How Soil Scientists Help Combat Podoconiosis, A Neglected Tropical Disease

Benjamin Jelle Visser
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Benjamin Jelle Visser: Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

IJERPH, 2014, vol. 11, issue 5, 1-4

Abstract: Podoconiosis or “endemic non-filarial elephantiasis” is a tropical disease caused by prolonged exposure of bare feet to irritant alkaline clay soils of volcanic origin [1]. The name of the disease is derived from the Greek words for foot: podos , and dust: konos . Small mineral particles from irritant soils penetrate the skin and provoke an inflammatory response leading to fibrosis and blockage of lymphatic vessels, causing lymphoedema [2]. Patients suffer from disabling physical effects, but also stigma [1]. The disease can simply be prevented by avoiding contact with irritant soils (wearing shoes) but this is still an unaffordable “luxury” for many people. Podoconiosis is unique because it is a completely preventable non-communicable tropical disease [1]. In the past few years, podoconiosis has received increased advocacy and is now step by step appearing on the agenda of medical researchers as well as politicians. [...]

Keywords: n/a (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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