Project

Usability and implementation assessment of immunodiagnosis for improved Taenia solium neurocysticercosis patient management.

Code
11G4425N
Duration
01 November 2024 → 31 October 2028
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Research disciplines
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Computational biomodelling and machine learning
    • Parasitology
    • Tropical medicine
  • Agricultural and food sciences
    • Veterinary public health and food safety
Keywords
implementation science Taeniasis/cysticercosis immunodiagnosis
 
Project description

Taeniasis/cysticercosis, caused by the zoonotic foodborne tapeworm Taenia solium and endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, is a Neglected Tropical Disease with extensive impact on the human and animal health sector, and economic sector. Humans affected by neurocysticercosis display significantly decreased quality of life. Neuroimaging used for diagnosis is often inaccessible in regions with limited resources. Immunological tests on serum or urine have the potential to partially mitigate the necessity for neuroimaging, leading to early identification and thus treatment, improving overall quality of life. In this project, in combination with retrospective data, we will evaluate the usability of immunodiagnosis during a clinical trial conducted in Tanzania/Zambia, specifically assessing test performance and test ease of use. Subsequently, collected data will be used in statistical modelling to simulate the potential impact of immunodiagnosis in broader context. A cost-utility analysis will be further performed. Currently, the gap between evidence-based research on Neglected Tropical Diseases and knowledge implementation into practice is extensive. Barriers and facilitators impacting uptake of immunological testing will be addressed using implementation research, and tools for implementation will be supplied. In a final step, provided recommendations aim to to aid in contextual selection of appropriate diagnostic test formats, and guide policy adaptations.