Neglected Tropical Diseases Research Articles

Wicked-Schisto: The wicked public health problem of Schistosomiasis and the interdisciplinary research helping to control it

Wicked-Schisto: The wicked public health problem of Schistosomiasis and the interdisciplinary research helping to control it Over 240 million people have schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), caused by parasitic worms called Schistosoma. Over 90% of infected people live in sub-Saharan Africa. Most have long-term subtle morbidities such as abdominal pain, fatigue and diahorrea. Symptoms often overlap with other diseases found in the same areas, including malaria and intestinal worms. This results in complex, hard-to-monitor illnesses, making it difficult to know when a drug treatment or other intervention is successfully improving population health. The disease also reduces physical and cognitive development, school and work attendance and productivity, exacerbating the poverty cycle. Chronic infections cause severe organ damage, cancer and ~200,000 deaths a year. Despite 1 in 33 people in the world being infected and these devastating effects, control efforts lag behind diseases such as malaria, HIV and TB. Here Poppy Lamberton, Professor of Global Health at the University of Glasgow, explores how she is leading an interdisciplinary team aiming to identify cost-effective, sustainable interventions for schistosomiasis, a devastating neglected tropical disease.

Helminth Infection among Children Living in an Urban Area in Tropical Countries: A Systematic Review

Background
 
 Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of preventable and treatable diseases, in which soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most common infections worldwide. Most affected are the children and this review aims to identify the prevalence, risk factors and impact of STH in an urban area. 
 
 Methodology
 
 This review was guiding using PRISMA review protocol incorporating the research question of “What is the prevalence, risk factors and impact of helminth infection among urban children in tropical countries?". The databases used in this review include SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, OVID MEDLINE and PUBMED. The articles used include observational and interventional studies conducted among children aged 18 years and less from 2010 to 2020. The main outcome measure was risk factors of STH infection seen in urban children includes social backgrounds, sanitation and policy.
 
 
 Results
 
 From the initial 973 articles found in the database searching, only 13 articles selected for qualitative synthesis after exclusion and screening for eligibility done. The overall prevalence of helminth infection among urban children ranges from 4.8-48.9%. The associated factor that influences helminth infection among children living in an urban area are age, male more common than female, low socioeconomic status, low parents’ education level, living in an urban slum or crowded area, low water quality and sanitation practice and poor hygiene practice. The deworming tablets consumption acts as protective factors for helminth infections. The medium haemoglobin value was significantly lower in helminth-infected children compared to uninfected children and the stunting, underweight as well as moderate acute malnutrition were attributable to helminth infections.
 
 
 Conclusion
 
 The prevalence and intensity of helminthiasis were heterogeneous among urban areas of developing countries, however, the endemicity is still high. Further efforts including healthy policies, continuous national deworming programmes and multi-sectoral partnership are required to reduce the prevalence of helminthiasis in the urban area.

Implementation research of a cluster randomized trial evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria using dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine on reducing malaria burden in school-aged children in Tanzania: methodology, challenges, and mitigation

