Laboratory capacity assessments in 25 African countries at high risk of yellow fever, August-December 2018.

INTRODUCTION: accurate and timely laboratory diagnosis of yellow fever (YF) is critical to the Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) strategy. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance recognized the need to support and build capacity in the national and regional laboratories in the Global YF Laboratory Network (GYFLN) as part of this strategy. METHODS: to better understand current capacity, gaps and needs of the GYFLN laboratories in Africa, assessments were carried out in national and regional reference laboratories in the 25 African countries at high risk for YF outbreaks that were eligible for new financial support from Gavi. RESULTS: the assessments found that the GYFLN in Africa has high capacity but 21% of specimens were not tested due to lack of testing kits or reagents and approximately 50% of presumptive YF cases were not confirmed at the regional reference laboratory due to problems with shipping. CONCLUSION: the laboratory assessments helped to document the baseline capacities of these laboratories prior to Gavi funding to support strengthening YF laboratories.

Expanding molecular diagnostic capacity for COVID-19 in Ethiopia: operational implications, challenges and lessons learnt.

Efforts towards slowing down coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission and reducing mortality have focused on timely case detection, isolation and treatment. Availability of laboratory COVID-19 testing capacity using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was essential for case detection. Hence, it was critical to establish and expand this capacity to test for COVID-19 in Ethiopia. To this end, using a three-phrased approach, potential public and private laboratories with RT-PCR technology were assessed, capacitated with trained human resource and equipped as required. These laboratories were verified to conduct COVID-19 testing with quality assurance checks regularly conducted. Within a 10-month period, COVID-19 testing laboratories increased from zero to 65 in all Regional States with the capacity to conduct 18,454 tests per day. The success of this rapid countrywide expansion of laboratory testing capacity for COVID-19 depended on some key operational implications: the strong laboratory coordination network within the country, the use of non-virologic laboratories, investment in capacity building, digitalization of the data for better information management and establishing quality assurance checks. A weak supply chain for laboratory reagents and consumables, differences in the brands of COVID-19 test kits, frequent breakdowns of the PCR machines and inadequate number of laboratory personnel following the adaption of a 24/7 work schedule were some of the challenges experienced during the process of laboratory expansion. Overall, we learn that multisectoral involvement of laboratories from non-health sectors, an effective supply chain system with an insight into the promotion of local production of laboratory supplies were critical during the laboratory expansion for COVID-19 testing. The consistent support from WHO and other implementing partners to Member States is needed in building the capacity of laboratories across different diagnostic capabilities in line with International Health Regulations. This will enable efficient adaptation to respond to future public health emergencies.

Establishment of COVID-19 testing laboratory in resource-limited settings: challenges and prospects reported from Ethiopia.

The Coronavirus pandemic is recording unprecedented deaths worldwide. The temporal distribution and burden of the disease varies from setting to setting based on economic status, demography and geographic location. A rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases is being reported in Africa as of June 2020. Ethiopia reported the first COVID-19 case on 13 March 2020. Limited molecular laboratory capacity in resource constrained settings is a challenge in the diagnosis of the ever-increasing cases and the overall management of the disease. In this article, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) shares the experience, challenges and prospects in the rapid establishment of one of its COVID-19 testing laboratories from available resources. The first steps in establishing the COVID-19 molecular testing laboratory were i) identifying a suitable space ii) renovating it and iii) mobilizing materials including consumables, mainly from the Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) research team at the EPHI. A chain of experimental design was set up with distinct laboratories to standardize the extraction of samples, preparation of the master mix and detection. At the commencement of sample reception and testing, laboratory contamination was among the primary challenges faced. The source of the contamination was identified in the master mix room and resolved. In summary, the established COVID-19 testing lab has tested more than 40,000 samples (August 2020) and is the preferred setting for research and training. The lessons learned may benefit the further establishment of emergency testing laboratories for COVID-19 and/or other epidemic/pandemic diseases in resource-limited settings.

