Dickson D. Despommier and William C. Campbell
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231161947
- eISBN:
- 9780231535267
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231161947.003.0008
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
This chapter examines the life cycle of Onchocerca volvulus. Onchocerca volvulus is a nematode that causes onchocerciasis or “river blindness.” The life cycle of this parasite begins when an infected ...
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This chapter examines the life cycle of Onchocerca volvulus. Onchocerca volvulus is a nematode that causes onchocerciasis or “river blindness.” The life cycle of this parasite begins when an infected female black fly of the genus Simulium bites its host. The worms then mature inside the subcutaneous tissues, just underneath the skin. They induce the host to produce a nodule of tissue, often reaching the size of a walnut, where the worms will dwell and lay eggs. The adult parasites also coax the host to supply extension of their body blood circulation to obtain nutrients. The larvae of the worm, called microfilariae, would then irritate the subcutaneous tissues, causing the corneal stroma to thicken, until the host becomes blind.Less
This chapter examines the life cycle of Onchocerca volvulus. Onchocerca volvulus is a nematode that causes onchocerciasis or “river blindness.” The life cycle of this parasite begins when an infected female black fly of the genus Simulium bites its host. The worms then mature inside the subcutaneous tissues, just underneath the skin. They induce the host to produce a nodule of tissue, often reaching the size of a walnut, where the worms will dwell and lay eggs. The adult parasites also coax the host to supply extension of their body blood circulation to obtain nutrients. The larvae of the worm, called microfilariae, would then irritate the subcutaneous tissues, causing the corneal stroma to thicken, until the host becomes blind.
Stephen L. Cochi and Walter R. Dowdle (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- August 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780262016735
- eISBN:
- 9780262304207
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262016735.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Disease Ecology / Epidemiology
Disease eradication represents the ultimate in global equity and the definitive outcome of good public health practice. Thirty years ago, the elimination of smallpox defined disease eradication as a ...
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Disease eradication represents the ultimate in global equity and the definitive outcome of good public health practice. Thirty years ago, the elimination of smallpox defined disease eradication as a monumental global achievement with lasting benefits for society. Today, the global commitment to eradicate polio and guinea worm, and heightened interest in the potential eradication of other infectious diseases, including measles/rubella, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, and malaria, dominate public health concerns. But what does it take to eradicate a disease? This book takes a look at the evolving concepts of disease eradication, influenced by scientific advances, field experience, societal issues, and economic realities. A diverse group of experts from around the world, representing a range of disciplines, examines the biological, social, political, and economic complexities of eradicating a disease. The book details lessons learned from the initiatives against polio, measles/rubella, and onchocerciasis. Further chapters examine ethical issues, the investment case, governance models, organizational and institutional arrangements, political and social factors, the feasibility of eradication goals, priority setting, and the integration of disease eradication programs with existing health systems.Less
Disease eradication represents the ultimate in global equity and the definitive outcome of good public health practice. Thirty years ago, the elimination of smallpox defined disease eradication as a monumental global achievement with lasting benefits for society. Today, the global commitment to eradicate polio and guinea worm, and heightened interest in the potential eradication of other infectious diseases, including measles/rubella, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, and malaria, dominate public health concerns. But what does it take to eradicate a disease? This book takes a look at the evolving concepts of disease eradication, influenced by scientific advances, field experience, societal issues, and economic realities. A diverse group of experts from around the world, representing a range of disciplines, examines the biological, social, political, and economic complexities of eradicating a disease. The book details lessons learned from the initiatives against polio, measles/rubella, and onchocerciasis. Further chapters examine ethical issues, the investment case, governance models, organizational and institutional arrangements, political and social factors, the feasibility of eradication goals, priority setting, and the integration of disease eradication programs with existing health systems.
Adrian Hopkins
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- August 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780262016735
- eISBN:
- 9780262304207
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262016735.003.0004
- Subject:
- Biology, Disease Ecology / Epidemiology
Onchocerciasis is a skin disease characterized by intense itching and the presence of filaria in the skin of those infected, and which is also associated with blindness. This chapter discusses the ...
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Onchocerciasis is a skin disease characterized by intense itching and the presence of filaria in the skin of those infected, and which is also associated with blindness. This chapter discusses the evolution of the onchocerciasis program and the lessons learned along the way. It describes the two major onchocerciasis programs—the Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas (OEPA) and the African Program for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC), and the strategies developed by these initiatives. The emphasis for onchocerciasis eradication has been the “elimination of transmission.” There is also a need to develop surveillance, monitoring, and diagnostic tools to certify that the disease has been eradicated.Less
Onchocerciasis is a skin disease characterized by intense itching and the presence of filaria in the skin of those infected, and which is also associated with blindness. This chapter discusses the evolution of the onchocerciasis program and the lessons learned along the way. It describes the two major onchocerciasis programs—the Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas (OEPA) and the African Program for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC), and the strategies developed by these initiatives. The emphasis for onchocerciasis eradication has been the “elimination of transmission.” There is also a need to develop surveillance, monitoring, and diagnostic tools to certify that the disease has been eradicated.
Margaret S. McMillan, William A. Masters, and Harounan Kazianga
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780226316222
- eISBN:
- 9780226316369
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226316369.003.0006
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This paper uses historical census data from Burkina Faso to characterize local demographic pressures, including population shocks associated with internal migration after disease eradication in river ...
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This paper uses historical census data from Burkina Faso to characterize local demographic pressures, including population shocks associated with internal migration after disease eradication in river valleys, and forced repatriation of migrants from Cote d’Ivoire. We combine those data with a new survey of village elders that was designed to document change over time and differences across villages in local public goods provision, market infrastructure, and property rights. We hypothesize that higher local population densities are associated with more collective services and a transition from open-access to regulated land use, offering a village-level test of fundamental hypotheses about social and political change in Africa. Controlling for year and province fixed effects, we find that villages’ variance in population associated with proximity to river valleys and to Cote d’Ivoire is closely correlated with higher levels of public services, infrastructure, religious facilities, and markets; in addition, villagers’ land is more often governed through individual as opposed to familial rights, with more land-market transactions and stronger regulation of villagers’ forest use. Responding to population growth with improved public services and more private property rights is consistent with both scale effects in public good provision, and changes in the scarcity of land.Less
This paper uses historical census data from Burkina Faso to characterize local demographic pressures, including population shocks associated with internal migration after disease eradication in river valleys, and forced repatriation of migrants from Cote d’Ivoire. We combine those data with a new survey of village elders that was designed to document change over time and differences across villages in local public goods provision, market infrastructure, and property rights. We hypothesize that higher local population densities are associated with more collective services and a transition from open-access to regulated land use, offering a village-level test of fundamental hypotheses about social and political change in Africa. Controlling for year and province fixed effects, we find that villages’ variance in population associated with proximity to river valleys and to Cote d’Ivoire is closely correlated with higher levels of public services, infrastructure, religious facilities, and markets; in addition, villagers’ land is more often governed through individual as opposed to familial rights, with more land-market transactions and stronger regulation of villagers’ forest use. Responding to population growth with improved public services and more private property rights is consistent with both scale effects in public good provision, and changes in the scarcity of land.
