Performance evaluation of the AiDx multi-diagnostic automated microscope for the detection of schistosomiasis in Abuja, Nigeria.

In this research, we report on the performance of automated optical digital detection and quantification of Schistosoma haematobium provided by AiDx NTDx multi-diagnostic Assist microscope. Our study was community-based, and a convenient sampling method was used in 17 communities in Abuja Nigeria, based on the disease prevalence information extracted from the baseline database on schistosomiasis, NTD Division, of the Federal Ministry of Health. At baseline, samples from 869 participants were evaluated of which 358 (34.1%) tested S. haematobium positive by the reference diagnostic standard. Registered images from the fully automated (autofocusing, scanning, image registration and processing, AI image analysis and automatic parasite count) AiDx assist microscope were analyzed. The Semi automated (autofocusing, scanning, image registration & processing and manual parasite count) and the fully automated AiDx Assist showed comparable sensitivities and specificities of [90.3%, 98%] and [89%, 99%] respectively. Overall, estimated egg counts of the semi-automated & fully automated AiDx Assist correlated significantly with the egg counts of conventional microscopy (r = 0.93, p ≤ 0.001 and r = 0.89, p ≤ 0.001 respectively). The AiDx Assist device performance is consistent with requirement of the World Health Organization diagnostic target product profile for monitoring, evaluation, and surveillance of Schistosomiasis elimination Programs.

Image-Based Awareness Campaign and Community Mobilization in the Control of Schistosomiasis.

Community awareness and participation in mass screening is critical for schistosomiasis control. This study assessed the impact of sharing anonymized image-based positive test results on the uptake of screening during community mobilization outreach. We conducted an observational study to compare the population response to standard and image-based strategies in 14 communities in Abuja, Nigeria. Six hundred and ninety-one (341 females, 350 males) individuals participated in this study. We analyzed the response ratio, relative increase, and sample collection time. The potential treatment uptake and change in social behavior were determined based on a semi-structured questionnaire. The mean response ratio of the image-based strategy was 89.7% representing a significantly higher ratio than the 27.8%, which was observed under the standard mobilization approach (p ≤ 0.001). The image-based method was associated with 100% of the participants agreeing to provide urine samples, 94% willing to be treated, 89% claiming to have been invited to participate in the study by a friend, and 91% desiring to change a predisposing behavioral habit. These findings indicate that image-based community awareness campaigns may increase the population's perception about schistosomiasis transmission and treatment. This raises new possibilities for local resource mobilization to expand services in reaching the last mile in schistosomiasis control.

Malaria parasitemia in apparently healthy blood donors in north-central Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of transmissible malaria in apparently healthy blood donors in the city of Jos in north-central Nigeria. METHODS: We collected blood specimens from individuals who had passed the screening criteria for blood donation. We created thin and thick blood films using the blood film template provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). The films were allowed to air dry; then, we stained them using a 3% Giemsa solution and examined them microscopically. In specimens that tested positive the malaria species was identified. RESULTS: The highest prevalence of malaria was in donors aged between 31 and 40 years (65.1%), whereas the lowest prevalence was in donors aged 20 years or younger (25.0%). Plasmodium falciparum was the predominant species (98.0%); the least prevalent was Plasmodium malariae (2.0%). In male donors the prevalence of malaria parasitemia was 62.0%; the prevalence in female donors was 62.5%. Among paid donors the malaria parasitemia rate was 82.3%, compared with 22.4% in volunteer donors. Donors who reported their occupation as businessperson (individual who engages in commercial trade, mostly outdoors in a market environment) had the highest prevalence, at 94.3%; students had the lowest prevalence, at 31.9%. CONCLUSION: A high percentage of blood donors in Jos, Nigeria, actually harbor malaria, which is cause for concern and more careful donor screening by healthcare professionals in that region is warranted.