@article{99827,
  keywords = {Infectious Diseases, Microbiology (medical), Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine, Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases , Integration, Buruli ulcer , Yaws, laboratory, Ghana},
  author = {Agbanyo A and Agbavor B and Gyabaah S and Oppong MN and Dornu O and Antwi PB and Loglo AD and Abass KM and Amofa G and Kotey NK and Quao B and Frimpong M and Asiedu K and Amoako YA and Phillips RO},
  title = {Implementation of an integrated control programme for neglected tropical diseases of the skin in Ghana: The essential role of the laboratory},
  abstract = {<p id="st015"><strong>Introduction:</strong>&nbsp;In this study, we report on findings from approaches used, the outcomes and the lessons learnt from the laboratory support provided for integrated control of skin NTDs including Buruli ulcer (BU), and yaws in seven selected districts in Ghana.</p>

<p id="st020"><strong>Methods:&nbsp;</strong>Actions implemented from July 2018 to October 2022 included; training district-level health workers on specimen collection, storage, and transport to laboratories, integrated case searches, continual monitoring and supervision for trained health workers, laboratory confirmation of BU and yaws samples and providing results of the analysed samples to guide decision making. Descriptive analysis of data was performed.</p>

<p id="st025"><strong>Results:&nbsp;</strong>A total of 18,683 (including suspected BU 976; suspected yaws 10,995) individuals were screened for BU and yaws. Of 976 suspected BU cases, 16.8% [median (IQR) age 24 (12.0–37.8) years] were confirmed positive by IS2404 PCR; BU mostly presented as ulcers (78.7%); category I (37.2%) and category II (36%). 480 individuals (4.4%) had DPP positive yaws. Multiplex PCR analysis of 75 selected DPP positive cases identified; 7 DPP positive yaws cases as&nbsp;<em>Treponema pallidum</em>, 28 as&nbsp;<em>Haemophilus ducreyi</em>&nbsp;and 7 as&nbsp;<em>Treponema pallidum/Haemophilus ducreyi</em>&nbsp;coinfection. Laboratory results were sent to the districts within a median (IQR) of 5 (3 – 9) days.</p>

<p id="st030"><strong>Conclusion:&nbsp;</strong>The implementation of integrated diagnostic confirmation for skin NTDs is feasible with provision of timely results within a week. Multiplex diagnostic tools differentiated&nbsp;<em>Treponema pallidum</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Haemophilus ducreyi</em>. There is a need to sustain active case search activities, enhance health worker training, and improve laboratory confirmation of cases as part of the overall strategy for the integrated control of skin neglected tropical diseases.</p>
},
  year = {2024},
  journal = {Journal of Clinical Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Diseases},
  volume = {35},
  pages = {1-8},
  publisher = {Elsevier BV},
  issn = {2405-5794},
  url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405579424000299/pdfft?md5=0ff774fb1b1988c3cbdb019b7263ae88&pid=1-s2.0-S2405579424000299-main.pdf},
  doi = {10.1016/j.jctube.2024.100442},
  language = {Eng},
}