scholarly journals Recent Advances in Next Generation Snakebite Antivenoms

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilie Knudsen ◽  
Andreas Hougaard Laustsen
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Development Effort ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Research Groups ◽  
Recent Advances ◽  
The World

With the inclusion of snakebite envenoming on the World Health Organisation’s list of Neglected Tropical Diseases, an incentive has been established to promote research and development effort in novel snakebite antivenom therapies. Different technological approaches are being pursued by different research groups, including the use of small molecule inhibitors against enzymatic toxins, as well as peptide and oligonucleotide-based aptamers and antibody-based biotherapeutics against both enzymatic and non-enzymatic toxins. In this article, the most recent advances in these fields are presented, and the advantages, disadvantages, and feasibility of using different toxin-neutralizing molecules are reviewed. Particular focus within small molecules is directed towards the inhibitors, varespladib, batimastat, and marimastat, while in the field of antibody-based therapies, novel recombinant polyclonal plantivenom technology is discussed.

Heterocycles in the Treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kush K. Maheshwari ◽  
Debasish Bandyopadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Heterocyclic Compounds ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Concise Review ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect a huge population of the world and majority of the victims belong to the poor community of the developing countries. Until now, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 20 tropical diseases as NTDs that must be addressed with high priority. However, many heterocyclic scaffolds have demonstrated potent therapeutic activity against several NTDs. Objective: There are three major objectives: (1) To discuss the causes, symptoms, and current status of all the 20 NTDs; (2) To explore the available heterocyclic drugs, and their mechanism of actions (if known) that are being used to treat NTDs; (3) To develop general awareness on NTDs among the medicinal/health research community and beyond. Methods: The 20 NTDs have been discussed according to their alphabetic orders along with the possible heterocyclic remedies. Current status of treatment with an emphasis on the heterocyclic drugs (commercially available and investigational) has been outlined. In addition, brief discussion of the impacts of NTDs on socio-economic condition is included. Results: NTDs are often difficult to diagnose and the problem is worsened by the unhealthy hygiene, improper awareness, and inadequate healthcare in the developing countries where these diseases primarily affect poor people. The statistics include duration of suffering, numbers affected, and access to healthcare and medication. The mechanism of actions of various heterocyclic drugs, if reported, have been briefly summarized. Conclusion: Scientists and pharmaceutical corporations should allocate more resources to reveal the in-depth mechanism of actions of many heterocyclic drugs that are currently being used for the treatment of NTDs. Analysis of current heterocyclic compounds and development of new medications can help in the fight to reduce/remove the devastating effects of NTDs. An opinion-based concise review has been presented. Based on available literature, this is the first effect to present all the 20 NTDs and related heterocyclic compounds under the same umbrella.

scholarly journals Establishing an international laboratory network for neglected tropical diseases: Understanding existing capacity in five WHO regions

F1000Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 1464
Author(s):  
Laura Dean ◽  
Janet Njelesani ◽  
Charles Mulamba ◽  
Russell Dacombe ◽  
Pamela S. Mbabazi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
International Standards ◽  
World Health ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
The Status

Background. Limited laboratory capacity is a significant bottleneck in meeting global targets for the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTD). Laboratories are essential for providing clinical data and monitoring data about the status and changes in NTD prevalence, and for detecting early drug resistance. Currently NTD laboratory networks are informal and specialist laboratory expertise is not well publicised, making it difficult to share global expertise and provide training, supervision, and quality assurance for NTD diagnosis and research. This study aimed to identify laboratories within five World Health Organisation regions (South-East Asia, Eastern Mediterranean, Americas, Western Pacific and Europe) that provide NTD services and could be regarded as national or regional reference laboratories, and to conduct a survey to document their networks and capacity to support NTD programmes. Methods. Potential NTD reference laboratories were identified through systematic searches, snowball sampling and key informants. Results. Thirty-two laboratories responded to the survey. The laboratories covered 25 different NTDs and their main regional and national roles were to provide technical support and training, research, test validation and standard setting. Two thirds of the laboratories were based in academic institutions and almost half had less than 11 staff. Although greater than 90 per cent of the laboratories had adequate technical skills to function as an NTD reference laboratory, almost all laboratories lacked systems for external verification that their results met international standards. Conclusions. This study highlights that although  many laboratories believed they could act as a reference laboratory, only a few had all the characteristics required to fulfil this role as they fell short in the standard and quality assurance of laboratory processes. Networks of high quality laboratories are essential for the control and elimination of disease and this study presents a critical first step in the development of such networks for NTDs.

