LAMP in Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Focus on Parasites

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly those caused by parasites, remain a major Public Health problem in tropical and subtropical regions, with 10% of the world population being infected. Their management and control have been traditionally hampered, among other factors, by the difficulty to deploy rapid, specific, and affordable diagnostic tools in low resource settings. This is especially true for complex PCR-based methods. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques, particularly loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), appeared in the early 21st century as an alternative to PCR, allowing for a much more affordable molecular diagnostic. Here, we present the status of LAMP assays development in parasite-caused NTDs. We address the progress made in different research applications of the technique: xenomonitoring, epidemiological studies, work in animal models and clinical application both for diagnosis and evaluation of treatment success. Finally, we try to shed a light on the improvements needed to achieve a true point-of-care test and the future perspectives in this field.

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Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis control in Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire: implementing control on a limited budget

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s0031182009005988 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 136 (13) ◽

pp. 1739-1745 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

L. A. TCHUEM TCHUENTÉ ◽

E. K. N'GORAN

Keyword(s):

Cote D'ivoire ◽

Côte D’Ivoire ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Effective Control ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Cote D’Ivoire ◽

Côte D'ivoire ◽

Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis

SUMMARYSchistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis occur throughout the developing world and remain a major public health problem in the poorest communities with enormous consequences for development. The extent of the problem has long been neglected because these diseases rarely kill at a young age and also because of their insidious nature. Today there exists a momentum and an unprecedented opportunity for a cost-effective control of these neglected tropical diseases. The control of these diseases has become a priority on the agenda of many governments, donors and international agencies. This paper highlights the progress made and future control activities in Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire, where schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis control measures have been implemented over the past decade with limited budgets. In Cameroon, deworming activities were increased to encompass all ten regions in 2007 as a result of a co-ordinated effort of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education with national and international partners. In Côte d'Ivoire, focal control activities were achieved with support from various partners. Prospects, opportunities and challenges for the control of neglected tropical diseases in these two countries are discussed.

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Ethiopia Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthes Control Programme: Progress and Prospects

Archives of Infectious Diseases & Therapy ◽

10.33140/aidt/01/01/00010 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Keyword(s):

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Control Programme ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Ministry Of Health ◽

School Aged Children ◽

Endemic Areas ◽

National Control Programme

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthes are among seventeen WHO prioritized neglected tropical diseases that infect humans. These parasitic infections can be treated using single-dose and safe drugs. Ethiopia successfully mapped the distribution of these infections nation wide. According to the mapping there are an estimated 37.3 million people living in schistosomiasis endemic areas, and 79 million in schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthes endemic areas. The Federal Ministry of Health successfully scaled up Schistosomiasis and schistosomiasis and soiltransmitted helminthes intervention in endemic areas and treated over 19 million individuals in 2015. The Ministry of Health has made a huge effort to establish neglected tropical diseases, including schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthes program in the health system which helped to map majority of the wored as and initiate nation wide intervention. The National control programme is designed to achieve elimination for those diseases as a major public health problem by 2020 and aim to attain transmission break by 2025. The programme focuses on reaching those school-aged children who are not attending school, integration between neglected tropical diseases programme, and further collaboration with the WASH actors.

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Whatever happened to China’s neglected tropical diseases?

Infectious Diseases of Poverty ◽

10.1186/s40249-019-0598-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Peter J. Hotez

Keyword(s):

Disease Control ◽

Poverty Reduction ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Economic Transformation ◽

Tropical Disease ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Neglected Tropical Disease ◽

Tropical Diseases

Abstract Before the founding of the People’s Republic of China 70 years ago, both extreme poverty and parasitic infections and other neglected tropical diseases were highly prevalent. Owing to social development, particularly economic reforms since the 1980s, poverty has since been dramatically reduced, and China became increasingly urbanized and industrialized. In parallel, China’s economic transformation translated into similar and remarkable reductions in neglected tropical diseases. Qian and colleagues report in their review published in Infectious Diseases of Poverty, the elimination or near elimination as a public health problem of lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, soil-transmitted helminth infections, schistosomiasis and other neglected tropical diseases. Of note, neglected tropical disease control and poverty reduction each appear to reinforce the other. China’s formula for success in parasitic and neglected tropical disease control might translate to other parts of the world, such as in sub-Saharan Africa through China’s new Belt and Road Initiative.

