Evidence map›Paper›PMID 24587466›Full record

ArticlePLoS neglected tropical diseases2014

Mapping the geographical distribution of lymphatic filariasis in Zambia.

Enala T Mwase, Anna-Sofie Stensgaard, Mutale Nsakashalo-Senkwe, Likezo Mubila, James Mwansa, Peter Songolo, Sheila T Shawa, Paul E Simonsen

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 2014. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 22 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
22citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

22 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Article
  3. Review
  4. Article
  5. Observational
  6. Article
  7. Review
  8. Prevalence of elephantiasis, an overlooked disease in Southern Africa: a comprehensive review.The journal of venomous animals and toxins including tropical diseases · 2024
    Review
  9. Article
  10. Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Status:Tropical medicine and infectious disease · 2023
    Article
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  12. Article
  13. Article
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  16. Article
  17. Review
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Enala T MwaseSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
Anna-Sofie StensgaardDepartment of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark ; Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Mutale Nsakashalo-SenkweMinistry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia.
Likezo MubilaWorld Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Harare, Zimbabwe.
James MwansaUniversity Teaching Hospital, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
Peter SongoloWorld Health Organization, Lusaka, Zambia.
Sheila T ShawaSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
Paul E SimonsenDepartment of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Funding

World Health Organization 001
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPast case reports have indicated that lymphatic filariasis (LF) occurs in Zambia, but knowledge about its geographical distribution and prevalence pattern, and the underlying potential environmental drivers, has been limited. As a background for planning and implementation of control, a country-wide mapping survey was undertaken between 2003 and 2011. Here the mapping activities are outlined, the findings across the numerous survey sites are presented, and the ecological requirements of the LF distribution are explored. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL

findingsApproximately 10,000 adult volunteers from 108 geo-referenced survey sites across Zambia were examined for circulating filarial antigens (CFA) with rapid format ICT cards, and a map indicating the distribution of CFA prevalences in Zambia was prepared. 78% of survey sites had CFA positive cases, with prevalences ranging between 1% and 54%. Most positive survey sites had low prevalence, but six foci with more than 15% prevalence were identified. The observed geographical variation in prevalence pattern was examined in more detail using a species distribution modeling approach to explore environmental requirements for parasite presence, and to predict potential suitable habitats over unsurveyed areas. Of note, areas associated with human modification of the landscape appeared to play an important role for the general presence of LF, whereas temperature (measured as averaged seasonal land surface temperature) seemed to be an important determinant of medium-high prevalence levels. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: LF was found to be surprisingly widespread in Zambia, although in most places with low prevalence. The produced maps and the identified environmental correlates of LF infection will provide useful guidance for planning and start-up of geographically targeted and cost-effective LF control in Zambia.

Indexed as

AdolescentAdultAgedAged, 80 and overAntigens, HelminthChildElephantiasis, FilarialFemaleGeography, MedicalHumansMaleMiddle AgedPrevalenceYoung AdultZambiaAntigens, Helminth

Identifiers

PMID24587466
PMCPMC3930513

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.