Prospective cohort study to evaluate Lassa fever incidence, symptoms and coinfection with malaria in West Africa: the Enable Lassa Research Programme ('ENABLE 1.5') - study protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Abstract

Introduction

Lassa fever (LF), a viral haemorrhagic disease, poses a significant public health challenge in West Africa. Lassa virus infection frequently causes mild malaria-like symptoms, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and an underestimated burden. Severe LF can lead to multi-organ failure, and survivors may experience sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Building on the contributions of the Enable Lassa Research Programme (ENABLE 1.0), which ran in West Africa from 2020 to 2024, ENABLE 1.5 aims to further address gaps in understanding LF disease burden to inform future late-stage vaccine trials. The study will assess the incidence of symptomatic reverse transcription (RT)-PCR-confirmed LF disease, including malaria coinfection.

Methods and analysis

The

SUBMITTER: Mandi H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12314962 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature