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Abstract
Simultaneous and sequential transmission of multiple parasites, and their resultant
overlapping chronic infections, are facts of life in many underdeveloped rural areas.
These represent significant but often poorly measured health and economic burdens
for affected populations. For example, the chronic inflammatory process associated
with long-term schistosomiasis contributes to anaemia and undernutrition, which, in
turn, can lead to growth stunting, poor school performance, poor work productivity,
and continued poverty. To date, most national and international programs aimed at
parasite control have not considered the varied economic and ecological factors underlying
multi-parasite transmission, but some are beginning to provide a coordinated approach
to control. In addition, interest is emerging in new studies for the re-evaluation
and recalibration of the health burden of helminthic parasite infection. Their results
should highlight the strong potential of integrated parasite control in efforts for
poverty reduction.
Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.