A Predictive Model for Thiamine Responsive Disorders Among Infants and Young Children: Results from a Prospective Cohort Study in Lao People's Democratic Republic.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a predictive model for thiamine responsive disorders (TRDs) among infants and young children hospitalized with signs or symptoms suggestive of thiamine deficiency disorders (TDDs) based on response to therapeutic thiamine in a high-risk setting. STUDY DESIGN: Children aged 21 days to <18 months hospitalized with signs or symptoms suggestive of TDD in northern Lao People's Democratic Republic were treated with parenteral thiamine (100 mg daily) for ≥3 days in addition to routine care. Physical examinations and recovery assessments were conducted frequently for 72 hours after thiamine was initiated. Individual case reports were independently reviewed by three pediatricians who assigned a TRD status (TRD or non-TRD), which served as the dependent variable in logistic regression models to identify predictors of TRD. Model performance was quantified by empirical area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: A total of 449 children (median [Q1, Q3] 2.9 [1.7, 5.7] months old; 70.3% exclusively/predominantly breastfed) were enrolled; 60.8% had a TRD. Among 52 candidate variables, those most predictive of TRD were exclusive/predominant breastfeeding, hoarse voice/loss of voice, cyanosis, no eye contact, and no diarrhea in the previous 2 weeks. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% CI) was 0.82 (0.78, 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the majority of children with signs or symptoms of TDD responded favorably to thiamine. While five specific features were predictive of TRD, the high prevalence of TRD suggests that thiamine should be administered to all infants and children presenting with any signs or symptoms consistent with TDD in similar high-risk settings. The usefulness of the predictive model in other contexts warrants further exploration and refinement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03626337.

Diagnosis of helminths depends on worm fecundity and the distribution of parasites within hosts.

Helminth transmission and morbidity are dependent on the number of mature parasites within a host; however, observing adult worms is impossible for many natural infections. An outstanding challenge is therefore relating routine diagnostics, such as faecal egg counts, to the underlying worm burden. This relationship is complicated by density-dependent fecundity (egg output per worm reduces due to crowding at high burdens) and the skewed distribution of parasites (majority of helminths aggregated in a small fraction of hosts). We address these questions for the carcinogenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini, which infects approximately 10 million people across Southeast Asia, by analysing five epidemiological surveys (n = 641) where adult flukes were recovered. Using a mechanistic model, we show that parasite fecundity varies between populations, with surveys from Thailand and Laos demonstrating distinct patterns of egg output and density-dependence. As the probability of observing faecal eggs increases with the number of mature parasites within a host, we quantify diagnostic sensitivity as a function of the worm burden and find that greater than 50% of cases are misdiagnosed as false negative in communities close to elimination. Finally, we demonstrate that the relationship between observed prevalence from routine diagnostics and true prevalence is nonlinear and strongly influenced by parasite aggregation.

Low seroprotection against diphtheria and tetanus in Lao adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: There is currently no booster diphtheria or tetanus vaccine for Lao children before adolescence, despite international recommendations. We investigated seroprotection against diphtheria and tetanus among Lao adolescents. METHODS: Seven hundred seventy-nine serum samples were tested for anti-diphtheria and anti-tetanus antibodies. RESULTS: Overall, 25.8% of the adolescents had antibody titers corresponding to protection against diphtheria and 30.9% to sufficient immunity against tetanus. Female participants >16 years were more likely to be protected against diphtheria (p < 0.001) and tetanus (p < 0.029). CONCLUSION: Low protection against diphtheria and tetanus, possibly due to low vaccination coverage or antibody waning, suggests booster doses are warranted before adolescence.

R-praziquantel integrated population pharmacokinetics in preschool- and school-aged African children infected with Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium and Lao adults infected with Opisthorchis viverrini.

