Epidemiology of Tungiasis in Kenya (360G-Wellcome-213724_Z_18_Z)

£725,959

Tungiasis is an extremely Neglected Tropical Disease and has received little attention from researchers, granting bodies, and government Departments of Health. It is caused by the sand flea, Tunga penetrans, the female of which burrows into the epidermis, mostly of the feet, where it grows 2000 fold in 7 days, inducing severe inflammation, immense pain and itching. Chronic re-infection leads to severe morbidity. Although it is known to occur mostly in children under 15 years in marginalized, resource poor communities in the Caribbean, South America and Sub-Saharan Africa, not a single country knows its national prevalence, nor impact on its population. I am proposing to conduct the first ever national prevalence survey in Kenya using a cross-sectional, randomized, stratified cluster design of 10,950 students in primary schools. The survey will be repeated in the dry and wet seasons to investigate the seasonality of transmission. A sub-sample of infected and uninfected students will be selected to determine the impact tungiasis has on the quality of life, cognitive development and educational achievement. Interviews with teachers and students will investigate possible risk factors for severe disease. The goal is to provide information to mobilize resources and guide policy development for control programs.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 725959
Applicant Surname Elson
Approval Committee Basic Science Interview Committee
Award Date 2018-10-31T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2018/19
Grant Programme: Title Career Re-Entry Fellowship
Internal ID 213724/Z/18/Z
Lead Applicant Dr Lynne Elson
Partnership Value 725959
Planned Dates: End Date 2023-07-01T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2019-02-01T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region South East
Sponsor(s) Prof Philip Bejon