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Insights on Neglected Tropical Diseases in West Africa

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A special issue of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease (ISSN 2414-6366).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2024) | Viewed by 5496

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Prof. Dr. Alioune Camara

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Guest Editor

Department of Public Health, Gamal Abdel Nasser University, Conakry, Guinea
Interests: epidemiology; public health

Prof. Dr. Andrew Ramsay

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Guest Editor

Division of Infection and Global Health, St. Andrews University Medical School, St. Andrews KY16 9TF, UK
Interests: lymphatic filariasis; helminths; tuberculosis; infectious disease diagnostics; parasitic diseases; infectious disease outbreak response; leprosy
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Dear Colleagues

With support from the WHO’s Special Program for Tropical Diseases Research (TDR), two universities (the African Public Health Institute from Burkina Faso and University Gamal Abdel Nasser of Conakry, Guinea) have led the implementation of two operational research initiatives on Neglected Tropical Diseases in West Africa. These courses were run in 2022/2023 using the WHO SORT-IT (Structured Operational Research Training Initiative) approach. During these courses, 14 participants from Guinea, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mali, and Niger were mentored to design a study, develop their research protocol, collect and analyze their data, and write scientific manuscripts.

This Special Issue aims to collect this project’s manuscripts. All papers will be peer-reviewed by scholars in the field and judged by academic editors.

Prof. Dr. Alioune Camara
Prof. Dr. Andrew Ramsay
Guest Editors

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

human African trypanosomiasis
onchocerciasis
leprosy
snakebite
schistosomiasis
lymphatic filariasis
dengue
neglected tropical skin diseases

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Healthcare Providers Towards Preventive Chemotherapy Neglected Tropical Diseases in the Forécariah Health District, Guinea, 2022

by Fatoumata Diaraye Diallo, Tamba Mina Millimouno, Hawa Manet, Armand Saloum Kamano, Emmanuel Camara, Bienvenu Salim Camara and Alexandre Delamou

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(11), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9110273 - 11 Nov 2024

Viewed by 485

Abstract

Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of twenty diseases that occur in tropical and subtropical regions that particularly affect vulnerable and often marginalised populations. Five of these are classified as “preventive chemotherapy” (PC) diseases such as trachoma, onchocerciasis, geo-helminthiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and schistosomiasis. This study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare providers in the Forecariah health district with respect to PC-NTDs in Guinea in 2022. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 7 to 22 November 2022 among healthcare providers in the health district of Forécariah in Guinea. Data on participants’ socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge of and attitudes and practices regarding PC-NTDs were collected using an electronic (KoboToolbox) semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 86 healthcare providers who participated in this study, nurses (44.2%) and young adults aged between 25 and 49 years (81.4%) were mostly represented. The majority of respondents declared having already heard about onchocerciasis (70.7%) and lymphatic filariasis (60.0%) but only the minority declared having already heard about geo-helminthiasis (30.7%), schistosomiasis (21.3%), and trachoma (9.3%). Only a few respondents knew how to prevent PC-NTDs (onchocerciasis 26.7%, lymphatic filariasis 26.7%, geo-helminthiasis 29.3%, and schistosomiasis 17.3%). Many healthcare providers reported they would refer cases of onchocerciasis (50.6%), lymphatic filariasis (58.7%), and schistosomiasis (46.7%) to a management centre. Conclusions: This study highlights the varying levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among healthcare providers in dealing with PC-NTDs, suggesting areas for improvement in training and resource allocation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insights on Neglected Tropical Diseases in West Africa)

11 pages, 610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with Complications of Snakebite Envenomation in Health Facilities in the Cascades Region of Burkina Faso from 2016 to 2021

by Rene Kinda, Sidikiba Sidibe, Dramane Zongo, Tieba Millogo, Alexandre Delamou and Seni Kouanda

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(11), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9110268 - 6 Nov 2024

