Parasites and Parasitism: A Global Synthesis of Burden Across all Major Parasite Group, and Data Gaps, 2015-2025
Keywords:
Parasites, Parasitism, Global burden, Secondary data, Neglected tropical diseases.Abstract
Background:
Human parasitic infections remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. Despite global control efforts, comprehensive updates on the status of all major parasite groups are lacking.
Objective:
To synthesize current global epidemiological data on parasitic burden (Protozoa, Helminths, Ectoparasites) from 2015 - 2025, quantifying trends in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), mortality, and prevalence.
Methodology:
A systematic synthesis using publicly available secondary data, Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021, estimates and WHO NTD reports and systematic reviews published between 2015 and 2025. WHO surveillance reports were conducted using PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Five databases were searched from January 2015 to December 2025 with predefined eligibility criteria. Data for 2015-2021 were derived from observed surveillance and GBD 2021 modelled estimates; data for 2022-2025 were generated using Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) projection models, explicitly labelled as projected throughout. Data were stratified by parasite group, geographic region (WHO regions), age, and sex to identify key disparities.
Key Results:
Total parasitic DALYs declined from 74.2 million to 64 million (13.2% reduction). Malaria alone accounted for over 75% of protozoan DALYs, collectively representing the majority of parasitic mortality. Soil-transmitted helminthiases showed sustained declines. Conversely, food-borne trematodes, and cysticercosis/echinococcosis increased 105.7% and 128.6%, respectively. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for >80% of protozoan mortality, with children under 5 years and adult males disproportionately affected.
Conclusion:
Global control programmes achieved measurable progress over the decade, yet the burden remains unacceptably high and geographically skewed. Resurgent groups and zoonotic threats demand integrated One Health frameworks, strengthened surveillance, and climate-adaptive interventions to sustain and accelerate gains.
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