BackgroundIt has been more than 20 years since the malaria epidemiologic shift to school-aged children was noted. In the meantime, school-aged children (5–15 years) have become increasingly more vulnerable with asymptomatic malaria prevalence reaching up to 70%, making them reservoirs for subsequent transmission of malaria in the endemic communities. Intermittent Preventive Treatment of malaria in schoolchildren (IPTsc) has proven to be an effective tool to shrink this reservoir. As of 3rd June 2022, the World Health Organization recommends IPTsc in moderate and high endemic areas. Even so, for decision-makers, the adoption of scientific research recommendations has been stifled by real-world implementation challenges. This study presents methodology, challenges faced, and mitigations used in the evaluation of the implementation of IPTsc using dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) in three councils (Handeni District Council (DC), Handeni Town Council (TC) and Kilindi DC) of Tanga Region, Tanzania so as to understand the operational feasibility and effectiveness of IPTsc on malaria parasitaemia and clinical malaria incidence.MethodsThe study deployed an effectiveness-implementation hybrid design to assess feasibility and effectiveness of IPTsc using DP, the interventional drug, against standard of care (control). Wards in the three study councils were the randomization unit (clusters). Each ward was randomized to implement IPTsc or not (control). In all wards in the IPTsc arm, DP was given to schoolchildren three times a year in four-month intervals. In each council, 24 randomly selected wards (12 per study arm, one school per ward) were chosen as representatives for intervention impact evaluation. Mixed design methods were used to assess the feasibility and acceptability of implementing IPTsc as part of a more comprehensive health package for schoolchildren. The study reimagined an existing school health programme for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control include IPTsc implementation.ResultsThe study shows IPTsc can feasibly be implemented by integrating it into existing school health and education systems, paving the way for sustainable programme adoption in a cost-effective manner.ConclusionsThrough this article other interested countries may realise a feasible plan for IPTsc implementation. Mitigation to any challenge can be customized based on local circumstances without jeopardising the gains expected from an IPTsc programme.Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04245033. Registered 28 January 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04245033

Structure-activity relationship of dibenzylideneacetone analogs against the neglected disease pathogen, Trypanosoma brucei

Trypanosoma brucei is a protozoan parasite that causes Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that is endemic in 36 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Only a handful drugs are available for treatment, and these have limitations, including toxicity and drug resistance. Using the natural product, curcumin, as a starting point, several curcuminoids and related analogs were evaluated against bloodstream forms of T. b. brucei. A particular subset of dibenzylideneacetone (DBA) compounds exhibited potent in vitro antitrypanosomal activity with sub-micromolar EC50 values. A structure–activity relationship study including 26 DBA analogs was initiated, and several compounds exhibited EC50 values as low as 200 nM. Cytotoxicity counter screens in HEK293 cells identified several compounds having selectivity indices above 10. These data suggest that DBAs offer starting points for a new small molecule therapy of HAT.

Scientometric review of research on Neglected Tropical Diseases: a 31-year perspective from the Journal of the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine

To analyze the temporal evolution of research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) published by the Journal of the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine (JBSTM). We performed an analysis of the scientific production in JBSTM on NTDs using an advanced search, which included authors' descriptors, title, and abstract, and by combining specific terms for each NTDs from 1991 to 2021. Data related to authors, countries of origin, institutions, and descriptors, were evaluated and analyzed over time. Bibliographic networks were constructed using VOSviewer 1.6.16. The JBSTM published 4,268 scientific papers during this period. Of these 1,849 (43.3%) were related to NTDs. The number of publications on NTDs increased by approximately 2.4-fold, from 352 (total 724) during 1991-2000 to 841 (total 2,128) during 2011-2021, despite the proportional reduction (48.6% versus 39.5%). The most common singular NTDs subject of publications included Chagas disease (31.4%; 581/1,849), leishmaniasis (25.5%, 411/1,849), dengue (9.4%, 174/1,849), schistosomiasis (9.0%; 166/1,849), and leprosy (6.5%, 120/1,849), with authorship mostly from Brazil's South and Southeast regions. Despite the proportional reduction in publications, JBSTM remains an important vehicle for disseminating research on NTDs during this period. There is a need to strengthen the research and subsequent publications on specific NTDs. Institutions working and publishing on NTDs in the country were concentrated in the South and Southeast regions, requiring additional investments in institutions in other regions of the country.

