Mapping the epidemiology of yaws in the Solomon Islands: a cluster randomized survey

Yaws, a non-venereal treponemal disease, is targeted for eradication by 2020 but accurate epidemiological data to guide control programs remain sparse. The Solomon Islands reports the second highest number of cases of yaws worldwide. We conducted a cluster randomized survey of yaws in two provinces...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 2015-01, Vol.92 (1), p.129-133
Main Authors: Marks, Michael, Vahi, Ventis, Sokana, Oliver, Puiahi, Elliot, Pavluck, Alex, Zhang, Zaixing, Dalipanda, Tenneth, Bottomley, Christian, Mabey, David C, Solomon, Anthony W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Child, Preschool
Cluster Analysis
Humans
Melanesia - epidemiology
Treponema pallidum
Yaws - epidemiology
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Summary:Yaws, a non-venereal treponemal disease, is targeted for eradication by 2020 but accurate epidemiological data to guide control programs remain sparse. The Solomon Islands reports the second highest number of cases of yaws worldwide. We conducted a cluster randomized survey of yaws in two provinces of the Solomon Islands. One thousand four hundred and ninety-seven (1,497) children 5-14 years of age were examined. Clinical signs of active yaws were found in 79 children (5.5%), whereas 140 children (9.4%) had evidence of healed yaws lesions. Four hundred and seventy (470) (31.4%) children had a positive Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA). Two hundred and eighty-five (285) children (19%) had a positive TPPA and rapid plasma regain assay. Risk of yaws increased with age and was more common in males. The prevalence of yaws at village level was the major risk factor for infection. Our findings suggest the village, not the household, should be the unit of treatment in the World Health Organization (WHO) yaws eradication strategy.
ISSN:0002-9637
1476-1645
DOI:10.4269/ajtmh.14-0438