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Current epidemiological evidence for predisposition to high or low intensity human helminth infection: a systematic review

Wright J.E., Werkman M., Dunn J.C. et al Parasites and Vectors (2018) C2

Background: The human helminth infections include ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm infections, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis (LF) and onchocerciasis. It is estimated that almost 2 billion people worldwide are infected with helminths. Whilst the WHO treatment guidelines for helminth infecti...ons are mostly aimed at controlling morbidity, there has been a recent shift with some countries moving towards goals of disease elimination through mass drug administration, especially for LF and onchocerciasis. However, as prevalence is driven lower, treating entire populations may no longer be the most efficient or cost-effective strategy. Instead, it may be beneficial to identify individuals or demographic groups who are persistently infected, often termed as being “predisposed” to infection, and target treatment at them. Methods: The authors searched Embase, MEDLINE, Global Health, and Web of Science for all English language, humanbased papers investigating predisposition to helminth infections published up to October 31st, 2017. The varying definitions used to describe predisposition, and the statistical tests used to determine its presence, are summarised. Evidence for predisposition is presented, stratified by helminth species, and risk factors for predisposition to infection are identified and discussed. Results: In total, 43 papers were identified, summarising results from 34 different studies in 23 countries. Consistent evidence of predisposition to infection with certain species of human helminth was identified. Children were regularly found to experience greater predisposition to Ascaris lumbricoides, Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium than adults. Females were found to be more predisposed to A. lumbricoides infection than were males. Household clustering of infection was identified for A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and S. japonicum. Ascaris lumbricoides and T. trichiura also showed evidence of familial predisposition. Whilst strong evidence for predisposition to hookworm infection was identified, findings with regards to which groups were affected were considerably more varied than for other helminth species. Conclusion: This review has found consistent evidence of predisposition to heavy (and light) infection for certain human helminth species. However, further research is needed to identify reasons for the reported differences between demographic groups. Molecular epidemiological methods associated with whole genome sequencing to determine ‘who infects whom’ may shed more light on the factors generating predisposition. more

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Development assistance for neglected tropical diseases: progress since 2009

Bernhard H. Liese, Natalia Houghton and Lyubov Teplitskaya International Health (2014) C1

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is an umbrella term for a diverse group of debilitating infections that represent the most common afflictions for 2.7 billion people living on less than US$2 per day. Major efforts have recently re-focused attention on NTDs, including structured advocacy by the Bil... more

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Malaria action plan for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 2022-2030

World Health Organisation (WHO) (2023) C_WHO

This action plan is intended for senior-level decision-makers in ministries of health, malaria programme managers, entomologists, and epidemiologists working on malaria and other vectorborne diseases programmes. It is also intended for decision-makers and technical and advocacy staff at other orga... more

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Informe sobre el control del tabaco en la Región de las Américas, 2018

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) (2018) C_WHO

Also available in English. Esta nueva edición del Informe sobre control del tabaco en la Región de las Américas presenta la situación actual y las tendencias de la epidemia del tabaquismo en la Región de las Américas, así como de la aplicación de seis medidas efectivas para combatirla conoc... more

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Cómo diagnosticar y tratar la lepra

ILEP (2002) CC

La Guía de Aprendizaje 1 es para todos los profesionales sanitarios que tratan a personas con lepra. Contiene consejos prácticos sobre cómo diagnosticar y dar el tratamiento adecuado para la lepra. Incluye también información básica sobre cómo reconocer y tratar las leprorreacciones. Este lib... more

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Developing a Stigma Reduction Initiative

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHASA (2006) C2

This kit, “Developing a Stigma Reduction Initiative,” is designed to support the activities of those who plan to mount a statewide, regional, or local effort to address and counter stigma and discrimination. It is intended for use by local mental health advocates, consumers of mental health serv... more

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Rights in the time of COVID-19 — Lessons from HIV for an effective, community-led response

UNAIDS (2020) CC

Right now, we are facing an unpredictable and highly dynamic situation as a global community. However, as we have seen from the solidarity, support and power of communities in the HIV epidemic and already in communities responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the response must not be fear and stigma. W... more