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Abstracts of Poster and e-Poster Presentations
PA-384 Lassa fever vaccine trial preparedness: preliminary findings of a targeted community-based epidemiologic study in Nigeria
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  1. Victor Anyebe1,
  2. Olutunde A Adegbite1,
  3. Abdulwasiu B Tiamiyu1,
  4. Samirah S Mohammed1,
  5. Oscar Ugwuezumba1,
  6. Cassandra B Akinde1,
  7. Norah Agu1,
  8. Anthonia Osuji1,
  9. Olusanya O Oyerinde1,
  10. Uzoamaka C Agbaim1,
  11. Zahra F Parker2,
  12. Edward A Akinwale1,
  13. Melanie McCauley2,
  14. Erica Broach2,
  15. Tsedal Mebrahtu2,
  16. Roseline Akiga1,
  17. Ndubuisi Okeke1,
  18. Kara Lombardi2,
  19. Leigh A Eller2,
  20. Ying Fan2,
  21. Alexus Reynolds2,
  22. Bwalya Chama2,
  23. Susannah Colt5,
  24. Petra Prins3,
  25. Mihret Amare3,
  26. Ojor R Ayemoba4,
  27. Nathan AE Okeji4,
  28. David R King2,
  29. Shilpa Hakre2,
  30. Trevor A Crowell2,
  31. Kayvon Modjarrad3,
  32. Sandhya Vasan2,
  33. Natalie D Collins3,
  34. Michael O Iroezindu6,
  35. on Behalf of the Lassa Epi Study Group
  1. 1Henry M. Jackson Foundation Medical Research International, Nigeria
  2. 2Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, USA
  3. 3Emerging Infectious Disease Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, USA
  4. 4Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme, Nigeria
  5. 5U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, USA
  6. 6US Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa/Nigeria, Nigeria

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.

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2023-EDC.180

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