Strongyloides stercoralis: Systematic review of barriers to controlling Strongyloidiasis for Australian Indigenous communities

Strongyloides stercoralis: Systematic review of barriers to controlling Strongyloidiasis for Australian Indigenous communities Journal Article

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases

• Author(s): Miller, Adrian, Smith, Michelle L., Judd, Jenni A., Speare, Rick
• Published: 2014
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• Volume: 8

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Abstract: Strongyloides stercoralis, a nematode parasite, has a well-documented history of infecting human hosts in tropic and subtropic regions mainly through skin contact with inhabited soil. The result is strongyloidiasis, a human parasitic disease, with a unique cycle of auto-infection contributing to a variety of symptoms, of which, hyper-infection causing fatality may occur. In Australia, Indigenous community members often located in rural and remote settings, are exposed to and infected with strongyloides. Previous researchers report strongyloidiasis as a recurrent health issue for Indigenous Australians. This is a systematic review to determine the barriers to control for this pernicious pathogen. Barriers to control can be defined across three key themes: (1) health status, (2) socioeconomic status, and (3) health care literacy and procedure. By conceptualizing these barriers and addressing steps to control as outlined in this study, there is potential for improvement in prevention and treatment outcomes of strongyloidiasis and subsequently, overall health for Australian Indigenous people. This study contributes to furthering prevention and treatment of strongyloidiasis, increasing exposure to the issue of strongyloidiasis in Australian Indigenous people. It is the intent of this paper to express the need to have continued research and further health policy directed specifically to eradicate strongyloidiasis in Australian Indigenous communities.

• Urls: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0003141