scholarly journals Helminthic Infections and Asthma: Still a Challenge for Developing Countries

10.5772/54690 ◽  
2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Hagel ◽  
Maira Cabrera ◽  
Maria Cristina Di Prisco
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Helminthic Infections

scholarly journals De-Worming in Developing Countries as a Feasible and Affordable Means to Fight Co-Endemic Infectious Diseases

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-103
Author(s):  
Zvi Bentwich ◽  
Rachel Horner ◽  
Gadi Borkow
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Physical Development ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Helminth Parasites ◽  
Paper Briefly ◽  
Helminthic Infections ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Endemic Areas

Approximately one-third of humanity, especially in developing countries, is infected with parasitic roundworms or flatworms, collectively known as helminth parasites. These infections cause severe diseases, delayed physical development and mortality. A person in helminth endemic areas may be infected with these parasites all his life. These parasitic infections coincide with many other infectious diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV. Treatment of these parasitic infections is relatively easy. In some cases a single dose of anti-parasitic treatment suffices. This paper briefly reviews the effects that helminthic infections have on other infectious diseases; on chronic non-transmittable diseases and discusses the potential benefits that de-worming may have on the overall morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases in developing countries, as well as on the effect de-worming may have on vaccination efficacy. We conclude that successful mass de-worming is essential for the reduction of the morbidity associated with these infections and may be a feasible and affordable means to combat other infectious diseases, such as HIV, malaria and tuberculosis. Furthermore, without it, HIV, malaria and TB vaccines may fail to confer protection in helminth endemic areas.

Emerging Nutrition Gaps in a World of Affluence - Micronutrient Intake and Status Globally

2011 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 238-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manfred Eggersdorfer ◽  
Paul Walter
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
New Science ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Micronutrient Intake

Nutrition is important for human health in all stages of life - from conception to old age. Today we know much more about the molecular basis of nutrition. Most importantly, we have learnt that micronutrients, among other factors, interact with genes, and new science is increasingly providing more tools to clarify this interrelation between health and nutrition. Sufficient intake of vitamins is essential to achieve maximum health benefit. It is well established that in developing countries, millions of people still suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. However, it is far less recognized that we face micronutrient insufficiencies also in developed countries.

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