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Control strategies for human intestinal nematode infections
M Albonico1, D W Crompton, L Savioli
1Scientific Committee, Ivo de Carneri Foundation, Torino, Italy.
Advances in Parasitology
|March 2, 1999
Summary
Soil-transmitted helminth infections impact health and development, particularly in children. Effective chemotherapy offers a cost-effective solution for controlling these widespread parasitic infections.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) cause significant morbidity, especially in schoolchildren.
- High-risk groups include pre-school and school-aged children, and women of child-bearing age.
- Understanding STH ecology and epidemiology is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress in STH control.
- To highlight the impact of STH on vulnerable populations.
- To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of available control tools.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on STH.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and morbidity impact.
- Evaluation of anthelminthic drug efficacy and safety.
Main Results:
- Effective, single-dose anthelminthic drugs are available for STH control.
- WHO Essential Drug List includes albendazole, levamisole, mebendazole, and pyrantel.
- Ivermectin is registered for Strongyloides stercoralis.
- Chemotherapy-based control is proven possible and cost-effective.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in understanding and controlling STH.
- Targeted deworming programs are essential for high-risk groups.
- Anthelminthic chemotherapy represents a highly effective and cost-effective public health intervention.