Leishmaniasis control in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa

Uwishema, Olivier; Sapkota, Suhail; Wellington, Jack; Onyeaka, Chinyere Vivian Patrick; Onyeaka, Helen

doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104263

Cited by 9 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Operational and implementation research is also lacking and is critical in informing behavioral and cost-effective interventions. Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic likely inhibited research and operations, so we expect a decrease in publications from 2020–2022 [ 36 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The leishmaniases in Kenya: A scoping review

Grifferty,

Shirley,

O’Brien

et al. 2023

PLoS Negl Trop Dis

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Background The leishmaniases are a group of four vector-borne neglected tropical diseases caused by 20 species of protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through a bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. Endemic in over 100 countries, the four types of leishmaniasis–visceral leishmaniasis (VL) (known as kala-azar), cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL)–put 1.6 billion people at risk. In Kenya, the extent of leishmaniasis research has not yet been systematically described. This knowledge is instrumental in identifying existing research gaps and designing appropriate interventions for diagnosis, treatment, and elimination. Methodology/Principal findings This study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology to determine the state of leishmaniases research in Kenya and identify research gaps. We searched seven online databases to identify articles published until January 2022 covering VL, CL, MCL, and/or PKDL in Kenya. A total of 7,486 articles were found, of which 479 underwent full-text screening, and 269 met our eligibility criteria. Most articles covered VL only (n = 141, 52%), were published between 1980 and 1994 (n = 108, 39%), and focused on the theme of “vectors” (n = 92, 34%). The most prevalent study types were “epidemiological research” (n = 88, 33%) tied with “clinical research” (n = 88, 33%), then “basic science research” (n = 49, 18%) and “secondary research” (n = 44, 16%). Conclusion/Significance While some studies still provide useful guidance today, most leishmaniasis research in Kenya needs to be updated and focused on prevention, co-infections, health systems/policy, and general topics, as these themes combined comprised less than 4% of published articles. Our findings also indicate minimal research on MCL (n = 1, <1%) and PKDL (n = 2, 1%). We urge researchers to renew and expand their focus on these neglected diseases in Kenya.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The leishmaniases in Kenya: A scoping review

Grifferty,

Shirley,

O’Brien

et al. 2023

PLoS Negl Trop Dis

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“…Since the clinical course of TL is different from that of Covid-19 [ 44 – 46 ], the effect of the pandemic on the identification and reporting of TL cases may have been smaller than for other diseases [ 47 – 49 ]. On the other hand, changes in the healthcare structure during the pandemic may have compromised the support normally provided to TL patients [ 29 , 45 , 50 ]. Thus, it is possible that severe skin lesions, resulting from cutaneous ulcers that healed without adequate treatment [ 51 ], will emerge more frequently in the post-pandemic period.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Temporal patterns, spatial risks, and characteristics of tegumentary leishmaniasis in Brazil in the first twenty years of the 21st Century

et al. 2023

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Background Tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) is a significant public health issue in Brazil. The present ecological study describes the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of TL cases reported in the country, and analyzes the spatial and temporal patterns of the incidences and risks of occurrence across the five geopolitical regions and 27 federative units. Methodology/Principal findings Data regarding new cases of TL notified between 2001 and 2020 were obtained from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Joinpoint and spatial and temporal generalized additive models were used to establish trends in the evolution of TL during the target period. The incidence rate for the entire period was 226.41 cases/100,000 inhabitants. All regions of Brazil showed trends of decreasing incidence rates, albeit with fluctuations at specific times, with the exception of the Southeast where rates have increased since 2014, most particularly in Minas Gerais state. The disease was concentrated predominantly in the North region, with Acre state leading the incidence rank in the whole country, followed by Mato Grosso (Midwest), Maranhão and Bahia (Northeast) states. The spatial distribution of the risk of TL occurrence in relation to the annual averages was relatively stable throughout the period. The cutaneous form of TL was predominant and cases most frequently occurred in rural areas and among men of working age. The ages of individuals contracting TL tended to increase during the time series. Finally, the proportion of confirmations by laboratory tests was lower in the Northeast. Conclusion/Significance TL shows a declining trend in Brazil, but its widespread occurrence and the presence of areas with increasing incidence rates demonstrate the persistent relevance of this disease and the need for constant monitoring. Our findings reinforce the importance of temporal and spatial tools in epidemiologic surveillance routines and are valuable for targeting preventive and control actions.

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“…This barrier can be countered by designing and strengthening the system by involving social workers, support groups and psychological support. Transport facilities to medical centers also helps the rural communities to access health care easily [ 12 , [22] , [23] , [24] , [25] , [26] ].…”

Section: Future Focus To Eliminate Chagas Diseasementioning

confidence: 99%