2. WEST TEXAS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES Stacey Bruington, RN, BSN March 30, 2016 NUR5303 Education/Information Technology

3. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) OBJECTIVES: What are NTDs? Why Texas? Implications What Can Be Done?

4. What are Neglected Tropical Diseases? Caused by diverse pathogens, majority being parasites Most are ancient and have plagued humanity for centuries Affect one billion globally Affect over 12 million in the USA Referred to as “neglected” diseases: affect the poorest populations & receive little recognition Disappear as living conditions & hygiene improve

5. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NDTs) of West Texas National School of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine: Established 2011 to address NDTs through education, research and clinical care Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has targeted five infections as a priority for public health action

6. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NDTs) of West Texas Chagas Disease: Vector: Kissing Bug infected with T. cruzi parasite. Impact: fever, fatigue, cardiac/intestinal complications. Treatment: difficult & limited. Cysticercosis: Vector: Pork tapeworm infected with T. solium. Impact: cysts develop in brain or spinal cord. May lead to seizures, brain swelling, stroke or death. Treatment: Oral medications and/or surgery. Toxocariasis: Vector: Parasitic roundworms of dogs (T. canis) or cats (T. cati). Impact: fever, fatigue, coughing, wheezing, abdominal pain, vision loss, eye inflammation/damage. Treatment: Antiparasitic medications.

7. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NDTs) of West Texas Toxoplasmosis: Vector: parasite T. gondii, spread via poorly cooked food, cat feces, & mother to child during pregnancy. Impact: flu-like symptoms, eye problems, seizure & poor coordination. Treatment: certain antibiotics and/or antimalarial medications. Trichomoniasis: Vector: STI, parasite T. vaginalis. Impact: itching, discharge, burning with urination. Treatment: antibiotic/antiprotozoal medication.

8. Why Texas? Poverty Subtropical Climate Hot Zone for NTDs

9. Implications Vulnerable populations: “Forgotten diseases of forgotten people” Increases levels of poverty Healthcare costs: $864 million USA Interventions desperately needed

10. What can be done? Programs of Active Surveillance New Diagnostic Testing Medications & Vaccines Collaboration Trained Professionals Community Involvement

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