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Implementation of a decentralized community-based treatment program to improve the management of Buruli ulcer in the Ouinhi district of Benin, West Africa
research-article
Author(s):
Arnaud Setondji Amoussouhoui
1 ,
Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh
1
,
2
,
* ,
Anita Carolle Wadagni
1 ,
Roch Christian Johnson
3 ,
Paulin Aoulou
1 ,
Inès Elvire Agbo
1 ,
Jean-Gabin Houezo
4 ,
Micah Boyer
5 ,
Mark Nichter
6
Publication date (Electronic):
12 March 2018
Journal:
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Publisher:
Public Library of Science
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Abstract
Background
Mycobacterium ulcerans infection, commonly known as Buruli ulcer (BU), is a debilitating neglected tropical disease. Its management remains complex and has three main components: antibiotic treatment combining rifampicin and streptomycin for 56 days, wound dressings and skin grafts for large ulcerations, and physical therapy to prevent functional limitations after care. In Benin, BU patient care is being integrated into the government health system. In this paper, we report on an innovative pilot program designed to introduce BU decentralization in Ouinhi district, one of Benin’s most endemic districts previously served by centralized hospital-based care.
Methodology/Principal findings
We conducted intervention-oriented research implemented in four steps: baseline study, training of health district clinical staff, outreach education, outcome and impact assessments. Study results demonstrated that early BU lesions (71% of all detected cases) could be treated in the community following outreach education, and that most of the afflicted were willing to accept decentralized treatment. Ninety-three percent were successfully treated with antibiotics alone. The impact evaluation found that community confidence in decentralized BU care was greatly enhanced by clinic staff who came to be seen as having expertise in the care of most chronic wounds.
Author summary
The management of Buruli ulcer (BU) is complex, resulting in high costs to families and health systems. Early detection and treatment heals lesions without functional limitations. Decentralization of the management of this disease into the peripheral health system remains a challenge for national control programs. We report here on an innovative pilot intervention of decentralization of the management of BU in one of the most BU-endemic districts in Benin. The intervention was preceded by a culturally sensitive outreach campaign, which explained the disease’s symptoms and treatment options, and increased self-referral. It also included the treatment of all chronic ulcers free of charge. While serious cases of BU were still referred to the reference hospital for treatment, study results showed that 71% of BU cases could be treated in decentralized care; of these, 93% were successfully treated without functional limitations with antibiotics alone. The decentralized treatment option brought in new cases not previously treated by a proactive centralized BU program, and maintained total patient adherence to treatment protocols, in part through the support of community volunteer groups. The model developed in this pilot study may serve as the foundation and proof of concept for a larger community-based decentralized wound care agenda.
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Most cited references31
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Health worker motivation in Africa: the role of non-financial incentives and human resource management tools
Inke Mathauer, Ingo Imhoff (2006)
Background There is a serious human resource crisis in the health sector in developing countries, particularly in Africa. One of the challenges is the low motivation of health workers. Experience and the evidence suggest that any comprehensive strategy to maximize health worker motivation in a developing country context has to involve a mix of financial and non-financial incentives. This study assesses the role of non-financial incentives for motivation in two cases, in Benin and Kenya. Methods The study design entailed semi-structured qualitative interviews with doctors and nurses from public, private and NGO facilities in rural areas. The selection of health professionals was the result of a layered sampling process. In Benin 62 interviews with health professionals were carried out; in Kenya 37 were obtained. Results from individual interviews were backed up with information from focus group discussions. For further contextual information, interviews with civil servants in the Ministry of Health and at the district level were carried out. The interview material was coded and quantitative data was analysed with SPSS software. Results and discussion The study shows that health workers overall are strongly guided by their professional conscience and similar aspects related to professional ethos. In fact, many health workers are demotivated and frustrated precisely because they are unable to satisfy their professional conscience and impeded in pursuing their vocation due to lack of means and supplies and due to inadequate or inappropriately applied human resources management (HRM) tools. The paper also indicates that even some HRM tools that are applied may adversely affect the motivation of health workers. Conclusion The findings confirm the starting hypothesis that non-financial incentives and HRM tools play an important role with respect to increasing motivation of health professionals. Adequate HRM tools can uphold and strengthen the professional ethos of doctors and nurses. This entails acknowledging their professionalism and addressing professional goals such as recognition, career development and further qualification. It must be the aim of human resources management/quality management (HRM/QM) to develop the work environment so that health workers are enabled to meet their personal and the organizational goals.
