Yaws
Yaws is caused by infection with Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue. The disease, which is targeted for eradication, is predominantly reported in west and central Africa and the Pacific, but has previously been endemic throughout the tropics. Most cases of yaws are found in children. Transmission is believed to occur through skin-to-skin contact with infectious lesions of primary yaws.
The clinical course of yaws starts with primary yaws, characterized by a single infectious lesion. If the individual is left untreated, the initial lesion will heal but the infection will continue. This asymptomatic state is called latent yaws. The individual may then progress on to develop secondary yaws, during which stage new infectious lesions occur. Rapid syphilis tests are available to diagnose the disease. Treatment with azithromycin is highly effective, but the emergence of resistance should be closely monitored.
Purpose of the TPP
Early accurate diagnosis and treatment is crucial, particularly during the last mile of the eradication programme. The development of rapid diagnostic tools for the “detection of a case of yaws” and “detection of an azithromycin-resistant case of yaws” at the primary healthcare level is a priority for national control programmes. The purpose of this target product profile (TPP) is to lead to the development of new diagnostic tools.
The World Health Organization is seeking feedback on the TPP from industry experts, product developers, the scientific community, NTD programme personnel and clinicians currently involved in the eradication of yaws.
Details of the TPPs may be found in the linked documents
- Diagnostic TPP for detection of a case of yaws and detection of azithromycin resistance - Final Draft
- Yaws Diagnosis - Final Draft
- Yaws TPP use cases - Final Draft
Proposed revisions arising from the public consultation will be considered by the TPP working group before it is finalized. The final TPPs will be used for the development of diagnostic tools for yaws.