Importance of Balanced Attention Toward Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has been spreading since 2019, causing a worldwide pandemic. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, tuberculosis, AIDS, and malaria have adversely affected the quality of life of patients and killed millions of people. In addition, COVID-19 continues to impede the delivery of health services, including those for the control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Furthermore, NTDs have been reported as possible co-pathogens among patients infected with COVID-19. However, studies regarding parasitic co-infection among these patients have been limited. This review aimed to explore and describe the cases and reports of parasitic infections in the backdrop of COVID-19 to provide comprehensive knowledge regarding this aspect. We reviewed seven cases of patients who had parasitic co-infection and tested positive for COVID-19, and summarized the literature on the importance of controlling parasitic diseases. In addition, we identified recommendations for the control of parasitic diseases under possible difficulties, such as declining funding for parasitic diseases in 2020. This review highlights the growing burden of NTDs under COVID-19 that may be caused by the deficiency of healthcare infrastructure and human resources as the main reasons. Clinicians should remain vigilant for possible co-infections with parasites in COVID-19 patients, while policymakers are urged to reinforce a balanced and long-term health strategy that addresses both NTDs and COVID-19.

Evaluating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) with ICT

The contemporary importance of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) globally has made it to become an indispensable tool in healthcare industry. The neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are infectious diseases that are found mainly among the world’s poorest people. They are found in several countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. NTDs are especially common in tropical areas where people do not have access to clean water or safe ways to dispose of human waste. This research works utilized ICT for the evaluation of the state of NTDs in Taraba state, Nigeria using SPSS version 27. The primary data were collected from Specialist Hospital, Jalingo and Primary healthcare centres across local governments in Taraba State Nigeria. The proffered recommendations will however assist in eradicating or reducing the disease in Taraba state

Pandemic COVID-19 and Endemic Neglected Tropical Diseases: Friends or Foes?

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2, is the most serious global health calamity since the 2nd World War. The COVID-19 pandemic threatens public health systems worldwide, both in developed and developing countries. In the present report we discuss various effects of the pandemic on the status of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). COVID-19 will be a public health issue for an extended period. COVID-19 presented several challenges and opportunities for NTD prevention and control. Significant alterations include impact of the pandemic on preventive/control measures and poverty-related plans, service failures and injury to health workers, delayed treatment of NTDs, health service funding, and worsening poverty in marginalized societies. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated school and university closures on public education and research institutes. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has also provided opportunities, such as improving health literacy, changing approaches to NTD treatments, restructuring the health system and emergency responses, and enhancing science communication.

Neglected Tropical Diseases key aspects for the rheumatologist

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of 20 infectious diseases that are no longer restricted to tropical regions and that will be increasingly encountered by physicians of the Northern hemisphere. In this article, we review key aspects of tropical medicine relevant for rheumatologists or doctors working with autoimmune diseases or immunosuppressive drugs in order to be aware of NTDs, look out for them and prevent their complications. The article addresses four main topics: eosinophilia workup, rheumatic presentations of NTDs, such as myositis or arthritis lupus, granulomatosis with polyangiitis or vasculitis mimickers, such Leishmaniasis, Leprosy or Human African Trypanosomiasis and screening before starting immunosuppression, including Strongyloidiasis and Chagas disease With this review, we intend to raise awareness for NTDs amongst rheumatologists and internists working in the Northern hemisphere. NTDs should be considered and excluded in patients with relevant travelhistory or exposure in following situations: during the differential diagnosis of a suspected new autoimmune condition, in case of poor response or flare of symptoms on initiating immunosuppressive therapy, during systematic screening prior to starting immunosuppressive medication, along with blood born viruses and tuberculosis.

Judicialization of the right to health with a focus on neglected tropical diseases: dimensions and challenges in Piauí State, Northeastern Brazil, 2000-2020.

This article aims to analyse the magnitude and profile of legal demands for public health goods and services, also verifying the presence of legal demands for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the State of Piauí between 2000-2020. Cross-sectional descriptive study based on the databases of the Court of Justice of Piauí on lawsuits demanding from the Direct Public Administration, goods and health services. A total of 6,658 lawsuits were initially identified. After eligibility analysis, 1,384 cases (20.8%) were analysed, with an increase in demand from 2017. We highlight the characteristics: origin in the capital Teresina (614; 44.4%), 40 to 59 years of age (372; 26.9%), female (761; 55.0%), farmers (123; 8.9%), public legal assistance (1,063; 76.8%), upheld (594; 42.9%). Five (5; 0.4%) lawsuits for NTDs, one visceral leishmaniasis requesting transportation, with granting, four for leprosy (two medicines, one granted, other extinguished without resolution of the merit, one consultation and one exam granted). The judicialization of the right to health is expressive and growing in the State of Piauí. The low demand related to NTDs may translate into limited access not only to health care, but also to the judiciary.

