Patricia M Graves1,2, Sarah Sheridan3, Saipale Fuimaono4, Colleen L Lau3. 1. College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia. patricia.graves@jcu.edu.au. 2. Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia. patricia.graves@jcu.edu.au. 3. Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. 4. Department of Public Health, American Samoa Department of Health, Pago Pago, American Samoa.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prevalence of lymphatic filariasis (LF) antigen in American Samoa was 16.5% in 1999. Seven rounds of mass drug administration (MDA) programmes between 2000 and 2006 reduced antigen prevalence to 2.3%. The most efficient methods of surveillance after MDA are not clear, but testing specific at-risk groups such as adults may provide earlier warning of resurgence. The role of migration from LF endemic countries in maintaining transmission also needs investigation. Few studies have investigated knowledge about LF and how that relates to infection risk. This study aims to investigate associations between socio-demographics, population mobility, disease knowledge and LF infection risk. METHODS: In 2014, we surveyed 670 adults aged 16-68 years (62% female) at two worksites in American Samoa. Sera were tested for LF antigen and antibodies (Bm14 and Wb123) by rapid test and/or ELISA. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess association between seromarkers and demographic factors, household socioeconomic status (SES), residence, travel history, and knowledge of LF. RESULTS: Overall, 1.8% of participants were positive for antigen, 11.8% for Bm14, 11.3% for Wb123 and 17.3% for at least one antibody. Recent travel outside American Samoa was not associated with positivity for any seromarker. Men had higher seroprevalence than women for all outcomes (any antibody: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.49 (95% CI: 2.21-5.49). Those aged over 35 years (compared to 15-24 years) had higher prevalence of Bm14 antibody (aOR = 3.75, 3.76 and 4.17 for ages 35-44, 45-54 and ≥ 55 years, respectively, P < 0.05). Lower SES was associated with seropositivity (antigen: aOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.09-7.69; either antibody: aOR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.12-2.05). Those who knew that mosquitoes transmitted LF had lower Wb123 antibody prevalence (aOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.32-0.95). CONCLUSIONS: Opportunistic sampling of adults at worksites provided an efficient and representative way to assess prevalence and risk factors for LF in American Samoa and in hindsight, foreshadowed the resurgence of transmission. Risk of LF infection, detected by one or more serological markers, was not related to recent travel history, but was strongly associated with male gender, older age, lower SES, and lack of knowledge about mosquito transmission. These results could guide future efforts to increase MDA participation.
BACKGROUND: Prevalence of lymphatic filariasis (LF) antigen in American Samoa was 16.5% in 1999. Seven rounds of mass drug administration (MDA) programmes between 2000 and 2006 reduced antigen prevalence to 2.3%. The most efficient methods of surveillance after MDA are not clear, but testing specific at-risk groups such as adults may provide earlier warning of resurgence. The role of migration from LF endemic countries in maintaining transmission also needs investigation. Few studies have investigated knowledge about LF and how that relates to infection risk. This study aims to investigate associations between socio-demographics, population mobility, disease knowledge and LF infection risk. METHODS: In 2014, we surveyed 670 adults aged 16-68 years (62% female) at two worksites in American Samoa. Sera were tested for LF antigen and antibodies (Bm14 and Wb123) by rapid test and/or ELISA. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess association between seromarkers and demographic factors, household socioeconomic status (SES), residence, travel history, and knowledge of LF. RESULTS: Overall, 1.8% of participants were positive for antigen, 11.8% for Bm14, 11.3% for Wb123 and 17.3% for at least one antibody. Recent travel outside American Samoa was not associated with positivity for any seromarker. Men had higher seroprevalence than women for all outcomes (any antibody: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.49 (95% CI: 2.21-5.49). Those aged over 35 years (compared to 15-24 years) had higher prevalence of Bm14 antibody (aOR = 3.75, 3.76 and 4.17 for ages 35-44, 45-54 and ≥ 55 years, respectively, P < 0.05). Lower SES was associated with seropositivity (antigen: aOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.09-7.69; either antibody: aOR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.12-2.05). Those who knew that mosquitoes transmitted LF had lower Wb123 antibody prevalence (aOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.32-0.95). CONCLUSIONS: Opportunistic sampling of adults at worksites provided an efficient and representative way to assess prevalence and risk factors for LF in American Samoa and in hindsight, foreshadowed the resurgence of transmission. Risk of LF infection, detected by one or more serological markers, was not related to recent travel history, but was strongly associated with male gender, older age, lower SES, and lack of knowledge about mosquito transmission. These results could guide future efforts to increase MDA participation.
Entities:
Keywords:
American Samoa; Disease knowledge; Lymphatic filariasis; Mosquito; Population mobility; Sero-epidemiology; Socioeconomic status; Surveillance
Authors: Colleen L Lau; Kelley Meder; Helen J Mayfield; Therese Kearns; Brady McPherson; Take Naseri; Robert Thomsen; Shannon M Hedtke; Sarah Sheridan; Katherine Gass; Patricia M Graves Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis Date: 2020-12-21
Authors: Colleen L Lau; Meru Sheel; Katherine Gass; Saipale Fuimaono; Michael C David; Kimberly Y Won; Sarah Sheridan; Patricia M Graves Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis Date: 2020-12-28
Authors: Benjamin F R Dickson; Jesse J R Masson; Helen J Mayfield; Khin Saw Aye; Kyi May Htwe; Maureen Roineau; Athena Andreosso; Stephanie Ryan; Luke Becker; Janet Douglass; Patricia M Graves Journal: Trop Med Infect Dis Date: 2022-06-21