Racemic praziquantel (PZQ) is the standard treatment for schistosomiasis and liver fluke infections (opisthorchiasis and clonorchiasis). The development of an optimal pediatric formulation and dose selection would benefit from a population pharmacokinetic (popPK) model. A popPK model was developed for R-PZQ, the active enantiomer of PZQ, in 664 subjects, 493 African children (2-15 years) infected with Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium, and 171 Lao adults (15-78 years) infected with Opisthorchis viverrini. Racemate tablets were administered as single doses of 20, 40 and 60 mg/kg in children and 30, 40 and 50 mg/kg in 129 adults, and as 3 × 25 mg/kg apart in 42 adults. Samples collected by the dried-blood-spot technique were assayed by LC-MS/MS. A two-compartment disposition model, with allometric scaling and dual first-order and transit absorption, was developed using Phoenix™ software. Inversely parallel functions of age described the apparent oral bioavailability (BA) and clearance maturation in children and ageing in adults. BA decreased slightly in children with dose increase, and by 35% in adults with multiple dosing. Crushing tablets for preschool-aged children increased the first-order absorption rate by 64%. The mean transit absorption time was 70% higher in children. A popPK model for R-PZQ integrated African children over 2 years of age with schistosomiasis and Lao adults with opisthorchiasis, and should be useful to support dose optimization in children. In vitro hepatic and intestinal metabolism data would help refining and validating the model in younger children as well as in target ethnic pediatric and adult groups.

Assessment of cognitive function among adults aged ≥ 60 years using the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale: cross-sectional study, Lao People's Democratic Republic.

BACKGROUND: Rapid population ageing remains an important concern for health, social and economics systems; thus, a broader assessment of cognitive decline among adults aged ≥ 60 years is essential. It is important to regularly collect reliable data through validated and affordable methods from people living in different areas and in different circumstances to better understand the significance of this health problem. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of cognitive impairment and the related risk factors by reassessing the scoring of the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale among older adults in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional investigation was conducted in rural and urban settings in six districts of three provinces in the country from January to July 2020. In total, 2206 individuals aged 60-98 years (1110 men and 1096 women) were interviewed in person using a pretested Lao version of the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale and the WHO STEPwise approach to noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factor surveillance (the STEPS survey tool). The adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using a logistic model. RESULTS: The study found that 49.3% (1088/2206) of respondents (39.7% [441/1110] of men and 59.0% [647/1096] of women) had scores associated with some level of cognitive impairment. In addition to age, the following factors were significantly associated with cognitive impairment: having no formal education (AOR = 9.5; 95% CI: 5.4 to 16.8, relative to those with a university education), living in the northern region of the country (AOR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.9, relative to living in the central region), living in a rural area (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2 to 1.8), needing assistance with self-care (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2 to 2.7) and being underweight (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.2). Factors associated with no cognitive impairment among older adults include engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity lasting for 10 minutes and up to 1 hour (AOR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.5 to 0.8) and for > 1 hour (AOR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4 to 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: Using the Lao version of the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale, this study found that more than half of adults aged ≥ 60 years had cognitive impairment, and this impairment was associated with several risk factors. The limitations of this study may include possible overdetection due to the cutoff point for the assessment of cognitive decline used in the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale, given that the participants were not familiar with the instrument. However, the study results can be used to help inform health policy in the Lao People's Democratic Republic regarding the urgent need for a routine data collection system and for providing an environment that addresses and reduces the identified risk factors for cognitive decline to mitigate their impact.

Hepatitis B virus in Lao dentists: A cross-sectional serological study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is endemic in Lao PDR, with up to 10% chronic infections in adults. Dentists have high risk of exposure and transmission to their patients. The aim was to investigate the serological profiles of vaccination, exposure and susceptibility to HBV. In addition, we determined the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of Lao dentists toward HBV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentists and dental assistants were recruited from 186 private dental clinics in Vientiane Capital. They completed a KAP questionnaire and serum was tested by ELISA for HBV markers (anti-HB surface antigen, anti-core antigen, HBV surface antigen). RESULTS: 206 dentists and 111 dental workers aged between 18-63 years were included. Serology data showed that 37.8% had previous exposure (49.0% of males and 32.4% of females) and 5.0% were chronically infected (7.7% of males and 3.8% of females). Less than 15% had serological evidence of vaccination and 66.8% were unprotected against infection. Knowledge of HBV was mostly low, for example 61.8% were aware of the childhood HBV vaccine. Just over half said that they should give dental care to HBV carriers. About one quarter reported accidental blood exposure during the last 6 months but knowledge about procedures after exposure was low. CONCLUSIONS: Lao dentists are at high risk of occupational exposure to HBV but have low awareness and serological protection. There is a need to introduce mandatory vaccination, to strengthen occupational health in health care providers and to further develop the academic curricula of dental students.

Impact of Different Sampling Schemes for Decision Making in Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Control Programs.