Rotavirus-associated acute diarrhea outbreak in West Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, 2017.

INTRODUCTION: Rotavirus causes severe-diarrheal diseases in infants. An estimation of 138 million rotavirus-associated diarrheal cases and 215,000 deaths occur every year globally. In December 2016, West-Shewa zone in Ethiopia reported unidentified gastrointestinal diarrhea outbreak. We investigated to identify the causative agent of the outbreak to support response operations. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed, and the daily line list was collected from health facilities. Descriptive data analysis was done by time, person and place. Stool specimens were first tested by antigen capture enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique and further confirmed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as a gold standard. The product of RT-PCR was genotyped for each gene using G1-G4, G8-G9 and G12 primers for VP7 gene and P(4), P(6), P(8) and P(14) primers for VP4 gene. RESULTS: A total of 1,987 diarrheal cases (5.7 per 1000) and five deaths (case-fatality rate 0.25%) were identified and epidemiologically-linked to confirmed rotavirus from December 2016 to February 2017. Among the cases, 1,946 (98%) were < 5 children. Fourteen (74%) of the 19 tested stool specimens were positive for rotavirus by EIA and RT-PCR. Majority of strains detected were G12P(6) (25%) and G-negative P(8) (25%) followed by G9P(8) (19%), G1P(8) (13%) and G3/G2 P(8), G12P(8), and G-negative P(6) (6% each). CONCLUSION: Diarrheal outbreak which occurred in West-Shewa zone of Ethiopia was associated with rotavirus and relatively more affected districts with low vaccination coverage. Routine rotavirus vaccination quality and coverage should be evaluated and the surveillance system needs to be strengthened to detect, prevent and control a similar outbreak.

Impact of rotavirus vaccine introduction and genotypic characteristics of rotavirus strains in children less than 5 years of age with gastroenteritis in Ethiopia: 2011-2016.

INTRODUCTION: A monovalent rotavirus vaccine was introduced in the Ethiopian Expanded Program on Immunization from November 2013. We compared impact of rotavirus vaccine introduction on rotavirus associated acute diarrhea hospitalizations and genotypic characteristics of rotavirus strains pre-and post-vaccine introduction. METHODS: Sentinel surveillance for diarrhea among children <5 years of age was conducted at 3 hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 2011 to 2017. Stool specimens were collected from enrolled children and tested using an antigen capture enzyme immunoassay. Rotavirus positive samples (156 from pre- and 141 from post-vaccination periods) were further characterized by rotavirus genotyping methods to identify the predominant G and P types circulating during the surveillance era. RESULTS: A total of 788 children were enrolled during the pre- (July 2011-June 2013) and 815 children during the post-vaccination (July 2014-June 2017) periods. The proportion of diarrhea hospitalizations due to rotavirus among children <5 years of age declined by 17% from 24% (188/788) in the pre-vaccine period and to 20% (161/185) in post-vaccine introduction era. Similarly, a reduction of 18% in proportion of diarrhea hospitalizations due to rotavirus in children <12 months of age in the post (27%) vs pre-vaccine (33%) periods was observed. Seasonal peaks of rotavirus declined following rotavirus vaccine introduction. The most prevalent circulating strains were G12P[8] in 2011 (36%) and in 2012 (27%), G2P[4] (35%) in 2013, G9P[8] (19%) in 2014, G3P[6] and G2P[4] (19% each) in 2015, and G3P[8] (29%) in 2016. DISCUSSION: Following rotavirus vaccine introduction in Ethiopia, a reduction in rotavirus associated hospitalizations was seen in all age groups with the greatest burden in children <12 months of age. A wide variety of rotavirus strains circulated in the pre- and post-vaccine introduction periods.

Epidemiology of influenza in Ethiopia: findings from influenza sentinel surveillance and respiratory infection outbreak investigations, 2009-2015.

