Strongyloides stercoralis: A Plea for Action

"Strongyloidiasis remains an underestimated public health problem, just as it was at the dawn of last century....


Despite many remaining grey areas, the existing evidence calls for the following urgent, essential steps to be taken:

Prevalence studies of STH should also target S. stercoralis using adequate diagnostic tools, and include comparative studies in areas where ivermectin has long been used for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis control/elimination. This should ideally include development of new diagnostics for use in field settings.

Donors and funding agencies interested in supporting NTD research and control should not ignore S. stercoralis, currently a Cinderella in this arena.
A forum of experts should establish prevalence thresholds with the currently available diagnostic tools in order to define S. stercoralis as a public health problem, and propose control strategies including mass treatment regimens.

Ivermectin should be made available for mass treatment in countries/areas with high prevalence.

Adequate screening and treatment strategies should be the rule for patients at risk of immunosuppression, both in low-middle and high income countries. More sensitive tests for parasitological cure are required.

We know enough to call for action now."


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3649953/






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