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Sniff and tell: the feasibility of using bio-detection dogs as a mobile diagnostic intervention for asymptomatic malaria in sub-Saharan Africa

Kasstan, B; Hampshire, K; Guest, C; Logan, JG; Pinder, M; Williams, K; D'Alessandro, U; Lindsay, SW

Sniff and tell: the feasibility of using bio-detection dogs as a mobile diagnostic intervention for asymptomatic malaria in sub-Saharan Africa Thumbnail


Authors

B Kasstan

C Guest

JG Logan

M Pinder

K Williams

U D'Alessandro



Abstract

Bio-Detection Dogs (BDDs) are used in some high-income countries as a diagnostic intervention, yet little is known about their potential in low/middle-income countries with limited diagnostic resources. This exploratory study investigated the opportunities and implications of deploying BDDs as a mobile diagnostic intervention to identify people with asymptomatic malaria, particularly at ports of entry, as an important step to malaria elimination in a population. A qualitative study design consisting of participant observation, five focus group discussions and informal conversations was employed in The Gambia in April–May 2017. A disciplined German Shepherd companion dog (not trained as a BDD) was introduced to research participants and their perceptions recorded. Field-notes and discussions were transcribed, translated and analysed thematically. Most research participants viewed positively the possibility of using BDDs to detect malaria, with the major advantage of being non-invasive. Some concerns, however, were raised regarding safety and efficacy, as well as cultural issues around the place of dogs within human society. The Gambia is a rabies-endemic country, and unfamiliar dogs are not usually approached, with implications for how research participants perceived BDDs. Understanding such concerns and working with local people to address such issues must be part of any successful strategy to deploy BDDs in new settings. Bio-Detection Dogs represent a potentially non-invasive diagnostic tool for the detection of asymptomatic or chronic malaria infections, particularly in areas with very low parasite rates. However, it is important to understand local concerns and work closely with communities to address those concerns. Wider deployment of BDDs will also require careful planning and sustained financial support.

Citation

Kasstan, B., Hampshire, K., Guest, C., Logan, J., Pinder, M., Williams, K., …Lindsay, S. (2019). Sniff and tell: the feasibility of using bio-detection dogs as a mobile diagnostic intervention for asymptomatic malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Biosocial Science, 51(3), 436-436-443. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0021932018000408

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 4, 2018
Online Publication Date Jan 8, 2019
Publication Date May 30, 2019
Deposit Date Jan 24, 2019
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Journal of Biosocial Science
Print ISSN 0021-9320
Electronic ISSN 1469-7599
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 51
Issue 3
Pages 436-436-443
DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/s0021932018000408
Related Public URLs http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/80338

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Copyright Statement
This article has been published in a revised form in Journal of biosocial science https://doi.org/10.1017/S0021932018000408. This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works. © Cambridge University Press 2019.





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