Starting and stopping preventive chemotherapy (PC) for soil-transmitted helminthiasis is typically based on the prevalence of infection as measured by Kato-Katz (KK) fecal smears. Kato-Katz-based egg counts can vary highly over repeated stool samples and smears. Consequentially, the sensitivity of KK-based surveys depends on the number of stool samples per person and the number of smears per sample. Given finite resources, collecting multiple samples and/or smears means screening fewer individuals, thereby lowering the statistical precision of prevalence estimates. Using population-level data from various epidemiological settings, we assessed the performance of different sampling schemes executed within the confines of the same budget. We recommend the use of single-slide KK for determining prevalence of moderate-to-heavy intensity infection and policy decisions for starting and continuing PC; more sensitive sampling schemes may be required for policy decisions involving stopping PC. Our findings highlight that guidelines should include specific guidance on sampling schemes.

Pooled Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Tribendimidine for the Treatment of Opisthorchis viverrini Infections.

Opisthorchiasis, caused by the foodborne trematode Opisthorchis viverrini, affects more than 8 million people in Southeast Asia. In the framework of a phase 2b clinical trial conducted in Lao People's Democratic Republic, pharmacokinetic samples were obtained from 125 adult and adolescent O. viverrini-infected patients treated with 400 mg tribendimidine following the design of a sparse sampling scheme at 20 min and 2, 7.75, 8, and 30 h after treatment using dried blood spot sampling. Pharmacokinetic data for the metabolites deacetylated amidantel (dADT) and acetylated dADT (adADT) were pooled with data from two previous ascending-dose trials and evaluated using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. The observed pharmacokinetic data were described using a flexible transit absorption model for the active metabolite dADT, followed by one-compartment disposition models for both metabolites. Significant covariates were age, body weight, formulation, and breaking of the enteric coating on the tablets. There were significant associations between O. viverrini cure and both the dADT maximum concentration and the area under the concentration-time curve (P < 0.001), with younger age being associated with a higher probability of cure. Modeling and simulation of exposures in patients with different weight and age combinations showed that an oral single dose of 400 mg tribendimidine attained therapeutic success in over 90% of adult patients. Our data confirmed that tribendimidine could be a valuable novel alternative to the standard treatment, praziquantel, for the treatment of O. viverrini infections.

Efficacy and safety of ivermectin and albendazole co-administration in school-aged children and adults infected with Trichuris trichiura: study protocol for a multi-country randomized controlled double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis affects almost 2 billion people worldwide in tropical climates. Preventive chemotherapy, using the benzimidazoles (albendazole and mebendazole) is the current main recommended control strategy. Nevertheless, there is limited efficacy of these drugs against hookworm infection and, to a greater extent, against trichuriasis. We describe a protocol for a trial investigating the efficacy and safety of the co-administration of ivermectin and albendazole against trichuriasis. METHODS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial will be conducted in three countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania and Lao PDR) with the aim to determine the efficacy, safety and extended effects of co-administered ivermectin and albendazole compared to standard albendazole monotherapy. We will enroll 600 participants aged 6-60 years in each setting. The primary outcome is cure rate (CR) against Trichuris trichiura infection as assessed by Kato-Katz 14-21 days after treatment. Secondary outcomes include CRs against concomitant soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections (Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis) and egg reduction rates (ERRs) against STH at 14-21 days, 180 days and 360 days. Tolerability of treatment, infection status assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and potential benefits of deworming on nutritional and morbidity indicators will be assessed. The primary analysis will include an available-case set and use logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex and weight. DISCUSSION: This trial will provide robust results on the efficacy and safety of co-administration of ivermectin and albendazole with the aim to better inform WHO recommendations on control of STHs. Furthermore, secondary and explanatory outcomes will provide direct evidence on the extended effects of combination therapy and insight on the relationship between nutrition and morbidity parameters and infection status and intensity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03527732 (date assigned: 17 May 2018).

Evaluation of Two DNA Extraction Methods for Detection of Strongyloides stercoralis Infection.

