Modeling Transmission Dynamics and Control of Vector-Borne Neglected Tropical Diseases

The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has been ravaging numerous coastal and inland communities with excessive flooding and drought conditions, causing immense economic loss, and the incidence of many neglected tropical diseases. Affecting over 60 million people directly, El Niño remains one of the greatest enigmas to human health, and combined with the ever-escalating global climate crisis, El Niño events are only projected to increase in magnitude in the coming years (WHO, 2016).

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Commentary by Spear, R. on “Integration of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for the Prevention and Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Rationale for Inter-Sectoral Collaboration:” Can the Control of NTDs Profit from a Good WASH?

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

10.1371/journal.pntd.0002473 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 7 (9) ◽

pp. e2473 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Robert C. Spear

Keyword(s):

Prevention And Control ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Sanitation And Hygiene ◽

And Control

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Neglected tropical diseases: operational research for elimination and control [Editorial]

Public Health Action ◽

10.5588/pha.12.0054 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 45-46 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Johan van Griensven

Keyword(s):

Operational Research ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

And Control

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Neglected tropical diseases and disability—what is the link?

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene ◽

10.1093/trstmh/trz001 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 113 (12) ◽

pp. 839-844 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Hannah Kuper

Keyword(s):

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

People With Disabilities ◽

Assistive Devices ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Physical Impairments ◽

Disability Awareness ◽

And Control ◽

Global Population

AbstractNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of infectious conditions that vary in their epidemiology, impact and control. They are among the most common conditions globally, affecting approximately one billion people. Many NTDs have long-term consequences, such as visual and physical impairments. As a result, people with NTDs may have difficulties in carrying out activities or participating in society—in other words, NTDs can cause disabilities. Additionally, NTDs are often strongly linked to stigma and can have mental health consequences. It is therefore important to incorporate rehabilitation within NTD programmes. Rehabilitation can be conceptualized narrowly in terms of the provision of clinical services (e.g. physiotherapy and assistive devices) or, more broadly, including efforts to improve employment, overcome stigma and enhance social participation of people with disabilities. Approximately 15% of the global population has a disability, and this large group must be considered when designing NTD programmes. Improving the inclusion of people with disabilities may require adaptations to NTD programmes, such as making them physically accessible or training staff about disability awareness. Without incorporating disability within NTD programmes, the quality of life of people with NTDs will suffer and global targets for elimination and management of NTDs will not be met.

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Schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis and Chagas disease: the leading imported neglected tropical diseases in Italy

Journal of Travel Medicine ◽

10.1093/jtm/taz100 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Lorenzo Zammarchi ◽

Federico Gobbi ◽

Andrea Angheben ◽

Michele Spinicci ◽

Dora Buonfrate ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chagas Disease ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Agar Plate ◽

Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽

Stool Culture ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Foreign Born ◽

National Policies ◽

And Control

Abstract Background In recent years, an increasing number of individuals affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have been observed in Italy, due to migration, international travels and climate changes. Reliable data on the current NTD epidemiology in Italy and the health system preparedness on this issue are not available. Methods We report the results of a survey on selected NTDs (schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, echinococcosis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, cysticercosis, filariasis and scabies) in nine Italian sentinel centres, in order to investigate their occurrence throughout the country and identify which ones are a priority for public health interventions, development of protocols for case management, and training activities. To explore the preparedness of the centres, we investigate the availability of specific diagnostic tools and drugs, needed for the management of the most common NTDs. We also reviewed and summarized the available national policies, recommendations and guidelines on NTDs in Italy. Results Overall, 4123 NTDs cases were diagnosed in nine Italian centres within a 7-year period (2011–2017). Schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis were the most common NTDs, accounting for about one-third each of all the diagnosed cases, followed by Chagas disease. The number of cases showed a significant trend to increase over time, mainly due to foreign-born subjects. Serology for Schistosoma spp. and Strongyloides stercoralis was available in seven and five centres, respectively. Agar plate stool culture for S. stercoralis was available in three sites. Ivermectin and praziquantel were always available in six centres. Six national policies, recommendations and guidelines documents were available, but for the most part, they are not fully implemented yet. Conclusions This survey showed how some NTDs, such as schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis, are becoming more common in Italy, due to multiple components. A list of seven key actions was proposed, in order to improve diagnosis, management and control of NTDs in Italy.

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