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Schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis and Chagas disease: the leading imported neglected tropical diseases in Italy

Journal of Travel Medicine ◽

10.1093/jtm/taz100 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Lorenzo Zammarchi ◽

Federico Gobbi ◽

Andrea Angheben ◽

Michele Spinicci ◽

Dora Buonfrate ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chagas Disease ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Agar Plate ◽

Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽

Stool Culture ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Foreign Born ◽

National Policies ◽

And Control

Abstract Background In recent years, an increasing number of individuals affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have been observed in Italy, due to migration, international travels and climate changes. Reliable data on the current NTD epidemiology in Italy and the health system preparedness on this issue are not available. Methods We report the results of a survey on selected NTDs (schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, echinococcosis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, cysticercosis, filariasis and scabies) in nine Italian sentinel centres, in order to investigate their occurrence throughout the country and identify which ones are a priority for public health interventions, development of protocols for case management, and training activities. To explore the preparedness of the centres, we investigate the availability of specific diagnostic tools and drugs, needed for the management of the most common NTDs. We also reviewed and summarized the available national policies, recommendations and guidelines on NTDs in Italy. Results Overall, 4123 NTDs cases were diagnosed in nine Italian centres within a 7-year period (2011–2017). Schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis were the most common NTDs, accounting for about one-third each of all the diagnosed cases, followed by Chagas disease. The number of cases showed a significant trend to increase over time, mainly due to foreign-born subjects. Serology for Schistosoma spp. and Strongyloides stercoralis was available in seven and five centres, respectively. Agar plate stool culture for S. stercoralis was available in three sites. Ivermectin and praziquantel were always available in six centres. Six national policies, recommendations and guidelines documents were available, but for the most part, they are not fully implemented yet. Conclusions This survey showed how some NTDs, such as schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis, are becoming more common in Italy, due to multiple components. A list of seven key actions was proposed, in order to improve diagnosis, management and control of NTDs in Italy.

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Can we eradicate trachoma? A survey of stakeholders

British Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-315815 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. bjophthalmol-2020-315815

Author(s):

Catherine E Oldenburg ◽

Solomon Aragie ◽

Abdou Amza ◽

Anthony W Solomon ◽

Jessica Brogdon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Drug Administration ◽

Mass Drug Administration ◽

Operational Research ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Important Goal ◽

Tremendous Progress ◽

Global Eradication

Background/AimsAlthough tremendous progress towards the 2020 goal of global elimination of trachoma as a public health problem has been made, it will not be achieved. Future targets are now being considered. One option is changing the goal to eradication. We surveyed trachoma experts to assess beliefs related to trachoma eradication and determine perceived obstacles to achieving it.MethodsWe conducted a survey at the beginning of a trachoma eradication session at the 2019 Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, USA. We asked respondents what the most important goal of azithromycin mass drug administration was for trachoma (control, elimination of infection or eradication) and if and when they believed trachoma eradication would occur. We then asked what the biggest obstacles were to global eradication.ResultsFifty-six surveys were returned (95%). Most (91%) participants reported that the most important goal of azithromycin mass drug administration was control or elimination of infection, and 24% of participants reported that global eradication was not possible. Of the 76% who reported a year by which they believed trachoma could be eradicated, most fell between 2040 and 2050. Commonly cited barriers to global eradication included lack of surveillance tools to confirm eradication or monitor for infection recrudescence (32%) and lack of resources (23%).ConclusionsDevelopment of alternative indicators for trachoma surveillance and continued investment in trachoma programmes, particularly focused support in the most heavily affected populations, might increase enthusiasm for the feasibility of eradication.

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Towards the trachoma elimination target in the Southern region of Ethiopia: How well is the SAFE strategy being implemented?

