Title: Global health impact of soil-transmitted nematodes.

POPLINE Document Number: 194666

Author(s):

Cappello M

Source citation:

Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 2004 Jul;23(7):663-664.

Abstract:

Infection with soil-transmitted nematodes (STNs), including Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale, Ancylostoma ceylanicum and Necator americanus), remain among the most common diseases of humans, affecting up to one-fourth of the world’s population. At least part of the explanation for this is the strong association with rural poverty. With new quantitative methods to assess impact of chronic diseases of low to moderate morbidity, there is renewed appreciation of the impact of STN infection on global health. STN infections may account for up to 12% of total disease burden among children in resource-poor countries. WHO recently estimated that STN infections and schistosomiasis account for up to 40% of the total disease burden in tropical countries, excluding malaria. This impact on health has led to novel strategies to reduce the cumulative health effect of STN infections in the world’s most vulnerable populations. (excerpt)

Keywords:

Research Report
Child
Infections
Anemia
Malnutrition
Child Health
Infection Prevention
Disease Transmission Control
Treatment
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Diseases
Nutrition Disorders
Health
Prevention and Control