Unmasking the Unseen: The 20 Neglected Tropical Diseases

Professor Kishor Wasan explained that diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of infectious diseases that prevail in tropical and subtropical conditions. They predominantly affect impoverished populations without adequate sanitation and in close contact with infectious vectors and domestic animals. While they might not always capture global attention, their widespread impact is undeniable. Here's a closer look at the 20 recognized NTDs:

Chagas disease: Caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, transmitted through infected triatomine bugs.

Human African trypanosomiasis: Also known as sleeping sickness, it's transmitted by the tsetse fly.

Leishmaniasis: Caused by the Leishmania parasite, it's spread by the bite of infected sandflies.

Cysticercosis/taeniasis: A result of infection by the tapeworm Taenia solium.

Dracunculiasis: Commonly known as guinea-worm disease, it's caused by the Dracunculus medinensis worm.

Echinococcosis: A parasitic disease resulting from infection with Echinococcus tapeworms.

Foodborne trematodiases: Caused by trematode worms, with transmission linked to consumption of raw fish, crustaceans, and vegetables.

Lymphatic filariasis: Also known as elephantiasis, caused by the Wuchereria bancrofti worm and transmitted by mosquitoes.

Onchocerciasis: Also called river blindness, it's caused by Onchocerca volvulus and spread by the blackfly. Schistosomiasis results from infection with blood flukes and is commonly linked with contaminated freshwater.

Soil-transmitted helminthiases: Includes infections like ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm.

Buruli ulcer: A debilitating mycobacterial skin infection.

Leprosy: A chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae.

Trachoma: An infectious eye disease that can lead to blindness.

Yaws: A chronic skin disease affecting mainly children.

Dengue and Chikungunya: Viral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.

Rabies: A deadly viral disease spread to humans through infected animal bites.

Scabies and other ectoparasites: Skin diseases caused by mites, ticks, and fleas.

Snakebite envenoming: Potentially fatal consequences due to venomous snakebites.

Mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis, and other deep mycoses: Complex subcutaneous fungal diseases. These Neglected Tropical Diseases might differ in their symptoms and modes of transmission, but they all disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Recognizing and understanding these diseases is vital to enhancing global health equity and reducing the disease burden in the world's most marginalized communitie