BACKGROUND: Influenza is an acute viral disease of the respiratory tract which is characterized by fever, headache, myalgia, prostration, coryza, sore throat and cough. Globally, an estimated 3 to 5 million cases of severe influenza illness and 291 243-645 832 seasonal influenza-associated respiratory deaths occur annually. Although recent efforts from some African countries to describe burden of influenza disease and seasonality, these data are missing for the vast majority, including Ethiopia. Ethiopia established influenza sentinel surveillance in 2008 aiming to determine influenza strains circulating in the country and know characteristics, trend and burden of influenza viruses. METHODS: We used influenza data from sentinel surveillance sites and respiratory disease outbreak investigations from 2009 to 2015 for this analysis. We obtained the data by monitoring patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) at three health-centers, severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) at five hospitals and investigating patients during different respiratory infection outbreaks. Throat-swab specimens in viral transport media were transported to the national reference laboratory within 72 h of collection using a cold-chain system. We extracted viral RNA from throat-swabs and subjected to real-time PCR amplification. We further subtyped and characterized Influenza A-positive specimens using CDC real-time reverse transcription PCR protocol. RESULTS: A total of 4962 throat-swab samples were collected and 4799 (96.7%) of them were tested. Among them 988 (20.6%) were influenza-positive and of which 349 (35.3%) were seasonal influenza A(H3N2), 321 (32.5%) influenza A(H1N1)pdm2009 and 318 (32.0%) influenza B. Positivity rate was 29.5% in persons 5-14 years followed by 26.4% in 15-44 years, 21.2% in > 44 years and 6.4% in under five children. The highest positivity rate observed in November (37.5%) followed by March (27.6%), December (26.4%), October (24.4%) and January (24.3%) while the lowest positivity rate was in August (7.7%). CONCLUSION: In Ethiopia, seasonal Influenza A(H3N2), Influenza A(H1N1)pdm2009 and Influenza B viruses were circulating during 2009-2015. Positivity rate and number of cases peaked in November and December. Influenza is one of public health problems in Ethiopia and the need to introduce influenza vaccine and antivirus is important to prevent and treat the disease in future.

Epidemiology of measles in the metropolitan setting, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2005-2014: a retrospective descriptive surveillance data analysis.

BACKGROUND: Measles is a highly infectious and serious respiratory viral disease which caused by a virus. It is a significant cause of illness and death worldwide. This data analysis was conducted to describe the trend and determine the reporting rate of measles cases in Addis Ababa to make recommendation for the government of the city to strengthening measles control interventions. METHODS: We obtained and extracted ten years (2005-2014) Addis Ababa city's measles surveillance data from national database. We carried out retrospective descriptive data analysis by time, place and person variables. We calculated cumulative and specific reporting rates by dividing measles cases (lab confirmed, epidemiologically linked and compatible cases) to respective population and multiplying by 100,000. We divided average of ten years measles cases to midyear population and multiplied by 100,000 to calculate annualized reporting rate. We analyzed non-measles febrile rash rate by dividing laboratory negative cases to total population and multiplying by 100,000. RESULTS: A total of 4203 suspected measles cases were identified. Among them 1154 (27.5%) were laboratory confirmed, 512 (12.2%) were clinically compatible, 52 (1.2%) were epidemiologically linked cases and the rest 2485 (59.1%) were IgM negative for measles which makes total measles cases 1718 (40.9%). Median age was 5 years with 2-18 years interquartile-range. The annualized measles reporting rate was 5.9, which was 40.2 among > 1 year, 11.5 among 1-4 years, 6.0 among 5-14 years, 4.1 among 15-44 years and 0.01 among ≥ 45 years per 100,000 population. Among the total measles cases; 380 (22%) were received at least one dose of measles containing vaccine (MCV) while 415 (24%) cases were not vaccinated and the vaccination status of 923 (54%) cases were not known. CONCLUSION: Our analysis revealed that the reporting rate was higher among young children than older age group. Among all the patients 22% were received at least one dose of measles vaccine whereas 13% were not vaccinated against measles antigen. Routine immunization should be strengthened to reach all children through well monitored vaccine cold chain management.