Judicialização do direito à saúde com foco em doenças tropicais negligenciadas: dimensões e desafios no Estado do Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil, 2000-2020

Abstract This article aims to analyse the magnitude and profile of legal demands for public health goods and services, also verifying the presence of legal demands for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the State of Piauí between 2000-2020. Cross-sectional descriptive study based on the databases of the Court of Justice of Piauí on lawsuits demanding from the Direct Public Administration, goods and health services. A total of 6,658 lawsuits were initially identified. After eligibility analysis, 1,384 cases (20.8%) were analysed, with an increase in demand from 2017. We highlight the characteristics: origin in the capital Teresina (614; 44.4%), 40 to 59 years of age (372; 26.9%), female (761; 55.0%), farmers (123; 8.9%), public legal assistance (1,063; 76.8%), upheld (594; 42.9%). Five (5; 0.4%) lawsuits for NTDs, one visceral leishmaniasis requesting transportation, with granting, four for leprosy (two medicines, one granted, other extinguished without resolution of the merit, one consultation and one exam granted). The judicialization of the right to health is expressive and growing in the State of Piauí. The low demand related to NTDs may translate into limited access not only to health care, but also to the judiciary.

Special Issue: “Echinococcosis”

Echinococcosis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that affects more than 1 million people, manifested mostly as cystic or alveolar echinococcosis (CE or AE, respectively) [...]

Sensitivity of Diagnostic Methods for Detecting S. stercoralis Infection and Comparison of the Total Global Number of Strongyloidiasis Cases with Other Recognized NTDs: A Systematic Review

Background: Since 2005, global health policy makers have recognized and designated widespread poverty-related neglected diseases as NTDs (neglected tropical diseases). However, Strongyloides stercoralis infection is not included in the list of these recognized NTDs. A systematic review was conducted to estimate the total number of S. stercoralis infections in humans worldwide and compare the result with the prevalence data of other recognized NTDs. In addition, the sensitivity of diagnostic methods that were used for detecting Strongyloides stercoralis infection was evaluated. Methods: An electronic search of the PubMed, WHOLIS, and ISI Web of Science databases was performed for articles published between January 1990 and May 2017. Articles with quantitative data on prevalence, incidence, duration of infection, remission/cure, and mortality in humans were included. After obtaining the raw data from the systematic review, adjustments were made for diagnostic accuracy, selection of the reference population, and adjustments for age and reference year 2017 as a prerequisite for estimating the total number of strongyloidiasis cases in humans worldwide. The estimated number was then compared with other recognized neglected tropical diseases. The sensitivity of diagnostic methods for detecting Strongyloides stercoralis infection was also systematically investigated.

Genetic variability of the 16S rRNA gene of Nocardia brasiliensis, the most common causative agent of actinomycetoma in Latin America and the Caribbean

Mycetoma is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016. It is characterized by the progressive growth of nodules and granulomatous lesions on the legs, arms, and trunk. It is potentially disfiguring and causes disability or amputations in working-age people from marginalized areas. The causative agents can be fungi (eumycetoma) or actinobacteria (actinomycetoma), the latter being the most common in America and Asia. Nocardia brasiliensis is the most important causal agent of actinomycetoma in the Americas. Taxonomic problems have been reported when identifying this species, so this study aimed to detect the 16S rRNA gene variations in N. brasiliensis strains using an in silico enzymatic restriction technique. The study included strains from clinical cases of actinomycetoma in Mexico, isolated from humans and previously identified as N. brasiliensis by traditional methods. The strains were characterized microscopically and macroscopically, then subjected to DNA extraction and amplification of the 16S rRNA gene by PCR. The amplification products were sequenced, and consensus sequences were constructed and used for genetic identification and in silico restriction enzyme analysis with the New England BioLabs® NEBcutter program. All study strains were molecularly identified as N. brasiliensis; however, in silico restriction analysis detected a diversity in the restriction patterns that were finally grouped and subclassified into 7 ribotypes. This finding confirms the existence of subgroups within N. brasiliensis. The results support the need to consider N. brasiliensis as a complex species.

