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Journal Article > Short Report

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

Checchi F, Funk S, Chandramohan D, Haydon DT, Chappuis F
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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.
Countries
South SudanUganda
Subject Area
diagnosticssleeping sickness
DOI
10.1186/s13104-015-1244-3
Published Date
04-Jul-2015
PubMed ID
26140922
Languages
English
Journal
BMC Research Notes
Volume / Issue / Pages
Volume 8, Issue 292
Issue Date
04-Jul-2015
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