Biocontrol for environmental control of the human parasite, Strongyloides stercoralis: a necessary next step

Publication date: Available online 5 May 2016 Source:Biological Control Author(s): Tara A Garrard, Kirstin E Ross, Michael J Taylor Strongyloides stercoralis is a human parasitic nematode that infects 100-370 million people globally prevalence comparable to malaria. Currently the primary treatment for strongyloidiasis is the anthelminthic drug, ivermectin. The ruminant variant of S. stercoralis (S. papillosus) has been shown to be resistant to ivermectin. Efforts to control S. stercoralis therefore must extend beyond clinical treatment. A similar approach to that taken by integrated pest management systems should be taken with this disease, including biological control. Malaria is an example of integrated pest management and multiple biocontrol approaches. The use of nematophagus fungi is widespread in agricultural control of nematodes. A review of the literature demonstrates that nematophagous fungi to control Strongyloides stercoralis could be an effective approach. Here we argue that developing biocontrol methods to control S. stercoralis is important as multiple approaches to complicated diseases creates a more robust approach to disease control.
Source: Biological Control - Category: Biology Source Type: research