Viewed by 457

Abstract

Snakebite envenomation remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in rural populations. This study identified factors associated with the complications of snakebite envenomation reported in the Cascades region of Burkina Faso. This cross-sectional study used the routine data of patients admitted for snakebite envenomation at five health facilities between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2021. Data were collected on sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of patients with signs of envenomation. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with complications. Among the 846 patients with envenomation, 355 (42%) experienced complications. Local complications (23.2%, 196/846) included wounds and skin necrosis, whereas systemic complications (34.3%, 290/846) included hemorrhage, shock, and coma. Of all complicated cases, 7.6% (27/355) died. Factors associated with complications were rural residence (AOR: 4.80; 95% CI: 2.21–11.4), incision at the bite site (AOR: 4.31; 95% CI: 2.51–7.52), tourniquet application (AOR: 5.52; 95% CI: 1.42–30.8), bleeding (AOR: 14.2; 95% CI: 8.80–23.4), abnormal vital signs (AOR: 14.3; 95% CI: 9.22–22.7), and lack of antivenom administration (AOR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.8–4.8). These findings highlight the importance of antivenom availability and public awareness for reducing the incidence of complications of snakebite envenomation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insights on Neglected Tropical Diseases in West Africa)

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13 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Primary Healthcare Workers Regarding Neglected Tropical Diseases with Skin Manifestations in the Dakar Region, Senegal, 2022

by Lahla Fall, Karifa Kourouma, Assane Diop, Abdoulaye Diouf, Mohamet Lamine Déthié Sarr, Abdoulaye Dethie Sarr, Hawa Manet, Ivlabèhirè Bertrand Meda, Ndeye Mbacké Kane, Alexandre Delamou and Seni Kouanda

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(11), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9110267 - 6 Nov 2024

Viewed by 559

Abstract

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with skin manifestations present a significant health and societal problems challenge worldwide. This study aimed to analyzed factors associated with the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of primary healthcare workers (HCW) concerning NTDs with skin manifestations in the Dakar region of Senegal. We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire which was administered to eligible HCW (general practitioners, nurses and midwives) working at the 24 health centers located in the Dakar region. Data were collected using the ODK Collect application (version 2022.3.6). KAPs measures were constructed from questionnaire responses, and bivariate analysis was used to identify associated factors. Of the 187 HCW surveyed, 75.9% were female, with a mean age of 35.1 years (SD: 8.56). The majority of HCWs had a bachelor’s degree (40.6%), were nurses (49.2%) and had between 1- and 10-years of professional experience (52.4%). Regarding their knowledge of NTDs with skin manifestations, only 43.3% of HCW had received initial training on NTDs. The most commonly reported NTDs with skin manifestations were leprosy (53.5%), lymphatic filariasis (51.3%), scabies (49.7%), onchocerciasis (45.5%) and schistosomiasis (42.8%). Television was the main source of information about these NTDs (38.5%). In term of practices, only 47.6% of HCW reported being able to diagnose NTDs with skin. Factors associated with good knowledge regarding NTDs with skin manifestations included having received training on NTDs (p = 0.0015) and more years of professional experience (p = 0.004). In summary, there is a need to strengthen and raise awareness about NTDs with skin manifestations among HCWs and promote quality management of patients in Senegal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insights on Neglected Tropical Diseases in West Africa)

11 pages, 2908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experience of Health System Personnel in the Implementation of Mass Distribution Campaigns for the Control of Lymphatic Filariasis in Rural Guinea in 2022

by Akoi Zoumanigui, Delphin Kolié, Lamine Lamah, Nouhou Konkouré Diallo, Aissata Tounkara, Hawa Manet, Mamadou Camara and Alexandre Delamou

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(11), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9110265 - 5 Nov 2024

Viewed by 482

Abstract

This study documents the experiences of health system personnel in the implementation of mass distribution campaigns for the control of lymphatic filariasis in rural Guinea. This was an exploratory qualitative study using data collected from implementing actors of mass distribution campaigns in the Boké health district. The results showed four main facilitators of mass distribution campaign rollout in the Boké health district: (i) support to the district teams in the organization of the campaigns; (ii) involvement of community-based associations in social mobilization; (iii) strong adherence of the communities to the different mass distribution campaigns, facilitated through the involvement of community relays, who are members of these communities, in the distribution of drugs; and (iv) transparency in the allocation of incentives to drug dispensers and supervisors. However, the frequent shortages of medicines, the difficulty of access to rural areas, and the lack of logistical means for the supervision of activities were the main obstacles to the success of the various mass distribution campaigns in Boké. The provision of buffer stocks for special areas such as Boké by national programme actors and partners, joint planning of campaign activities with local managers of health systems and services, and improvement of existing mechanisms for motivating health workers, including community health workers, during future campaigns should help to achieve national objectives in the fight against NTDs in Guinea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insights on Neglected Tropical Diseases in West Africa)

