A Review of <i>Strongyloides</i> spp. Environmental Sources Worldwide

• Main Authors: Mae A. F. White, Harriet Whiley, Kirstin E. Ross
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-06-01
• Series: Pathogens
• Subjects: <i>Strongyloides</i> spp.; <i>Strongyloides stercoralis</i>; <i>Strongyloides fuelleborni</i>; strongyloidiasis; environmental reservoirs
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/8/3/91

<i>Strongyloides</i> spp. are parasitic nematodes that are transmitted through the environment and are capable of causing disease. These nematodes affect an estimated 3&#8722;300 million humans worldwide. Identifying the environmental reservoirs of <i>Strongyloides</i> spp. is essential for the development of appropriate control strategies. This systematic literature review examined all published studies that identified <i>Strongyloides</i> <i>stercoralis</i>, <i>Strongyloides</i> <i>fuelleborni</i>, <i>Strongyloides</i> <i>fuelleborni</i> <i>kellyi</i>, and <i>Strongyloides</i> spp. from an environmental source. Most studies detected the nematode from dog and primate fecal samples. Other environmental sources identified were ruminants, cats, rodents, insects, water, soil, as well as fruit and vegetables. Most studies used microscopy-based identification techniques; however, several employed molecular-based techniques, which have become increasingly popular for the detection of <i>Strongyloides</i> spp. A limitation identified was a lack of studies that comprehensively screened all potential environmental samples in a region. Future research should undertake this holistic screening process to identify which environmental reservoirs pose the greatest significance to human health. Potential controls can be identified through the identification of environmental sources. Understanding where <i>Strongyloides</i> spp. is commonly found within the environment of endemic areas will inform environmental control strategies to reduce this neglected disease.