PA-384 Lassa fever vaccine trial preparedness: preliminary findings of a targeted community-based epidemiologic study in Nigeria
Year: 2023
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Background Developing a vaccine to prevent Lassa Fever (LF), caused by Lassa virus (LASV), is a World Health Organization priority. We describe preliminary findings of a LASV epidemiologic study in Nigeria to inform preparation for CEPI/EDCTP funded phase 2 LF vaccine trial. Methods We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study at 10 randomly-selected primary healthcare centers in Abuja Municipal Area Council (n=6) and Ikorodu (n=4). A total of 630 participants aged ≥ 18 years were enrolled between February-September 2022. Socio-demographics, willingness to participate in a future LF vaccine trial, and knowledge of LF were assessed in questionnaires. Blood and urine samples were collected for laboratory analyses, including LASV antibody assays using Zalgen ReLASV Pan-Lassa Combo NP/Prefusion GP IgG/IgM ELISA kits. Results Of 630 participants, 434 (69%) were female and the median age was 38 years (interquartile range 28–50). LASV IgG seropositivity was detected in 51 of 176 (29.0%) participants so far tested; further testing is underway. Most participants (87%) were knowledgeable about LF and radio/television was the most commonly reported source of information (63%). Willingness to participate in a future LF vaccine trial was affirmed by 580 (93%) participants and 99.7% (574/576) were willing to provide biological samples. Potential protection from LF was the most common reason for willingness to participate (78%). Among 22 (4%) unwilling participants, the most common reason was fear of harm by the vaccine (36%). Conclusion Our findings suggest substantial LASV exposure and eagerness to participate in a LF vaccine trial in two Nigerian locations with previously limited epidemiologic data. Radio and television-based messaging that emphasizes the safety of vaccine trial participation and the potential protective value of a licensed LF vaccine may improve recruitment for the imminent phase 2a LF vaccine trial in Abuja, Nigeria.
Authors: Victor Anyebe, Olutunde A Adegbite, Abdulwasiu B Tiamiyu, Samirah S Mohammed, Oscar Ugwuezumba, Cassandra B Akinde, Norah Agu, Anthonia Osuji, Olusanya O Oyerinde, Uzoamaka C Agbaim, Zahra F Parker, Edward A Akinwale, Melanie McCauley, Erica Broach, Tsedal Mebrahtu, Roseline Akiga, Ndubuisi Okeke, Kara Lombardi, Leigh A Eller, Ying Fan, Alexus Reynolds, Bwalya Chama, Susannah Colt, Petra Prins, Mihret Amare, Ojor R Ayemoba, Nathan AE Okeji, David R King, Shilpa Hakre, Trevor A Crowell, Kayvon Modjarrad, Sandhya Vasan, Natalie D Collins, Michael O Iroezindu, on Behalf of the Lassa Epi Study Group
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4392409157