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.11703 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (06.1) ◽

pp. 3S-9S ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mekuria Asfaw ◽

Maria Zolfo ◽

Nebiyu Negussu ◽

Fantahun Tadesse ◽

Tafese Tadele ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Recent Progress ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Improvement Strategy ◽

Active Trachoma ◽

Safe Strategy ◽

High Prevalence ◽

The Mean ◽

Low Prevalence

Introduction: Trachoma is one of the 20 neglected tropical diseases and a serious public health problem in Ethiopia. To reach the WHO elimination target by 2020, SAFE (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, Environmental improvement) strategy has been implemented in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPRs), Ethiopia. Scarce evidence exists regarding recent progress in achieving elimination of active trachoma (< 5%) and how well the SAFE strategy implemented. Methodology: A retrospective analysis of programmatic data in the period 2013-2018 was used. All trachoma endemic districts in SNNPR were included. Data collected from the Federal Ministry of Health on trachoma prevalence and SAFE strategy were analyzed. Results: Out of 134 endemic districts, only 35 had their planned impact survey, of which only 11 districts achieved the elimination target. Six districts reverted backwards from eliminated status to low (1) or moderate (5) level. The median prevalence of active trachoma in these 35 districts was 10% in 2017/18. In 2017, the mean antibiotic treatment coverage was 90%, but only 56% and 68% of districts implemented and reported on “F” and “E” components, respectively. In the high prevalence districts, only 10% delivered their planned five rounds of Zithromax® mass distribution. Conclusions: These data showed a lack in planned impact surveys with only a limited number of districts reached the WHO elimination threshold by 2018. Lack of attention on high prevalent districts, and recent reversal of trachoma eliminated districts to moderate or low prevalence levels argue for urgent and prioritized implementation of the SAFE strategy.

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A systematic literature review of schistosomiasis in urban and peri-urban settings

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

10.1371/journal.pntd.0008995 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. e0008995

Author(s):

Katharina Klohe ◽

Benjamin G. Koudou ◽

Alan Fenwick ◽

Fiona Fleming ◽

Amadou Garba ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Literature Review ◽

Systematic Literature Review ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

World Health ◽

World Population ◽

Rapid Urbanization ◽

Urban Settings ◽

The World

Background Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma and belongs to the neglected tropical diseases. The disease has been reported in 78 countries, with around 290.8 million people in need of treatment in 2018. Schistosomiasis is predominantly considered a rural disease with a subsequent focus of research and control activities in rural settings. Over the past decades, occurrence and even expansion of schistosomiasis foci in peri-urban and urban settings have increasingly been observed. Rural–urban migration in low- and middle-income countries and subsequent rapid and unplanned urbanization are thought to explain these observations. Fifty-five percent (55%) of the world population is already estimated to live in urban areas, with a projected increase to 68% by 2050. In light of rapid urbanization and the efforts to control morbidity and ultimately achieve elimination of schistosomiasis, it is important to deepen our understanding of the occurrence, prevalence, and transmission of schistosomiasis in urban and peri-urban settings. A systematic literature review looking at urban and peri-urban schistosomiasis was therefore carried out as a first step to address the research and mapping gap. Methodology Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic computer-aided literature review was carried out using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the World Health Organization Database in November 2019, which was updated in March 2020. Only papers for which at least the abstract was available in English were used. Relevant publications were screened, duplicates were removed, guidelines for eligibility were applied, and eligible studies were reviewed. Studies looking at human Schistosoma infections, prevalence, and intensity of infection in urban and peri-urban settings were included as well as those focusing on the intermediate host snails. Principal findings A total of 248 publications met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies confirm that schistosomiasis is prevalent in peri-urban and urban areas in the countries assessed. Earlier studies report higher prevalence levels in urban settings compared to data extracted from more recent publications, yet the challenge of migration, rapid uncontrolled urbanization, and resulting poor living conditions highlight the potential for continuous or even newly established transmission to take place. Conclusions The review indicates that schistosomiasis has long existed in urban and peri-urban areas and remains a public health problem. There is, however, a challenge of comparability of settings due to the lack of a clear definition of what constitutes urban and peri-urban. There is a pressing need for improved monitoring of schistosomiasis in urban communities and consideration of treatment strategies.