Sero-prevalence of yellow fever and related Flavi viruses in Ethiopia: a public health perspective.

BACKGROUND: Yellow fever (YF) is a viral hemorrhagic fever, endemic in the tropical forests of Africa and Central and South America. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes infected with the yellow fever virus (YFV). Ethiopia was affected by the largest YF outbreak since the vaccination era during 1960-1962. The recent YF outbreak occurred in 2013 in Southern part of the country. The current survey of was carried out to determine the YF seroprevalence so as to make recommendations from YF prevention and control in Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: A multistage cluster design was utilized. Consequently, the country was divided into 5 ecological zones and two sampling towns were picked per zone randomly. A total of 1643 serum samples were collected from human participants. The serum samples were tested for IgG antibody against YFV using ELISA. Any serum sample testing positive by ELISA was confirmed by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). In addition, differential testing was performed for other flaviviruses, namely dengue, Zika and West Nile viruses. RESULT: Of the total samples tested, 10 (0.61%) were confirmed to be IgG positive against YFV and confirmed with PRNT. Nine (0.5%) samples were antibody positive for dengue virus, 15(0.9%) forWest Nile virus and 7 (0.4%) for Zika virus by PRNT. Three out of the five ecological zones namely zones 1, 3 and 5 showed low levels (< 2%) of IgG positivity against YFV. A total of 41(2.5%) cases were confirmed to be positive for one of flaviviruses tested. CONCLUSION: Based on the seroprevalence data, the level of YFV activity and the risk of a YF epidemic in Ethiopia are low. However additional factors that could impact the likelihood of such an epidemic occurring should be considered before making final recommendations for YF prevention and control in Ethiopia. Based on the results of the serosurvey and other YF epidemic risk factors considered, a preventive mass vaccination campaign is not recommended, however the introduction of YF vaccine in routine EPI is proposed nationwide, along with strong laboratory based YF surveillance.

Characteristics of wild polio virus outbreak investigation and response in Ethiopia in 2013-2014: implications for prevention of outbreaks due to importations.

BACKGROUND: Ethiopia joined the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1996, and by the end of December 2001 circulation of indigenous Wild Polio Virus (WPV) had been interrupted. Nonetheless, the country experienced multiple importations during 2004-2008, and in 2013. We characterize the 2013 outbreak investigations and response activities, and document lessons learned. METHOD: The data were pulled from different field investigation reports and from the national surveillance database for Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP). RESULTS: In 2013, a WPV1 outbreak was confirmed following importation in Dollo zone of the Somali region, which affected three Woredas (Warder, Geladi and Bokh). Between July 10, 2013, and January 5, 2014, there were 10 children paralyzed due to WPV1 infection. The majorities (7 of 10) were male and below 5 years of age, and 7 of 10 cases was not vaccinated, and 72% (92/129) of < 5 years of old children living in close proximity with WPV cases had zero doses of oral polio vaccine (OPV). The travel history of the cases showed that seven of the 10 cases had contact with someone who had traveled or had a travel history prior to the onset of paralysis. Underserved and inaccessibility of routine immunization service, suboptimal surveillance sensitivity, poor quality and inadequate supplemental immunization were the most crucial gaps identified during the outbreak investigations. CONCLUSION: Prior to the 2013 outbreak, Ethiopia experienced multiple imported polio outbreaks following the interruption of indigenous WPV in December 2001. The 2013 outbreak erupted due to massive population movement and was fueled by low population immunity as a result of low routine immunization and supplemental Immunization coverage and quality. In order to avert future outbreaks, it is critical that surveillance sensitivity be improved by establishing community-based surveillance systems and by assigning surveillance focal points at all level particularly in border areas. In addition, it is vital to set up in hard to reach areas a functional immunization service delivery system using the "Reaching Every Child" approach, including periodic routine immunization intensification and supplemental immunization activities.