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Integrated Control and Management of Neglected Tropical Skin Diseases
Oriol Mitjà, Michael Marks, Laia Bertran … (2017)
Introduction Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are communicable diseases that occur under conditions of poverty and are concentrated almost exclusively in impoverished populations in the developing world. NTDs affect more than 1000 million people in tropical and subtropical countries, costing developing economies billions of dollars every year. Effective control of NTDs can be achieved with the use of large-scale delivery of single-dose preventive chemotherapy (PC) or intensified disease management (IDM) or both, as is the case for some diseases such as lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, and yaws. Several NTDs exhibit significant cutaneous manifestations that are associated with long-term disfigurement and disability, including Buruli ulcer (BU); cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL); leprosy; mycetoma; yaws; hydrocele and lymphoedema (resulting from lymphatic filariasis); and depigmentation, subcutaneous nodules, severe itching, and hanging groin (resulting from onchocerciasis). Skin examination offers an opportunity to screen people in the communities or children in schools to identify multiple conditions in a single visit. This common approach to skin diseases justifies the integrated delivery of health care interventions to both increase cost-effectiveness and expand coverage. WHO’s Department of Control of NTDs (WHO/NTD) plans to promote an integrated strategy for the skin NTDs requiring IDM. Targeting skin NTDs also provides a platform for treatment of common skin conditions and, therefore, has wider public health benefits. An informal panel of experts (writing this manuscript) was established to help develop guidance in support of the new WHO strategic direction and to develop a proposal for a change in policy for the integrated control and management of the skin NTDs. A symposium at the 2015 ASTMH meeting[1] initiated a discussion of opportunities around integration of surveillance and control of NTDs that affect the skin, but this paper moves these ideas forward and includes some initial recommendations about how these opportunities could be realised. We aim to provide specific pragmatic information and actual recommendations about potential surveillance and management approaches. Burden of Skin NTDs Skin NTDs are frequently co-endemic in many countries, districts, and communities (Table 1). [2–9] While none of the skin NTDs are significant causes of mortality, they are responsible for a large number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost.[10] For example, contractures and resulting disability in BU, advanced lymphoedema and hydrocele in LF, the consequences of permanent nerve damage in leprosy, amputations in mycetoma, and bone involvement in yaws can lead to debilitating deformities and difficulty in securing employment.[11] 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005136.t001 Table 1 Characteristics of skin NTDs. Causative agent Mode of transmission Natural reservoir Geographic distribution by continent/region (Major affected countries) Key manifestation Complications Peak age (male: female ratio) Incidence (annual) year 6–13 WHO target by 2020 WHA resolution Buruli ulcer Mycobacterium ulcerans Unknown Contaminated water West and Central Africa, Western Pacific Skin ulcer Severe scarring with limb contractures 5–15 (2:1) 2,200 Control WHA57.1 (2004) Cutaneous leishmaniasis Leishmania spp. Sand fly vectors Rodents, Hyraxes Middle East, West and East Africa, Mediterranean basin, and South-America Skin ulcer, papules, nodules or plaques, Disseminated skin disease and significant facial destruction All ages (1:1) 700,000 Control WHA60.13 (2007) Filarial lymphoedema Filariae such as Wuchereria bancrofti Anopheles, Culex and Aedes mosquitoes Human Worldwide distribution Lower limb oedema Lymphoedema and elephantiasis Adults (ND) 970,000 Elimination as public health problem WHA50.29 (1997) Onchocerciasis complications Onchocerca volvulus Blackfly Simulium vectors Human West, Central and East Africa, foci in Latin America Itchy papules, vesicles, pustules, papulonodules or plaques Subcutaneous nodules; hanging groin Impetigo Physical appearance, nuisance, psychological impact, stigma Children and adults (ND) Adults (ND) NA Elimination in selected countries in Africa NA Leprosy Mycobacterium leprae Mycobacterium lepromatosis Probably respiratory route Human Worldwide distribution (India, Brazil, Bangladesh, Indonesia, DRC, Ethiopia and Nigeria) Skin patches/nodules, Thickened nerves, Sensory and/or motor disturbance Peripheral neuropathy and permanent damage of the limbs, eyes and nose 5–15 and 20–40 (1.5:1) 215,000 Elimination as public health problem WHA51.15 (1998) Mycetoma Fungal or bacterial species Inoculation via contaminated thorn or splinter Soil Worldwide distribution (Sudan, Mexico and India) Subcutaneous mass with sinuses and discharge Local destruction of subcutaneous tissue All ages (3:1 to 5:1) Unknown Control WHA69.21 (2016) Yaws Treponema pallidum ssp. pertenue Direct contact Human West and Central Africa and South Pacific Skin ulcer Involvement of the bones and joints 2–15 (1.5:1) 60,000 Eradication WHA31.58 (1978) In addition, skin NTDs result in stigmatization, discrimination, and psychological distress, which contribute to suffering and may affect health-seeking behaviours and adherence to treatment.