Antimicrobial and antibiotic drug resistance: Causes and more

A Canadian Couple Got Infected By Hookworm While Walking On A Beach - Here's What To Know About The Parasites

After returning from a vacation in the Dominican Republic, a Canadian couple realized they'd acquired a cutaneous larva migrans, or hookworm, infection.

The infection was most likely caused by walking barefoot in a place where animals infected with the parasites had defecated.

Hookworm infections are very treatable, but more than 500 million people around the world are still infected, making it a neglected tropical disease.

Mosquito bites are one thing, but returning from a walk on the beach with parasites embedded in your feet is a whole other kind of challenge.

That's what reportedly happened to Katie Stephens and Eddie Zytner, a couple from Ontario who were vacationing in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, according to a Canadian news station.

The pair acquired a larva migrans, or hookworm, infection from walking barefoot on the beach - most likely in an area where animals infected with the parasite had defecated. (That's the most common way the parasite spreads.)

The infection left their feet itchy and swollen.

"If your feet become incredibly itchy [after travel] please get it checked out right away since we simply thought it was just bug bites and it became worse as each day passed," Stephens wrote on Facebook.

Fortunately, a hookworm infection is easily treated with ivermectin, an anti-parasitic medication. After Health Canada denied the request the couple's doctor made for the medicine, Zytner's mother reportedly drove to Detroit to purchase the drug.

Ivermectin is a derivative of Avermectin, which is considered such an important anti-parasitic medicine that its creators were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015.

Yet despite the fact that hookworm is very treatable, it remains a serious issue for many people around the globe. The CDC estimates that between 576 and 740 million people worldwide are currently infected. 

A brief infection with a parasite like hookworm is painful and itchy, but it can be more serious for people chronically exposed. A number of infected people may not show symptoms, but according to the CDC they experience protein deficiency and blood loss leading to anemia. Children who are continuously infected may lose enough iron and protein to negatively affect growth and mental development.

Hookworm and a number of other parasitic illnesses are considered neglected tropical diseases. Such illnesses tend to infect poorer populations in developing countries, which is why so many people go without treatment. But many neglected tropical diseases could potentially be controlled with existing intervention techniques such as mass drug administration.

What Is Tropical Medicine

Tropical medicine is the study of the world's major tropical diseases and related conditions, which include a group of 17 neglected tropical diseases (sometimes referred to as 'NTDs') such as hookworm infection, schistosomiasis, river blindness, elephantiasis, trachoma, Chagas disease, Buruli ulcer, and leishmaniasis, as well as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The field also includes related disorders in malnutrition and even some non-communicable diseases.

Diseases of Poverty

First and foremost, tropical diseases are diseases of poverty. They are the most common afflictions of the "bottom billion" the 1.3 billion people who live below the World Bank poverty level. Although tropical diseases are generally thought of as exclusively occurring in developing countries, new evidence indicates that the poor living in wealthy countries also are affected by tropical diseases. For instance, in the United States, tropical diseases such as Chagas disease, cysticercosis, dengue, toxocariasis, and West Nile virus infection are now widespread.

Tropical Medicine's Role

Tropical medicine is an important component of global health, but it is more focused on the specific tropical infections that occur in resource poor settings, with detailed emphasis on the pathogens, their vectors, how they are transmitted (their epidemiology), their treatment and prevention, and even how to develop new control tools to combat tropical diseases, including new drugs, insecticides, diagnostics, and vaccines.

Neglected Tropical Diseases

The neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of 17 most common chronic parasitic and other infectious diseases, such as hookworm, schistosomiasis, river blindness, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease, which represent the most common infections in the developing countries of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Almost all of the world's poor are affected by at least one NTD, and these conditions have been shown to be a stealthy reason why the bottom billion cannot escape poverty. This is especially true for "the bottom billion," the 1.4 billion people who live below the World Bank's poverty level of US$1.25 per day. In addition to the NTDs, malaria remains a devastating tropical infection in the world's low- and middle-income countries with an estimated 500 million cases annually and more than 800,000 deaths.

What's new in tropical medicine?

Keep up to date on the latest developments in the field by following Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the BCM National School of Tropical Medicine.

There are also high rates of neglected infections of poverty (NIoPs) in the United States, especially among African American and Hispanic Americans living on the Gulf Coast, the border with Mexico, Appalachia and U.S. Inner cities.

Among the most endemic "tropical" infections are Chagas disease, cysticercosis, and toxocariasis. U.S. Citizens are also increasingly exposed to foreign NTDs due to expanded globalization. The enormous impact of NTDs and NIoPs on global health and economics is dramatically disproportionate to the existence of NTD/NIoP-specific research and educational opportunities.

