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. 2019 Dec 2;13(12):e0007925.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007925. eCollection 2019 Dec.

Mapping the global distribution of podoconiosis: Applying an evidence consensus approach

Kebede Deribe  1   2 , Hope Simpson  3 , Jorge Cano  3 , David M Pigott  4 , Nicole Davis Weaver  4 , Elizabeth A Cromwell  4 , Oliver J Brady  5   6 , Rachel L Pullan  3 , Abdisalan M Noor  7   8 , Daniel Argaw  9 , Christopher J L Murray  4 , Simon J Brooker  10 , Simon I Hay  4 , Melanie J Newport  1 , Gail Davey  1
Affiliations

Mapping the global distribution of podoconiosis: Applying an evidence consensus approach

Kebede Deribe et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Podoconiosis is a type of elephantiasis characterised by swelling of the lower legs. It is often confused with other causes of tropical lymphedema and its global distribution is uncertain. Here we synthesise the available information on the presence of podoconiosis to produce evidence consensus maps of its global geographical distribution.

Methods and findings: We systematically searched available data on podoconiosis in SCOPUS and MEDLINE from inception, updated to 10 May, 2019, and identified observational and population-based studies reporting podoconiosis. To establish existence of podoconiosis, we used the number of cases reported in studies and prevalence data with geographical locations. We then developed an index to assess evidence quality and reliability, assigning each country an evidence consensus score. Using these summary scores, we then developed a contemporary global map of national-level podoconiosis status. There is evidence of podoconiosis in 17 countries (12 in Africa, three in Latin America, and two in Asia) and consensus on presence in six countries (all in Africa). We have identified countries where surveillance is required to further define the presence or absence of podoconiosis. We have highlighted areas where evidence is currently insufficient or conflicting, and from which more evidence is needed.

Conclusion: The global distribution of podoconiosis is not clearly known; the disease extent and limits provided here inform the best contemporary map of the distribution of podoconiosis globally from available data. These results help identify surveillance needs, direct future mapping activities, and inform prevention plans and burden estimation of podoconiosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Evidence consensus framework used to assess the strength of evidence for the presence and absence of podoconiosis at the national level.
A) Part A used for all countries with reported cases from any study. B) For countries with no evidence of reported cases. Maximum possible score depends on which categories are included and can vary from 15 (A) to 3 (B). HAQ = the Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) Index, SDI = Socio-Demographic Index.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Podoconiosis occurrence data identified.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Evidence consensus for podoconiosis presence and absence worldwide.
Absence of podoconiosis is yellow, areas with evidences consensus on podoconiosis status is blue.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Evidence consensus for podoconiosis presence and absence in Africa.
Absence of podoconiosis is yellow, areas with evidences consensus on podoconiosis status is blue.
Fig 5
Fig 5. Evidence consensus for podoconiosis presence and absence in Asia.
Absence of podoconiosis is yellow, areas with evidences consensus on podoconiosis status is blue.
Fig 6
Fig 6. Evidence consensus for podoconiosis presence and absence in Latin America.
Absence of podoconiosis is yellow, areas with evidences consensus on podoconiosis status is blue.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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