[12] Finally, the economic impact of accessing care and rehabilitative measures can be substantial.[13] Policy Change In May 2013, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted resolution WHA66.12, which calls on Member States to intensify and integrate control measures to improve the health of NTD-affected populations.[14] Individual NTDs have WHA mandates, including the control of morbidity due to BU, CL, filarial lymphoedema, the elimination of onchocerciasis, the achievement of elimination of leprosy as a public health problem, and the eradication of yaws. In May 2016, the WHA adopted a resolution on mycetoma that called for the need to develop diagnostic tests and simpler treatment as well as enhanced surveillance.[15] For many years, vertical disease programmes were established to deal with priority diseases, but, increasingly, there has been a move to integrate programmes into general health services. WHO’s Department of Control of NTDs currently promotes intervention-based approaches rather than disease-specific approaches. Each vertical disease program is resource intensive, and resources are not maximized when they are fragmented. Integrating interventions should allow a common approach for case detection and community-based diagnosis, resulting in increased program efficiency through sharing of resources. We propose a new approach to neglected tropical skin diseases, in which seven diseases are grouped together. Integration is defined here to mean combining activities of two or more diseases at the same time and in the same communities with the aim of increasing efficiency. Each country and region may adapt the strategy to the prevailing local or regional co-endemicity of these diseases. The following are reasons why a policy change to the integrated approach for skin NTDs is feasible. Skin examination is an opportunity to identify multiple conditions in a single visit. Skin diseases can be suspected and diagnosed clinically by appropriately trained individuals, including community health workers and village volunteers. The case-management strategy of the skin diseases targeted is similar, including detection and diagnosis by skin examination, with or without confirmation of the diagnosis by laboratory test, and treatment by the use of effective medicines (oral treatment and/or injection) or morbidity and disability management. Benefits and Challenges The proposed integrated strategy may provide many benefits and opportunities: Increased effectiveness and efficiency. Increased impact of resources improving the opportunity and justification for investment. Increased access to timely diagnosis of cases from the communities thus enhancing disease surveillance. Alleviation of poverty as a result of morbidity caused by NTDs. Improved knowledge, capacity, and motivation of health workers and village volunteers who may see only a few or none of these diseases in single vertical programmes. Sustained awareness and knowledge of both declining and emerging diseases to enhance surveillance. Development of regional centres of excellence. Improvement in skin health overall. Despite the potential benefits, the following potential challenges should be acknowledged: Loss of vertical programmes may lead to loss of specialized expertise. Lack of adequately trained staff. Staff attrition after training. Referral centres may be unable to cope with the increased demand for skin NTD services. Risk of developing a new vertical programme, which remains poorly integrated with the existing health care system. Description of Integrated IDM NTD Implementation We propose three main linked activities in support of this integrated strategy (Box 1): firstly, identification of areas of geographic overlap; secondly, the use of training packages for the identification of multiple skin conditions; finally, integrated active case detection and use of pathways for diagnosis and management in the local community as far as possible, with referral to local health centres and district hospitals as required. Box 1. Integrated IDM-NTDs Implementation Approach Initial assessment of disease burden: conduct surveys to identify endemic areas for targeting intensified interventions. Training: validate a training program based on standardised clinical diagnostic schemes and organise training for trainers, health workers, and village volunteers. Development of an integrated control strategy for each district: suggest interventions to meet the specific needs of each district, depending on which diseases are identified in the initial assessment and survey. Social mobilisation: create demand for and a means of participating in interventions, and address specific aspects and concerns related to the diseases. Active case detection: implement active case finding in schools and communities. Case management: establish a referral pathway