The sources and environmental origins of gastrointestinal pathogens

Throughout history, mankind has been subject to a large variety of infections and intoxications associated with the consumption of contaminated food or water, or with the transmission of infection from direct or indirect contact with animals or other infected humans. Epidemics of typhoid and pandemics of cholera have been significant causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world over the last two centuries, and in poor areas of the world still are. Diarrhoeal diseases remain a leading cause of infant and childhood mortality in developing countries, and parasitic worm burdens can cause important delays in both the physical and mental development of children.