Other research topic

Determine whether current or historic C. trachomatis (Ct) infection can be detected, and whether it is associated with clinical signs of ‘trachomatous inflammation – follicular’ (TF) in Vanuatu and Kiribati

Determine the utility of infection testing as a tool for operational surveillance and impact assessment in trachoma-endemic environments.

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

To determine if there is evidence of ongoing transmission of lymphatic filariasis in Mindoro Oriental, following a TAS 2 failure.

To compare the performance of the diagnostic tools currently available for O. volvulus in terms of their relative sensitivity, species-specificity and practical use by countries.  Comparison of the utility of these tools for mapping and surveillance in settings with different levels of endemicity for onchocerciasis (Oncho), lymphatic filariasis (LF) and/or loiasis.

To pilot a strategy for mapping and treating Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis in Loa loa co-endemic areas.

What is the burden of podoconiosis lymphoedema and acute attack in Western Ethiopia?

To evaluate strategies to improve the sensitivity of the TAS for detecting evidence of recent lymphatic filariasis transmission in an evaluation unit (EU). The TAS Strengthening Study in Haiti is designed to assess additional indicators that may be added to the current TAS platform in order to strengthen the resulting stopping or surveillance decisions. A comprehensive analysis will be conducted to understand the correlation between antigen and antibody in adults and children with the mosquito data. A spatial analysis looking at microfoci of infection will also be conducted.  Xenomonitoring work to assess Culex mosquitoes will be conducted in the same sites as the human sampling. 

The results from this study will be combined into a multi-country analysis and are expected to help inform WHO guidance on stopping and surveillance for LF. 

To evaluate strategies to improve the sensitivity of the TAS for detecting evidence of recent lymphatic filariasis transmission in an evaluation unit (EU). The TAS Strengthening Study in Tanzania is designed to assess additional indicators that may be added to the current TAS platform in order to strengthen the resulting stopping or surveillance decisions. A comprehensive analysis will be conducted to understand the correlation between antigen and antibody in adults and children with the mosquito data. A spatial analysis looking at microfoci of infection will also be conducted. Because the EU is also endemic for onchocerciasis, the new Ov16 monoplex RDT was used in the field. The Wb123 and Ov16 antibodies were assessed via ELISA in the NIMR lab in Tanga and the results will soon be compiled.  Xenomonitoring work to assess Culex and Anopheles mosquitoes, as well as black flies, is underway.

The results from this study will be combined into a multi-country analysis and are expected to help inform WHO guidance on stopping and surveillance for LF. 

To assess if LF TAS is a valid platform to integrate Onchocerciasis transmission assessment surveys, using the same age group (6-7 years old) and the same prevalence threshold (<2%) that the LF programs utilize.

1. To perform the TAS for LF for stopping LF MDA and use it as platform for Oncho impact assessment.
2. To assess the level of endemicity of Oncho following MDAs in hypo and meso & hyper endemic districts.
3. To study the performance of Wb123/Ov16 Biplex rapid diagnostic test (RDT) to assess Oncho and LF transmission interruption.