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The complex health seeking pathway of a human African trypanosomiasis patient in Cote d'Ivoire underlines the need of setting up passive surveillance systems.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Significant efforts to control human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) over the two past decades have resulted in drastic decrease of its prevalence in Côte d'Ivoire. In this context, passive surveillance, integrated in the national health system and based on clinical suspicion, was reinforced. We describe here the health-seeking pathway of a girl who was the first HAT patient diagnosed through this strategy in August 2017.

Methods

After definitive diagnosis of this patient, epidemiological investigations were carried out into the clinical evolution and the health and therapeutic itinerary of the patient before diagnosis.

Results

At the time of diagnosis, the patient was positive in both serological and molecular tests and trypanosomes were detected in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. She suffered from important neurological disorders. The first disease symptoms had appeared three years earlier, and the patient had visited several public and private peripheral health care centres and hospitals in different cities. The failure to diagnose HAT for such a long time caused significant health deterioration and was an important financial burden for the family.

Conclusion

This description illustrates the complexity of detecting the last HAT cases due to complex diagnosis and the progressive disinterest and unawareness by both health professionals and the population. It confirms the need of implementing passive surveillance in combination with continued sensitization and health staff training.

SUBMITTER: Kone M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7515183 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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The complex health seeking pathway of a human African trypanosomiasis patient in Côte d'Ivoire underlines the need of setting up passive surveillance systems.

Koné Minayégninrin M N'Gouan Emmanuel Kouassi EK Kaba Dramane D Koffi Mathurin M Kouakou Lingué L N'Dri Louis L Kouamé Cyrille Mambo CM Nanan Valentin Kouassi VK Tapé Gossé Apollinaire GA Coulibaly Bamoro B Courtin Fabrice F Ahouty Bernardin B Djohan Vincent V Bucheton Bruno B Solano Philippe P Büscher Philippe P Lejon Veerle V Jamonneau Vincent V

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 20200914 9

<h4>Background</h4>Significant efforts to control human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) over the two past decades have resulted in drastic decrease of its prevalence in Côte d'Ivoire. In this context, passive surveillance, integrated in the national health system and based on clinical suspicion, was reinforced. We describe here the health-seeking pathway of a girl who was the first HAT patient diagnosed through this strategy in August 2017.<h4>Methods</h4>After definitive diagnosis of this patient ...[more]

PMID: 32925917

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