Global Estimate of the Total Number of Human Strongyloidiasis Cases: A Systematic Review

Background: The soil-dwelling nematode Strongyloides stercoralis is one of the most underestimated and neglected parasites in the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) group. All available data were systematically reviewed and summarized to better understand the problem's magnitude and estimate the total number of Strongyloidiasis cases in humans at best and worst.

Exploring the inhibitory potential of Nigella sativa against dengue virus NS2B/NS3 protease and NS5 polymerase using computational approaches.

Dengue fever, a highly infectious and rapidly spreading vector borne illness, is classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) by WHO because they generally afflict the world's poor and historically have not received as much attention as other diseases. DENV NS2B/NS3 protease and NS5 polymerase are regarded as significant prospective therapeutic targets because of their critical involvement in the viral replication cycle. To date, no specific antiviral agents exist for dengue. The commonly used herbal plant Nigella sativa is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and dermatological properties. Nevertheless, not enough studies on the antiviral effects of Nigella sativa against DENV are reported. The current study used several prediction techniques to anticipate the oral bioavailability of substances, druglikeness, and non-toxic and non-mutagenic effects which could lead to the development of novel, safer medications. Therefore, the current study was conducted to explore the inhibitory potential of 18 phytochemicals from Nigella sativa against two important enzymes of dengue virus i.e., NS2B/NS3 and NS5. Promising results have been observed for NS2B/NS3 with Taraxerol (-9.1 kcal mol-1), isoquercetin (8.4 kcal mol-1), apigenin, and stigmasterol (-8.3 kcal mol-1). Similarly, NS5 has shown favorable outcomes with apigenin (-9.9 kcal mol-1), rutin (-9.3 kcal mol-1), nigellicine (-9.1 kcal mol-1), and stigmasterol (-8.8 kcal mol-1). MD simulations validated the structural flexibility of the NS2B/NS3-taraxerol and NS5-apigenin docking complexes based on an RMSF value below 5 Å. The study concluded that among the understudied phytocomponents of N. sativa, apigenin, nigellicine, nigellidine, dithymoquinone, taraxerol, campesterol, cycloeucalenol, stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol have been revealed as potential drug candidates, expected to show antiviral activity and promising drug likeliness. Phytochemicals on the short list may serve as inspiration for the creation of new drugs in the future. Further in vitro examination will assist in elucidating the molecular complexity of therapeutic and antiviral capabilities, opening several opportunities for researchers to identify novel medications throughout the drug development process.

Biochemical Fractionation of Trypanosomes for the Analysis of Glycosomal Protein Import Defects.

Insect-transmitted trypanosomatid parasite infections cause life-threatening neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including African sleeping sickness, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. In these parasites, glycosomes are unique organelles that are essential for the parasite survival. Proper biogenesis of glycosomes is crucial to ensure correct compartmentation of the glycosomal metabolism. Genetic or chemical disruption of the glycosome biogenesis leads to a mislocalization of the glycosomal enzymes into the cytosol, which results in toxicity to the parasites. Here, we describe a detailed protocol for biochemical fractionation of Trypanosoma brucei parasites to detect mislocalization of glycosomal proteins to the cytosol. This approach utilizes increasing concentrations of digitonin that first permeabilizes the plasma membrane, followed by permeabilization of other organelles, depending on their cholesterol content. Fractionated samples can be further analyzed using immunoblotting for specific marker proteins or quantified by the specific enzyme activities.

