Abstract
The geographic distribution of tungiasis is poorly understood, despite the frequent occurrence of the disease in marginalized populations of low socioeconomic status. To date, little work is available to define the geography of this neglected tropical disease (NTD). This exploratory study incorporated geostatistical modeling to map the suitability for tungiasis transmission in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In SSA, environmental suitability is predicted in 44 countries, including Angola, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Cote de Ivoire, Mali, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Gabon, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and South Africa. In total, an estimated 668 million people live in suitable areas, 46% (304 million) of which reside in East Africa. These evidence-based maps provide vital evidence of the potential geographic extent in SSA. They will help to guide disease control programs, inform policymakers, and raise awareness at the global level. Likewise, these results will hopefully provide decisionmakers with the pertinent information necessary to lessen morbidity and mortality in communities located in environmentally suitable areas.
Highlights
Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by the parasitic flea Tunga penetrans
Prevalence rates in hyperendemic zones range from 21% to 83%, with a higher range found in Nigeria, Brazil, Trinidad, and Tobago [3,4,5]
The usually accepted arrival of T. penetrans in Africa is 1872, evidence exists for its presence among a caravan traveling along the trans-Saharan trade route at Oualata in 1324 [97]
Summary
Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by the parasitic flea Tunga penetrans (order: Siphonaptera, family: Hectopsyllidae). 2020, 5, 122 of accurate epidemiological data, including precise spatially accurate occurrence and prevalence data, represents a significant barrier to progress This challenge is no different with regards to tungiasis, a disease receiving little attention from policymakers, funding unique physical features that give themand thethe ability to burrow and remain buried in the epidermis. The availability of accurate epidemiological data, including precise spatially accurate occurrence and prevalence data, represents a significant barrier to progress This challenge is no different with regards to tungiasis, a disease receiving little attention from policymakers, funding institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and the scientific community. This study will be of interest to medical scientists, public health decisionmakers, policymakers, and other stakeholders interested in using geospatial techniques, especially regarding decisions on the equitable distribution of resources aimed at combating this disease
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