Human intestinal nematode infections in Sri Lanka: A scoping review.

Background: Sri Lanka, an island located in South Asia, once experienced a notable prevalence of human intestinal nematode infections (HINIs). With the implementation of control programs, infection prevalence was reduced. Detailed information on prevalence, distribution and temporal trends of HINIs is limited.

The psychosocial burden of cutaneous leishmaniasis in rural Sri Lanka: A multi-method qualitative study.

Leishmaniasis is a tropical infectious disease affecting some of the world's most economically disadvantaged and resource-poor regions. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common out of the three clinical types of Leishmaniasis. Since 1904 this disease has been endemic in Sri Lanka.

Stigma associated with cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis: A systematic review.

Background: Cutaneous (CL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) are parasitic diseases caused by parasites of the genus leishmania leading to stigma caused by disfigurations. This study aimed to systematically review the dimensions, measurement methods, implications, and potential interventions done to reduce the CL- and MCL- associated stigma, synthesising the current evidence according to an accepted stigma framework.

Methods: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (ID- CRD42021274925).

'We do not rush to the hospital for ordinary wounds (suḷu tuvāla)': A qualitative study on the early clinical manifestations of cutaneous leishmaniasis and associated health behaviours in rural Sri Lanka.

Background: Knowledge of early clinical manifestations, people's perceptions and behaviours is crucial in preventing and controlling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an NTD that causes skin lesions and affects millions worldwide. Delayed healthcare-seeking behaviour leading to prolonged treatment periods and complications is rife among people with cutaneous leishmaniasis.

The stigma associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL): A protocol for a systematic review.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease with three main clinical types; cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). CL and MCL are considered to be highly stigmatizing due to potentially disfiguring skin pathology. CL and MCL-associated stigma are reported across the world in different contexts assimilating different definitions and interpretations.

Rewriting the history of leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka: An untold story since 1904.

Leishmaniasis is widely considered a disease that emerged in Sri Lanka in the 1990s. However, a comprehensive case report from 1904 suggests that the presence of Leishmaniasis was well demonstrated in Sri Lanka long before that. The Annual Administration Reports of Ceylon/Sri Lanka from 1895 to 1970 and the Ceylon Blue Book from 1821 to 1937 are official historical documents that provide an annual performance, progress, goals achieved, and finances of Sri Lanka during that time.

Co-parasitism of intestinal protozoa and Schistosoma japonicum in a rural community in the Philippines.

Background: Co-parasitism is a frequent occurrence in impoverished communities in the tropics resulting in a considerable disease burden. While there are extensive reports of intestinal helminthiases, including schistosomiasis japonica, the occurrence and extent of diseases caused by intestinal protozoa (IP) have yet to be investigated in depth in the Philippines. We present a detailed analysis of polyparasitism in a rural community of Northern Samar, focusing on co-infections of IP with Schistosoma japonicum.

Revisiting clinico-epidemiological pattern of human rickettsial infections in the central region of Sri Lanka: a hospital based descriptive study.

Background: This study revisits the clinico-epidemiology and serological patterns of rickettsioses in the central region of Sri Lanka and highlights the need of advanced diagnostics for precise identification of species responsible for rickettsioses.

Methods: The patients treated for rickettsioses between November 2009 and October 2011 were recruited for the study from Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya. Clinical characteristics and serology results were used for diagnosis.