Mapping of Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Namibia: The First Large-Scale Protocol to Formally Include Rapid Diagnostic Tests: e0003831

• Published in: PLoS neglected tropical diseases 2015-07, Vol.9 (7)
• Main Authors: Sousa-Figueiredo, José Carlos, Stanton, Michelle C, Katokele, Stark, Arinaitwe, Moses, Adriko, Moses, Balfour, Lexi, Reiff, Mark, Lancaster, Warren, Noden, Bruce H, Bock, Ronnie, Stothard, J Russell
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Data collection; Infections; Microscopy; Sanitation; Social services; Tropical diseases; Urine
• ISSN: 1935-2727; 1935-2735
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003831

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 children from 299 schools) at relatively low cost (7 USD per person mapped) and very quickly (28 working days). All children were analysed by RDTs, but only a sub-sample was also diagnosed by light microscopy. Overall prevalence of schistosomiasis in the surveyed areas was 9.0%, highly associated with poorer access to potable water (OR = 1.5, P