ABSTRACT
Introduction@#Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) remains to be highly prevalent in the Philippines, despite the implementation of school-based bi-annual mass drug administration and other preventive measures under the Garantisadong Pambata Program by the Department of Health (DOH).@*Methods@#This analytical cross-sectional study determined the association between the level of knowledge and the actual practices of family care givers in the prevention of STH among school-age children belonging to low-income families in an urban barangay.@*Results@#Among 193 respondents, 97.93% had good level of knowledge of STH prevention and control, 83.42% had good hand hygiene practices, but only 39.90% adhered to the recommended bi-annual anti-helminthic prophylaxis for their school-aged children. A positive association was noted between level of knowledge and actual hand hygiene practices, but this was not statistically significant (i.e., prevalence odds ratio = 5.3, p = 0.129). Among those who did not comply with the bi-annual anti-helminthic administration, there was a prevalence odds ratio (POR) of 0.66 that the family care giver was knowledgeable on STH prevention and control, and this negative association was not statistically significant (i.e., p = 0.529). @*Conclusion@#Level of knowledge on STH prevention was positively associated with hand hygiene practices but was negatively associated with compliance with the bi-annual deworming prophylaxis. But these associations were not statistically significant.
Subject(s)
Hand HygieneABSTRACT
Background@#Indigenous peoples (IPs) remain vulnerable to soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) due to limited access to sanitary toilets, clean water, quality health education, and services. The World Health Organization recommends periodic mass drug administration (MDA) of anthelminthics, health education, and improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as control strategies to reduce morbidities caused by STH in target populations such as schoolage children (SAC). This paper complements the published results of the parasitological survey (prevalence and intensity of STH) conducted in selected Aeta and Ata-Manobo communities. @*Objectives@#This study aimed to describe the accessibility of STH control strategies to respond to the needs of SAC in IP communities in Pampanga and Davao del Norte, the Philippines. It likewise intended to describe access of these IP communities to STH control strategies. @*Methods@#Data on accessibility of and access to STH control strategies were collected using key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Eleven officials and workers from the departments of health and education, local government units, and two IP leaders were interviewed on the existing STH burden in SAC, implementation of STH control strategies, particularly of MDA, health education campaigns, and improvements in WASH including good practices and challenges in program implementation. Three FGDs with parents, elementary school teachers of IP schools, and rural health midwives were conducted separately. Guide questions focused on accessibility of and access to STH prevention and control strategies for SAC in IP communities. Informed consent to conduct and record KIIs and FGDs were obtained from participants prior to participation. Analysis of a multi-disciplinary team was based on the accessibility framework for IPs accessing indigenous primary health care services by Davy et al. (2016). @*Results@#The characteristics of the STH control strategies and the target populations are interrelated factors that influence accessibility. Challenges in the availability of the MDA program, particularly, inadequate staffing, drug shortages, and delays in delivery affect accessibility of and access to the free STH control strategies. Perceived harm, adverse events, stigma, beliefs, and practices likewise affect access. Lack of information on the similarity of treatment through community- and schoolbased MDA programs also affected engagement of SAC. IP communities are special settings where geographic isolation, peace and order situation as well as water supply need to be considered to help ensure access to STH control strategies, high MDA coverage, and improvements in WASH leading to desired outcomes. @*Conclusions@#Considering the context of IP communities and addressing the challenges in the accessibility of and access to STH control strategies are necessary to ensure successful implementation of an integrated approach in STH prevention and control strategies. Challenges in the accessibility of STH control strategies are inadequate staffing, poor inventory, and delays in the delivery of drugs, as well as poor sanitation and hygiene. Access of SAC is likewise affected by misconceptions on safety and efficacy of anthelminthics, including stigma and cultural practices. The similarity of the MDA programs based in school or community need to be disseminated.
