Author/Authors :
Koopman, Jan Pieter Department of Parasitology - Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands , Egesa, Moses Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda , Wajja, Anne Medical Research Council - Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda , Adriko, Moses Vector Control Division - Ministry of Health of Uganda, Kampala, Uganda , Nassuuna, Jacent Medical Research Council - Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda , Nkurunungi, Gyaviira Medical Research Council - Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda , Driciru, Emmanuella Medical Research Council - Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda , Willigen, Gijsbert van Department of Health - Safety and the Environment - Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands , Cose, Stephen Medical Research Council - Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda , Yazdanbakhsh, Maria Department of Parasitology - Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands , Kaleebu, Pontiano Medical Research Council - Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda , Kabatereine, Narcis Vector Control Division - Ministry of Health of Uganda, Kampala, Uganda , Tukahebwa, Edridah Vector Control Division - Ministry of Health of Uganda, Kampala, Uganda , Roestenberg, Meta Department of Parasitology - Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands , Elliott, Alison M. Medical Research Council - Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
Abstract :
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, and a significant cause of morbidity; it is a priority for vaccine development. A controlled human infection model for Schistosoma mansoni (CHI-S) with potential to accelerate vaccine development has been developed among naïve volunteers in the Netherlands. Because responses both to infections and candidate vaccines are likely to differ between endemic and non-endemic settings, we propose to establish a CHI-S in Uganda where Schistosoma mansoni is endemic. As part of a “road-map” to this goal, we have undertaken a risk assessment. We identified risks related to importing of laboratory vector snails and schistosome strains from the Netherlands to Uganda; exposure to natural infection in endemic settings concurrently with CHI-S studies, and unfamiliarity of the community with the nature, risks and rationale for CHI. Mitigating strategies are proposed. With careful implementation of the latter, we believe that CHI-S can be implemented safely in Uganda. Our reflections are presented here to promote feedback and discussion.
