Integration

Field validation of the diagnostic performance of the Wb123/Ov16 biplex rapid diagnostic test and Wb123 ELISA, compared to the filariasis test strip (FTS) in a setting initially found to be non-endemic for lymphatic filariasis, in which clinical cases have been identified.

To study the feasibility of LF and Oncho (Filariases) integrated transmission assessment survey (F-TAS)  according to both LF and Onchocerciasis  WHO elimination guidelines

To study the feasibility of LF and Oncho (Filariases) integrated transmission assessment survey (F-TAS) according to both LF and Onchocerciasis WHO elimination guidelines

Is there an association between podoconiosis and two common eye diseases; cataract and trachomatous trichiasis?

Comparison of different diagnostic tools during onchocerciasis mapping, including Ov16 ELISA, OV16 rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and skin snip test.

Comparison of different diagnostic tools during onchocerciasis mapping, including Ov16 ELISA, OV16 rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and skin snip test.

Determine Co-Endemicity of Lymphatic Filariasis and Loiais in the Republic of Congo

This is a cross-reactivity evaluation of rapid tests detecting Wb123 antibodies. The test should perform similarly in sub-populations of individuals who are positive and negative for other filarial diseases, most importantly Loa loa. This field evaluation will determine the specificity of the tests in two separate populations, those positive and negative for Loa loa, and will be used to inform the product design and the product insert. This evaluation will recruit adults and children from regions that are known to have Loa loa in Cameroon.

 The study’s principal objective is to determine test specificity in individuals who are positive and negative for the filarial worm Loa loa. Secondary objectives are to determine the test specificity in individuals who are positive and negative for Mansonella perstans, and identify failure modes and failure rates of the rapid tests under surveillance conditions.

The demonstration study of the SD BIOLINE Onchocerciasis IgG4 rapid test aims to provide operational research data on the use and implementation of the test. The performance of the SD BIOLINE Onchocerciasis IgG4 rapid test has been verified in both reference laboratories as well as in controlled field settings. PATH and partners will explore the feasibility of incorporating the test into multiple sites in sub-Saharan Africa, with Senegal as a pilot country.

 We aim to demonstrate the acceptability and feasibility of the SD BIOLINE Onchocerciasis IgG4 test in the Senegal Onchocerciasis Control Programme surveillance activities relative to the diagnostic and collection tools currently used. 

Pilot Assessment of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis in the Context of Transmission Assessment Surveys for Lymphatic Filariasis in Benin and Tonga. A transmission assessment survey (TAS) is recommended to determine if MDA for LF can be stopped within an evaluation unit (EU) after at least five rounds of annual treatment. The TAS also provides an opportunity to simultaneously assess the impact of these MDAs on STH and to determine the frequency of school-based MDA for STH after community-wide MDA is no longer needed for LF.