Subject(s)
Indigenous Peoples , Mass Drug AdministrationABSTRACT
Objective@#As part of the evaluation of control programs recommended by WHO, this study describes the local implementation of schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) morbidity control as well as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions post calamity. It likewise determines the challenges, areas for improvement, and good practices in SCH and STH morbidity control strategies in Haiyan-stricken areas in Eastern and Western Samar, the Philippines. @*Methods@#Twenty key informant interviews and eight focus group discussions documented the implementation of SCH and STH control strategies in Eastern Visayas. Data analysis was done manually by a multi-disciplinary team. @*Results@#Mass drug administration (MDA) in schools and communities was conducted for morbidity control. MDA for STH for pre-school-age children was integrated into the Garantisadong Pambata program, while a schoolbased teacher-assisted approach was used for school-age children. WASH facilities, such as sanitary toilets, were constructed through the initiatives of the local government units (LGUs) and other private sectors. Partnerships with Plan International Philippines helped in the implementation of WASH through the conduct of Community-led Total Sanitation. Health advocacies helped instill behavioral change in the community. SCH surveillance was conducted annually while STH surveillance was irregularly implemented. Data on MDA coverage were validated through Rapid Coverage Assessment before final reporting. Discrepancies were observed due to typographical errors and the inclusion of teachers and transient migrants in the reports submitted. Challenges in the implementation of MDA include delays in drug delivery, lack of human resources, non-compliance of participants, and drug unpalatability. Challenges in WASH included the lack of hand washing facilities, inaccessibility to safe water, as well as non-utility of sanitary toilets. Strengthening health advocacy and education may help address these challenges.@*Conclusion@#The involvement and partnership of various stakeholders such as LGUs, WASH, and veterinary sectors, together with the academe are needed to strengthen and enhance the implementation of SCH and STH control activities. An integrated approach may contribute to improvements in SCH and STH prevention and control of the communities in selected Haiyanstricken areas.
Subject(s)
Schistosomiasis , PhilippinesABSTRACT
Objectives@#The Department of Health (DOH) aims to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasitism and proportion of heavy intensity of infection in the country by 2022. Among the interventions is school-based mass drug administration (MDA). Regular assessment of MDA gives guidance to the DOH. The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence of soil transmitted helminthiasis and histosomiasis among public school children ages 5 to 16 years old. @*Methodology@#A cross-sectional, school-based study using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling was conducted from 2013 to 2015, covering the National Capital Region (NCR), and all provinces, except Maguindanao and Sulu. Stool samples were examined using the duplicate Kato Katz (KK). @*Results@#Of the 26,171 school children with stool samples examined, 7,440 (28.4%) were infected with at least one soil-transmitted helminth (STH). Infections among male students were significantly higher than female students (31.0% versus 26.0%). Heavy, moderate, and light intensity of infections were 3.2%, 29.0% and 67.7%, respectively. STH cumulative prevalence per province ranged between 0.5% and 89.5%. Schistosomiasis infections were detected in known non-endemic provinces: Ilocos Norte, Biliran, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Dinagat Islands. Majority (68%) of the infections were with single parasites but as many as five parasites were detected in one child. Infections with heterophyids were also observed. @*Conclusion@#While the national prevalence of schistosomiasis was less than 1.0%, the cumulative prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school-aged children was higher than the global figure of 24.0%.
Subject(s)
Schistosomiasis , PrevalenceABSTRACT
Food handlers plays a primary role in the transmission of pathogenically important protozoans and helminth parasites. This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal pathogenic protozoans and helminth parasites among food handlers in and around University of Malakand, Lower Dir, Pakistan. Stool samples were collected from 642 food handlers (all of male) in a cross-sectional study from January to November, 2017. Wet Mount Techniques and concentration methods by using salt and formolether solutions. Three hundred and eighty four cases (59.8%) were found infected with one more parasites. Most of the individuals were found infected with helminth (47.6%) as compared to intestinal protozoans (0.93%). Seventy two cases (11.2%) of the cases presented mixed infection with both intestinal protozoan and helminth parasites. The order of prevalence for intestinal helminth was Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 258, 40.1%), followed by Taeniasa ginata (n=96, 14.9%) Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 54, 8.40%) and Trichuris trichura (n=30, 4.60%). For intestinal protozoa, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (n = 36, 5.64%) was the only protozoan detected. Mono-parasitism was higher than poly-parasitism. Family size income and education level were the factors significantly (P<0.05) associated in the parasites prevalence. Current research showed that IPIs are primarily the foodborne pathogens still an important public health problem in Pakistan. Effective control programs on parasitic diseases transfer and their associated factors are recommended.