Assessment of reporting sites for acute flaccid paralysis surveillance in Ethiopia: implications for planning of active case search visits.

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance standards recommend documentation of the role of each potentially reporting site for evidence -based planning and tailoring support for active surveillance visits. This study assessed the contribution of various sites as source and quality of AFP cases reported over a five -year period in Ethiopia. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of AFP surveillance data collected from 2010-2014 in Ethiopia. Analyses were done using EPI-INFO version 7 for calculating frequencies and proportions, and testing possible associations between reporting sites and key dependent variables. RESULTS: Of the 5,274 AFP cases reported, hospitals and health centers reported 4627 (88%) of the cases. Hospitals in Addis Ababa (53%) and health posts in Benishangul Gumuz (48%) regions have contributed majority of the cases reported. Only 3% of cases were reported by private clinics nationally. The stool adequacy rate for health posts (81%) was lower than the overall national rate of 88% .Cases from health posts are more likely to be reported after 14 days of onset of paralysis, and 62% less likely to be investigated within two days of notification(OR: 1.82, 95% CI OR : 1.41-2.36, p-value <0.0001). Greater proportion (2.4%) of cases reported from health posts were either compatible, VDPV or WPV compared to cases reported by health centers (1.14%) or hospitals (1.4%). CONCLUSION: Though majority of the cases were reported by health centers followed by hospitals ,our findings suggest that all potentially reporting sites should be exhaustively identified, prioritized and regularly supported for quality case detection, investigation and reporting.

Analysis of acute flaccid paralysis surveillance in Ethiopia, 2005-2015: progress and challenges.

INTRODUCTION: Ethiopia joined the global effort to eradicate polio in 1996, and interrupted indigenous wild poliovirus transmission by December 2001. However, the country experienced numerous separate importations during 2003-2013. Sensitive Acute Flaccid (AFP) surveillance is critical to rule out undetected circulation of WPV and VDPVs. METHODS: In this study described, we used a retrospective descriptive study design to characterize the surveillance performance from 2005 to 2015. RESULTS: The none-polio AFP rate improved from 2.6/100,000 children <15 years old in 2005 to 3.1 in 2015, while stool adequacy has also improved from 78.5% in 2005 to 92 % in 2015. At the national level, most AFP surveillance performance indicators are achieved and maintained over the years, however, AFP surveillance performance at sub-national level varies greatly particularly in pastoralist regions. In addition, the minimum standard for non-polio enterovirus isolation rate (10%) was not achieved except in 2007 and 2009. Nevertheless, the proportion of cases investigated within 2 days of notification and the proportion of specimens arriving in good condition within 3 days to the laboratory were maintained throughout all the years reviewed. CONCLUSION: We found that the AFP surveillance system was efficient and progressively improved over the past 10 years in Ethiopia. However, the subnational AFP surveillance performance varies and were not maintained, particularly in pastoralist regions, and the non-polio enterovirus isolation rate declined since 2010. We recommend the institution of community-based surveillance in pastoralist regions and conduct detail review of the laboratory sensitivity and the reverse cold chain system.

Epidemiology of laboratory confirmed measles virus cases in the southern nations of Ethiopia, 2007-2014.

BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, measles case-based surveillance was introduced in 2004 as one strategy for measles control by laboratory confirmation of suspected cases. In this article, epidemiological distribution of laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported from the Southern Nation Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia between 2007 and 2014, as the region is one of the highly measles affected areas in Ethiopia. METHOD: A serum sample was collected from all measles suspected cases, and patient information was captured by case reporting format (CRF). Samples were transported to the National Measles Laboratory for Measles IgM testing by ELISA technique. Data entry and analysis were done using Epi-Info 3.5.4 software. RESULT: A total of 4810 samples were tested for measles IgM using ELISA technique and 1507 (31.3%) were found positive during 2007-2014 in SNNPR of Ethiopia. Patients with age 1-4 years were the most affected regardless of sex. The incidence of measles confirmed cases increased from 15 in 2007 to 180 in 2013 per million population. The highest percentage of laboratory-confirmed cases were found in 2014. Measles was found distributed throughout the regional state. CONCLUSION: Measles was found a public health important disease in SNNPR of Ethiopia, mostly affecting children 1-4 years. The incidence of measles cases is increasing from time to time. Additional research to determine the genotype of circulating measles virus, knowledge, attitude and practice of professionals and the population for measles vaccination and infection in the region is important. A wide age group measles vaccination campaign is highly recommended.