Strongyloides stercoralis is present worldwide, but its prevalence is still uncertain, mainly due to the lack of sensitivity of diagnostic methods. Molecular techniques are under development, but a standardized protocol is still unavailable. We compared the sensitivity of real-time PCR, using two extraction protocols, with that of the Baermann technique. Samples were collected in the framework of the baseline screening of a randomized clinical trial evaluating moxidectin against S. stercoralis in Lao People's Democratic Republic. Two stool samples from each participant were processed by the Baermann method, and one subsample was processed by PCR. DNA was extracted using the QIAamp DNA stool minikit based on the standard protocol for the QIAamp DNA minikit (QIA) and using a modification of the QIA procedure (POL). Subsequently, all extracted samples were analyzed by real-time PCR. Overall, 95 samples were analyzed by the three diagnostic methods. Sixty-nine (72.6%) samples were positive according to the Baermann method, 25 (26.3%) by the QIA method, and 62 (65.3%) by the POL method. The sensitivities were 86% (95% confidence interval [CI], 76.7 to 92.9), 31.0% (95% CI, 21.3 to 42.6), and 78.0% (95% CI, 66.8 to 86.1) for the Baermann, QIA, and POL methods, respectively. The sensitivities calculated for each day of the Baermann method separately were 60% (48.4 to 70.8%) and 64% (52.2 to 74.2%) for days 1 and 2, respectively. In conclusion, the POL method revealed a good performance and was comparable to the Baermann test performed on two stool samples and superior to the Baermann method performed on one stool sample. Additional studies are needed to standardize a PCR protocol for S. stercoralis diagnosis.

Mathematical analysis of the transmission dynamics of the liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini.

We develop and analyse two population-based models of the transmission dynamics of the worm parasite Opisthorchis viverrini. The life cycle of O. viverrini includes humans, cats and dogs as definitive hosts; and snails and fish as intermediate hosts. The first model has only one definitive host (humans) while the second model has two additional hosts: the reservoir hosts, cats and dogs. We define reproduction numbers and endemic equilibrium points for the two models. We use prevalence data for the five hosts from two islands in Lao People's Democratic Republic to estimate distributions of parameter values. We use these distributions to compute the sensitivity index and the partial rank correlation coefficient of the basic reproduction number and the endemic equilibrium point to the parameters. We calculate distributions of the host-specific type-reproduction number to show that humans are necessary to maintain transmission and can sustain transmission without additional reservoir hosts. Therefore interventions targeting humans could be sufficient to interrupt transmission of O. viverrini.

Efficacy of Moxidectin Versus Ivermectin Against Strongyloides stercoralis Infections: A Randomized, Controlled Noninferiority Trial.

BACKGROUND: Infections with Strongyloides stercoralis are of considerable public health relevance. Moxidectin, a well-established drug in veterinary medicine under consideration for regulatory submission for the treatment of onchocerciasis, might serve as an alternative to the widely used ivermectin. METHODS: We conducted an exploratory, randomized, single-blind trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moxidectin (8 mg) vs ivermectin (200 µg/kg) against S. stercoralis infections. Cure rate (CR) against S. stercoralis was the primary outcome. Safety and efficacy against coinfections with soil-transmitted helminths and Opisthorchis viverrini were secondary outcomes. Noninferiority required the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the differences in CRs not exceed 7 percentage points. RESULTS: A total of 127 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to the 2 treatments whereby 1 participant per arm was lost to follow-up. We observed a CR of 93.7% (59/63) for moxidectin compared to 95.2% (59/62) for ivermectin. Differences between CRs were estimated as -1.5% percentage points (95% CI, -9.6 to 6.5), thus the lower limit of the CI exceeds the noninferiority margin of 7 percentage points. No side effects were observed. CRs against hookworm infection were 57% (moxidectin) and 56% (ivermectin). Low efficacy for both drugs against O. viverrini was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Moxidectin might be a safe and efficacious alternative to ivermectin for the treatment of S. stercoralis infection, given that only slight differences in CRs were observed. However, noninferiority could not be demonstrated. Larger clinical trials should be conducted once the drug is marketed. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN11983645.

Efficacy and Safety of Praziquantel Against Light Infections of Opisthorchis viverrini: A Randomized Parallel Single-Blind Dose-Ranging Trial.

