In Africa, Bush denies intent to build bases Feb 21, 2008
With Kufuor by his side, Bush announced he would make available $350 million over five years to provide treatment for tropical diseases such as river blindness, hookworm and schistosomiasis, also known as snail fever. Many health experts say such tropical diseases have been neglected amid the focus on AIDS and malaria. (International Herald Tribune)
Fact Sheet: Fighting Neglected Tropical Diseases Around The World Feb 20, 2008
This Initiative will make a total of $350 million available over five years to provide integrated treatment of more than 300 million people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and target seven major NTDs: lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis); schistosomiasis (snail fever); trachoma (eye infection); onchocerciasis (river blindness); and three soil-transmitted helminthes (STHs hookworm, roundworm, whipworm). This investment increases the United States' commitment to NTDs from $15 million in 2008 to... (White House News Releases)
Looking beyond poverty Feb 19, 2008
A water contact disease prevalent in the country is schistosomiasis. Vectorborne diseases include malaria and yellow fever, and are high risks in some locations. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Zanzibar Study Paves Way For Mass Co-delivery Of Three Antiparasitic Drugs Jan 24, 2008
The study shows the safety of delivering three drugs simultaneously -- ivermectin, albendazole and praziquantel -- in order to tackle three diseases, elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis), soil-transmitted worms (helminths), and schistosomiasis ... First, a total of 5055 Zanzibari children and adults living in areas endemic for lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH), and schistosomiasis were enrolled in a pilot study ... The data suggest that co-administration of the three... (Science Daily)
Drug cocktail could help parasite victims: study Jan 23, 2008
The drugs treat elephantiasis -- also known as lymphatic filariasis -- soil-transmitted worms and schistosomiasis. All the treatments are known to be effective but the impact of delivering them all at once was not known. (Scientific American)
Controlling schistosomiasis: buffalo or snails? Jan 22, 2008
Controlling schistosomiasis: buffalo or snails ... Controlling schistosomiasis: buffalo or snails ... In a related perspective article, Song Liang and Robert Spear, who were not involved in the study, discuss the findings and conclude that the modeling approach can be a useful tool in exploring schistosomiasis transmission in other settings, and may even apply to other macroparasites. (EurekAlert!)
More of this story Jan 18, 2008
Patients needed treatment for, among other ailments, cerebral malaria, scabies, schistosomiasis (worms), tooth extractions, fibroid tumors, lacerations, cyst drainage and HIV testing. Medical assistant and volunteer look at X-ray of patient at Bonyo health center in Kenya. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Neglected tropical diseases burden those overseas, but travelers also at risk Dec 26, 2007
Though little known to most Americans, lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis and other so-called neglected tropical diseases are responsible for severe health burdens, especially among the worlds poorest people. Together, it is estimated that these illnesses, most of which are caused by worms or other parasites, rank sixth among all conditions worldwide in robbing people of quality of life and life itself through disability or premature death,... (EurekAlert!)
Is it the water? Dec 18, 2007
200 million schistosomiasis sufferers. 6 million people who have been struck blind by trachoma. (CNN -- International)
Fast Facts: Ethiopia Dec 1, 2007
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria and cutaneous leishmaniasis are high risks in some locations respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis animal contact disease: rabies water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2007). Nationality: noun: Ethiopian(s) adjective: Ethiopian. (CBS News -- World)
Parasitic Tropical Diseases In The Americas -- A Legacy Of Slavery -- Can Be Eliminated Nov 27, 2007
26, 2007) Although it has been speculated for more than a century that the slave trade was responsible for bringing many tropical diseases to the Americas, only recently has convincing evidence shown that lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), schistosomiasis, and onchocerciasis (river blindness) originated in this way ... "Lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and onchocerciasis were most likely imported to the Americas through transportation of millions of persons from sub-Saharan Africa to... (Science Daily)
China to build sanitary toilets for fishermen to tackle water-borne disease Nov 24, 2007
BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- China will build sanitary toilets to reduce the incidence among the fishing population of schistosomiasis, a water-borne parasitic worm disease ... Schistosomiasis, a wasting disease that causes blood loss and tissue damage, afflicted many Chinese before the 1960s owing to widespread poor waste treatment in rural latrines, fishing boats and water ... Located south of the Yangtze River and home to China's largest freshwater lake -- Poyang Lake -- Jiangxi is one of the... (Xinhuanet, China)
* Bringing an African village into the 21st century Oct 23, 2007