Os manipuladores de alimentos desempenham um papel fundamental na transmissão de protozoários e helmintos parasitas patogenicamente importantes. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de protozoários patogênicos intestinais e helmintos parasitas entre manipuladores de alimentos na Universidade de Malakand, Lower Dir, Paquistão. Amostras de fezes foram coletadas de 642 manipuladores de alimentos (todos do sexo masculino) em um estudo transversal de janeiro a novembro de 2017. Técnicas de montagem úmida e métodos de concentração usando soluções de sal e formol-éter. Trezentos e oitenta e quatro casos (59,8%) foram encontrados infectados com mais um parasita. A maioria dos indivíduos foi encontrada infectada por helmintos (47,6%) em comparação com protozoários intestinais (0,93%). Setenta e dois casos (11,2%) dos casos apresentavam infecção mista com protozoários intestinais e helmintos parasitas. A ordem de prevalência de helmintos intestinais foi Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 258, 40,1%), seguido por Taeniasa ginata (n = 96, 14,9%) Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 54, 8,40%) e Trichuris trichura (n = 30, 4,60 %). Para protozoários intestinais, Entamoeba histolytica / dispar (n = 36, 5,64%) foi o único protozoário detectado. Monoparasitismo foi maior do que poliparasitismo. A renda familiar e o nível de escolaridade foram os fatores significativamente (P <0,05) associados na prevalência de parasitos. A pesquisa atual mostrou que os IPIs são principalmente os patógenos de origem alimentar, ainda um importante problema de saúde pública no Paquistão. Programas eficazes de controle da transferência de doenças parasitárias e seus fatores associados são recomendados.
Subject(s)
Male , Humans , Animals , Ancylostomiasis/diagnosis , Ascariasis/diagnosis , Cysticercosis/diagnosis , Neglected Diseases/pathology , Entamoebiasis/diagnosis , Gastroenteritis/prevention & control , Helminthiasis/diagnosis , Trichuriasis/diagnosisABSTRACT
Abstract Food handlers plays a primary role in the transmission of pathogenically important protozoans and helminth parasites. This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal pathogenic protozoans and helminth parasites among food handlers in and around University of Malakand, Lower Dir, Pakistan. Stool samples were collected from 642 food handlers (all of male) in a cross-sectional study from January to November, 2017. Wet Mount Techniques and concentration methods by using salt and formolether solutions. Three hundred and eighty four cases (59.8%) were found infected with one more parasites. Most of the individuals were found infected with helminth (47.6%) as compared to intestinal protozoans (0.93%). Seventy two cases (11.2%) of the cases presented mixed infection with both intestinal protozoan and helminth parasites. The order of prevalence for intestinal helminth was Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 258, 40.1%), followed by Taeniasa ginata (n=96, 14.9%) Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 54, 8.40%) and Trichuris trichura (n=30, 4.60%). For intestinal protozoa, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (n = 36, 5.64%) was the only protozoan detected. Mono-parasitism was higher than poly-parasitism. Family size income and education level were the factors significantly (P 0.05) associated in the parasites prevalence. Current research showed that IPIs are primarily the foodborne pathogens still an important public health problem in Pakistan. Effective control programs on parasitic diseases transfer and their associated factors are recommended.
Resumo Os manipuladores de alimentos desempenham um papel fundamental na transmissão de protozoários e helmintos parasitas patogenicamente importantes. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de protozoários patogênicos intestinais e helmintos parasitas entre manipuladores de alimentos na Universidade de Malakand, Lower Dir, Paquistão. Amostras de fezes foram coletadas de 642 manipuladores de alimentos (todos do sexo masculino) em um estudo transversal de janeiro a novembro de 2017. Técnicas de montagem úmida e métodos de concentração usando soluções de sal e formol-éter. Trezentos e oitenta e quatro casos (59,8%) foram encontrados infectados com mais um parasita. A maioria dos indivíduos foi encontrada infectada por helmintos (47,6%) em comparação com protozoários intestinais (0,93%). Setenta e dois casos (11,2%) dos casos apresentavam infecção mista com protozoários intestinais e helmintos parasitas. A ordem de prevalência de helmintos intestinais foi Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 258, 40,1%), seguido por Taeniasa ginata (n = 96, 14,9%) Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 54, 8,40%) e Trichuris trichura (n = 30, 4,60 %). Para protozoários intestinais, Entamoeba histolytica / dispar (n = 36, 5,64%) foi o único protozoário detectado. Monoparasitismo foi maior do que poliparasitismo. A renda familiar e o nível de escolaridade foram os fatores significativamente (P 0,05) associados na prevalência de parasitos. A pesquisa atual mostrou que os IPIs são principalmente os patógenos de origem alimentar, ainda um importante problema de saúde pública no Paquistão. Programas eficazes de controle da transferência de doenças parasitárias e seus fatores associados são recomendados.
