How can we control the occurrence of helminths
Diseases caused by helminths (intestinal parasites) transmitted through soil are among the most widespread parasitic infections worldwide and are often neglected. In Slovakia, these infections occur mainly in socially disadvantaged groups, where ascariasis, caused by roundworms parasitic in the small intestine, and trichuriasis, caused by the so-called whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), localised in the cecum or large intestine, are most common.
Researchers from the Laboratory of Environmental Parasitology of the Institute of Parasitology of the SAS used a multidisciplinary approach for the first time to evaluate the factors influencing the occurrence of soil-transmitted helminths. "It represents a combination of parasitological, social, geographical and technological research," explains Martina Miterpáková from the Institute of Parasitology of the SAS.
They designed and tested a risk assessment model that, in addition to the factors, also identified the risk areas for the occurrence of parasitic infections. At the same time, the application of social sciences to parasitological research has revealed the causes of people's risky behaviour in segregated localities. Such integration of multiple approaches allows for more effective implementation of preventive measures and targeted interventions.
Source and photo: Institute of Parasitology, SAS