StrongNet: an international network to improve diagnostics and access to treatment for strongyloidiasis control

Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
Albonico, Marco;Becker, Sören L.;Odermatt, Peter;Angheben, Andrea;Anselmi, Mariella;Amor, Arancha;Barda, Beatrice;Buonfrate, Dora;Cooper, Philip;Gétaz, Laurent;Keiser, Jennifer;Khieu, Virak;Montresor, Antonio;Muñoz, José;Requena-Méndez, Ana;Savioli, Lorenzo;Speare, Richard;Steinmann, Peter;van Lieshout, Lisette;Utzinger, Jürg;Bisoffi, Zeno
Abstract

[Extract] Strongyloidiasis is a disease caused by an infection with a soil-transmitted helminth that affects, according to largely varying estimates, between 30 million and 370 million people worldwide [1,2]. Not officially listed as a neglected tropical disease (NTD), strongyloidiasis stands out as particularly overlooked [3]. Indeed, there is a paucity of research and public health efforts pertaining to strongyloidiasis. Hence, clinical, diagnostic, epidemiologic, treatment, and control aspects are not adequately addressed to allow for an effective management of the disease, both in clinical medicine and in public health programs [4]. The manifold signs and symptoms caused by Strongyloides stercoralis infection, coupled with the helminth’s unique potential to cause lifelong, persistent infection, make strongyloidiasis relevant beyond tropical and subtropical geographic regions, where, however, most of the disease burden is concentrated. Indeed, strongyloidiasis is acquired through contact with contaminated soil, and the infection is, thus, primarily transmitted in areas with poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean water, and lack of hygiene.

Journal

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases

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Volume

10

ISBN/ISSN

1935-2735

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Issue

9

Pages Count

12

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Publisher

Public Library of Science

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DOI

10.1371/journal.pntd.0004898