor for the impairment of ADL (OR 8.24; 95% CI 2.36–28.7). Conclusion In addition to advanced age, the presence of comorbidities was a risk of poor outcomes in patients with HGU. PPI use prior to hemorrhage was a significant risk factor for the impairment of ADL, both in overall HGU patients and in elderly patients alone. These findings suggest that the current strategy for PPI use needs reconsideration.

Neurodevelopmental outcome of healthy term newborn with serum bilirubin >15 mg/dl at one year

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
P. Dubey ◽  
J. Shrivastava ◽  
B.P. Choubey ◽  
A. Agrawal ◽  
V. Thakur
Keyword(s):  
Serum Bilirubin ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Outcome ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Central India ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Motor Domain ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
One Year ◽  
Group 1

BACKGROUND: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common medical emergency in early neonatal period. Unconjugated bilirubin is neurotoxic and can lead to lifelong neurological sequelae in survivors. OBJECTIVE: To find out the association between serum bilirubin and neurodevelopmental outcome at 1 year of age using Development Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII). METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics of a tertiary care institution of Central India between January 2018 and August 2019. Total 108 term healthy neonates, with at least one serum bilirubin value of >15 mg/dl, were included. Subjects were divided into three groups based on the serum bilirubin; group 1: (15–20 mg/dl) –85(78.7%) cases, group 2: (20–25 mg/dl) –17(15.7%), and group 3: (>25 mg/dl) –6(5.5%). Developmental assessment was done using DASII at 3, 6, 9, 12 months of age. RESULTS: Out of 108 cases, 101(93.5%) received phototherapy, and 7(6.5%) received double volume exchange transfusion. Severe delay was observed in 5(4.6%) and mild delay in 2(1.9%) cases in the motor domain of DASII at one year. Severe delay in the motor domain was associated with mean TSB of 27.940±2.89 mg/dl and mild delay with mean TSB of 22.75±1.76 mg/dl (p = 0.001). On cluster analysis, delay was observed in locomotion 1 score in 11(13%) cases (p = 0.003) and manipulation score in 6(7.1%) cases in group 1. CONCLUSION: Increased serum bilirubin was a significant risk factor for the delayed neurodevelopment in babies with neonatal jaundice. Even a moderate level of bilirubin significantly affects the developmental outcome.

scholarly journals Monitoring migrant groups as a post-validation surveillance approach to contain the potential reemergence of lymphatic filariasis in Togo

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monique Ameyo Dorkenoo ◽  
Martin Kouame Tchankoni ◽  
Degninou Yehadji ◽  
Kossi Yakpa ◽  
Mawèké Tchalim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Test Strip ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Positive Case ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Case Investigation ◽  
Migrant Groups

Abstract Background In March 2017, Togo was declared the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem, but post-validation surveillance has been lacking. In some areas of the country, migrant groups from neighboring countries that are still endemic for LF pose a risk of reintroduction of LF to Togo. The objective of this study was to identify the risk posed by migrant groups by measuring their prevalence of LF infection and investigating any positive case using Togo’s case investigation algorithm to prevent resurgence of LF and sustain Togo’s elimination success. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 in the northernmost region of the country. Three migrant populations were identified: (i) nomadic Peuhls, (ii) Togolese members of local communities who migrate annually to neighboring countries for seasonal labor, and (iii) refugees from Ghana who came to Togo because of a communal conflict in Ghana. A questionnaire was designed to collect data on demographics and history of LF and MDA; all participants were tested for circulating filariasis antigen (CFA) using the filariasis test strip (FTS). Any CFA-positive case was confirmed with nocturnal microfilaremia. Results Refugees, seasonal economic migrants and nomadic Peuhls represented 42.1%, 31.4% and 26.5% of the study participants, respectively. The overall prevalence of CFA was 4.2% (58/1391) with the highest prevalence in the nomadic Peuhl group (11.9%), but only one of them (0.07%) was confirmed positive with nocturnal microfilaremia. Using the case investigation algorithm, no other positive case was identified in the positive case’s surroundings. Conclusion This study demonstrates that nomadic Peuhls, with a CFA prevalence of 11.9%, pose a potential risk for reintroduction of LF into Togo while Ghanaian refugees and seasonal economic migrants do not appear to pose a significant risk. Periodic monitoring of migrants, especially the nomadic Peuhl population, is a potential post-validation surveillance approach that could be used to promptly detect any LF cluster that may arise.

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