Update of knowledge on neglected diseases in Haiti: Mansonelliasis, tungiasis, leprosy, and anthrax

Abstract

Haiti, like most limited-resources countries in the world, faces numerous neglected infectious diseases. They represent a real public health issue with lethal consequences especially in children. We are reviewing here the available literature on four neglected infectious diseases, mansonelliasis, tungiasis, leprosy and anthrax. Filariasis, due to Mansonella ozzardi, has been totally neglected since its discovery in 1920 in Haiti; it persists in coastal homes with a high prevalence in adults when an effective treatment is available. The skin lesions caused by Tunga penetrans have existed since the pre-Columbian period in Haiti. They persist in the most retreated and hard-to-reach areas where the population lives in precarious conditions and in extreme poverty. New available research data show the importance of the problem with very high prevalence rates in some rural communities far away from any healthcare center. Cases of leprosy are recently reemerging as no monitoring program has been in place since 2004. Finally, anthrax is still endemic; small epidemics resurfacing periodically in families in rural areas. Screening of people for these diseases and managing the cases are necessary to improve health and reduce morbidity and mortality in Haiti.