The present impossibility of eradicating the omnipresent worm

Journal Article · · Rev. Infect. Dis.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1093/clinids/4.5.955· OSTI ID:6419391

Warren, K S

Helminths are the most prevalent infectious agents of humans. In contrast to all other infectious agents, helminths do not multiply within the definitive human host. A consequence of this biological situation is that most infected individuals have levels of infection below a threshold required for the induction of any overt manifestations of disease. Since transmission of of helminthic infections is so effective, largely because of the enormous reproductive potential, it is exceedingly difficult to control transmission and impossible to eradicate infection with the tools available today. A cost-effective strategy for dealing with helminthic infections, therefore, is to control disease by use of chemotherapy targeted to the small proportion of heavily infected individuals, rather than to attempt to eradicate infection by costly methods, including environmental control. For example, this strategy is employed in effectively combatting hookworm disease and schistosomiasis.

• Research Organization: Division of Health Sciences, The Rockfeller Foundation, New York
• OSTI ID: 6419391
• Journal Information: Rev. Infect. Dis.; (United States), Journal Name: Rev. Infect. Dis.; (United States) Vol. 4:5; ISSN RINDD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

552000* -- Public Health
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AGE GROUPS
CHEMOTHERAPY
CHILDREN
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CONTROL
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
DISEASES
ENVIRONMENT
HELMINTHS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
PARASITIC DISEASES
PEST CONTROL
PEST ERADICATION
PLATYHELMINTHS
POPULATIONS
PUBLIC HEALTH
SCHISTOSOMIASIS
THERAPY