Trachoma and Antibodies in Niger
Author Information
Author(s): Amza Abdou, Kadri Boubacar, Nassirou Beido, Arzika Ahmed, Gebreegziabher Elisabeth, Hu Huiyu, Zhong Lina, Chen Cindi, Yu Danny, Abraham Thomas, Liu YuHeng, Wickens Karana, Doan Thuy, Martin Diana, Arnold Benjamin F., Lietman Thomas M., Oldenburg Catherine E.
Primary Institution: Programme National de Santé Oculaire, Niamey, Niger
Hypothesis
In low prevalence settings, alternative indicators that allow for assessment of transmission of ocular chlamydia may be useful for guiding ongoing treatment decisions.
Conclusion
In this low trachoma prevalence setting in Niger, seroprevalence of antibodies to Pgp3 were consistent with little ongoing transmission of C. trachomatis.
Supporting Evidence
- Overall TF prevalence was 4.6% and TI prevalence was 0.6%.
- The prevalence of ocular chlamydia was 0.03%.
- Seroprevalence for Pgp3 antibodies was 6.3% in 1–9-year-olds.
- Correlation between TF and Pgp3 seroprevalence was stronger in 1–5-year-olds.
Takeaway
The study looked at children in Niger to see if they had signs of a bacteria that causes trachoma. They found very few signs of the bacteria, suggesting that the area might not need more treatments.
Methodology
Data were collected from 80 communities in two districts, with a random sample of 50 children per community assessed for trachoma indicators and seroprevalence.
Limitations
The study included only two districts in Niger, which may limit generalizability to other settings.
Participant Demographics
49% of the 3,994 children sampled were female, with a median age of 4 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 3.5 to 5.8%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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