Intestinal Infections Are More Prevalent In High Poverty Communities Intestinal infections take a heavy toll on impoverished Black communities that have out-of-date sewage systems. These infections often spread through contaminated soil and water and are among the most common diseases worldwide. Approximately one-quarter of the global population is infected with soil-transmitted helminths, intestinal parasitic worms that can cause serious health problems. Additionally, up to 50% of people around the world are infected with Helicobacter pylori, bacteria that live in the stomach and can cause ulcers and cancer. I am a biological anthropologist, and it is clear to me that these…
Author: Theresa E. Gildner, Washington University in St. Louis
Theresa E. Gildner, Washington University in St. Louis
Theresa is a biological anthropologist interested in the effects of human behavior and the environment on disease risk. My work uses a biocultural approach to examine how lifestyle variation influences immune function. I am also interested in understanding how these interactions can be used to design more effective disease intervention programs.