Use of Polyclonal Antibody for the Diagnosis of Human African Trypanosomiasis

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), commonly known as sleeping sickness is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which is fatal if left untreated. Its diagnosis is a challenge since the signs and symptoms of the primary phase are not specific, the existing diagnostic methods have low sensitivity and specificity, and the available drugs have some toxicity. New, robust, and cost-effective techniques are needed for the early identification of parasites. This study aimed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of two different types of polyclonal antibodies against T. b. gambiense using antigen detection ELISA. Polyclonal antibodies against the expressed proteins Tbg I2 and Tbg I17 were produced using New Zealand white rabbits. The antibody titer measured was greater than 32 g/L after the 3rd immunization for the expressed protein Tbg I2. For the expressed protein Tbg I17, the antibody titer measured was greater than 32 g/L after the 4th immunization. The sensitivity and specificity of the Tbg I2 polyclonal antibody confirmed with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) as gold standard were respectively 89.5% and 80.6%, while for the Tbg I17 polyclonal antibody, the sensitivity and specificity were respectively 92.1% and 88.9%. The area under the curve for the Tbg I2 polyclonal antibody was 0.90 ± 0.032, while for the Tbg I17 polyclonal antibody, the area under the curve was 0.92 ± 0.0. The Tbg I17 polyclonal antibody produced in New Zealand white rabbits has good sensitivity and good specificity; it can be successfully used in the diagnosis of HAT.

A dengue vaccine whirlwind update.

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family with four serotypes (DENV1, DENV2, DENV3, and DENV4) circulating many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Endemic in more than 100 countries, DENV results in over 400 million cases annually, a subset presenting with severe or life-threatening illnesses such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). While no specific treatments outside of supportive management exist, vaccines are an area of major research with two vaccines, Dengvaxia® (CYD-TDV) and Denvax® (TAK003), recently licensed for clinical use. CYD-TDV is highly efficacious in children 9 years or older who have had prior DENV infection due to the high risk of severe disease in seronegative children aged 2-5 years. Meanwhile, TAK003 has shown efficacy at 97.7% and 73.7% against, DENV2 and DENV1, respectively, in phase 3 clinical trials across Latin America and Asia in healthy children aged 4-16 with virologically confirmed dengue. Other vaccines including TV003 and TV005 continue to be developed across the world, with the hopes of entering clinical trials in the near future. We discuss the current state of vaccine development against dengue, with a focus on CYD-TDV and TAK003 as promising novel vaccines to target this neglected tropical disease (NTD).

Epidemiology of podoconiosis in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Podoconiosis, one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), affects barefoot people in impoverished regions and contributes to poverty by having negative impacts on economic output, education, and disability. People who have the disease waste nearly half of all of their productive workdays. There is limited evidence available on prevalence of podoconiosis in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine the pooled prevalence of podoconiosis in the SSA over the last 10 years. Studies were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Google by using a combination of search terms with Boolean operators. All authors independently assessed each study's quality using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies. STATA Version 14 was used to conduct the statistical analysis. The random-effect approach of meta-analysis was used. To test for heterogeneity, I-Squared (I2) statistics were employed and sensitivity analysis with a leave-one-out was done. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a total of 16 publications with 2,195,722 individuals were included. The pooled prevalence of podoconiosis was 2.66 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.24, 3.10) with heterogeneity index (I2) of 99.9%. Walking barefoot adjusted odd ratio (AOR) 5.35 (95% CI: 1.65, 9.05), p = 0.001, not washing feet with soap and water regularly AOR 2.8 (95% CI: 1.16, 4.44, p = 0.001), and an increased age AOR 2.23 (95% CI: 1.25, 5.58) were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of podoconiosis. This study revealed that pooled prevalence of podoconiosis was considerable in SSA. Age, being barefoot, and failing to wash one's feet with soap and water have been identified to be factors that were significantly associated with the prevalence of podoconiosis. Therefore, creating awareness on shoe wearing and providing shoes in communication with supporting organizations in podoconiosis prevalent areas, and early diagnosis based on family history are needed for the prevention of podoconiosis.