Parasite (Jan 2022)

Monitoring the elimination of gambiense human African trypanosomiasis in the historical focus of Batié, South–West Burkina Faso

  • Compaoré Charlie Franck Alfred,
  • Kaboré Jacques,
  • Ilboudo Hamidou,
  • Thomas Lian Francesca,
  • Falzon Laura Cristina,
  • Bamba Mohamed,
  • Sakande Hassane,
  • Koné Minayégninrin,
  • Kaba Dramane,
  • Bougouma Clarisse,
  • Adama Ilboudo,
  • Amathe Ouedraogo,
  • Belem Adrien Marie Gaston,
  • Fèvre Eric Maurice,
  • Büscher Philippe,
  • Lejon Veerle,
  • Jamonneau Vincent

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1051/parasite/2022024
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 29
p. 25

Abstract

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The World Health Organisation has targeted the elimination of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) as zero transmission by 2030. Continued surveillance needs to be in place for early detection of re-emergent cases. In this context, the performance of diagnostic tests and testing algorithms for detection of the re-emergence of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense HAT remains to be assessed. We carried out a door-to-door active medical survey for HAT in the historical focus of Batié, South–West Burkina Faso. Screening was done using three rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Two laboratory tests (ELISA/T. b. gambiense and immune trypanolysis) and parasitological examination were performed on RDT positives only. In total, 5883 participants were screened, among which 842 (14%) tested positive in at least one RDT. Blood from 519 RDT positives was examined microscopically but no trypanosomes were observed. The HAT Sero-K-Set test showed the lowest specificity of 89%, while the specificities of SD Bioline HAT and rHAT Sero-Strip were 92% and 99%, respectively. The specificity of ELISA/T. b. gambiense and trypanolysis was 99% (98–99%) and 100% (99–100%), respectively. Our results suggest that T. b. gambiense is no longer circulating in the study area and that zero transmission has probably been attained. While a least cost analysis is still required, our study showed that RDT preselection followed by trypanolysis may be a useful strategy for post-elimination surveillance in Burkina Faso.

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