to undertake early diagnosis and treatment. Health facility mapping and strengthening: mapping health facilities in endemic areas to guide the needed improvements in infrastructure, equipment, and supplies to ensure optimum quality care of patients. Assessment of disease burden The first step of the integrated approach is to establish the presence or absence of disease in each district for the purpose of deciding the specific intervention(s) that might be required. Initial mapping could be based on a combination of routine surveillance data and specific population-based surveys. These data can be used to classify the Implementation Unit (IU) as a whole as being endemic or nonendemic. Usually the district level is identified as the IU, covering a population of 100,000–250,000, but the choice should be guided by feedback received from lower administrative levels (i.e., if the skin NTD is very focal, a lower administrative level such as sub-district may be chosen as the IU). Passive surveillance data in health care facilities normally includes the patient’s village of residence, which constitutes the basic mapping unit and allows identification of IUs with current or historical cases of the skin NTDs.[16] However, hidden or unknown cases would not be identified through this approach. Counts from sub-IU regions or point locations of cases during active case-finding can be collected by mobile teams visiting villages in affected areas. Rapid assessment procedures are also emerging as useful tools that provide estimates of the probability of local prevalence (e.g., prob[prevalence > 0.1]) for each IU rather than estimates of the local prevalence itself.[17] Training of health workers and village volunteers The success of an integrated approach will rely on well trained health workers and village volunteers being able to correctly identify multiple skin conditions. It is, therefore, necessary to develop, validate, and implement structured training programmes for those who will be conducting the field work as well as for the staff who will be training them. Simplified algorithms (Table 2) have shown reasonable sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing a limited range of skin conditions when compared to diagnoses made by dermatologists[18,19], but further work is needed to expand these algorithms to cover the full range of common skin conditions and skin NTDs. Simple integrated pictorial guides can also be developed to help health workers and village volunteers. Structured teledermatology resources could provide a system of support.[20] Data collection could be augmented through the use of electronic data collection tools and cloud-based data management, which have proven powerful in large-scale mapping projects.[21] 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005136.t002 Table 2 An example of key diagnostic signs for identification of targeted diseases. Key sign identified by HCW or village volunteer Diagnostic criteria utilised by HCW or referral centre Common differential diagnosis Skin ulcer Presence of ulcerative lesions with or without crusts Buruli ulcer, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Yaws, Tropical ulcer, Stasis or venous ulcer Presence of chronic nodules or papillomatous lesions associated with ulceration Edges raised or indurated in CL and yaws; edges undermined in BU Subcutaneous mass Indurated painless swelling or mass involving the foot Mycetoma, Chromoblastomycosis, Buruli ulcer nodule or plaque, Skin cancer, Kaposi’s sarcoma, Onchocercal nodule History of penetrating injury at the same site or walking barefoot in mycetoma Sinus tracts, chronic discharge and grains in mycetoma Well-demarcated firm subcutaneous nodule(s) overlying a bony prominence (e.g., iliac crest, trochanters, ribs, sacrum) in onchocerciasis Swelling of limb or legs Painless non-pitting swelling Filarial lymphoedema, Podoconiosis, TB lymphadenitis, Leprosy oedema, Buruli ulcer oedema, Congestive heart failure oedema Skin patch Presence of a hypopigmented patch Leprosy, Pityriasis versicolor, Pityriasis alba, Vitiligo Reduced sensation within the patch in leprosy Enlarged nerves in leprosy Chronic duration (>3 months) HCW, health care worker. Conduct active case detection Scale-up of case detection activities is critical to effectively reduce the burden and transmission of skin NTDs. Even in NTDs where mass drug administration (MDA) is the initial stage of control interventions—such as yaws—as disease prevalence comes down, incident disease will still occur, for which individual diagnosis and treatment will be required to prevent resurgence.[22] Different approaches to active case detection may be used. House-to-house screening strategies yield the highest number of newly detected cases, though this strategy can be expensive and difficult to sustain. Alternative strategies include mobile teams visiting villages to screen all attendees at a central location or the use of an incentive-based approach, in which case detection is done by trained health workers detecting cases in their health centre catchment areas. In sub-Saharan Africa, trained village volunteers have also been instrumental in the detection and referral of diseases such as Buruli ulcer, Guinea worm, and leprosy.