scholarly journals The untapped cell biology of neglected tropical diseases

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 739-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
High Probability ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

The World Health Organization lists a constellation of 17 tropical diseases that afflict approximately one in six individuals on the planet and, until recently, few resources have been devoted to the treatment and eradication of those diseases. They are often referred to as the diseases of the “bottom billion,” because they are most prevalent among the poorest individuals in impoverished tropical nations. However, the few studies that have been performed reveal an extraordinary world of molecular and cellular adaptations that facilitate the pathogens’ survival in hosts ranging from insects to humans. A compelling case can be made that even a modest investment toward understanding the basic molecular and cell biology of these neglected pathogens has a high probability of yielding exciting new cellular mechanisms and insights into novel ways of combating these diseases.

scholarly journals Neglected tropical diseases in Brazil

2009 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 247-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Angelo L. Lindoso ◽  
Ana Angélica B.P. Lindoso
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
The North ◽  
The World ◽  
The Status ◽  
Health Organization

Poverty is intrinsically related to the incidence of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The main countries that have the lowest human development indices (HDI) and the highest burdens of NTDs are located in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Among these countries is Brazil, which is ranked 70th in HDI. Nine out of the ten NTDs established by the World Health Organization (WHO) are present in Brazil. Leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, dengue fever and leprosy are present over almost the entire Brazilian territory. More than 90% of malaria cases occur in the Northern region of the country, and lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis occur in outbreaks in a particular region. The North and Northeast regions of Brazil have the lowest HDIs and the highest rates of NTDs. These diseases are considered neglected because there is not important investment in projects for the development of new drugs and vaccines and existing programs to control these diseases are not sufficient. Another problem related to NTDs is co-infection with HIV, which favors the occurrence of severe clinical manifestations and therapeutic failure. In this article, we describe the status of the main NTDs currently occurring in Brazil and relate them to the HDI and poverty.

scholarly journals New global targets for NTDs in the WHO roadmap 2021–2030

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. e0009373
Author(s):  
Adriano Casulli
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Neglected Diseases ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
And Control ◽  
Second World

The second World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day was celebrated on 30 January 2021. To mark the occasion, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its roadmap for NTDs for the period 2021 to 2030, which is aimed at increasing prevention and control of these too-long neglected diseases. Described here is a global overview on past achievements, current challenges, and future prospects for the WHO NTDs roadmap 2021–2030.

scholarly journals Strengthening data collection for neglected tropical diseases: What data are needed for models to better inform tailored intervention programmes?

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. e0009351
Author(s):  
Jaspreet Toor ◽  
Jonathan I. D. Hamley ◽  
Claudio Fronterre ◽  
María Soledad Castaño ◽  
Lloyd A. C. Chapman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Human African Trypanosomiasis ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Tailored Intervention ◽  
Specific Data ◽  
Tailored Interventions ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Locally tailored interventions for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are becoming increasingly important for ensuring that the World Health Organization (WHO) goals for control and elimination are reached. Mathematical models, such as those developed by the NTD Modelling Consortium, are able to offer recommendations on interventions but remain constrained by the data currently available. Data collection for NTDs needs to be strengthened as better data are required to indirectly inform transmission in an area. Addressing specific data needs will improve our modelling recommendations, enabling more accurate tailoring of interventions and assessment of their progress. In this collection, we discuss the data needs for several NTDs, specifically gambiense human African trypanosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths (STH), trachoma, and visceral leishmaniasis. Similarities in the data needs for these NTDs highlight the potential for integration across these diseases and where possible, a wider spectrum of diseases.

scholarly journals Establishing an international laboratory network for neglected tropical diseases: Understanding existing capacity in five WHO regions

F1000Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 1464
Author(s):  
Laura Dean ◽  
Janet Njelesani ◽  
Charles Mulamba ◽  
Russell Dacombe ◽  
Pamela S. Mbabazi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
International Standards ◽  
World Health ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
The Status