Who is affected by the Neglected Tropical Diseases and Neglected Infections of Poverty?

Three populations are especially vulnerable to tropical infections and the NTDs and NIoPs:

Children suffer from developmental delays, growth failure and reductions in intelligence and cognitive abilities, especially from the high prevalence NTDs such as hookworm and other soil-transmitted helminthiases and schistosomiasis. Malaria ranks among the top three killers of children under the age of five.

Women suffer as a result of tropical infections during pregnancy, including hookworm, malaria, and Chagas disease with harmful effects for both mother and child. Female genital schistosomiasis is a devastating NTD among both girls and women and a stealth co-factor in Africa's HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Adult Agricultural Workers suffer from diminished productivity as a result of lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis, hookworm anemia, and Chagas disease. India alone loses almost $1 billion in economic losses annually from LF.

Why the National School of Tropical Medicine?

Our school is the only school in North America solely focused on tropical medicine. It was launched in 2011 and is intended to provide a North American alternative to some of the excellent tropical medicine schools and institutes in the UK (e.G., Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) or some of the European institutes of tropical diseases located in Amsterdam (Holland), Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Basel (Switzerland), and Hamburg (Germany). We run a tropical medicine clinic to treat patients with tropical infections that are widespread and endemic in Texas. We also house one of the only tropical disease vaccine product development partnerships.

Baylor College of Medicine makes an ideal location for the new National School of Tropical Medicine.

Baylor College of Medicine is located in Houston, an international city on the 30th parallel north of the equator. Sharing this parallel with us are three of the world's largest cities Delhi, Shanghai and Cairo each with over 10 million people and with a combined population of 50 million people, not to mention some other important places in the world, including Jerusalem, Islamabad, Benghazi, Tripoli, Marrakech, Wuhan, Kathmandu, Chihuahua, Riyadh, Shiraz and Baghdad, each within just one, two or three degrees latitude from Houston. New evidence indicates a hidden burden of NTDs in the poorest parts of the United States but especially in Texas and the surrounding Gulf Coast. Among the NTDs now endemic to Texas are Chagas disease, cysticercosis, dengue, leishmaniasis and toxocariasis.

This location combined with a multi-cultural population – one in five Houstonians were born outside of the United States – makes Houston an international city. Houston's entrepreneurial spirit has made it the energy capital of the world and given rise to global companies in a wide array of industries.

As home to the largest health care complex in the world, the Texas Medical Center, Houston is also an international destination for medicine and research drawing patients, doctors and scientists from throughout the world.

Baylor and Texas Children's Hospital have launched extraordinary initiatives in global health including the Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children's, launched in 1996 under the leadership of Dr. Mark Kline and the Texas Children's Center for Global Health led by Dr. Michael Mizwa.

Baylor Global Initiatives further broadens a worldwide presence by expanding academic partnerships across the globe and providing a centralized infrastructure for global health clinical, educational and research activities throughout the College.

Beyond Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's, the National School of Tropical Medicine's location in Houston will also support affiliations with other Texas organizations including Texas A&M University; University of Houston, Rice University, and The University of Texas.

10 Parasitic Creatures Living Inside And On Your Body

The human body is home to a variety of organisms that live inside or on your body, many of which live symbiotically or as parasites. Some, like Demodex mites, reside on the skin, feeding on oils and dead skin cells without causing harm. Others, such as tapeworms and hookworms, invade the body, feeding on nutrients or blood, potentially leading to malnutrition or other health issues. Organisms that live on humans, like pinworms and scabies mites, cause discomfort through itching and irritation, while more serious threats like Loa Loa eye worms and toxoplasma gondii can affect organs or the immune system. Even leeches can attach to the skin, feeding on blood. While most of these organisms are harmless, they can lead to complications if left unchecked.

Demodex mites Demodex mites are microscopic organisms that inhabit human skin, particularly within hair follicles and sebaceous glands. They are typically invisible to the naked eye, with an average size of around 0.3 mm. These mites primarily feed on sebum (skin oils) and dead skin cells, and while they exist symbiotically with humans, they usually do not cause any harm. However, when the population of Demodex mites increases uncontrollably, they can contribute to skin issues such as rosacea, a condition that causes redness, irritation, and sometimes pustules. Though most people live with Demodex mites without ever experiencing symptoms, an imbalance or overgrowth of these mites can result in inflammatory skin conditions that may require treatment.