ABSTRACT
Food handlers plays a primary role in the transmission of pathogenically important protozoans and helminth parasites. This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal pathogenic protozoans and helminth parasites among food handlers in and around University of Malakand, Lower Dir, Pakistan. Stool samples were collected from 642 food handlers (all of male) in a cross-sectional study from January to November, 2017. Wet Mount Techniques and concentration methods by using salt and formolether solutions. Three hundred and eighty four cases (59.8%) were found infected with one more parasites. Most of the individuals were found infected with helminth (47.6%) as compared to intestinal protozoans (0.93%). Seventy two cases (11.2%) of the cases presented mixed infection with both intestinal protozoan and helminth parasites. The order of prevalence for intestinal helminth was Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 258, 40.1%), followed by Taeniasa ginata (n=96, 14.9%) Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 54, 8.40%) and Trichuris trichura (n=30, 4.60%). For intestinal protozoa, Entamoeba histolytica/díspar (n = 36, 5.64%) was the only protozoan detected. Mono-parasitism was higher than poly-parasitism. Family size income and education level were the factors significantly (P<0.05) associated in the parasites prevalence. Current research showed that IPIs are primarily the foodborne pathogens still an important public health problem in Pakistan. Effective control programs on parasitic diseases transfer and their associated factors are recommended.
Os manipuladores de alimentos desempenham um papel fundamental na transmissão de protozoários e helmintos parasitas patogenicamente importantes. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de protozoários patogênicos intestinais e helmintos parasitas entre manipuladores de alimentos na Universidade de Malakand, Lower Dir, Paquistão. Amostras de fezes foram coletadas de 642 manipuladores de alimentos (todos do sexo masculino) em um estudo transversal de janeiro a novembro de 2017. Técnicas de montagem úmida e métodos de concentração usando soluções de sal e formol-éter. Trezentos e oitenta e quatro casos (59,8%) foram encontrados infectados com mais um parasita. A maioria dos indivíduos foi encontrada infectada por helmintos (47,6%) em comparação com protozoários intestinais (0,93%). Setenta e dois casos (11,2%) dos casos apresentavam infecção mista com protozoários intestinais e helmintos parasitas. A ordem de prevalência de helmintos intestinais foi Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 258, 40,1%), seguido por Taeniasa ginata (n = 96, 14,9%) Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 54, 8,40%) e Trichuris trichura (n = 30, 4,60 %). Para protozoários intestinais, Entamoeba histolytica / dispar (n = 36, 5,64%) foi o único protozoário detectado. Monoparasitismo foi maior do que poliparasitismo. A renda familiar e o nível de escolaridade foram os fatores significativamente (P <0,05) associados na prevalência de parasitos. A pesquisa atual mostrou que os IPIs são principalmente os patógenos de origem alimentar, ainda um importante problema de saúde pública no Paquistão. Programas eficazes de controle da transferência de doenças parasitárias e seus fatores associados são recomendados.
