02084nas a2200229   4500000000100000008004100001653000900042653003100051653001600082653001200098653001300110100002400123700001300147700001400160700001300174245006100187856003200248300001200280490000700292520154100299022001401840       2017                            d10aNTDs10aSoil-transmitted helminths10aElimination10aControl10aStrategy1 aÁsbjörnsdóttir K1 aMeans AR1 aWerkman M1 aWalson J00aProspects for elimination of soil-transmitted helminths.  uhttp://tinyurl.com/y8bdap66  a482-4880 v303 a<p><strong>PURPOSE OF REVIEW: </strong>Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are endemic in 120 countries and are associated with substantial morbidity and loss of economic productivity. Although current WHO guidelines focus on morbidity control through mass drug administration (MDA), there is global interest in whether a strategy targeting disease elimination might be feasible in some settings. This review summarizes the prospects for switching from control to an elimination strategy.</p>

<p><strong>RECENT FINDINGS: </strong>STH control efforts have reduced the intensity of infections in targeted populations with associated reductions in morbidity. However, adults are not frequently targeted and remain important reservoirs for reinfection of treated children. Recent modeling suggests that transmission interruption may be possible through expanded community-wide delivery of MDA, the feasibility of which has been demonstrated by other programs. However, these models suggest that high levels of coverage and compliance must be achieved. Potential challenges include the risk of prematurely dismantling STH programs and the potential increased risk of antihelminthic resistance.</p>

<p><strong>SUMMARY: </strong>Elimination of STH may offer an opportunity to eliminate substantial STH-related morbidity while reducing resource needs of neglected tropical disease programs. Evidence from large community trials is needed to determine the feasibility of interrupting the transmission of STH in some geographic settings.</p>
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