The swamps are host to malaria, schistosomiasis and jigger worms, which burrow into human skin and can cause secondary infections, including tetanus and gangrene. Joyce confesses she is too tired -- and, anyway, doesn't have enough time in her day -- to boil the water before her children drink and wash in it. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Bello: Global South, Global Warming Oct 13, 2007
One result is the resurgence of diseases that had been brought under control, like tuberculosis and schistosomiasis. Cuba, in contrast, has won plaudits for its rural health care system, which is ironic, says Wen, given that the Cuban system was based on the Maoist eras barefoot doctor system. (Zmag.org)
Health minister outlines strategy for future Oct 13, 2007
Other keys to improving China's health include the prevention and control of liver diseases, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and schistosomiasis (snail fever), metabolic syndrome and cancer. The strategy also highlights mental health with an accent on the young and the elderly. (Xinhuanet, China)
A Man with Gastric Cancer and Lung Nodules Sep 21, 2007
NEJM -- Case 29-2007 -- A 51-Year-Old Man with Gastric Cancer and Lung Nodules. Please for full text and personal services. (New England Journal of Medicine)
China's sick left to pay or die Sep 14, 2007
During the same period there were substantial declines in recorded cases of tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and schistosomiasis, as well as improvements in infant mortality. Most of these gains, however, have levelled off since 1978, when rural cooperatives - which organised health insurance - were abolished, and doctors and health authorities were encouraged to find private sources of income. (Guardian Unlimited -- World)
Story ideas from molecular & cellular proteomics Sep 13, 2007
Finding better ways to treat schistosomiasis, a tropical disease caused by a parasitic worm ... Finding better ways to treat schistosomiasis, a tropical disease caused by a parasitic worm ... Researchers provide new details about the inner workings of a parasitic worm that causes a tropical disease called schistosomiasis, which leads to itchy skin, fever, chills, muscle aches, and liver disease that, in some cases, can be fatal. (EurekAlert!)
Physician and Pathologist Jim McKerrow wages battle against the lowly blood fluke Jul 9, 2007
"I went to a lecture by a parasitologist named Donald Heyneman, and he talked about rafting down the Omo River in Ethiopia, studying the diseases of people living in Stone Age tribes. He talked about this disease called schistosomiasis. I went up to him afterward and said, 'Does anyone have access to this parasite or do I have to go to Ethiopia?' He said, 'We have it right here at UCSF in my laboratory.' It's called a blood fluke. Most people in this country have never heard of it, fewer people... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Biocontrol of invasive water hyacinth contributes to socioeconomic and health improvements in Africa Jul 8, 2007
In the Lake Victoria region, water hyacinth threatened livelihoods of local communities by reducing fish populations, fouling hydroelectric power turbines, and providing habitats for malaria and schistosomiasis vectors ... Human health was also threatened because the large weed mats created breeding habitat for the vectors of malaria and schistosomiasis. (EurekAlert!)
Microarray analysis of gene expression induced by sexual contact in Schistosoma mansoni Jun 20, 2007
The parasitic trematode Schistosoma mansoni is one of the major causative agents of Schistosomiasis, a disease that affects approximately 200 million people, mostly in developing countries. Since much of the pathology is associated with eggs laid by the female worm, understanding the mechanisms involved in oogenesis and sexual maturation is an important step towards the discovery of new targets for effective drug therapy. (BioMed Central)
The Spread of Schistosomes Jun 2, 2007
blood parasites, cause schistosomiasis, a devastating parasitic disease that is common in some parts of the world ... Once snails are there, the stage is set for schistosomiasis add human waste containing schistosoma eggs to the water and a local epidemic will result ... Should travelers worry about catching schistosomiasis. (Suite101.com)
What is Schistosomiasis? Jun 2, 2007
What is Schistosomiasis ... What is Schistosomiasis ... What is Schistosomiasis. (Suite101.com)
Small-scale Agricultural Changes May Help Eradicate Widespread Disease Jun 1, 2007
Researchers working in remote farming villages in western China report that providing medicine to infected people and animals, along with modifying irrigation and waste treatment practices could reduce, or even eliminate, the long-term transmission of schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis is a disease that can affect the liver, the gastrointestinal tract or the bladder ... Right now, governments in many countries where the disease is prevalent provide medicine to afflicted people, as well as a... (Science Daily)
W/R GHS to undertake mass drug administration Apr 26, 2007
Dr. Vanotoo said the exercise forms part of the Mass Drug Administration for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), which includes Schistosomiasis, Trachoma, Soil Transmitted Helminths (intestinal worms), Yaws, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer. She said people with large scrotums would be registered during the exercise for treatment of hernia and hydrocele. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Merck KGaA, WHO Donate Pills to Fight Worm Disease in Africa Apr 22, 2007