[23,24] A large network of village volunteers has also been pivotal in the Indian yaws elimination program and the program to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis.[25] Social mobilization activities will be needed prior to the start of active case detection programs. Communication efforts will focus on informing and enhancing knowledge among the general public to engage people and strengthen their participation in case finding activities. Other social mobilization avenues, including mass media, will provide a common platform by which to address social aspects associated with these diseases such as stigma and discrimination. Referral pathways It will be important to establish clear referral pathways for people with positive findings on screening for both suspected targeted diseases and non-targeted conditions, some of which can be managed at frontline health care level. Cases of skin NTDs will most often be detected at the community level by health workers or volunteers and then referred to the nearest health facility for management. Cases that cannot be managed at the primary health facility will be referred to the peripheral hospital. At this level, diagnosis and management of minor complications like skin grafting should be done. Complex cases should be referred to specialist referral centres. Community-based rehabilitation programs will need to be strengthened to support the increased case load. Improvements in the public health system are required to make treatment available and accessible at all levels. Clinical diagnosis and laboratory confirmation Clinical signs are of variable sensitivity in these diseases, so well-trained staff and diagnostic tests have an important role on diagnosis. The manifestations of leprosy have overlapping clinical features with many other skin diseases.[4] Chronic skin ulcers that fail to heal are a common presentation for all three: BU, CL, and yaws (Fig 1).[2,3,6] Skin ulcers may also result from polymicrobial infections, Haemophilus ducreyi,[13] and neuropathy (due to leprosy, diabetes) or vascular disease. Lower limb swelling of filarial lymphoedema may be mistaken for podoconiosis, TB lymphadenitis, or systemic diseases such as heart failure (Fig 2).[7] The main differential diagnoses of mycetoma are chromoblastomycosis and skin cancer.[5] 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005136.g001 Fig 1 Common skin ulcerative lesions related to neglected tropical diseases. (A) Buruli ulcer with undermined hanging edge, (B) Ill-defined ulcerated infiltrated granulomatous-looking lesions on dorsum of the hand in cutaneous leishmaniasis, (C) Early-stage yaws ulcer with raised edge and “raspberry” type appearance of the central granulation tissue, (D) Multiple yellow-crusted ulcers on the arms in secondary yaws. Images credit: Kingsley Asiedu (A,D), Oriol Mitjà (C), Jorge Postigo (B). 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005136.g002 Fig 2 Common skin neglected tropical diseases lesions. (A) Mycetoma with few active sinuses, grains, and discharge, (B) Bilateral lymphoedema of both legs in the late stage of lymphatic filariasis, (C) Hypopigmented anaesthetic macules with infiltrated edge of borderline tuberculoid leprosy. Images credit: Ahmed Fahal (A), CDC Public Health Image library (B), Rie Yotsu (C). Skin ulcer The diagnosis of skin ulcers in the tropics remains problematic as clinical features alone are insufficient to make a decision on treatment. PCR diagnostic platforms in reference laboratories are used for confirmation of many conditions, but these facilities are remote from the communities where the diseases occur. Sampling procedures like swabbing for detection of Mycobacterium ulcerans,[26] and Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue[27] can be performed in the field. Routine diagnosis of CL is based on detection of Leishmania spp. DNA in the biopsy of skin lesions;[28] however, it is also possible to perform DNA analysis on impression smears from ulcerated CL lesions that can be collected in the field.[29] The main disadvantage of PCR is that sample transfer mechanisms from the field to reference laboratories for testing are generally slow, resulting in delays and dropout during the diagnostic process. Point-of-care tests (POCT) are available to aid clinicians to determine the etiology of skin ulcers before the patient leaves the clinical setting. Fluorescent thin layer chromatography (fTLC) is a simple and low-cost technique that can be used for detection of mycolactone in skin swabs from BU lesions at a peripheral hospital laboratory using a small bench analyser;[30] however, this test is still in the development stage. The Dual Path Platform (DPP) yaws rapid test kit, which is based on simultaneous detection of antibodies to treponemal and nontreponemal antigens, allows for serological diagnosis of yaws in the field.