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An integrated active case detection and management of skin NTDs in yaws endemic health districts in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana

2024; Public Library of Science; Volume: 18; Issue: 10 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1371/journal.pntd.0011790

1935-2735

Serges Tchatchouang, Laud Anthony Basing, Hugues Kouadio-Aboh, Becca L. Handley, Camila González-Beiras, Ivy Amanor, Philippe Ndzomo, Mohammed A. Bakheit, Lisa Becherer, Sascha Knauf, Claudia Müller, Earnest Njih-Tabah, Theophilus Ngeh Njamnshi, Tania Crucitti, Nadine Borst, Simone Lüert, Sieghard Frischmann, Helena Gmoser, Emelie Landmann, Aboubacar Sylla, Mireille S. Kouamé-Sina, Daniel Kojo Arhinful, Patrick Awondo, Gely Menguena, Emma-Michèle Harding-Esch, Adingra Tano, M. Kaloga, Paul Koffi-Aboa, Nana Konama-Kotey, Oriol Mitjà, Sara Eyangoh, Kennedy Kwasi-Addo, Solange Ngazoa-Kakou, Michael Marks,

Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment

Background Integrated approaches to mapping skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) may be cost-effective way to guide decisions on resource mobilization. Pilot studies have been carried out, but large-scale data covering multiple countries endemic for skin NTDs are lacking. Within the LAMP4YAWS project, we collected integrated data on the burden of multiple skin NTDs. Methods From March 2021 to March 2023, integrated case searches for yaws alongside other skin conditions were performed in endemic health districts of yaws in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana. Integrated activities included training, social mobilization and active case detection. Initial screening involved a brief clinical examination of participants to determine if any skin conditions were suspected. Cases of skin NTDs were then referred to a health facility for appropriate management. Results Overall 61,080 individuals screened, 11,387 (18.6%) had skin lesions. The majority of individuals (>90%) examined were children aged 15 years old and under. The proportion of serologically confirmed yaws cases was 8.6% (18/210) in Cameroon, 6.8% (84/1232) in Côte d’Ivoire, and 26.8% (440/1643) in Ghana. Other skin conditions based on clinical examination included: scabies, Buruli ulcer, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis (lymphoedema and hydrocele), tungiasis, and fungal infections. The most common conditions were scabies and superficial fungal infections. In Cameroon, scabies and superficial fungal infections accounted for 5.1% (214/4204) and 88.7% (3730/4204) respectively, 25.2% (1285/5095) and 50.4% (2567/5095) in Côte d’Ivoire. In Ghana, 20% (419/2090) of individuals had scabies but superficial fungal infections were not routinely recorded and were reported in only 1.3% (28/2090). Other skin NTDs were less common across all three countries. Conclusion This study confirms that integrated screening allows simultaneous detection of multiple skin NTDs, maximising use of scarce resources.