Subject(s)
Humans , Animals , Male , Parasites , Helminths , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology , Pakistan/epidemiology , Public Health , Prevalence , Cross-Sectional Studies , FecesABSTRACT
Aims:This study aimed at determining the prevalence, infection intensities and risk factors associated with Schistosomiasis (SCH) and Soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) among school aged children (SAC) in Tiko Health District (THD). Study Design: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three health areas (Likomba, Holforth and Tiko town) in Tiko Health District.Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in THD from July to October, 2018.Methodology:The study included 464 children of both sexes aged between 4 –15 years. Stool and urine samples were collected from 464 children and processed using the Kato Katz and Urine filtration techniques respectively. Information on socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors were collected using structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 with statistical significance set at p< 0.05.Results:Of the 464 SAC examined, the overall prevalence of Schistosomiasis, STH and Schistosomiasis/STH co-infection rate in THD was 16.16%, 14.44% and 0.43% respectively. Females (18.98%; 14.81%) were more infected with Schistosomiasis when compared to STH than males (13.71%; 14.11%). The order of STH prevalence observed was Ascariasis (9.27%) > Hookworm disease (3.88%) > Trichuriasis (1.29%). The mean infection intensity for Urinary Schistosomiasis and STH was 4.36 eggs per 10ml and 11.74 eggs per gram (EPG) respectively. SAC residing in Likomba HA were significantly at higher risk of Schistosomiasis (aOR: 4.40, P=0.008) and STH (aOR: 2.14, P= 0.031). Use of tap water was associated with STH.Conclusion: Tiko Health District can be considered as a moderate-risk zone for Schistosomiasis and a low risk zone for STH infection according to WHO classification
ABSTRACT
Background: Highest intensity of soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is seen among school age children. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence and factors associated with STH infection among school age children of 5-14 years in a rural area of Coimbatore district.Methods: After getting ethical clearance, five of the fourteen villages of Vedapatti were selected by cluster sampling method. Totally 819 participated in the survey conducted between November 2015-July 2016 in the field practice area. Consent from parents and assent from child were obtained. Structured questionnaire was used to collect information. Totally 610 gave one adequate stool sample. Early morning samples were collected and transported to the laboratory within four hours. Formal ether concentration method was performed and examination was done. Data analysis was done with SPSS-19 software. Prevalence is expressed in percentage with 95% confidence interval (CI). Univariate and Multivariate analysis were performed. Strength of association was expressed in terms of odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The prevalence of STH was 7.70% (95% CI: 5.58- 9.82). Ascaris lumbricoides was highly prevalent 6.9% (4.89% to 8.91%) followed by hook worm 0.2(0.15% to 0.55%) and Trichuris trichura 0.7%(0.04% to 1.36%). Uni variate and Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that pucca houses offered protection against STH.Conclusions: STH is still a public health problem in Coimbatore. When regular deworming is accompanied by appropriate sanitation and hygiene activities designed to prevent re infection of STH, a long-term impact can be achieved.
ABSTRACT
@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objectives:</strong> This research study aims to conduct a systematic review and critical appraisal of the quality of the existing peer-reviewed journal literature looking into the economic evaluation of control strategies used in parasitic diseases (i.e., STH and schistosomiasis).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods:</strong> Database searches were conducted in Embase, Science Direct, Medline, CINAHL, Econ Lit, and Academic Search Elite, by using search keywords or phrases. Using the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, a review of published online articles between January 1990 and December 2012 was conducted. Aside from the set of good practice guidelines in conducting economic evaluations, assessment of the quality of economic evaluations was also carried out following the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results:</strong> Given the inclusion and exclusion criteria set by this review, we systematically reviewed thirteen shortlisted samples of economic analysis studies. The current systematic review shows a wide variety of methodological approaches across studies, including differences in the type of economic evaluation, perspective, time horizon, approach, and adjustments for timing and certainty used.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> In general, the economic evaluation studies that have been examined in this review have complied with the set of criteria of good practice in conducting an economic evaluation and that it can be considered helpful in making decisions and in understanding the economics of controlling these parasitic diseases.</p>
Subject(s)
Cost-Benefit Analysis , SchistosomiasisABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION@#This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of immature Magnifera indica L. (mango) fruit with albendazole in reducing Ascaris lumbricoides infection among children.@*METHODS@#Children aged 2 to 14 years were enrolled in a randomized, controlled, non-inferiority trial. Participants were randomly allocated to receive 250 mL immature mango fruit puree daily for 3 days or one dose of albendazole 400 mg tablet. Egg reduction rates and cure rates were computed and compared. Adverse effects were monitored during and after administration of treatment.@*RESULTS@#There was a statistically significant decrease between the pre- and post-treatment EPG of those who took immature mango fruit (p < 0.001) and those who took albendazole (p < 0.001). There was a higher ERR and CR for the albendazole group, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.472, p = 785, respectively). Risk analysis of reduction in intensity showed mango is non-inferior to albendazole (RR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.67, 0.97; p = 0.026). Risk analysis of cure showed mango is noninferior to albendazole in both PP (RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.68, 1.25; p = 0.607) and ITT (RR=0.79, 95% CI 0.58, 1.08; p = 0.139).@*CONCLUSION@#Immature Mangifera indica Linn is non-inferior to albendazole in terms of effectiveness in the reduction of ascariasis infection.