[31,32] Subcutaneous mass Multiple diagnostic tools are usually required to determine the extent of infections and to identify the causative agents of mycetoma and guide treatment. Ultrasound examination, fine-needle aspiration and deep-seated surgical biopsy need to be performed if feasible. The ultrasound and examination of aspirated material can be POCTs. Surgical biopsies can be processed for tissue histopathological examination, microbiology, and molecular studies. Individuals suspected of having mycetoma will need to be referred for further imaging to determine the extent of disease. Formal diagnosis of onchocerciasis is by skin snips to detect Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae. Ultrasound of suspected onchocercal nodules may reveal dead or live adult worms. Limb swelling Filarial lymphoedema is clinically difficult to distinguish from podoconiosis, but a diagnostic algorithm exists. Clinical diagnosis is accurate in settings where only podoconiosis is endemic; in settings where the two diseases may overlap, the combination of clinical history, physical examination, and blood tests for antifilarial antibody (Wb123 assay) have been used to reach a diagnosis.[33] Skin patch The diagnosis of leprosy is usually made clinically, which requires health workers to be trained to recognise the varied presentations of the disease including the immune-mediated leprosy reactional states. Skin biopsy is not routinely performed and needs to be interpreted in conjunction with the clinical features. In two leprosy referral centres in Brazil, slit skin smears were only positive in 59%[34] of patients and have not been a recommended part of leprosy programmes since 1998. Patients with suspected leprosy will need to be referred for further assessment and diagnostic procedures where necessary. Individuals suspected of having leprosy need to be assessed for nerve function impairment, and this needs to be repeated regularly during treatment and beyond. Treatment If skin NTDs are diagnosed and treated early, disabilities and disfigurements are preventable. In addition, simple skin-directed therapy can contribute to enhanced resolution and reduction in morbidity. Specific interventions Once a presumptive diagnosis is established, patients need to be referred for confirmatory diagnosis or testing and treatment except for yaws, which can be immediately treated at the time of detection using single-dose oral drugs (Table 3). Nonopioid analgesics are usually sufficient for managing mild pain related to skin lesions; however, more severe pain may complicate some diseases (e.g., neuropathic pain in leprosy or pain related to erythema nodosum leprosum). For yaws, treatment of all household contacts is necessary, even if they have no symptoms. The treatment of contacts of leprosy patients remains controversial and raises ethical issues around disclosure of diagnosis. 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005136.t003 Table 3 Recommended diagnosis and management of suspected skin lesions. Field assessment Initial management Laboratory tools Medical treatment Supportive measures Treatment of contacts Surgery Prevention of disabilities and rehabilitation Buruli ulcer Clinical Swabbing, registration and referral PCR of skin swab samples fTLC under development Oral rifampin + injectable streptomycin or oral clarithromycin for 8 weeks Wound dressing No Yes Yes Cutaneous leishmaniasis Clinical Swabbing, registration and referral Microscopy and PCR of skin swab Depends on species. Local or systemic therapy. Wound dressing No No No Filarial lymphoedema Clinical Registration and referral ICT antigen test (usually negative), and antifilarial antibodies Oral diethylcarbamazine for 12 days ± doxycycline for 4 to 6 weeks Skin barrier function improvement measures No Yes Yes Oncocerciasis Clinical Registration and referral Skin snips. Serological and antigen tests under development Oral ivermectin Pruritic rash -treatment for any itching and secondary infection If in endemic area Yes for nodules or hanging groin No Leprosy Clinical Registration and referral Slit skin smear or skin biopsy material Multidrug antibiotic therapy for 6 or 12 months. Home-based self-inspections and appropriate footwear Single dose rifampicin is being piloted but is not policy Yes Yes Mycetoma Clinical Registration and referral Microscopy examination and culture of grains/biopsy Depends on species. Long term antibiotic or antifungal. Skin barrier function improvement measures No Yes Yes Yaws Clinical Swabbing, and immediate treatment DPP test and PCR of skin swab Single oral dose of azithromycin (2nd line: injectable benzathine penicillin) Wound dressing Single dose azithromycin No No fTLC, fluorescent thin layer chromatography; ICT, immunochromatography, DPP, dual path platform yaws assay. Surgery is only occasionally needed for these diseases. In BU, antibiotic therapy (oral or injectable) is largely replacing surgical excision of tissue in active disease; surgery followed by physical therapy may be required for preventing contractures. In leprosy, surgery has long been used to correct functional and stigmatising cosmetic impairments. Early localised mycetoma lesions are amenable to surgical cure with a lower recurrence rate. Problematic onchocercal nodules can be excised, and hanging groin in onchoceriasis is amenable to surgery to reduce psychological distress. Clinical wound care and repair of skin barrier function Importantly, integrated but nonspecific interventions can be implemented for case morbidity management that can benefit patients with skin NTDs sharing similar basic pathologies. Wound management is a common approach for most skin NTDs; hence, the provision of appropriate dressings and training of health workers is important for a satisfactory outcome. Effective wound management requires access to water and simple, cheap non-adherent dressings, which keep wounds clean, protected from trauma, improve healing rates of damaged skin, and potentially prevent transmission. Skin barrier function improvement measures (e.g., washing, emollients, and compression shoes) minimize the risk of further damage in filarial lymphoedema.