A Spatial Autocorrelation Method for Taenia solium Risk Mapping: The Case of Lao PDR

A Spatial Autocorrelation Method for Taenia solium Risk Mapping: The Case of Lao PDR

Blog Article

Background: The World Health Organization has identified Taenia solium mapping tools as an important development for intensifying control in hyperendemic areas.Taenia solium has also been identified as a Twin Tub Sump Hose priority by the Lao PDR government.There is a limited understanding of the distribution of T.

solium due to inherent diagnostic challenges.Method: Global and local autocorrelation statistics were applied to available risk factor data sourced from national censuses to map the risk of Taenia solium in Lao PDR.Results: Approximately 50% of villages could be considered hot spots for one or more risk factors.

Different risk factor hot spots co-occurred in 30% of villages.Twenty per cent of villages were classified as hot spots for the proportion of households owning pigs and another risk factor.Northern Lao PDR was the dominant high-risk area.

This is consistent with passive reports, limited surveys, VIT E 14 and anecdotal reports.One smaller area in southern Lao PDR was also identified as high-risk.This is of particular interest because T.

solium has not previously been investigated in this area.Conclusions: The methods applied provide a simple, rapid, and versatile approach that allows endemic countries to begin mapping the risk of T.solium at a sub-national level.