Neglected Tropical Diseases

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases caused by parasites and bacteria. The list includes ascariasis, hookworm infection, trichuriasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, dracunculiasis, schistosomiasis, Chagas’ disease, human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Buruli ulcer, leprosy, and trachoma. They are prevalent in low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America. They occur primarily in rural areas and in some poor urban settings leading to long-term disability and poverty.

1. Identify NTDs of public health importance
2. List the main clinical features of each disease and state the case definition where applicable
3. Identify the disease specific agent, reservoir, human host, and the mode of transmission
4. Describe the life cycle of the disease
5. Estimate the disease burden and analyze its determinants
6. List the recommended control methods and assess elimination/eradication possibility