[35,36] Provision of simple exercise regimens with or without compression can also improve lymphoedema. The use of shoes is beneficial in the fight against several skin NTDs, and there are likely to be additional benefits such as protection against tetanus, tungiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths. Future Directions An integrated approach to the skin NTDs has the potential to reduce transmission, delays in diagnosis, and associated morbidity of these conditions and promote skin health for all. An integrated approach also has the potential to reduce costs for both patients and health systems. The WHO Department of Control of NTDs should take the lead in coordinating global efforts with the support of donors and partners, focusing on key areas (Box 2). Publication of this policy paper aims to trigger public debate about the approach and to encourage new funding to be targeted towards management of these important NTDs. Box 2. Next Steps Advocacy Increasing awareness of skin NTDs and their impact on affected communities. Promoting integrated management schemes and their potential benefits to society and donors. Networking technical and professional groups, donors, NGOs, endemic countries, and different disease control programmes. Policy Gaining consensus and support from all major stakeholders including the Ministries of Health on the way forward for implementation. Promoting a common management strategy of these diseases at community and health facility levels and resources required at each level. Research Validating a clinical algorithm for identification of skin NTDs using key symptoms and signs. Developing common clinical and laboratory diagnostic platforms for these diseases, which are practical in the field. Mapping to identify their overlap to allow integrated coordinated control and treatment activities as well as health system strengthening for service delivery. Piloting the integrated approach in one or several regions. Better understanding of the epidemiology of these diseases including transmission and interaction with poverty and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Understand community resilience and program factors that strengthen community participation. Integration of surveillance and interventions will not be possible without considerable political support, at a number of levels. There will be very real challenges to integration, including relationships with donors, potential changes to NTD management structures, and complexities in health care worker training among many others, and any of these challenges could derail efforts to achieving integrated management. Strong relationships will be required between governments, international agencies, implementing partners, and donors, with a clear plan of action supported by an evidence base to move forward an agenda of integration.
- Record: found
- Abstract: found
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Efficacy of the combination rifampin-streptomycin in preventing growth of Mycobacterium ulcerans in early lesions of Buruli ulcer in humans.
S Etuaful, B Carbonnelle, J GROSSET … (2005)
Mycobacterium ulcerans disease is common in some humid tropical areas, particularly in parts of West Africa, and current management is by surgical excision of skin lesions ranging from early nodules to extensive ulcers (Buruli ulcer). Antibiotic therapy would be more accessible to patients in areas of Buruli ulcer endemicity. We report a study of the efficacy of antibiotics in converting early lesions (nodules and plaques) from culture positive to culture negative. Lesions were excised either immediately or after treatment with rifampin orally at 10 mg/kg of body weight and streptomycin intramuscularly at 15 mg/kg of body weight daily for 2, 4, 8, or 12 weeks and examined by quantitative bacterial culture, PCR, and histopathology for M. ulcerans. Lesions were measured during treatment. Five lesions excised without antibiotic treatment and five lesions treated with antibiotics for 2 weeks were culture positive, whereas three lesions treated for 4 weeks, five treated for 8 weeks, and three treated for 12 weeks were culture negative. No lesions became enlarged during antibiotic treatment, and most became smaller. Treatment with rifampin and streptomycin for 4 weeks or more inhibited growth of M. ulcerans in human tissue, and it provides a basis for proceeding to a trial of antibiotic therapy as an alternative to surgery for early M. ulcerans disease.
