The scientific question of the month demystifies complex topics with simple, effective answers.
Tropical diseases are caused by pathogens like bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses. Beyond their specific symptoms and the ways they’re transmitted, they share a common characteristic: they thrive in tropical regions. But why?
An abundance of vectors
Mosquitoes, insects, animal droppings… Hosts like these make ideal modes of transmission for a plethora of diseases.
A favourable climate
By definition, tropics are hot and humid. Some vectors for disease do very well in this climate, where intense rainy seasons and a lack of frost or ice allow populations to boom. What’s more, heavy rainfall intensifies soil mixing, and therefore the spread of pathogens from the water.
Does climate change also play a role?
Absolutely! More frequent extreme weather events, like floods, increase soil mixing. For instance, flooding creates pools of stagnant water, which are the perfect place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Flooding also makes it more difficult to bring medical supplies to certain affected regions.
Accounting for living conditions
Living conditions, also called social factors, certainly play a part. They don’t cause tropical diseases directly, but they do increase their prevalence and complicate control efforts. Population density in tropical areas, limited access to healthcare, and potentially complicated sanitary conditions all make people more vulnerable.
Fighting tropical diseases
These diseases, which are often concentrated in developing countries or affect more vulnerable populations, do not always receive the attention or funding they need to be prevented and eradicated. Yet their health, social, and economic consequences represent a real threat to the health of billions of people.
As North America’s only member of the Pasteur Network, INRS is highly involved in research efforts to improve global health. Its Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre (AFSB)brings together dozens of experienced specialists who contribute to research efforts in the field of neglected tropical diseases.
