The repository for NTD operational research studies

• An Ov16/OVOC3261 biplex IgG4 test, whereby we are confident that we can provide > 60% sensitivity and 99.8% specificity, as required by the TPP for Onchocerciasis Elimination Mapping.
• Demonstration that the Ov16/OVOC3261 biplex IgG4 test behaves at least as good with blood as with plasma/serum samples (notably a perceived weakness of the SD Ov16 RDT)

To evaluate strategies to improve the sensitivity of the TAS for detecting evidence of recent lymphatic filariasis transmission in an evaluation unit (EU). The TAS Strengthening Study in American Samoa is designed to assess additional indicators that may be added to the current TAS platform in order to strengthen the resulting stopping or surveillance decisions. A comprehensive analysis will be conducted to understand the correlation between antigen and antibody in adults and children with the mosquito data. A spatial analysis looking at microfoci of infection will also be conducted. Xenomonitoring work to assess Aedes mosquitoes is underway.

Preliminary Findings and Lessons Learned

The ultimate goal of this study is to strengthen the existing TAS platform so that the programs can be more confident with their stopping and surveillance decisions. In order to strengthen the existing TAS platform we need to better understand which target population(s) and diagnostic indicator(s) are best-suited for identifying areas with persistent transmission that is not expected to cease on its own, knowing that the answer may vary according the primary vector and stage of the program. In the selected sites a community-based TAS was conducted using the standard sampling of 6-7 year olds while a community TAS (individuals >8 years) was conducted concurrently. All samples were tested via FTS and DBS (for Wb123 ELISA). In these same communities a molecular xenomonitoring study will take place and the mosquitoes will be tested for filarial DNA to relate back to the human specimens. To date human sampling has been completed in all sites and laboratory analysis of the specimens is complete. Mosquito collection has been completed in Haiti and Tanzania and the PCR analysis has been completed in Haiti and is planned for Tanzania (pending the arrival of a new PCR machine). In American Samoa xenomonitoring has been delayed due to weather conditions and arbovirus outbreaks; work is expected to commence spring 2018.

Comparison of ICT, FST and Antibody tests in low-prevalence settings.

The multi-country studies on the same topic led to the endorsement by WHO for the FTS as an approved diagnostic tool.

The overall goal of this research proposal is to prioritize the five novel Bancroftian antigen candidates with respect to their ease-of-use and practicability within the frame of a future Wb123/WbAgx biplex test, based on their biophysical properties, stability data and behavior in our lateral flow assay setup. Along with the concurrent biochemical/clinical validation by the Nutman group. This will allow an informed choice as to which candidate antigen(s) should be used for the biplex assay development.

CCA Protocol: To know the sensitivity and specificity of POC CCA in the detection of urinary schistosomiasis, as compared to traditional diagnostic tools.

To study the feasibility of LF and Oncho (Filariases) integrated transmission assessment survey iTAS) according to both LF and Onchocerciasis WHO elimination guidelines

To compare the sensitivity of double-slide Kato-Katz and multi-parallel real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the detection of Ascaris, hookworm, and Trichuris infection among children in rural Bangladesh

Innovative approach to exploit ongoing STH- SCH survey to conduct integrated surveillance for LF and oncho that will serve as a model for other programs

The primary aim of this study is a first evaluation (384 samples) of the DjinniChip in ocular clinical samples in a trachoma-endemic region in-country, but initially in the controlled environment of a research laboratory setting. The second aim is to determine the DjinniChips resilience and usability by evaluating its performance with a concentration series of positive control swabs in various environmental conditions (hot, dry, dusty, humid).

To develop and pilot test an innovative standardized diagnostic algorithm for female genital schistosomiasis and other common causes of genital ulcerative and inflammatory disease that is feasible to use in Zambian government clinics