The medicine, developed 30 years ago with German drugmaker Bayer AG, is the most effective way of treating schistosomiasis, a chronic infection that causes stunting and reduces children's ability to learn, Darmstadt, Germany-based Merck and Geneva-based WHO said in a statement today. The drugs will be enough for about 80 million youngsters, whose countries are unable to pay for the treatment at commercial prices. (Bloomberg)
Merck donates pills in Africa worm fight Apr 20, 2007
The WHO said the drugs, which will be given over 10 years, would help tackle schistosomiasis, which affects about 180 million people, most of them children in Africa ... About 85 percent of the people with schistosomiasis, which can cause severe anaemia, impair nutritional status and stunt the growth and development of children, live in Africa. (Reuters AlertNet)
WHO Developing Plan to Tackle Neglected Tropical Diseases Apr 20, 2007
A trusted source of newsand information since 1942. And, breaking barriers has been a long process of thinking, moving from 'I am in charge of leprosy' to 'I am in charge of neglected tropical disease of which leprosy is one of the diseases' is a big change in the way things are doing. (Voice of America)
China urgently needs to protect its wetlands Apr 20, 2007
Marine life has been decimated and people are catching a disease called schistosomiasis -- caught by swimming or wading in water where there are parasitic worms. The water area of Dongting Lake has shrunk from 4,350 sq km in 1949 to present 2,625 sq km as a result of silting and land reclamation for farming. (Xinhuanet, China)
Aust to 'suffer extensively' from climate change Apr 6, 2007
It also says warmer temperatures and decreasing water resources will increase the burden of diseases such as diarrhoea, malaria, dengue, filariasis and schistosomiasis. World's poor 'hardest hit. (ABC News Online, Australia -- Offbeat)
River parasite eats at children Mar 14, 2007
But the water hides a debilitating scourge: schistosomiasis, a disease spread by microscopic parasites that live in the river, burrow through skin and slowly infect organs, stunting children's growth and sometimes causing death ... Studies show that a single dose--at a cost of 20 cents--can reverse up to 90 percent of the damaging health effects of schistosomiasis within six months of treatment ... Schistosomiasis, also known as snail fever or bilharzia, has become yet another plague--like... (FOX59, IN)
China plans more methane projects in rural area Feb 22, 2007
In the mean time, methane pits also serve as an important method to control spread of schistosomiasis and pig-borne bacteria streptococcus suis as well as other diseases in rural area, Wei said, adding that test shows methane pits can completely kill schistosome eggs. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, there would be 50 million methane pits by 2010. (Xinhuanet, China)
Ethiopia: Jimmy Carter Promotes African Health Needs Feb 10, 2007
During the delegation's final stop, in Nigeria, President Carter will meet with President Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo to request further governmental support to help Carter Center-assisted programs combat schistosomiasis and other neglected diseases. People living in developing nations die or are disabled because they do not have access to the services they need to treat their illness or avoid infection entirely. (allAfrica.com)
Stakeholders meet on neglected tropical diseases Feb 7, 2007
Five of the ancient neglected tropical diseases 96 Trachoma; Lymphatic Filariasisl; Onchocerciasis; Schistosomiasis and intestinal worms - are associated with poverty and poor environment ... In Africa alone, about 30 million people with schistosomiasis suffer permanent and life threatening complications ... Alan Fenwick of the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative of the St. Mary's University, London, who gave the global overview, noted that safe and effective drugs existed but were not affordable... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
School deworming programme begins next Monday Feb 6, 2007
He said the deworming exercises would be carried out in two phases with the first being the treatment for common worms such as hookworms, round worms and whipworms and the second phase to be carried out later in the year being treatment for schistosomiasis (bilharzias), a type of worm infestation caused by water-transmitted worms. Mr Ampofo-Twumasi said the Government was committed to achieving the goals of education for all and as part of the initiative the Government introduced the Capitation... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
New Program Aims to Treat World's Most Devastating Diseases UCSF, Jan. 04 Jan 5, 2007
Neglected diseases include malaria, African sleeping sickness, schistosomiasis, Chagas' disease and tuberculosis ... "The Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (MIPN) is a newly established institute that aims to stimulate and sustain the global competitiveness of the Malaysian biopharmaceutical and nutritional supplement industries."I really believe that increased training of graduate students and postdocs from developing countries will eventually bring the greatest rewards... (University of California Newswire, CA)
