PA-384 Lassa fever vaccine trial preparedness: preliminary findings of a targeted community-based epidemiologic study in Nigeria

Résumé fourni par la source

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.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.