Yaws

Abstract

Introduction: Yaws, caused by Treponema pallidum ssp. pertenue, is endemic in parts of West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The WHO has launched a campaign based on mass treatment with azithromycin, to eradicate yaws by 2020.

Sources of data: We reviewed published data, surveillance data and data presented at yaws eradication meetings.

Areas of agreement: Azithromycin is now the preferred agent for treating yaws. Point-of-care tests have demonstrated their value in yaws.

Areas of controversy: There is limited data from 76 countries, which previously reported yaws. Different doses of azithromycin are used in community mass treatment for yaws and trachoma.

Growing points: Yaws eradication appears an achievable goal. The programme will require considerable support from partners across health and development sectors.

Areas timely for developing research: Studies to complete baseline mapping, integrate diagnostic tests into surveillance and assess the impact of community mass treatment with azithromycin are ongoing.

Keywords: eradication; neglected tropical diseases; syphilis; yaws.

Fig. 1

Worldwide distribution of yaws. Data taken from the World Health Organization. Global Health Observatory Data Repository. http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.NTDYAWSEND?lang=en (2 October 2014, date last accessed).

Fig. 2

Lesions of primary yaws. A, typical ulcer of primary yaws. B, papilloma of primary yaws (Images reproduced with permission of M.M. and O.M.).

Fig. 3

Skin lesions of secondary yaws. A, Crusted maculopapular lesion of secondary yaws. B, Multiple ulcers of secondary yaws (Images reproduced with permission of M.M. and O.M.).

Fig. 4

Bony lesions of secondary yaws. Dactylitis due to secondary yaws (Images reproduced with permission of O.M.).