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14 pages, 1399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Low Coverage of the Free Surgical Care Programme for Trachomatous Trichiasis in Rural Guinea in 2022

by Lamine Lamah, Delphin Kolié, Akoi Zoumanigui, Nouhou Konkouré Diallo, Mamadou Camara, Hawa Manet, Tamba Mina Millimouno, Bienvenu Salim Camara, Aissata Tounkara and Alexandre Delamou

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(10), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9100239 - 11 Oct 2024

Viewed by 654

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the experiences of healthcare personnel and patients in the organization of free surgical campaigns and care for trachomatous trichiasis in the health district of Siguiri in Guinea, including challenges experienced in providing surgical care. This was an explanatory qualitative study conducted in 2022 in the health district of Siguiri. A total of 20 participants were interviewed including patients (n = 7; 35%), community health workers (n = 4; 20%), health services managers, and healthcare providers (n = 8; 40%). Two main data collection technics were used: documentary review and in-depth individual interviews. All interviews were transcribed and manually coded using an Excel extraction spreadsheet. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive approaches. The results showed several organizational, structural, and community challenges that underlined the low surgical coverage of trachomatous trichiasis in the health district of Siguiri. Organizational challenges included the low involvement of local actors in planning activities, the limited timeframe of the campaigns, and the lack of logistics for activities supervision and patients’ transportation to surgery sites. Structural challenges included the inadequacy of health centres to provide surgical services, poor health infrastructures, and sanitation conditions in some areas. Individual challenges included remoteness of surgical sites and costs associated with services provision including medicines. Community challenges included fear of surgery and the coincidence of the campaigns with agricultural and mining activities. The results of the study call on the national neglected tropical disease program and its partners to adopt and promote micro-planning of trachomatous trichiasis surgical activities, with the effective participation of local stakeholders in endemic health districts. They should also envision integrating the management of surgical treatment including costs associated with care (transportation, food, rehabilitation support for patients who have undergone surgery) and complications of surgical procedures for an expansion of the trachomatous trichiasis free surgical care coverage in endemic health districts in Guinea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insights on Neglected Tropical Diseases in West Africa)

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8 pages, 427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Frequency, Clinical Characteristics, and Management of Snakebite Patients Admitted at the Envenomation Treatment Center of the Applied Biology Research Institute of Guinea

by Mohamed Ciré Diallo, Karifa Kourouma, Saidou Boumbaly, Armand Saloun Kamano, Abdoulaye Sow, Fassou Mathias Grovogui, Sahar Traore and Alexandre Delamou

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(10), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9100238 - 11 Oct 2024

Viewed by 716

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the frequency, clinical signs, management, and outcomes of snakebite patients admitted to the envenomation treatment center of the Institut de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée de Guinée (IRBAG). This was a retrospective review combining aggregated annual statistics (2011–2015) and routine data (from January to October 2021) from the IRBAG treatment center. There were 1345 (57.2%) snakebite victims out of a total of 2352 consultations at the center during the study period. Males (67.7%), persons aged ≥45 years (29%) and ≤14 years (27.7%), farmers/housewives (44.5%), workers (23.9%), and those residing in the Kindia Prefecture (53.5%) were the most commonly affected. The majority of victims (84.5%) were admitted three hours after snakebite, with bites mainly occurring in rural areas (86.5%) and during the rainy season (83.2%). Pain (100%), edema (76.8%), and bleeding (65.2%) were the most common clinical presentations. Almost all victims received antivenom serum (98%), antibiotics (87.7%), and analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs (88.4%). Six out of the one hundred and fifty-five patients died. Snakebites are a frequent public health problem in rural Guinea. The majority of victims seek medical attention too late. There is an urgent need to include snakebite in the country’s list of priority NTDs in order to promote access to antivenom serum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insights on Neglected Tropical Diseases in West Africa)

