Updated estimate of the duration of the meningo-encephalitic stage in gambiense human African trypanosomiasis

Checchi, F., Funk, S., Chandramohan, D., Haydon, D. T. and Chappuis, F. (2015) Updated estimate of the duration of the meningo-encephalitic stage in gambiense human African trypanosomiasis. BMC Research Notes, 8, p. 292. (doi: 10.1186/s13104-015-1244-3) (PMID:26140922) (PMCID:PMC4490719)

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Abstract

Background: The duration of the stages of HAT is an important factor in epidemiological studies and intervention planning. Previously, we published estimates of the duration of the haemo-lymphatic stage 1 and meningo-encephalitic stage 2 of the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), in the absence of treatment. Here we revise the estimate of stage 2 duration, computed based on data from Uganda and South Sudan, by adjusting observed infection prevalence for incomplete case detection coverage and diagnostic inaccuracy. Findings: The revised best estimate for the mean duration of stage 2 is 252 days (95% CI 171–399), about half of our initial best estimate, giving a total mean duration of untreated gambiense HAT infection of approximately 2 years and 2 months. Conclusions: Our new estimate provides improved information on the transmission dynamics of this neglected tropical disease in Uganda and South Sudan. We stress that there remains considerable variability around the estimated mean values, and that one must be cautious in applying these results to other foci.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Haydon, Professor Daniel
Authors: Checchi, F., Funk, S., Chandramohan, D., Haydon, D. T., and Chappuis, F.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:BMC Research Notes
Publisher:BioMed Central
ISSN:1756-0500
ISSN (Online):1756-0500
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 The Authors
First Published:First published in BMC Research Notes 8:292
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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