| Title: |
Prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy in a Tanzanian region after a prolonged community-directed treatment with ivermectin |
| Authors: |
Mushi, VP; Bhwana, D; Massawe, IS; Makunde, W; Sebukoto, H; Ngasa, W; Sengerema, J; Mhina, A; Hayuma, PM; Kimambo, H; Kidima, W; Matuja, W; Sander, JW; Cross, H; Sen, A; Colebunders, R; Newton, CR; Mmbando, BP; Group, EPInA Study |
| Publisher Information: |
Public Library of Science |
| Publication Year: |
2024 |
| Collection: |
Oxford University Research Archive (ORA) |
| Description: |
Introduction: Epidemiological evidence suggests that Onchocerca volvulus is associated with epilepsy, although the exact pathophysiological mechanism is unknown. Mahenge is an endemic focus of onchocerciasis, with the longest-running ivermectin treatment intervention in Tanzania. We assessed the prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy after 25 years of control using ivermectin. Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional study in 34 villages in Mahenge in 2021. Community health workers conducted door-to-door household surveys to enumerate the population and screen for individuals suspected of epilepsy using a standardised questionnaire. Trained physicians confirmed epilepsy. Children aged 6–11 years were screened for onchocerciasis antibodies using the Ov16 rapid test. Villages were stratified into three altitude levels (low [950 meters above sea level]) as a proxy for rapids, which black flies favour for breeding sites. Incidence of epilepsy was estimated as a ratio of new cases in the year preceding the survey per 100,000 population. Results: 56,604 individuals (median age 20.2 years, 51.1% females) were surveyed. Onchocerciasis prevalence in children was 11.8% and was highest in villages at medium (21.7%) and lowest in low altitudes (3.2%), p |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| Language: |
English |
| Relation: |
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012470 |
| DOI: |
10.1371/journal.pntd.0012470 |
| Availability: |
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012470; https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:6a2d90a2-1b97-400a-abe8-7e1ad4ab97b7 |
| Rights: |
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess ; CC Attribution (CC BY) |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.FAB5C669 |
| Database: |
BASE |