Vascular Damage in Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Surgical Perspective

In the realm of surgical pathology, specifically within regions endemic to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), this book serves as a comprehensive reference on nonclassical vascular risk factors from an epidemiological standpoint. It addresses the often-overlooked issue of vascular damage in patients afflicted with parasitic diseases and other NTDs. Current literature primarily consists of rare individual case reports and case series for each specific disease, making this book a valuable contribution to the field.

The book describes various aspects related to vascular involvement in NTDs, including parasitological, vector borne diseases and snakebite-associated vascular lesions. Although these cases and their underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms are rarely reported and remain understudied, this book describes the various nuances of surgical vascular pathology in this setting, encouraging further research in this area. Five main topics are covered: the vascular problems in patients with 1. Schistosomiasis, 2. Amebiasis, 3. Hydatidosis, 4. Lymphatic filariasis, and 5. Snakebites.

This work raises awareness of these rarely reported diseases in areas where they are more common or in countries where they are imported, among physicians directly involved in the management of these cases. It serves as a guide to treatment from presentation through the various steps of patient care. The book is a reference for all professionals concerned with morbidity associated with neglected tropical diseases, particularly vascular morbidity of surgical interest, both research and clinical, in endemic and non-endemic settings. It is a valuable resource for the continuing education of health professionals working in this field. It serves as a textbook for vascular surgery fellows interested in non-classical cardiovascular risk factors leading to surgical conditions. This specific topic related to non-communicable comorbidities in diseases of parasitological interest is useful for parasitologists and public health specialists at master level and above.

Valeria Silvestri is an Italian physician who specialized in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at the University of Perugia in 2014. She holds a PhD in Cardiovascular Pathology and Imaging, achieved at La Sapienza University in Rome in 2018. Her strong interest in the medical scenario of south Saharan setting motivated her to achieve a Master of Science in Parasitology and Medical Entomology at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science, in Tanzania. In the multi-disciplinary and scientifically fervid environment of the department of Parasitology at MUHAS, under the guide of Prof. Billy Ngasala, she had the opportunity to contribute with her expertise in vascular diseases to the research that inspired and documented this book.

Vivian Mushi has a BSc in Microbiology (Hons) and MSc in Tropical Disease Control. She is an Assistant Lecturer and Junior Researcher in the Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology. She teaches courses on Protozoology, Helminthology, and Medical Entomology. Her research interests are focused on the control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in vulnerable populations by implementing sustainable interventions that reduce NTD transmission and their morbidities. Currently, she is a PhD candidate working on Onchocerciasis, specifically on Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy (OAE) in Mahenge. She is a member of various communities such as Epilepsy Pathway Innovation in Africa (EPInA), the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH), Community of Young Research Peers in Tanzania, Women in Parasitology (WiP), and Women in Malaria (WiM).

Billy Ngasala is a Professor of Parasitology and Medical Entomology and Head of the Department of Medical Parasitology and Medical Entomology, at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Prof. Ngasala is a member of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.