Optimising the use of molecular tools for the diagnosis of yaws

25 Jun 2019
Munson M, Cresswell B, Kondobala K, Gainwu B, Lomotey RD, Oppong P, Agyeman FO, Kotye N, Diwura M, Ako EP, Simpson SV, Addo KK, Pickering H, Handley R, Houghton J, Kwakye C, Marks M,

Introduction: Yaws is a neglected tropical disease and results in lesions of skin, soft tissues and bones. PCR plays an important part in yaws surveillance.

Methods: Children suspected to have yaws were enrolled. From the largest lesion paired swabs were collected; one into transport medium and one as a dry swab. From up to four subsequent lesions we collected additional swabs. Swabs in transport medium were maintained in a cold-chain whilst dry swabs were stored at ambient temperature. Swabs were tested by PCR for Treponema pallidum and Haemophilus ducreyi.

Results: Concordance was 100% between swabs in transport medium and dry swabs. One patient had PCR-confirmed yaws on the swab of a third lesion when both the first and second lesions were PCR-negative.

Discussion: Storing swabs in transport medium and transporting them within a cold chain did not improve yield, however detection of T. pallidum is increased by swabbing additional lesions. As the target for yaws is eradication approaches to sample collection will need to be revisited to ensure cases are not missed.