Multi-species infections are very common.The most common intestinal parasites in the United States are Enterobius vermicularis, Giardia lamblia, Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus, and Entamoeba histolytica. Variations within communities
Even in areas of high prevalence, the frequency and severity of infection is not uniform within communities or families. A small proportion of community members harbour the majority of worms, and this depends on age. The maximum worm burden is at five to ten years of age, declining rapidly thereafter. Individual predisposition to helminthiasis for people with the same sanitation infrastructure and hygiene behavior is thought to result from differing immunocompetence, nutritional status, and genetic factors. Because individuals are predisposed to a high or a low worm burden, the burden reacquired after successful treatment is proportional to that before treatment. Disability-adjusted life years
It is estimated that intestinal nematode infections cause 5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYS) to be lost, of which hookworm infections account for more than 3 million DALYS and ascaris infections more than 1 million. There are also signs of progress: The Global Burden of Disease Study published in 2015 estimates a 46 percent (59 percent when age standardised) reduction in years lived with disability (YLD) for the 13-year time period from 1990 to 2013 for all intestinal/nematode infections, and even a 74 percent (80 percent when age standardised) reduction in YLD from ascariasis.
Diagnosis
A rare autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent urticaria (nettle rash), first described in the 1970s. There is no defined paradigm for the syndrome aetiology and severity in progression. Diagnosis is confirmed with the identification of at least two conditions from: venulitis on skin biopsy, arthritis, ocular inflammation, abdominal pain or positive C1q antibodies to immune complexes. It is this last category, anti-C1q antibodies, that all HUV patients test positive for. In vitro experiments and mouse models of the disease have not thoroughly determined the link between these antibodies and the disease, even though the link is so pronounced. Treatment
Unfortunately there are no known specific therapies for HUV. The regime of prescription steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs aims to dampen the bodys production of anti-C1q antibodies. However, this again renders the individual immunocompromised. Popular culture
Urticarial vasculitis is featured prominently in the 2010 documentary film Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. The main character and narrator has the disease. See also
Cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis
List of cutaneous conditions

References


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