Tapeworm Tapeworms are long, flat parasitic worms that can grow up to 8 meters (26 feet) in length. These parasites typically enter the human body when a person consumes undercooked or contaminated meat, particularly from pigs, cows, or fish, or drinks water contaminated with tapeworm larvae. Once inside the intestines, tapeworms attach themselves to the intestinal walls with their hook-like heads, where they absorb nutrients from the host's food. Infected individuals may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and malnutrition, particularly if the tapeworm burden is heavy. Without treatment, tapeworm infections can lead to complications, including organ damage, though they are often treatable with medication.

Hookworm Hookworms are parasitic worms that typically enter the human body through the skin, usually when individuals come into contact with contaminated soil. The larvae of the hookworm penetrate the skin, often through the feet, and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, eventually making their way to the intestines. Once in the intestines, they attach to the lining using sharp, curved teeth and feed on the host's blood. This feeding process can lead to anemia, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Hookworm infections are common in areas with poor sanitation, and while many infections may go unnoticed, chronic cases can lead to significant health problems.

Ascaris (Roundworm) Ascaris lumbricoides, commonly known as roundworms, are large parasitic worms that can infect the human intestines. These worms can grow up to 35 cm (14 inches) long, and their larvae begin their journey in the intestines before migrating through the bloodstream to the lungs. After reaching the lungs, they are coughed up and swallowed again, returning to the digestive tract where they mature into adult worms. Ascaris infections can cause malnutrition, intestinal blockage, and digestive discomfort, particularly when the worm burden is heavy. Severe cases may lead to more serious complications, especially in individuals with poor sanitation conditions.

Pinworm Pinworms are small, white parasitic worms that infect the intestines, especially in children. The adult female pinworm lays its eggs around the anus, usually during the night, causing intense itching. The itching prompts scratching, which can lead to the eggs spreading to surrounding areas and contaminating clothing, bedding, and surfaces. The infection spreads easily through direct contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. Though pinworm infections are generally not dangerous, they can be highly irritating and disruptive, especially when they cause sleep disturbances. Treatment typically involves medication and hygiene practices to prevent reinfection.

Scabies mite Scabies is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrows into the skin to lay eggs. The infestation leads to intense itching, rashes, and irritation as the mites move beneath the skin's surface. Scabies is highly contagious and spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, such as through close personal contact or shared clothing and bedding. Without treatment, the infestation can worsen, leading to secondary bacterial infections from excessive scratching. Treatment typically involves topical medications that kill the mites and relieve the symptoms, though the infection can recur if proper hygiene measures are not followed.

Loa loa (Eye worm) Loa loa is a parasitic worm found in tropical regions of Africa that can live in the human eye. The worm is transmitted through the bite of infected flies, particularly the mango fly or deer fly. After entering the human body, the worm migrates across the surface of the eye, causing irritation, pain, and swelling. While the infection can be alarming and uncomfortable, it is treatable with medication, or in more severe cases, through surgical removal of the worm. The Loa loa worm's migration across the eye can lead to vision problems, but with proper treatment, most infections are successfully managed.

Lice Lice are small, wingless insects that infest the scalp and hair of humans, feeding on blood. Head lice are particularly common in children, as they spread easily through close contact, such as sharing combs, hats, or pillows. The primary symptom of lice infestation is intense itching, caused by the lice bites. While lice are not dangerous or life-threatening, they are highly contagious and can be quite bothersome. Treatment typically involves the use of medicated shampoos or lotions designed to kill the lice, as well as thorough combing to remove the eggs (nits).

Toxoplasma Gondii Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled parasite that can infect humans and other warm-blooded animals. The parasite's primary host is the cat, and humans can contract toxoplasmosis by ingesting contaminated food, water, or soil, or by handling cat litter that contains infected feces. Most infections cause no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms, but in people with weakened immune systems or pregnant women, the parasite can cause more severe illness. In pregnant women, toxoplasmosis can lead to birth defects or miscarriage. People who are immunocompromised may suffer from serious complications like encephalitis or organ damage.

Leech Leeches are parasitic or carnivorous creatures found in freshwater environments. They attach to human skin, feeding on blood through their specialized mouths, which secrete an anticoagulant to prevent the blood from clotting. Leeches are often used in medical treatments, particularly for blood circulation and skin grafts, but they can also cause discomfort if they attach to the body while swimming or wading in contaminated water. While leech bites are generally not dangerous, they can cause mild to moderate irritation and blood loss. In rare cases, leeches may enter the body through the nose or mouth, causing additional complications.Also ReadCottonmouth snakes: Key facts about physical appearance, habitat, diet, its venom and effects

---