Subject(s)
AscariasisABSTRACT
Trichuris trichiura is a soil-transmitted helminth which is prevalent in warm, moist, tropical and subtropical regions of the world with poor sanitation. Heavy whipworm can result either in Trichuris dysenteric syndrome - especially in children - or in a chronic colitis. In heavy infections, worms can spread proximally and may cause ileitis. Here we provide first microscopic evidence for a T. trichiura adult worm embedded in the rectum of a post-Colonial Brazilian adult mummy. During Colonial and post-Colonial times, many European chroniclers described a parasitic disease named Maculo whose symptomatology coincides with heavy helminthiasis. Based on our findings and on comparison of ancient textual evidence with modern description of heavy whipworm, we feel confident in considering that the two syndromes are expressions of the same pathological condition.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Male , Mice , Dietary Supplements , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/diet therapy , Hyperglycemia/prevention & control , Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use , Liriope Plant/chemistry , Plant Tubers/chemistry , Polysaccharides/therapeutic use , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/blood , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/pathology , Dietary Supplements/adverse effects , Ethnopharmacology , Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic , Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage , Hypoglycemic Agents/adverse effects , Hypoglycemic Agents/isolation & purification , Insulin Resistance , Liver Glycogen/metabolism , Liver/enzymology , Liver/metabolism , Liver/pathology , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Pancreas/metabolism , Pancreas/pathology , Plant Extracts/administration & dosage , Plant Extracts/adverse effects , Plant Extracts/isolation & purification , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Polysaccharides/administration & dosage , Polysaccharides/adverse effects , Polysaccharides/isolation & purification , Random Allocation , Rats, Wistar , Toxicity Tests, AcuteABSTRACT
Egypt has been plagued by many neglected tropical diseases since Pharaonic time. These diseases are Schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, lymphatic filariasis, leishmaniasis and fascioliasis beside the epidermal parasitic skin diseases. Indeed, theses diseases still persist as public health problem in the country by the influence of demographic, socioeconomic and environmental obstacles. This study seeks for understanding the contribution of each factor in each obstacle in neglected tropical diseases perpetuation which in turn could help the governorate in planning integrated control strategies. It was found that poverty, unregulated urbanization and inadequate sanitation are important socioeconomic factors that have great effect on the transmission dynamics of the diseases. The environmental factors which affect the epidemiology of these diseases in the country are scarcity of water, construction of dams, land reclamation for agriculture beside the climate factors. Unfortunately, the panic increase in the population growth rate minimizes the efforts done by the governorate to elevate the public health services. These conditions also affect the transmission of epidermal parasitic skin diseases including scabies, head lice and hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans. The control programs and the recommendations to combat the diseases were discussed. The present study showed that the ecological factors affecting each neglected tropical disease in Egypt are somewhat similar which makes it worthy to develop an integrated control approaches aiming at improving the leading factors of neglected tropical diseases circulation in the country.
ABSTRACT
Egypt has been plagued by many neglected tropical diseases since Pharaonic time. These diseases are Schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, lymphatic filariasis, leishmaniasis and fascioliasis beside the epidermal parasitic skin diseases. Indeed, theses diseases still persist as public health problem in the country by the influence of demographic, socioeconomic and environmental obstacles. This study seeks for understanding the contribution of each factor in each obstacle in neglected tropical diseases perpetuation which in turn could help the governorate in planning integrated control strategies. It was found that poverty, unregulated urbanization and inadequate sanitation are important socioeconomic factors that have great effect on the transmission dynamics of the diseases. The environmental factors which affect the epidemiology of these diseases in the country are scarcity of water, construction of dams, land reclamation for agriculture beside the climate factors. Unfortunately, the panic increase in the population growth rate minimizes the efforts done by the governorate to elevate the public health services. These conditions also affect the transmission of epidermal parasitic skin diseases including scabies, head lice and hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans. The control programs and the recommendations to combat the diseases were discussed. The present study showed that the ecological factors affecting each neglected tropical disease in Egypt are somewhat similar which makes it worthy to develop an integrated control approaches aiming at improving the leading factors of neglected tropical diseases circulation in the country.