Background. Limited laboratory capacity is a significant bottleneck in meeting global targets for the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTD). Laboratories are essential for providing clinical data and monitoring data about the status and changes in NTD prevalence, and for detecting early drug resistance. Currently NTD laboratory networks are informal and specialist laboratory expertise is not well publicised, making it difficult to share global expertise and provide training, supervision, and quality assurance for NTD diagnosis and research. This study aimed to identify laboratories within five World Health Organisation regions (South-East Asia, Eastern Mediterranean, Americas, Western Pacific and Europe) that provide NTD services and could be regarded as national or regional reference laboratories, and to conduct a survey to document their networks and capacity to support NTD programmes. Methods. Potential NTD reference laboratories were identified through systematic searches, snowball sampling and key informants. Results. Thirty-two laboratories responded to the survey. The laboratories covered 25 different NTDs and their main regional and national roles were to provide technical support and training, research, test validation and standard setting. Two thirds of the laboratories were based in academic institutions and almost half had less than 11 staff. Although greater than 90 per cent of the laboratories had adequate technical skills to function as an NTD reference laboratory, almost all laboratories lacked systems for external verification that their results met international standards. Conclusions. This study highlights that although  many laboratories believed they could act as a reference laboratory, only a few had all the characteristics required to fulfil this role as they fell short in the standard and quality assurance of laboratory processes. Networks of high quality laboratories are essential for the control and elimination of disease and this study presents a critical first step in the development of such networks for NTDs.

The Global Politics of Neglected Tropical Diseases

2019 ◽  
pp. 567-582
Author(s):  
Obijiofor Aginam
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
International Health ◽  
Global Politics ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Cost

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of diseases that are prevalent among the poorest populations of the world. They pose a formidable obstacle to the socioeconomic development of the already impoverished communities where they are prevalent. Over the past several decades the World Health Organization (WHO)—as the directing and coordinating authority on international health work—has led global efforts to tackle the mortality and morbidity burdens of NTDs. In partnership with other actors, WHO’s global NTD Plan and Roadmap have oscillated between the politics and financial constraints of the organisation as an intergovernmental organisation of sovereign states and the lack of incentives to catalyse private and corporate actors towards effective action. The global politics of NTDs is now firmly anchored on public-private partnerships. These partnerships nonetheless raise questions about the moral obligation towards underwriting the cost of eradicating these diseases in the developing world. The chapter argues that enlightened self-interest and humanitarianism should compel the industrialised world towards a pragmatic action to address the mortality and morbidity burdens of NTDs among the poorest populations of the world.

scholarly journals Schistosomiasis and neglected tropical diseases: towards integrated and sustainable control and a word of caution

Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 136 (13) ◽  
pp. 1859-1874 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. UTZINGER ◽  
G. RASO ◽  
S. BROOKER ◽  
D. DE SAVIGNY ◽  
M. TANNER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Risk ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
World Health ◽  
Central Feature ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
The World ◽  
Geospatial Tools

SUMMARYIn May 2001, the World Health Assembly (WHA) passed a resolution which urged member states to attain, by 2010, a minimum target of regularly administering anthelminthic drugs to at least 75% and up to 100% of all school-aged children at risk of morbidity. The refined global strategy for the prevention and control of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis was issued in the following year and large-scale administration of anthelminthic drugs endorsed as the central feature. This strategy has subsequently been termed ‘preventive chemotherapy’. Clearly, the 2001 WHA resolution led the way for concurrently controlling multiple neglected tropical diseases. In this paper, we recall the schistosomiasis situation in Africa in mid-2003. Adhering to strategic guidelines issued by the World Health Organization, we estimate the projected annual treatment needs with praziquantel among the school-aged population and critically discuss these estimates. The important role of geospatial tools for disease risk mapping, surveillance and predictions for resource allocation is emphasised. We clarify that schistosomiasis is only one of many neglected tropical diseases and that considerable uncertainties remain regarding global burden estimates. We examine new control initiatives targeting schistosomiasis and other tropical diseases that are often neglected. The prospect and challenges of integrated control are discussed and the need for combining biomedical, educational and engineering strategies and geospatial tools for sustainable disease control are highlighted. We conclude that, for achieving integrated and sustainable control of neglected tropical diseases, a set of interventions must be tailored to a given endemic setting and fine-tuned over time in response to the changing nature and impact of control. Consequently, besides the environment, the prevailing demographic, health and social systems contexts need to be considered.

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