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DISEASE INFORMATION

Soil-transmitted helminth infections

We are evaluating a new treatment for this common infection that affects the world’s poorest communities

OVERVIEW

What is a soil-transmitted helminth infection?

Soil-transmitted helminth infections caused by roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and hookworm nematodes (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus), are among the most common of all infections with an estimated 1.5 billion people infected worldwide. Malnutrition can occur in those infected, and children may also experience impairments to mental and physical growth. These parasitic worms affect the world’s poorest communities and are transmitted through contaminated soil where sanitation is inadequate.

THE STATS

Why are we targeting this disease?

1.5B

people estimated to be infected worldwide in 2016

568M+

school-age children live in areas where these parasites are intensely transmitted

2030

By 2030 the WHO is aiming for the elimination of STH morbidity in pre-school and school age children

INFOGRAPHIC

Transmission stages of Onchocerca volvulus

WHAT we're DOING

Moxidectin

Current treatments recommended by the WHO are albendazole and mebendazole, which work by stopping the parasitic worms from absorbing sugar.We are evaluating moxidectin as a treatment for soil-transmitted helminths. MDGH is collaborating in Phase 2/3 studies in Tanzania, conducted by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Switzerland. A study to evaluate moxidectin co-administered with albendazole in adolescents infected with soil-transmitted helminths will soon commence on Pemba Island, Tanzania.

Moxidectin project websites

Moxidectin icon showing 3 blue tablets

Moxidectin for accelerating onchocerciasis elimination

A paediatric dose-finding study, a phase 3b trial comparing efficacy and safety of annual and biannual moxidectin or ivermectin treatment and mathematical modelling of moxidectin and ivermectin based elimination strategies to support country policy decisions.

SEE PROJECT INFORMATION
Moxidectin icon showing 3 blue tablets

Treatment for all

Developing a paediatric formulation moxidectin for neglected infectious diseases.

SEE PROJECT INFORMATION

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Take a look at the research and development work

Disease areas

Primarily affecting the lungs, tuberculosis remains the leading cause of infectious death worldwide.

Tuberculosis

A debilitating and disfiguring disease found in 31 African countries and beyond.

River blindness

An infectious skin condition affecting more than 200 million people at any one time.

Scabies

A painful and debilitating disease of the lymph system affecting over 50 million people at any one time.

Lymphatic filariasis

A soil-transmitted infection affecting up to 100 million people, particularly children.

Strongyloidiasis

A chronic infectious disease which may cause skin lesions and nerve damage found in 127 countries.

Leprosy

Among the most common of all infections with an estimated 1.5 billion people infected worldwide.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections