Predicting the environmental suitability and population at risk of podoconiosis in Africa.

ABSTRACT: Podoconiosis is a type of tropical lymphedema that causes massive swelling of the lower limbs. The disease is associated with both economic insecurity, due to long-term morbidity-related loss of productivity, and intense social stigma. The geographical distribution and burden of podoconiosis in Africa are uncertain. We applied statistical modelling to the most comprehensive database compiled to date to predict the environmental suitability of podoconiosis in the African continent. By combining climate and environmental data and overlaying population figures, we predicted the environmental suitability and human population at risk of podoconiosis in Africa. Environmental suitability for podoconiosis was predicted in 29 African countries. In the year 2020, the total population in areas suitab

SUBMITTER: Deribe K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7480865 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature