Letter to the Editor: elevating fingernail hygiene in parasitic disease prevention — implications from Hajipour and Valizadeh’s study

Abstract

The recent study by Hajipour and Valizadeh reveals a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in fingernail debris across occupational and demographic groups in Iran. In this letter, we contextualize their findings with global evidence, highlighting the significance of fingernails as hidden reservoirs of parasitic transmission. We propose the integration of fingernail hygiene—specifically, nail trimming and handwashing—into public health interventions, particularly, in endemic and underserved communities. Emphasizing the One Health approach, we underscore the potential of this low-cost strategy in controlling human and zoonotic parasitic infections.