Epidemiology of rubella virus cases in the pre-vaccination era of Ethiopia, 2009-2015.

BACKGROUND: Rubella is a common mild rash illness caused by rubella virus. The majority of infections occur in children and young adults. The infection is the cause of a serious birth defect known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) when a woman acquires infection early in pregnancy. Ethiopia has not yet established rubella virus surveillance and has not yet introduced rubella vaccine into the routine immunization program. We characterize the epidemiology of laboratory confirmed rubella virus cases collected through measles surveillance from 2009 to 2015 to better understand the burden of the disease in the country. METHODS: A descriptive analysis was made to characterize rubella cases reported through the national measles case based surveillance system. The measles case definition was used to capture potential rubella cases. A suspected measles case was a person with generalized rash and fever with cough, or coryza or conjunctivitis. Those cases whose sera were negative for measles IgM antibodies were tested for rubella IgM antibody. A confirmed rubella case was a person who tested positive for rubella IgM. Only laboratory confirmed rubella cases were analyzed in this article. RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2015, a total of 28,284 serum/plasma samples were collected and tested for measles IgM antibody and 11,151 (39.4%) were found positive. A total of 17,066 measles IgM negative or indeterminate samples were tested for rubella virus IgM and 2615 (15.3%) were found positive during the same period. Of 2615 confirmed rubella cases, 52.2% were females. The age of confirmed cases ranged from one month to 42 years with a mean age of 7.3 years. Three-fourth of all confirmed rubella cases were aged less than 10 years. The number of laboratory confirmed rubella cases linearly increased from 83 in 2009 to 856 in 2013 but dropped to 222 and 319 in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Higher number of cases occurred in the hot dry season (January through June) and in the central and western part of Ethiopia with 127 lab-confirmed outbreaks in the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our analysis, rubella was found to be endemic throughout Ethiopia. Children below the age of 10 years were the most affected. The burden of rubella cases varied from year to year but had a seasonal peak in March. To better understand the magnitude of rubella prior to vaccine introduction, establishing rubella surveillance system, conducting sero-prevalence studies among child bearing age females and establishing CRS sentinel surveillance among young infants are critical.

Immunization Coverage Surveys and Linked Biomarker Serosurveys in Three Regions in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: Demographic and health surveys, immunization coverage surveys and administrative data often divergently estimate vaccination coverage, which hinders pinpointing districts where immunization services require strengthening. We assayed vaccination coverage in three regions in Ethiopia by coverage surveys and linked serosurveys. METHODS: Households with children aged 12-23 (N = 300) or 6-8 months (N = 100) in each of three districts (woredas) were randomly selected for immunization coverage surveys (inspection of vaccination cards and immunization clinic records and maternal recall) and linked serosurveys. IgG-ELISA serologic biomarkers included tetanus antitoxin ≥ 0.15 IU/ml in toddlers (receipt of tetanus toxoid) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) anti-capsular titers ≥ 1.0 mcg/ml in infants (timely receipt of Hib vaccine). FINDINGS: Coverage surveys enrolled 1,181 children across three woredas; 1,023 (87%) also enrolled in linked serosurveys. Administrative data over-estimated coverage compared to surveys, while maternal recall was unreliable. Serologic biomarkers documented a hierarchy among the districts. Biomarker measurement in infants provided insight on timeliness of vaccination not deducible from toddler results. CONCLUSION: Neither administrative projections, vaccination card or EPI register inspections, nor parental recall, substitute for objective serological biomarker measurement. Including infants in serosurveys informs on vaccination timeliness.

