In: Biology
Search for the following infections; Amebiasis, Trypanosomiasis, Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, Malaria, Schistosomiasis, Paragonimiasis, and Filariasis, using the CDC and WHO web site for parasite infections. Millions of people are infected globally by these parasites and thousands to millions die annually, particularly children. a) What are the geographic regions considered endemic for these infections? b) Name 2 countries for each infection within a region. c) What geographic areas have witnessed emerging, re-emerging, reduced transmission or elimination of infections? d) Specifically, what information is provided regarding the WHO's efforts or response in vaccine, treatment or control strategies?
a) What are the geographic regions considered endemic for these infections? b) Name 2 countries for each infection within a region.
Amebiasis,: often in regions of world that include Mexico, south western America, Central America, western and souther Africa and South Asia.
Trypanosomiasis,: in rural Africa
Leishmaniasis,: world wide distribution
Chagas disease,: the 21 Latin American countries.
Malaria,: greatest transmission is in Africa south of Sahara as well as in certain parts of Oceania such as Papua New Guinea.
Schistosomiasis,: prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas
Paragonimiasis,: Asia, north and South America and Africa.
Filariasis,: Haiti, Dominican Republic, brazil and Guyana .
d) Specifically, what information is provided regarding the WHO's efforts or response in vaccine, treatment or control strategies?
Amebiasis,: treatment is through metronidazole or tinidazole along with paromysin or iodonoquinol.
Trypanosomiasis,: diagnosis is through serological tests and looking for clinical symptoms. Diagnosis has to be done soon enough so as to avoid progressive stages. Treatment drugs include melarsoprol, nifurtimox and eflornithine.
Leishmaniasis,: early diagnosis has to be done along with treatment using anti leishmania medicine. Control is by using insecticide spray or by the use of nets or environmental management as well as personal protection equipment.
Schistosomiasis,: control is on focusing through reducing disease by targeted treatment by praziquantel. Also, sanitation improvement, snail control and hygiene education
Paragonimiasis,: diagnosis is done on the basis of a picture, where tests have to be conducted to rule out tuberculosis. There are techniques that determine the eggs in the stool sample through immunological techniques. Control is through information, and educating the people.
Filariasis,: programs are being implemented in almost 50 countries which are helping in reduction of filariasis parasite transmission and decreasing the infection risk for people and communities.