Schistosomiasis: eradication or control?

Abstract

Schistosomiasis cannot be eradicated from the world at this time. However, it can be eradicated from focal areas where major improvements in the standard of living have occurred. In most areas control of biological transmission can be obtained by a systematic use of chemotherapy along with other methods including control of snails and reduction in both water contamination and contact. In some areas, where the prevalence and intensity of infection are very high, the only reasonable objective is control of the disease (although reduction in transmission should be attempted). Disease morbidity correlates with intensity of infection and can probably be reduced with repeated courses of chemotherapy. The appropriate application of a schistosomal vaccine, when it becomes available, will expedite the eradication of this parasite, which infects greater than 200 million people.