Distribution of tungiasis in latin America: Identification of areas for potential disease transmission using an ecological niche model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) found in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Despite the high frequency in marginalized populations, little information is available on the geography and estimates of the population at risk in endemic regions. Here we used a geostatistical model to map the potential geographic distribution of areas suitable for tungiasis transmission in Latin America and estimated the at-risk population.

Methods

We developed an ecological niche model (ENM) using tungiasis occurrence records and remotely sensed environmental and socioeconomic data. The potential geographic distribution was then compared to the current population distribution of the region to derive the total population living in urban and rural areas.

Findings

SUBMITTER: Deka MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9903635 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature