Abstract
BackgroundLymphatic filariasis (LF) and podoconiosis are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that pose a significant physical, social and economic burden to endemic communities. Patients affected by the clinical conditions of LF (lymphoedema and hydrocoele) and podoconiosis (lymphoedema) need access to morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services. Clear estimates of the number and location of these patients are essential to the efficient and equitable implementation of MMDP services for both diseases.Methodology/Principle findingsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ethiopia using the Health Extension Worker (HEW) network to identify all cases of lymphoedema and hydrocoele in 20 woredas (districts) co-endemic for LF and podoconiosis. A total of 612 trained HEWs and 40 supervisors from 20 districts identified 26,123 cases of clinical morbidity. Of these, 24,908 (95.3%) reported cases had leg lymphoedema only, 751 (2.9%) had hydrocoele, 387 (1.5%) had both leg lymphoedema and hydrocoele, and 77 (0.3%) cases had breast lymphoedema. Of those reporting leg lymphoedema, 89.3% reported bilateral lymphoedema. Older age groups were more likely to have a severe stage of disease, have bilateral lymphoedema and to have experienced an acute attack in the last six months.Conclusions/SignificanceThis study represents the first community-wide, integrated clinical case mapping of both LF and podoconiosis in Ethiopia. It highlights the high number of cases, particularly of leg lymphoedema that could be attributed to either of these diseases. This key clinical information will assist and guide the allocation of resources to where they are needed most.
Highlights
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and podoconiosis are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that affect the world’s poorest people and pose a significant economic burden to developing countries [1]
Patients affected by the clinical conditions of lymphatic filariasis and podoconiosis require access to a minimum package of care to prevent progression of the disease, and to improve their quality of life
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ethiopia using the Health Extension Worker (HEW) network to identify all cases of lymphoedema and hydrocoele in 20 co-endemic woredas
Summary
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and podoconiosis are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that affect the world’s poorest people and pose a significant economic burden to developing countries [1]. Greater quantities of smectite, mica and quartz within the soil have been shown to have positive associations with podoconiosis prevalence [8] It is found in highland tropical areas of Africa, Central America and north-west India where there is commonly a high seasonal rainfall [5, 6]. Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and podoconiosis are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that pose a significant physical, social and economic burden to endemic communities. Clear estimates of the number and location of these patients are essential to the efficient and equitable implementation of MMDP services for both diseases
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