Background: The liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini, highly prevalent in Southeast Asia, is an important public health burden, including a risk factor for developing an aggressive bile duct cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, in chronically infected patients. Praziquantel, administered at a single 40 mg/kg dose in preventive chemotherapy programs and 3 × 25 mg/kg for individual treatment, is the drug of choice, yet information on the nature of the dose-response relationship is lacking. Methods: We performed a randomized, parallel, single-blind dose-ranging phase 2 trial in the Lao People's Democratic Republic in O. viverrini­infected adults. Patients were randomly assigned to 30 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, or 3 × 25 mg/kg praziquantel or placebo. Adverse events were recorded at baseline, 3 hours, and 24 hours posttreatment. Cure rates (CRs) and egg reduction rates (ERRs) were estimated 3 weeks after drug administration using available case analysis. Dose-response curves were predicted using Emax models. Results: Two-hundred seventeen O. viverrini­infected patients were assigned to the 5 treatment arms. The majority (94.3%) of patients harbored light infections. The Emax model predicted a high efficacy among the observed dose range. We observed CRs ranging from 92.7% to 95.5% and ERRs >99.5% for all praziquantel treatment groups. Adverse events were mild but higher in the standard treatment group (3 × 25 mg/kg) than in the single-dose treatment arms. Conclusions: Single-dose praziquantel appears to be as efficacious as the standard 3 × 25 mg/kg regimen for the treatment of O. viverrini infections, while presenting fewer adverse events. Further studies are necessary in moderate and heavy O. viverrini infections. Clinical Trials Registration: Randomized Controlled Trials (ISRCTN77186750).

Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Tribendimidine Metabolites in Opisthorchis viverrini-Infected Adults.

There is a pressing need for alternative treatments against the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini Oral tribendimidine is a promising candidate, but its population pharmacokinetic properties are unknown. Two phase IIa trials were conducted in Laos in O. viverrini-infected adults receiving single oral doses of 25 to 600 mg tribendimidine administered as different formulations in each study (study 1 used 200-mg tablets, and study 2 used 50-mg tablets). Venous whole blood, plasma, and capillary dried blood spots were sampled frequently from 68 adults, and concentrations of the tribendimidine metabolites dADT (deacetylated amidantel) and adADT (acetylated dADT) were measured. Population pharmacokinetics were assessed by using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. The relationship between drug exposure and cure (assessed at 21 days posttreatment) was evaluated by using univariable logistic regression. A six-transit compartment absorption model with a one-disposition compartment for each metabolite described the data well. Compared to the 50-mg formulation (study 2), the 200-mg formulation (study 1) had a 40.1% higher mean transit absorption time, a 113% higher dADT volume of distribution, and a 364% higher adADT volume of distribution. Each 10-year increase in age was associated with a 12.7% lower dADT clearance and a 21.2% lower adADT clearance. The highest cure rates (≥55%) were observed with doses of ≥100 mg. Higher dADT, but not adADT, peak concentrations and exposures were associated with cure (P = 0.004 and 0.003, respectively). For the first time, population pharmacokinetics of tribendimidine have been described. Known differences in the 200-mg versus 50-mg formulations were captured by covariate modeling. Further studies are needed to validate the structural model and confirm covariate relationships. (This study has been registered with the ISRCTN Registry under no. ISRCTN96948551.).

Single-Ascending-Dose Pharmacokinetic Study of Tribendimidine in Opisthorchis viverrini-Infected Patients.

Praziquantel is the only drug available for the treatment of Opisthorchis viverrini infections. Tribendimidine has emerged as a potential treatment alternative; however, its pharmacokinetic (PK) properties have not been sufficiently studied to date. Via two phase IIa dose-finding studies, 68 O. viverrini patients were treated with 25- to 600-mg doses of tribendimidine using 50- and 200-mg tablet formulations. Plasma, blood, and dried blood spots (DBS) were sampled at selected time points. The two main metabolites of tribendimidine, active deacetylated amidantel (dADT) and acetylated dADT (adADT), were analyzed in plasma, blood, and DBS. PK parameters were estimated by noncompartmental analysis. An acceptable agreement among plasma and DBS concentrations was observed, with a mean bias of ≤10%, and 60% dADT and 74% adADT concentrations being within ±20% margins. We found that 200-mg tribendimidine tablets possess immediate floating characteristics, which led to variable time to maximal concentration of drug (Tmax) values (2 to 24 h) between individuals. Dose proportionality was observed for dADT from 25 to 200 mg using 50-mg tablets, but at higher dosages (200 to 600 mg), saturation occurred. The median ratio of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0-24) of dADT to the AUC0- 24 of adADT ranged from 0.8 to 26.4, suggesting substantial differences in acetylation rates. Cure rates ranged from 11% (25-mg dose) to 100% (400-mg dose). Cured patients showed significantly higher dADT maximal serum concentrations (Cmax) and AUC0-24 values than uncured patients. Tribendimidine is a promising drug for the treatment of opisthorchiasis. However, the tablet formulation should be optimized to achieve consistent absorption among patients. Further studies are warranted to assess the large differences between individuals in the rate of metabolic turnover of dADT to adADT. (This study has been registered with the ISRCTN Registry under no. ISRCTN96948551.).

Modeling the persistence of Opisthorchis viverrini worm burden after mass-drug administration and education campaigns with systematic adherence.

Opisthorchis viverrini is a parasitic liver fluke contracted by consumption of raw fish, which affects over 10 million people in Southeast Asia despite sustained control efforts. Chronic infections are a risk factor for the often fatal bile duct cancer, cholangiocarcinoma. Previous modeling predicted rapid elimination of O. viverrini following yearly mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns. However, field data collected in affected populations shows persistence of infection, including heavy worm burden, after many years of repeated interventions. A plausible explanation for this observation is systematic adherence of individuals in health campaigns, such as MDA and education, with some individuals consistently missing treatment. We developed an agent-based model of O. viverrini which allows us to introduce various heterogeneities including systematic adherence to MDA and education campaigns at the individual level. We validate the agent-based model by comparing it to a previously published population-based model. We estimate the degree of systematic adherence to MDA and education campaigns indirectly, using epidemiological data collected in Lao PDR before and after 5 years of repeated MDA, education and sanitation improvement campaigns. We predict the impact of interventions deployed singly and in combination, with and without the estimated systematic adherence. We show how systematic adherence can substantially increase the time required to achieve reductions in worm burden. However, we predict that yearly MDA campaigns alone can result in a strong reduction of moderate and heavy worm burden, even under systematic adherence. We predict latrines and education campaigns to be particularly important for the reduction in overall prevalence, and therefore, ultimately, elimination. Our findings show how systematic adherence can explain the observed persistence of worm burden; while emphasizing the benefit of interventions for the entire population, even under systematic adherence. At the same time, the results highlight the substantial opportunity to further reduce worm burden if patterns of systematic adherence can be overcome.

Egg excretion patterns of soil-transmitted helminth infections in humans following albendazole-ivermectin and albendazole treatment.

BACKGROUND: Control efforts of soil-transmitted helminthiases rely primarily on large scale administration of anthelminthic drugs. The assessment of drug efficacies and understanding of drug behavior is pivotal to the evaluation of treatment successes, both in preventive chemo-therapy programs as well as in research of novel treatment options. The current WHO guidelines recommend an interval of 14-21 days between the treatment and follow-up, yet no in-depth analysis of egg excretion patterns of Trichuris trichiura after treatment has been conducted to date. METHODS: Within the framework of a multi-country trial to assess the efficacy and safety of albendazole-ivermectin combination therapy vs albendazole monotherapy against T. trichiura infections, we conducted a study collecting daily stool samples over the period of 28 days post-treatment in 87 participants in Pak Khan, Lao PDR. Egg counts were derived by duplicate Kato-Katz on-site for T. trichiura, hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides and stool sample aliquots were subsequently analyzed by qPCR for the detection of T. trichiura infections. Sensitivity and specificity was calculated for each day separately using data derived by Kato-Katz to determine the optimal timepoint at which to assess drug efficacy. RESULTS: Egg excretion patterns varied across treatment arms. For T. trichiura, only the albendazole-ivermectin treatment led to a considerable reduction in mean egg counts, whereas both treatments reduced hookworm egg counts and A. lumbricoides were cleared in all participants after day 7. For T. trichiura, we found sensitivity to be highest at days 18 and 22 when using egg counts as outcome and days 19 and 24 when using qPCR. Specificity was high (>0.9) from day 14 onwards. For hookworm, the highest sensitivity and specificity were found at days 17 and 25, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our study, the ideal time period to assess drug efficacy for soil-transmitted helminth infections would be between day 18 and 24. The current WHO recommendation of 14 to 21 days is likely to yield acceptable outcome measures for soil-transmitted helminth infections. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03527732.

