A neglected infectious disease is a disease that is not well known or treated yet has a high incidence and affects many people. Examples of these diseases include leishmaniasis, Buruli ulcer, chromoblastomycosis, and mycetoma. Usually, the cost to treat is too great to make a positive impact, but sometimes it is possible to help prevent or slow the progression of the disease.
Buruli ulcer is a neglected infectious disease affecting many people in the developing world. It is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium ulcerans. The bacterium produces a particular toxin that inhibits the body's immune response. This bacterium can cause skin and bone ulcers. Patients who are not diagnosed and treated quickly may suffer long-term disability. They may also develop deformities requiring extensive debridement to repair the affected areas. The leading causes of Buruli ulcers are poor sanitation and low-hygiene practices. The bacterium can be transmitted to humans via water. Children under the age of 15 are at a higher risk of contracting the infection than adults. In addition to humans, animal and aquatic insects are believed to play a role in transmitting the disease. Some insects have been known to harbor the bacterium in their salivary glands. Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. It is a neglected tropical disease. There are three main types of leishmaniasis: cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral. Among these, cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form. Symptoms include ulcers in the skin, lips, nose, and mouth. These ulcers do not heal on their own and may cause long-term disability. People in Africa, Asia, and South America have suffered fatal epidemics of this disease. Although the condition is not a threat to the general population, it is a significant public health problem. The World Health Organization reports 1.3 million people are infected with leishmania each year. This is the third most crucial vector-borne disease after malaria and dengue fever. Transmission occurs from a sandfly's bite to a human. Sand flies are most active during dusk and dawn. Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the skin and peripheral nerves. It is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a rod-shaped bacillus. Infection can lead to loss of sensation, disfiguring disabilities, and long-term complications. This disease is transmitted through close contact. However, it is rarely fatal. Early treatment is essential to prevent the progression of disability. Treatment is free and can save lives. The disease has been largely eradicated in the past two decades. But it is still a significant source of social exclusion. People affected by leprosy often face discrimination, and stigma hurts their quality of life. Health-related agencies should build a medical system to provide easier access to health facilities and improve healthcare quality. These efforts should be integrated into existing general health services. Mycetoma is a neglected infectious disease that is commonly found in resource-limited areas. It is caused by bacteria and fungi and may affect any body part. Its symptoms are similar to those of other fungal infections and include tumefaction, sinus formation, and the presence of clumped organisms in the skin. This chronic granulomatous subcutaneous infection mainly affects the lower extremities but can also affect other parts of the body. The disease is characterized by slow progress and can lead to severe physical disabilities. Mycetoma occurs in tropical regions and is most common in the equatorial and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America. It is widespread in barefoot populations living in rural areas in endemic regions. Chromoblastomycosis is one of the most common endemic subcutaneous mycoses. The disease is caused by fungus parasites and is primarily found in tropical regions. Infections with this disease begin as erythematous macules or plaque-like lesions at the injection site. As the disease progresses, the lesion may develop into a verrucous lesion. These lesions are often localized to the lower limbs. Amputation of the affected limb is often necessary. Other parts of the body may also be infected, especially where the skin is broken. Approximately two-thirds of patients are male. The highest incidence is in tropical countries such as Brazil, China, and Mexico. It has also been reported in several marine toads. Patients with this condition usually work outside, without footwear. They risk developing the disease if they come into contact with decaying vegetation.
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