Davey G, Tekola F, Newport MJ, et al.
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Date of publication 2007 Dec 1;volume 101(12):1175-80.
1. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2007 Dec;101(12):1175-80. Epub 2007 Oct 31.
Podoconiosis: non-infectious geochemical elephantiasis.
Davey G(1), Tekola F, Newport MJ.
Author information:
(1)Department of Community Health, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9806, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia. nerurkar@ethionet.et
This article reviews peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on the history,
epidemiology, genetics, ecology, pathogenesis, pathology and management of
podoconiosis (endemic non-filarial elephantiasis). Podoconiosis is a
non-infectious geochemical elephantiasis caused by exposure of bare feet to
irritant alkalic clay soils. It is found in at least 10 countries in tropical
Africa, Central America and northwest India, where such soils coexist with high
altitude, high seasonal rainfall and low income. Podoconiosis develops in men and
women working barefoot on irritant soils, with signs becoming apparent in most
patients by the third decade of life. Colloid-sized silicate particles appear to
enter through the skin, are taken up into macrophages in the lower limb
lymphatics and cause endolymphangitis and obliteration of the lymphatic lumen.
Genetic studies provide evidence for high heritability of susceptibility to
podoconiosis. The economic burden is significant in affected areas dependent on
subsistence farming. Podoconiosis is unique in being an entirely preventable
non-communicable disease. Primary prevention entails promoting use of footwear in
areas of irritant soil; early stages are reversible given good foot hygiene, but
late stages result in considerable economic and social difficulties, and require
extended periods of elevation and occasionally nodulectomy.
DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2007.08.013
PMID: 17976670 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
