Zoonotic helminths - why the challenge remains

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Molecular Epidemiology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Helminth zoonoses pose substantial global public health and economic challenges.
• Anthropogenic factors like urbanization and climate change exacerbate helminthic disease transmission.
• Wildlife reservoirs increasingly complicate surveillance and control of zoonotic helminths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the impact of helminth zoonoses on public health and economies.
• To underscore the role of molecular techniques in understanding helminth epidemiology and ecology.
• To discuss the challenges posed by anthropogenic factors and wildlife in controlling neglected helminthic diseases.

Main Methods:

• Utilized polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques for taxonomic resolution.
• Employed sequencing for epidemiological and ecological investigations.
• Reviewed research on key helminth zoonoses like Echinococcus and Trichinella.

Main Results:

• Molecular methods have been crucial in resolving taxonomic uncertainties and understanding disease spread.
• Research on Echinococcus and Trichinella exemplifies the utility of these techniques.
• Emerging helminth zoonoses like Ancylostoma ceylanicum and Toxocara present growing concerns.

Conclusions:

• Molecular tools are indispensable for studying helminth zoonoses.
• Anthropogenic influences and wildlife dynamics present significant hurdles for disease control.
• Addressing neglected helminthic diseases requires integrated surveillance and control strategies.