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9 pages, 1367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Frequency and Factors Associated with Disabilities among Leprosy Patients Admitted to the Kindia Disability Prevention and Physical Rehabilitation Centre (Pirp) in Guinea from 2017 to 2021

by Ibrahima Sory Sy Savané, Sidikiba Sidibé, Delphin Kolié, Mamadou Camara, Fatoumata Sakho, Sadan Sidibé, Mahamoud Sama Chérif, Sékou Doumbouya, Abdoul Karim Nabé and Alexandre Delamou

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(10), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9100237 - 11 Oct 2024

Viewed by 725

Abstract

This study aims to estimate the prevalence and analyze the factors associated with leprosy-related disabilities at the Kindia Disability Prevention and Physical Rehabilitation Centre (PIRP) in Guinea. It is a cross-sectional study using routine data from the centre from 2017 to 2021. Of 115 patients, 76% had a disability, 49% of which were grade II and 27% grade I. The age range of 15 to 30 years was the most represented (43.5%), with the average age (standard deviation) being 38 (16.5) years. Children under 14 years of age represented 3.5% of the total. Most (89%) patients had newly diagnosed leprosy. The majority (66.1%) had never come in contact with people with leprosy symptoms. Almost all (99.1%) patients had type 1 reactions on admission. Patients with multibacillary leprosy were in the majority (83.5%), and those with symptoms lasting 7–12 months represented 56.5% of the sample. In total, 79.1% of the patients received corticosteroid therapy, and 92.1% were reported cured at discharge. This neglected tropical disease continues to be a challenge in Guinea, even though leprosy care is free. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insights on Neglected Tropical Diseases in West Africa)

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11 pages, 2142 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Five Years of Treatment of Onchocerciasis with Ivermectin under Community Guidelines in Resurgent Areas of Burkina Faso: A before-and-after Analysis

by Micheline O. Ouedraogo, Ivlabèhirè Bertrand Meda, Karifa Kourouma, Fanny Yago Wienne, Dieudonné Nare, Clarisse Bougouma, Justin Compaore and Seni Kouanda

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(9), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9090207 - 9 Sep 2024

Viewed by 940

Abstract

Background: Almost the entire country of Burkina Faso was endemic to onchocerciasis. Onchocerciasis control efforts thus brought the prevalence of O. volvulus to a level where the disease was no longer a public health problem in 2002. A resurgence of onchocerciasis cases has been observed in two regions (Cascades and the Southwest) located around several river basins in 2010–2011. In accordance with WHO guidelines for the management of resurgent cases, community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) was implemented in the affected areas. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of this intervention on parasitological indices of onchocerciasis, depending on the distance between villages and rivers. Methodology: We conducted a paired pre-post study using aggregated village-level data from two cross-sectional surveys conducted in each region. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the standardized microfilarodermia prevalence and community microfilarial load (CMFL). Results: A total of 43 villages in 6 health districts, in the Southwest (18) and Cascades (25) regions were included in the study. The key findings were that standardized microfilaria prevalence and CMFL decreased significantly after the implementation of CDTI in both regions (p < 0.0001). The median standardized microfilaria prevalence was 2.8 [interquartile range (IQR): 0.2–6.6] before CDTI and 0.72 [IQR: 0.0–2.17] after CDTI. The results showed also a decline in standardized microfilaria prevalence and CMFL in all villages, regardless of the distance separating the village from the streams. However, the results were not statistically significant for the villages located 5 km or more from streams (p = 0.0816 and 0.0542 for standardized microfilaria prevalence and CMFL, respectively). Conclusion: Our results thus show that the implementation of effective CDTI could stop the transmission of O. volvulus in these two regions. The main challenge for stopping transmission could be the migration of populations to neighboring countries and migration of the vector from one country to another, as Burkina Faso shares some river basins with neighboring countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insights on Neglected Tropical Diseases in West Africa)

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