One Health: parasites and beyond

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• One Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Parasitism encompasses a wide range of host-parasite relationships, from single-celled protozoa to large plants.
• Traditional parasitology often focuses on eukaryotes, with distinct but complementary studies on bacteria and viruses.
• Parasites include significant medical, veterinary, and neglected tropical disease agents, impacting human, animal, and plant health.

Framework:

• The One Health concept integrates biological, environmental, medical, veterinary, and social sciences.
• It aims to improve human, animal, and environmental health through collaborative efforts.
• Addressing infectious diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach that acknowledges wildlife reservoirs, climate change, and socio-economic factors.

Implementation:

• The British Society for Parasitology (BSP) held a symposium on 'One Health: parasites and beyond…'.
• The meeting convened scientists, advocates, policymakers, and industry representatives to foster One Health understanding in parasitology.
• The event encouraged early career scientists, with students forming over 35% of delegates and 25 posters presented.

Implications:

• Bridging traditional disciplinary divides in scientific research is essential for progress.
• The One Health framework offers a vital approach to understanding and managing complex health issues.
• Integrating diverse expertise is key to advancing parasitology and addressing zoonotic and neglected diseases.