Variability of interobserver interpretation of selected helminth ova in the development of a training image set.

Background: Diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis for surveillance relies on microscopic detection of ova in Kato-Katz (KK) prepared slides. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based platforms for parasitic eggs may be developed using a robust image set with defined labels by reference microscopists. This study aimed to determine interobserver variability among reference microscopists in identifying parasite ova.

Socio-economic risk factors for intestinal helminthiases in selected endemic communities in Mindanao, the Philippines: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Parasitic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) or 'infectious diseases of poverty' continue to affect the poorest communities in the world, including in the Philippines. Socio-economic conditions contribute to persisting endemicity of these infectious diseases. As such, examining these underlying factors may help identify gaps in implementation of control programs.

Cost and budget impact of mass drug administration compared to expanded school-based targeted preventive chemotherapy for soil-transmitted helminth control in Zamboanga Peninsula, the Philippines.

Background: School-based targeted preventive chemotherapy (PC), the primary strategy for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) control, typically focusing on primary schoolchildren, was expanded to secondary school students in the Philippines in 2016. This program still excludes adults, who may also suffer from considerable morbidity and can be a significant reservoir of infection. Mass drug administration (MDA), where the entire population is treated, would bring additional health benefits but will also increase implementation costs.

Accessibility of Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis Control Strategies in Selected Indigenous People Communities in the Philippines.

Background: Indigenous peoples (IPs) remain vulnerable to soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) due to limited access to sanitary toilets, clean water, quality health education, and services. The World Health Organization recommends periodic mass drug administration (MDA) of anthelminthics, health education, and improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as control strategies to reduce morbidities caused by STH in target populations such as school-age children (SAC).This paper complements the published results of the parasitological survey (prevalence and intensity of STH) conducted in selected Aeta and Ata-Manobo communities.

Worldwide absence of canonical benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations within β-tubulin genes from Ascaris.

Background: The giant roundworm Ascaris is an intestinal nematode, causing ascariasis by infecting humans and pigs worldwide. Recent estimates suggest that Ascaris infects over half a billion people, with chronic infections leading to reduced growth and cognitive ability. Ascariasis affects innumerable pigs worldwide and is known to reduce production yields via decreased growth and condemnation of livers.