Epidemiology of laboratory confirmed measles virus cases in Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia, 2004-2014.

BACKGROUND: Measles is a highly contagious viral infection causing large outbreaks all over the world. Despite the availability of safe and cost effective vaccine, measles remained endemic with persistent periodic outbreaks in the Horn of Africa. The aim of this study is to characterize laboratory confirmed measles cases in Amhara Regional State, which was one of the highly affected regions in Ethiopia. METHOD: A suspected measles case was defined as any person presenting with fever, maculopapular rash and one or more of the three symptoms cough, coryza or conjunctivitis or a patient in whom a clinician suspects measles. A blood sample was collected for any measles suspected patient with a case based investigation form and specimen transported to the National Measles Laboratory in good condition where it was to be tested for Measles IgM antibody by ELISA technique. Data was entered and analyzed using Epi-Info 3.5.4 software. RESULT: A total of 6579 samples were tested for measles IgM among 7296 samples collected in Amhara Regional State over 11 years (2004-2014). Of the tested samples, 2412 (36.7%) were found positive, while 3965 and 202 samples were found to be negative and equivocal (compatible) respectively. Patients with age ≥ 10 years were the most affected. The highest number of laboratory confirmed measles cases were detected in 2014 and cases were occurred in all of the 11 zones of the state. A seasonal peak was noted in the hot-dry season of the year. CONCLUSION: Measles remains to be a public health problem in Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia, mostly affecting people ≥ 10 years of age. Measles virus was detected in all zones of the state, reaching its peak in the hot-dry season. To reduce the incidence of measles, it is highly recommended to improve routine immunization, and conduct a wide age group campaign. Additional research to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the general population and health care professionals about measles infection and vaccination is important. Genotyping of circulating measles virus strain is recommended.

Strategies for Coordination of a Serosurvey in Parallel with an Immunization Coverage Survey.

A community-based immunization coverage survey is the standard way to estimate effective vaccination delivery to a target population in a region. Accompanying serosurveys can provide objective measures of protective immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases but pose considerable challenges with respect to specimen collection and preservation and community compliance. We performed serosurveys coupled to immunization coverage surveys in three administrative districts (woredas) in rural Ethiopia. Critical to the success of this effort were serosurvey equipment and supplies, team composition, and tight coordination with the coverage survey. Application of these techniques to future studies may foster more widespread use of serosurveys to derive more objective assessments of vaccine-derived seroprotection and monitor and compare the performance of immunization services in different districts of a country.

Hospital-based surveillance for rotavirus gastroenteritis in children younger than 5 years of age in Ethiopia: 2007-2012.

BACKGROUND: Rotavirus surveillance was initiated in Ethiopia to estimate the burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children <5 years of age, to generate data to assist the policy-making process for new vaccine introduction and to monitor impact of vaccination on disease burden after introduction. METHODS: Sentinel surveillance was conducted at 3 hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia using a standardized WHO surveillance protocol from August 2007 to March 2012. Children <5 years of age, hospitalized for the primary reason of treatment for acute gastroenteritis, were enrolled, stool samples were collected and tested for group A rotavirus using an enzyme immunoassay. Confirmed positive specimens were further characterized by rotavirus genotyping. RESULTS: A total of 1841 children were enrolled and 21% were rotavirus positive. Children 6-12 months of age had the highest proportion of rotavirus (36%) followed by children <6 months of age (23%). There was no significant difference between sexes. Significant differences in clinical characteristics, such as vomiting, vomiting episodes, cases with vomiting and diarrhea among rotavirus positive cases, were observed. Rotavirus circulated year round with peak prevalence from October through January. The most prevalent detected genotypes were G1P[8] (20%), G12P[8] (17%) and G3P[6] (15%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Rotavirus infection is common in Ethiopian children. A safe and effective intervention against the infection is needed to prevent severity of the disease. Rotavirus vaccine introduction is planned before the end of 2013. The established surveillance system and the data generated can be used to monitor the impact of rotavirus vaccination program on severe disease.

The epidemiology of rubella disease in Ethiopia: data from the measles case-based surveillance system.

BACKGROUND: Rubella is usually a mild rash illness. However, when a woman contracts rubella early in pregnancy, serious consequences may occur, including birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Information is limited on the epidemiology of rubella and CRS in Ethiopia. METHOD: Rubella cases reported through the measles case-based surveillance system during 2004-2009 were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 8212 samples were tested for rubella immunoglobulin (Ig) M, and 992 (12.1%) of these specimens had test results that were positive for rubella IgM. The age distribution of patients with rubella-positive cases ranged from 3 months to 44 years. The majority (94.7%) of the cases were in individuals <15 years of age. The proportion of positive specimens from urban areas (19.4%) was higher than that from rural areas (11.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Rubella is endemic in Ethiopia and mainly occurs among children and young adolescents. To better understand the burden of rubella and CRS, and to develop a national strategy for rubella control in Ethiopia, CRS surveillance will need to be established, and appropriate studies need to be conducted.

Genetic characterization and progression of B3 measles genotype in Ethiopia: a study of five measles outbreak cases.

BACKGROUND: One of the countries where measles remains endemic is Ethiopia. Previously, sequence data from Measles Viruses (MV) circulating in Ethiopia were obtained from clinical specimens. Now the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (ENHRI) has implemented cell culture techniques to isolate measles virus and molecular epidemiologic studies can be generated more easily. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the strains of Measles Virus circulating in Ethiopia during measles outbreaks in 2006 using viral isolates, and compare the results to previously identified Ethiopian strains. METHODS: A case study and convenience sampling method were conducted on five measles outbreak cases tb identify the circulating measles virus genotype in Addis Ababa and Amhara regions of Ethiopia in 2006. RESULTS: Three isolates were obtained from five specimens collected in two regions (1 from Amhara: Bahir Dar, and 2 from Addis Ababa: Addis Ketema and Kolefe Keranio subcities) in Ethiopia during 2006. The viral isolates were analyzed using standard genotyping protocols and were classified as genotype B3, identical to the strain circulating widely in West Africa and imported into Europe (Britain, Netherlands, Germany) and America (Mexico, USA, Canada). CONCLUSION: The conserved sequences among three isolates, covering a 3-month period, suggest that this B3 strain was circulating in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar and possibly elsewhere in Ethiopia. To interrupt the transmission and circulation of MV, Ethiopia needs a strong national program of epidemiological surveillance, with characterization of circulating MV performed in a timely manner.

No evidence for prolonged excretion of polioviruses in persons with residual paralytic poliomyelitis in Ethiopia, Pakistan and Guatemala.

Persons who have developed acute flaccid paralysis following infection with wild-type polioviruses or vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis usually excrete polioviruses for only a few weeks. However, some patients with paralytic poliomyelitis have had prolonged excretion of polioviruses for periods of up to 10 years after onset of disease. Most prolonged excretors have been identified in industrialized countries. We studied 348 patients 2-28 years old in Ethiopia, Pakistan and Guatemala with residual paralytic poliomyelitis to determine if they had IgA or IgG deficiency or persistent poliomyelitis excretion at least 1 year after onset of disease. None of the 348 affected individuals had IgG deficiency or persistent poliovirus excretion. One child had borderline low serum IgA concentration. Since we did not study children under 2 years of age, persons born with IgG deficiency disorders may have died in developing countries where replacement immunoglobulin therapy is not readily available. Nevertheless, persistent poliovirus excretion among persons 2 years of age and older with residual paralytic poliomyelitis is uncommon in developing countries.