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System Delay in Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Gaza Strip, Palestine

Journal of Oncology ◽

10.1155/2019/5690938 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Samira S. Abo Al-Shiekh ◽

Yasser S. Alajerami ◽

Bothyna B. Etewa ◽

Aymen M. Elsous

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Breast Imaging ◽

Gaza Strip ◽

Diagnostic Delay ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Related Factors ◽

The Gaza Strip

Background. Breast cancer is a major public health problem and the first leading cause of cancer deaths among females in Palestine. Early diagnosis of breast cancer contributes to reduction of morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to explore system-related factors affecting the timely diagnosis of breast cancer in the Gaza Strip. Method and Materials. A mixed method, sequential explanatory design was employed. A quantitative study was conducted first, and it was cross-sectional in nature, followed by a qualitative study. An interviewed questionnaire and an abstraction sheet were used to collect necessary quantitative data among 122 females diagnosed with breast cancer. A purposive sample of five medical specialists were selected for in-depth interview. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used to find differences between variables. Odds ratio and confidence interval at 95% were presented, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Around 12.3% of women experienced diagnostic delay for 3 months and more, and 6.6% reported a delay in referral for more than 2 weeks. Regarding imaging delay, around 8.2% and 2.7% of women had reported a delay in performing mammography and ultrasound, respectively. Moreover, one-fourth reported delay in performing biopsy for more than 14 days, and 46.3% reported delay more than 14 days in getting histopathology report. In addition, 9% missed the follow-up after benign findings of the previous breast imaging and no national protocols are available for the diagnosis of breast cancer in the Gaza strip. Conclusion. There is a long appointment time for diagnostic tools especially in biopsy. The nonmalignant findings from mammography or ultrasound could affect diagnosis time. It is an urgent need to have a national protocol for diagnosis and management of breast cancer and to adopt screening, diagnostic, and follow-up programs under the supervision of the Ministry of Health.

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Alleviating the Neglected Tropical Diseases: Recent Developments in Diagnostics and Detection

Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1568026618666181106124015 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (18) ◽

pp. 1559-1574 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Satakshi Hazra ◽

Sanjukta Patra

Keyword(s):

Pathogen Detection ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Low Cost ◽

Holistic Approach ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Antimicrobial Drug Resistance ◽

Diagnostic Measures ◽

Specificity And Sensitivity

Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are communicable diseases caused by a group of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and helminths prevalent in more than 145 countries that affect the world’s poverty stricken populations. WHO enlists 18 NTDs amongst people living in endemic areas having inaccessibility to preventive measures. Steps to reduce the global disease burden of the NTDs need attention at multi-factorial levels. Control programmes, mass drug administrations, transmission checks, eradication surveillances and diagnoses are some of them. The foremost in this list is confirmatory diagnosis. A comprehensive summary of the innovative, high-impact, multiplexed, low-cost diagnostic tools developed in the last decade that helped to meet the needs of users can depict a holistic approach to further evaluate potential technologies and reagents currently in research. Major Advancements: A literature survey based on developing nano-biotechnological platforms to meet the diagnostic challenges in NTDs towards development of a useful point-of-care (POC) unit is reported. However, in order to pave the way for complete eradication more sensitive tools are required that are user-friendly and applicable for use in endemic and low-resource settings. There are various novel research progresses/advancements made for qualitative and quantitative measurement of infectious load in some diseases like dengue, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis; though further improvements on the specificity and sensitivity front are still awaited. Strategies to combat the problem of antimicrobial drug resistance in diagnosis of NTDs have also been put forward by various research groups and organizations. Moreover, the state-of-the-art “omics” approaches like metabolomics and metagenomics have also started to contribute constructively towards diagnosis and prevention of the NTDs. Conclusion: A concrete solution towards a single specimen based common biomarker detection platform for NTDs is lacking. Identifying robust biomarkers and implementing them on simple diagnostic tools to ease the process of pathogen detection can help us understand the obstacles in current diagnostic measures of the NTDs.

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