Africa: Grant Boosts Joint Fight Against Neglected Diseases Dec 22, 2006
The five diseases targeted in the projects are trachoma -- an eye infection causing blindness; intestinal worms; onchocerciasis - also called river blindness; schistosomiasis; and lymphatic filariasis -- also known as elephantiasis ... "In countries where [mass] treatment has already been implemented, such as China and Egypt, the effects have been dramatic," says Joanne Webster, who works with the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative at Imperial College, University of London, United Kingdom, one... (allAfrica.com)
The Neglected Tropical Diseases Dec 22, 2006
Seven of the diseases are caused by helminths (worm infections): hookworm, trichuriasis, ascariasis, schistosomiasis and dracunculiasis (guinea worm), onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis ... For example, where the helminth infections and schistosomiasis are prevalent, all schoolchildren should be treated with deworming medicine up to three times annually. (Scientific American)
ANTHONY S. FAUCI: Global health trajectories Dec 10, 2006
Parasitic diseases such as hookworm, schistosomiasis, leishmanias, trypanosomiasis, filariasis, and Chagas disease -- unknown to many people in rich countries but epidemic in poor ones -- collectively result in hundreds of thousands of deaths each year and widespread suffering in developing nations. Enlightened self-interest: Western societies have long felt an altruistic and humanitarian obligation to help people throughout the world live longer and healthier lives. (Washington Times)
Men answer call to help out homeland Nov 5, 2006
She is suffering from schistosomiasis, a water-born disease caused by the eggs of parasitic worms. Repeated infections can cause damage to the liver, intestines, lungs and bladder over the years. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Africa: Health Coalition Targets Diseases Affecting More Than One Billion Oct 29, 2006
They are river blindness (onchocerciasis), elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis), schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. "In the same way as we protect people against a number of vaccine-preventable diseases throughout their lives," said Dr. Lorenzo Savioli, director of WHO's Department for the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, "the regular and coordinated use of a few drugs can protect people against worm-induced disease, improving children's performance at school and the... (allAfrica.com)
World Health Organization and Partners Unveil New Coordinated Approach to Treat Millions Suffering from Neglected Tropical Diseases Oct 27, 2006
Preventive chemotherapy in this context means using drugs that are effective against a broad range of worm infections to simultaneously treat the four most common diseases caused by worms: river blindness (onchocerciasis), elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis), schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis ... -- Schistosomiasis: It affects about 200 million people worldwide, and more than 650 million people live in endemic areas ... Urinary schistosomiasis is caused by Schistosoma... (PR Newswire)
INTERVIEW-China to remove cattle to combat "snail fever" Oct 17, 2006
"Snail fever", or schistosomiasis, is a neglected tropical disease affecting developing countries and victims suffer fever, abdominal pain, cough, diarrhoea, fatigue and distended bellies in advanced stages of the illness. Although there are effective drugs, people get infected repeatedly because they are constantly exposed to the parasite, which thrives in paddy fields, freshwater lakes and rivers. (AlertNet)
WP: In Brazil, field trials to treat world's poor Oct 12, 2006
In addition to the hookworm trial, tests across the country are targeting diseases such as leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis. "The idea is to partner with public-sector vaccine manufacturers in what we call 'innovative developing countries' -- places like Brazil that may not perform so well economically but have somehow managed to overachieve in their ability to make health products," said Peter Hotez, head of microbiology at George Washington University, who is developing the hookworm vaccine... (MSNBC -- International)
Professor starts tropical disease journal to raise awareness Sep 28, 2006
NTDs include leprosy, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis and the human hookworm, the object of the Hotez's latest research. Hotez hopes that the journal will improve collaboration and cooperation among researchers and experts studying NTDs. (GW Hatchet, Washington DC)
RTI to lead $100M effort to fight tropical diseases Sep 27, 2006
Collaborators in the program include the Sabin Vaccine Institute, Liverpool Associates in Tropical Health, the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative at Imperial College London and the International Trachoma Initiative ... The USAID-funded program will focus on seven of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases, including trachoma, or blinding eye infection; soil-transmitted helminths, or hookworms, ascaris and trichuris; onchocerciasis, or river blindness; schistosomiasis, or snail fever; and... (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
UPDATED: USAID Announces $100 Million Award to Reduce Impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Developing Nations Sep 23, 2006
