BMJ 2013;347:f6294 doi: 10.1136/bmj.f6294 (Published 22 October 2013)
Page 1 of 1
Letters
LETTERS STRONGYLOIDES STERCORALIS INFECTION
Simple solutions to Strongyloides stercoralis infection Kirstin E Ross lecturer, Francis J O’Donahoo PhD candidate, Tara A Garrard PhD candidate, Michael J Taylor lecturer School of the Environment, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
Durrheim should be applauded for suggesting that an environmental, rather than clinical, intervention might be the key to controlling Strongyloides stercoralis.1 For too long we have taken a purely clinical approach (drugs) to treating Strongyloides infection in humans, ignoring reinfection rates and the potential for developing antihelminthic resistance. However, cultural acceptability of footwear, particularly in hot climates, is low, so other environmental control methods should also be assessed.
Grove’s 30 year old suggestion that the most effective control measures against human helminthes are the installation and use of safe waste disposal systems still holds.2 In light of growing concern about overuse of antimicrobials and (in Australia) a desire to “close the gap” between health outcomes of indigenous
and non-indigenous people,3 “simple” solutions to health problems, such as functioning house hardware, should not be overlooked in favour of complex clinical interventions. Competing interests: None declared. 1 2 3
Durrheim DN. Simply wearing footwear could interrupt transmission of Strongyloides stercoralis. BMJ 2013;347:f5219. (21 August.) Grove DI. A history of human helminthology. CAB International, 1990: 562. Australian Federal Government. Closing the gap: targets and building blocks. 2008. www. dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/indigenous-australians/programs-services/closing-the-gap/ closing-the-gap-targets-and-building-blocks.
Cite this as: BMJ 2013;347:f6294 © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 2013
[email protected] For personal use only: See rights and reprints http://www.bmj.com/permissions
Subscribe: http://www.bmj.com/subscribe
Page 1 of 1
Letters
LETTERS STRONGYLOIDES STERCORALIS INFECTION
Simple solutions to Strongyloides stercoralis infection Kirstin E Ross lecturer, Francis J O’Donahoo PhD candidate, Tara A Garrard PhD candidate, Michael J Taylor lecturer School of the Environment, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
Durrheim should be applauded for suggesting that an environmental, rather than clinical, intervention might be the key to controlling Strongyloides stercoralis.1 For too long we have taken a purely clinical approach (drugs) to treating Strongyloides infection in humans, ignoring reinfection rates and the potential for developing antihelminthic resistance. However, cultural acceptability of footwear, particularly in hot climates, is low, so other environmental control methods should also be assessed.
Grove’s 30 year old suggestion that the most effective control measures against human helminthes are the installation and use of safe waste disposal systems still holds.2 In light of growing concern about overuse of antimicrobials and (in Australia) a desire to “close the gap” between health outcomes of indigenous
and non-indigenous people,3 “simple” solutions to health problems, such as functioning house hardware, should not be overlooked in favour of complex clinical interventions. Competing interests: None declared. 1 2 3
Durrheim DN. Simply wearing footwear could interrupt transmission of Strongyloides stercoralis. BMJ 2013;347:f5219. (21 August.) Grove DI. A history of human helminthology. CAB International, 1990: 562. Australian Federal Government. Closing the gap: targets and building blocks. 2008. www. dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/indigenous-australians/programs-services/closing-the-gap/ closing-the-gap-targets-and-building-blocks.
Cite this as: BMJ 2013;347:f6294 © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 2013
[email protected] For personal use only: See rights and reprints http://www.bmj.com/permissions
Subscribe: http://www.bmj.com/subscribe