Author and article information
Contributors
Arnaud Setondji Amoussouhoui: Role: ConceptualizationRole: InvestigationRole: MethodologyRole: Project administrationRole:
Writing – original draft
Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh:
ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1237-1047
Role: ConceptualizationRole: Data curationRole: Formal analysisRole: Funding acquisitionRole:
InvestigationRole: MethodologyRole: Project administrationRole: SupervisionRole: ValidationRole:
Writing – original draftRole: Writing – review & editing
Anita Carolle Wadagni: Role: ConceptualizationRole: InvestigationRole: Project administrationRole: SupervisionRole:
Writing – original draft
Roch Christian Johnson: Role: ConceptualizationRole: Funding acquisitionRole: InvestigationRole: MethodologyRole:
Project administrationRole: SupervisionRole: Writing – review & editing
Paulin Aoulou: Role: InvestigationRole: SupervisionRole: Writing – original draft
Inès Elvire Agbo: Role: InvestigationRole: SupervisionRole: Writing – original draft
Jean-Gabin Houezo: Role: Project administrationRole: SupervisionRole: Writing – original draft
Micah Boyer: Role: ConceptualizationRole: Data curationRole: MethodologyRole: SupervisionRole:
Writing – original draftRole: Writing – review & editing
Mark Nichter: Role: ConceptualizationRole: Data curationRole: Formal analysisRole: Funding acquisitionRole:
MethodologyRole: Project administrationRole: ResourcesRole: SupervisionRole: Writing
– original draftRole: Writing – review & editing
Gerd Pluschke: Role: Editor
Journal
Journal ID (nlm-ta): PLoS Negl Trop Dis
Journal ID (iso-abbrev): PLoS Negl Trop Dis
Journal ID (publisher-id): plos
Journal ID (pmc): plosntds
Title:
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Publisher:
Public Library of Science
(San Francisco, CA USA
)
ISSN
(Print):
1935-2727
ISSN
(Electronic):
1935-2735
Publication date
(Electronic):
12
March
2018
Publication date Collection:
March
2018
Volume: 12
Issue: 3
Electronic Location Identifier: e0006291
Affiliations
[3
]
Centre Interfacultaire de Formation et de Recherche en Environnement et Développement
Durable, University of Abomey Calavi, Atlantique, Benin
Author notes
Author information
Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1237-1047
Article
Publisher ID: PNTD-D-17-01176DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006291
PMC ID: 5864090
PubMed ID: 29529087
SO-VID: 4b924d33-371a-45f5-82a0-70317ce27d52
Copyright © © 2018 Amoussouhoui et al
License:
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
History
Date
received
: 16
August
2017
Date
accepted
: 31
January
2018
Page count
Figures: 6,
Tables: 3,
Pages: 25
Funding
Funded by: funder-id http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100008391, UBS Optimus Foundation;
Award Recipient
:
ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1237-1047
Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh
This study resulted from a project funded by the UBS Optimus Foundation (UBS-OF) (
https://www.ubs.com/microsites/optimus-foundation/en/home.html). The sponsors have no role and no influence on the study, including design, data
collection, analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript.
Categories
Subject:
Research Article
Subject:
Medicine and Health Sciences
Subject:
Infectious Diseases
Subject:
Bacterial Diseases
Subject:
Buruli Ulcer
Subject:
Medicine and Health Sciences
Subject:
Tropical Diseases
Subject:
Neglected Tropical Diseases
Subject:
Buruli Ulcer
Subject:
Medicine and Health Sciences
Subject:
Diagnostic Medicine
Subject:
Signs and Symptoms
Subject:
Ulcers
Subject:
Medicine and Health Sciences
Subject:
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Subject:
Signs and Symptoms
Subject:
Ulcers
Subject:
People and Places
Subject:
Population Groupings
Subject:
Professions
Subject:
Medical Personnel
Subject:
Nurses
Subject:
Medicine and Health Sciences
Subject:
Health Care
Subject:
Health Care Providers
Subject:
Nurses
Subject:
Medicine and Health Sciences
Subject:
Surgical and Invasive Medical Procedures
Subject:
Research and Analysis Methods
Subject:
Research Design
Subject:
Pilot Studies
Subject:
Medicine and Health Sciences
Subject:
Pharmacology
Subject:
Drugs
Subject:
Antimicrobials
Subject:
Antibiotics
Subject:
Biology and Life Sciences
Subject:
Microbiology
Subject:
Microbial Control
Subject:
Antimicrobials
Subject:
Antibiotics
Subject:
People and Places
Subject:
Geographical Locations
Subject:
Africa
Subject:
Benin
Subject:
Social Sciences
Subject:
Anthropology
Subject:
Cultural Anthropology
Subject:
Religion
Subject:
Social Sciences
Subject:
Sociology
Subject:
Religion
Custom metadata
PLOS Publication Stage vor-update-to-uncorrected-proof
Publication Update 2018-03-22
Data Availability Data are saved in a public repository of National Program Against Buruli Ulcer in
Benin and of University of Abomey-Calavi from Benin. The dataset can be requested
to examine the verbatim and opinions of participants, for researchers who meet the
criteria for access to confidential data. A data access committee, consisting of Dr.
Agossadou Didier (
didieragossadou@
123456yahoo.fr
), General secretary of the Ministry of Health and Prof Ouendo Edgar Marius (
eouendo@
123456yahoo.fr
), Coordinator of the Health Science Doctroal can provide this dataset upon request.
ScienceOpen disciplines: Infectious disease & Microbiology
Data availability:
ScienceOpen disciplines: Infectious disease & Microbiology