Neglected tropical diseases Flashcards
Which part of the world has the highest prevalence of nine neglected tropical diseases?
Sub-Saharan Africa
What is Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), describe its life cycle, the consequences it has on the person (chronic and life threatening), and the treatment?
- Blood-borne fluke of Schistosoma
- 2 species dominate in Africa
- Chronic and debilitating
- It affects the poorest
Life cycle:
Worms lay eggs in blood vessels, the eggs travels round the body to intestines/ bladder. They hatch to produce Larvae which then reproduce. Wherever there are fresh water people are largely infected.
Chronic health problems:
Inflammation and fibrosis of the bladder wall, colon, liver, spleen, lungs
Life threatening consequences:
Bladder cancer, portal hypertension, hematemesis (vomiting blood)
Treatment
Miracle drug Praziquantel - kills adult schistosomes
What is female genital schistosomiasis and what does it lead to an increased risk of?
Urinary schistosomiasis in females causes genital lesions as eggs are trapped in the cervix
Linked to increased HIV risk
What are the effects of soil-transmitted helminth infections “worms”, and what are the treatment options?
STHs lead to stunting and decreased school performance in children
2 miracle drugs: Albendazole and Mebendazole
Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) - what is the vector of tranmission, its effects and treatment?
Uses vector blackfly
Causes blindness and severe skin disease
Treatment with Mectizan
Lymphatic Filariasis - what is it transmitted by, what is the treatment in different places around the world?
Transmitted by mosquitoes
Annual treatment prevent transmission
Albendazole with Mectizan in Africa, Albendazole with DEC in Asia and Far East
- Prevents new infections and
after 6 years could lead to elimination
What is blinding trachoma and the treatment?
World’s leading cause of preventable blindness…
Miracle drug:
Zithromax
For which diseases does WHO recommend Mass Drug Administration?
- Intestinal helminths
- LF
- Schistosomiasis
- onchocerciasis
- trachoma
What is done to control neglected tropical diseases?
- Mapping
- Advocacy using evidence
- Stakeholders meet
- Strategic plans – National Master Plan developed drugs ordered
- Health education material
- Training at all levels
- Clear drugs and distribute them
- Treatment (schools)
- Coverage surveys
What do we need for donated drugs to get delivered to those who need them?
- Political will
- Advocacy tools
- Training
- Transport
- Drug administrator volunteers
- Collaboration
What is dengue? How was it controlled?
A mosquito borne (Aedes aegypti) viral disease with a global tropical distribution.
It is spreading – in 1955, 3 countries reported having Dengue and now over 125 countries have Dengue
There are 4 known viral serotypes.
Control strategy
- Diagnosis and case management
- Integrated surveillance and outbreak response
- Sustainable vector control
- Possible vaccine in the future
- Operational research
What is rabies? How is it controlled?
There are several animal reservoirs (bats) but dog bites are by far the most common way humans get infected. Once symptoms develop death rate is 100%.
Control:
- Canine vaccination
- Humane management of dogs
- Vaccination of people immediately after exposure
What is Buruli Ulcer? How is it controlled?
A chronic skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. Endemic in 33 countries but highest in Ghana, Gabon and Australia.
About 5,000 cases per year are reported from half of the 33 countries
Control strategy
- Training of health workers
- early case detection
- treatment with antibiotics
- Case management – surgery if necessary
What is Leprosy (Hansen disease)? How is it controlled?
Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, incubation period = 5 years.
Over 95% of the population have natural immunity.
Strategy for prevention and control:m
- implementation of strategy of early detection and multi-drug therapy
- reduce new cases by 50% by 2015
- Capacity building to sustain control
- Reduce stigma and discrimination
- Intensify research
What is Podoconiosis (non-LF elephantiasis)?
Presents as a horrible swelling of the feet and lower legs. Exposure to soils
No treatment
