Zoonotic transmission of intestinal helminths in southeast Asia: Implications for control and elimination

Betson, M. et al. (2020) Zoonotic transmission of intestinal helminths in southeast Asia: Implications for control and elimination. In: Rollinson, D. and Stothard, R. (eds.) Advances in Parasitology, Volume 108. Series: Advances in parasitology. Academic Press, pp. 47-131. ISBN 9780128207505 (doi: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.036)

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Abstract

Intestinal helminths are extremely widespread and highly prevalent infections of humans, particularly in rural and poor urban areas of low and middle-income countries. These parasites have chronic and often insidious effects on human health and child development including abdominal problems, anaemia, stunting and wasting. Certain animals play a fundamental role in the transmission of many intestinal helminths to humans. However, the contribution of zoonotic transmission to the overall burden of human intestinal helminth infection and the relative importance of different animal reservoirs remains incomplete. Moreover, control programmes and transmission models for intestinal helminths often do not consider the role of zoonotic reservoirs of infection. Such reservoirs will become increasingly important as control is scaled up and there is a move towards interruption and even elimination of parasite transmission. With a focus on southeast Asia, and the Philippines in particular, this review summarises the major zoonotic intestinal helminths, risk factors for infection and highlights knowledge gaps related to their epidemiology and transmission. Various methodologies are discussed, including parasite genomics, mathematical modelling and socio-economic analysis, that could be employed to improve understanding of intestinal helminth spread, reservoir attribution and the burden associated with infection, as well as assess effectiveness of interventions. For sustainable control and ultimately elimination of intestinal helminths, there is a need to move beyond scheduled mass deworming and to consider animal and environmental reservoirs. A One Health approach to control of intestinal helminths is proposed, integrating interventions targeting humans, animals and the environment, including improved access to water, hygiene and sanitation. This will require coordination and collaboration across different sectors to achieve best health outcomes for all.

Item Type:Book Sections
Additional Information:This work was supported by the Newton Fund through the Medical Research Council (UK) and the Philippines Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (Philippines).
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Clark, Dr Jessica
Authors: Betson, M., Alonte, A. J. I., Ancog, R. C., Aquino, A. M. O., Belizario, V. Y., Bordado, A. M. D., Clark, J., Corales, M. C. G., Dacuma, M. G., Divina, B. P., Dixon, M. A., Gourley, S. A., Jimenez, J. R. D., Jones, B. P., Manalo, S. M. P., Prada, J. M., van Vliet, A. H.M., Whatley, K. C.L., and Paller, V. G. V.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Publisher:Academic Press
ISBN:9780128207505
Published Online:27 February 2020

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