"This significant investment will improve the lives of millions of people afflicted with disabling conditions through effective, low-cost, mass drug administration and associated education programs," said Richard Greene, Director of the Office of Health, Infectious Disease and Nutrition at USAID. The USAID-funded program will focus on controlling seven of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases; trachoma (blinding eye infection), hookworm, ascaris, trichuris (three soil-transmitted... (PR Newswire)
Public Library of Science to launch new, open access journal on neglected tropical diseases Sep 15, 2006
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases () will focus on the overlooked diseases that strike millions of people every year in poor countries, including elephantiasis, river blindness, leprosy, hookworm, schistosomiasis, and African sleeping sickness. The journal, supported by a $1. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
China to supply safe drinking water for 160 mln rural people in five years Aug 31, 2006
The plan approved on Wednesday at a meeting of the State Council chaired by Chinese Premier gives priority to rural areas where drinking water was tainted by fluorine, arsenic, salt, pollution, and the schistosoma worm, which causes the disease schistosomiasis. Smaller ethnic minority groups, rural schools, and people displaced by the construction of reservoirs also top the agenda. (People's Daily Online, China)
Waterborne infectious diseases could soon be consigned to history, says expert Aug 25, 2006
In Africa some 500 million people need treatment to control diseases such as disfiguring elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis), river blindness (onchocerciasis), schistosomiasis, intestinal worms and the blinding eye infection trachoma ... Professor Fenwick leads the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, which is supported by a 20 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation ... The project aims to assist countries in sub Saharan Africa to control schistosomiasis and intestinal... (EurekAlert!)
* China's 'Taiwan complex' is costly Jun 20, 2006
Beijing acknowledges that diseases like tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, gonorrhea, measles, schistosomiasis and bacillary and amoebic dysentery are reappearing. Making matters worse, new diseases are surfacing. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Chinese doctors have made a breakthrough in cutting the diagnosis time of schistosomiasis from up to three days to just 10 minutes May 26, 2006
Doctors develop quick schistosomiasis test ... time of schistosomiasis from up to three days to just 10 minutes ... He said the new method could be used to diagnose the pandemic-type schistosomiasis Japonica in China, the mekongi type in southeast Asia and the mansoni type in Africa. (Xinhuanet, China -- Technology)
Read more... May 17, 2006
The Bill da Gates Foundation announced that The Carter Center has been selected to receive the 2006 Gates Award for Global Health, in recognition of its pioneering work to fight neglected diseases such as Guinea worm, river blindness, trachoma, schistosomiasis, and lymphatic filariasis ... Leading campaigns to control and treat lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis. (PNN Online)
Carter Center awarded $1M May 15, 2006
Tackled other parasitic diseases, including filariasis and schistosomiasis. "They've taken seriously diseases that had basically been ignored for all practical purposes and, in many places, actually eliminated them. It's such a wonderful example for the rest of us," says Gates foundation co-chair William Gates Sr.. (USA Today -- News)
42 laws, regulations come into effect in China May 2, 2006
To prevent schistosomiasis from spreading, the Ministry of Health has promulgated a regulation to control and treat the disease, which stipulates that the government offer farmers free preventive medicines and cut or exempt treatment fee of poor farmers. The State Environmental Protection Administration has issued policy measures to ensure environment safety of pathogenic microbe labs, demanding the labs set up a dangerous waste registration system, not discard or pile up wastes at will or put... (Xinhuanet, China -- China)
Advance on snail fever reported Apr 15, 2006
The work may someday lead to development of vaccines for snail fever, which is also known as schistosomiasis. "Our research is essential to the development of new snail fever diagnosis and vaccines," said Han Zeguang, lead researcher on the project, which is based at the China National Human Genome Center at Shanghai. (Xinhuanet, China)
Chinese government approves outline for long-term nuclear development Mar 24, 2006
The meeting also approved the general outline for urban development of Municipality in northern China in the period from 2005 to 2020, and a draft regulation on the prevention of schistosomiasis, a kind of water-borne disease. Source: Xinhua. (People's Daily Online, China)
China determined to build a new countryside Feb 24, 2006
The program of safe drinking water in rural areas will be implemented faster, with focus on areas plagued with fluorin, arsenic, or alkaline-intensive water, or polluted water, as well as areas suffered from schistosomiasis. Where the condition permits, water should be supplied in a concentrated way so that drinking water and water for other purposes in life will be pumped separately. (People's Daily Online, China)