Efficacy and safety of moxidectin compared with ivermectin against Strongyloides stercoralis infection in adults in Laos and Cambodia: a randomised, double-blind, non-inferiority, phase 2b/3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Infection with the soil-transmitted helminth Strongyloides stercoralis affects up to 600 million people globally, most of whom live in rural areas with poor sanitation. If untreated, infection leads to long-lasting morbidity and might even be life-threatening. Moxidectin might be a promising alternative to ivermectin, the only currently recommended single-dose treatment. We aimed to assess whether moxidectin is non-inferior in terms of efficacy and safety compared with ivermectin. METHODS: In this randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, non-inferiority, phase 2b/3 trial in communities in Laos and Cambodia, adults aged 18-65 years were screened for the presence of S stercoralis larvae in their stool via sextuplicate quantitative Baermann assays. Using computer-generated group allocation (block randomisation stratified by infection intensity), parasitologically (two or more positive Baermann assays) and clinically eligible participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive single oral doses of either moxidectin (8 mg) and ivermectin-matched placebo, or ivermectin (200 µg/kg bodyweight) and moxidectin-matched placebo. The primary endpoint was cure rate assessed at 14-21 days after treatment, using the available-case population analysed according to intention-to-treat principles. Moxidectin was considered non-inferior to ivermectin if the lower limit of the two-sided 95% CI of the difference was greater than the non-inferiority margin of -10 percentage points. Safety endpoints were assessed before treatment, and at 2-3 h, 24 h, and 14-21 days after treatment. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04056325 and NCT04848688. FINDINGS: Between Dec 6, 2020, and May 21, 2022, 4291 participants were screened, 726 of whom were enrolled and randomly assigned to moxidectin (n=363) or ivermectin (n=363). For the participants with primary outcome data, we observed a cure rate of 93·6% (95% CI 90·5 to 96·0; 324 of 346 participants) in the moxidectin group and 95·7% (93·0 to 97·6; 335 of 350 participants) in the ivermectin group, resulting in a between-group difference of -2·1 percentage points (95% CI -5·5 to 1·3). The most common adverse events were abdominal pain (32 [9%] of 363 with moxidectin vs 34 [9%] of 363 with ivermectin) and headache (25 [7%] vs 30 [8%]), which were predominantly mild and transient. INTERPRETATION: Moxidectin was non-inferior to ivermectin in terms of efficacy in the treatment of strongyloidiasis. Additionally, both drugs had a similar safety profile. The fixed dose and lower cost of moxidectin compared with ivermectin make it a valuable alternative for people with strongyloidiasis. FUNDING: Swiss National Science Foundation.

Social Transfers for Exclusive Breastfeeding (STEB) Intervention in Lao People's Democratic Republic: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Children in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) receive suboptimal nutrition because of low breastfeeding rates, undermining their developmental potential. While major public health campaigns have attempted to increase breastfeeding rates, they have been largely unsuccessful. One explanation for these unsuccessful interventions is the economic and financial constraints faced by mothers. A potential solution for alleviating these pressures is providing social transfers to support breastfeeding; defined as a cash or in-kind transfer. Capitalizing on key strategies used in previous social transfer programs, we will assess the effectiveness of social transfer intervention for increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates in Vientiane, Lao PDR. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to assess whether social transfers can increase exclusive breastfeeding rates in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. METHODS: A prospective, parallel cluster-RCT was conducted among 300 mothers who recently gave birth and initiated breastfeeding. Enrolling 100 participants for each intervention arm provided us with 80% power to detect an increase in exclusive breastfeeding from the anticipated 21% in the control arm to 40% in either of the 2 intervention arms. Mother-infant dyads were enrolled at approximately 1 month post partum. Follow-up visits will occur at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years post partum; with the ambition to extend the follow-up period. Mother-infant dyads were enrolled between August 2022 and April 2023 with follow-up until 3 years post partum (2026). A local study team comprised of 2 nurses and 2 laboratory technicians is responsible for enrollment and follow-up of participants. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups during the baseline, 1-month visit: (1) control group, no social transfer; (2) intervention group 1, an unconditional social transfer at 6 months post partum; and (3) intervention group 2, a social transfer at 6 months post partum conditional upon mothers exclusively breastfeeding. All groups received educational materials supporting mothers to exclusively breastfeed. The primary end point will be exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months post partum. Secondary end points will include exclusive and complementary breastfeeding duration, childhood wasting and stunting, child growth, maternal and infant stress, predictors of early breastfeeding cessation, intestinal inflammation, anemia, maternal weight loss, maternal blood pressure, maternal anxiety, and GRIT personality score. Questionnaires and physical examinations were used to collect information. RESULTS: As of November 2023, the study has enrolled 300 participants. Study participation is ongoing until December 2026 at minimum. Over the study lifetime, 93% have completed all visits. CONCLUSIONS: We see potential for a long-term program that may be implemented in other low- or lower-middle-income countries with only minor modifications. The RCT will be used as a basis for observational studies and to investigate the impact of human milk on child fecal microbiota and growth. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05665049; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05665049. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/54768.