Differences between infection with Schistosoma mansoni, Taenia spp. and Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Brazil and Africa environments viewed from an evolutionary perspective

Abstract

In Brazil, when prevalence data were examined using simple summary statistics, there is a negative association between prevalence of Taenia spp. infection and Schistosoma mansoni or soil-transmitted helminths (STH) irrespective to routes of infection. That does not occur in African data. However, they vary considerably when plotted. So, in data collected on Brazilian area, it to show in ordered (smallest first) scores prevalence of STH infections both long lag phase in prevalence of STH infecting by oral route (Ascaris and Trichuris), and into STH infecting by skin route (hookworm and Strongyloides). To the other side, African study it show smaller lag phase in prevalence of STH infecting by oral route or into STH infecting by skin route. Darwinian, it was suggested Taenia spp. and STH, inhabiting a non-human environment which became so suitable for them according to their biological needs, their develop by means of natural selection.

Keywords

• helminth parasites
• prevalence
• schistosoma mansoni
• trematoda
• cestoda
• nematoda