Mapping of Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Namibia: The First Large-Scale Protocol to Formally Include Rapid Diagnostic Tests.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Namibia is now ready to begin mass drug administration of praziquantel and albendazole against schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths, respectively. Although historical data identifies areas of transmission of these neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), there is a need to update epidemiological data. For this reason, Namibia adopted a new protocol for mapping of schistosomiasis and geohelminths, formally integrating rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for infections and morbidity. In this article, we explain the protocol in detail, and introduce the concept of 'mapping resolution', as well as present results and treatment recommendations for northern Namibia.

Methods/findings/interpretation

This new protocol allowed a large sample to be surveyed (N = 17,896 childr

SUBMITTER: Sousa-Figueiredo JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4509651 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature