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PubMedDate not supplied

Presentation and diagnosis of imported schistosomiasis: relevance of eosinophilia, microscopy for ova, and serology.

BACKGROUND: In nonendemic countries a steady rise in cases of imported schistosomiasis has been observed. The objective of this study was to describe the presentation of patients diagnosed with schistosomiasis in the Outpatient Department (OPD) for Tropical Diseases in the Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. METHODS: In a retrospective study, patients with schistosomiasis from our OPD (1997-1999), including a subgroup of persons asking for screening for schistosomiasis and found positive, were analyzed. Diagnosis was based on freshwater exposure in an endemic area and positive serology for schistosomal antibodies. The following data were recorded: age, gender, country of birth, travel destination, symptoms, eosinophil count, and results of serology and stool and urine microscopy. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients (42 travelers, 16 expatriates, and 20 immigrants) were diagnosed with schistosomiasis; 47% were infected in southern Africa. Twenty-four percent had specific symptoms, 57% had eosinophilia, and in 17 patients (22%) Schistosoma ova were found. Eleven travelers suffered from Katayama syndrome. Of the subgroup of 42 persons screened for schistosomiasis, 15 (36%) had schistosomal antibodies; the majority of these persons (10/15 [67%]) were infected in southern Africa. CONCLUSION: In our OPD schistosomiasis was diagnosed in about 26 patients per year, 3% of all new presentations. Infections were almost exclusively acquired in Africa. In travelers high eosinophilia was due to acute schistosomiasis; in immigrants it was due to concomitant helminthic infections. One of three people asking to be screened for schistosomiasis had schistosomal antibodies. Eosinophilia was indicative but an insufficient screening tool, and stool and urine microscopy for ova were not sensitive. Screening by serology is easy and reliable and the method of choice in asymptomatic persons with a history of freshwater exposure in a high-risk area.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Pattern and cost of medical care for workers with schistosomiasis.

This study describes the pattern of medical care provided to workers with schistosomiasis, estimate the total medical cost and to identify the proportional rates of sickness retirement attributed to schistosomiasis. The observational approach was adopted for this study 170 schistosomiasis workers and a similar number of controls were included in this study. An interviewing schedule and a special format were designed for collecting personal, medical and early retirement data. The results revealed that the mean total cost in the outpatient clinics was significantly higher for schistosomiasis workers than their controls (320.2 " 330.11 versus 210.8 " 260.01 L.E). The hospital cost was also higher for schistosomiasis workers compared with their controls (265.9 " 674.47 vs 195.8 " 629.72 L.E) but this differencewas not statistically significant. More than 80% of the total hospital cost was spent on bed cost. The average operative cost/worker was significantly higher among the schistosomiasis workers than the control workers (7.08 " 22.07 vs 2.35 " 5.2 L.E). The total medical cost (outpatient and hospital) was significantly higher for workers with schistosomiasis compared with their controls (586.02" 845.77 vs 406.57 " 694.34). The total number of workers who retired because of sickness disability other than schistosomiasis increased from 1994 to 1998 with a ratio of 2.54 while those who retired because of schistosomiasis and its complications increased with a ratio of 3.64.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[A case-control study on risk factors for advanced schistosomiasis japonica].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate risk factors for the development of advanced schistosomiasis. METHODS: The case-control study was designed with a match of 1:1 and 1:2. Healthy persons and chronic schistosomiasis patients were used as control. Each group was composed of 213 cases. Items investigated included: history of schistosomiasis and treatment, exposure to the contaminated water, social-economical condition and nutritional status, other concomitant diseases. Cellular and humoral immunity, HBVMs and ABO blood groups were also detected. Statistical analysis was performed by 1:1 and 1:2 matched single and stepwise conditional logistic regression analysis with SAS software. RESULTS: By stepwise conditional logistic regression analysis, it was revealed that number of schistosomiasis examination (OR = 1.168-1.311), interval from first infection to last treatment(OR = 1.142), interval from first infection to this investigation (OR = 1.089), HBsAg+ (OR = 4.683-10.759), HBcAb+ (OR = 2.873), HBsAg+ + HBeAb+ + HBcAb+ (OR = 7.64) were risk factors of developing advanced schistosomiasis. The average living space and cellular immunity were lower in advanced schistosomiasis patients than others. No association was found between advanced schistosomiasis and ABO blood groups. CONCLUSION: The development of advanced schistosomiasis is associated with repeated infections, and delayed or incomplete treatment. Combined infection with hepatitis B, poor socio-economic conditions and impaired cellular immunity may increase the pathogenetic risk of schistosomiasis.

ABO Blood-Group System↗

PubMed2004

[Prediction of the impact of climate warming on transmission of schistosomiasis in China].

OBJECTIVE: To predict the intensity and scale of impact on transmission of schistosomiasis japonica in China caused by the climate warming. METHODS: By using climate data from 193 weather stations in China from 1951 to 2000, the GIS database was created to analyze the tendency of average daily temperature. By using the results from the effective accumulated temperature models on Oncomelania snails and Schistosoma japonicum, the climate-transmission model for schistosomiasis was established at country level, by which the spatio-temporal analysis was performed to create the distribution maps of Oncomelania snails and Schistosoma japonicum, respectively, by means of GIS approaches based on the ratio of effective accumulated temperature to the snail or the parasite development temperature (ET/SDT) in all 193 stations. The potential distribution maps with the dispersal risk areas of schistosomiasis japonica in 2030 and 2050 were created based on forecast data that the average temperature of the country will increase by 1.7 degrees C in 2030 and by 2.2 degrees C in 2050. RESULTS: The GIS database of climate-schistosomiasis of the country was established. It was found that the average temperature in the last 5 decades inclined, especially after 1990 it increased significantly with its increasing regression formula T = 0.0198X - 28.476. The climate-transmission model for schistosomiasis was established, and it was found that the geographical distribution of Schistosoma japonicum was much larger than that of Oncomelania snails based on the ratio of ET/SDT. The prediction maps for distribution of schistosomiasis in 2030 and 2050 were created, respectively, which showed that the sensitive areas were extended with the time, the risk of expansion northward for schistosomiasis will be increasing due to directly the climate warming. CONCLUSION: It is predicted that a northward expansion of transmission area of schistosomiasis may occur due to the climate warming, the expanded potential area for schistosomiasis transmission will be important for future surveillance.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

[Changes in induced interleukin-1 and interleukin-2 activity and their interrelationship in patients with schistosomiasis japonica].

Activities of IL-1 produced by peripheral blood monocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and IL-2 released by peripheral blood mononuclear cells induced by PHA, SWAP and SEA in vitro were detected in patients with various stages of schistosomiasis japonica. It was found that the activity of IL-1 was greatly increased and positively related to the body temperature, and high level of IL-2 was induced by SWAP and SEA in the group of acute schistosomiasis. The activity of IL-1 was significantly reduced in the groups of chronic and advanced schistosomiasis, especially in the latter group. The level of IL-2 induced by SWAP and SEA in the groups of chronic and advanced schistosomiasis was significantly lower than that in the group of acute schistosomiasis, but was much higher than that in the group of normal control. The level of IL-2 induced by SWAP and SEA in the cases of acute schistosomiasis was positively related to the activity of IL-1. The results indicate that the specific cellular immunity was increased in acute cases and decreased in chronic cases of schistosomiasis japonica. Both specific and nonspecific cellular immune responses were greatly reduced in cases of advanced schistosomiasis japonica. IL-1 and IL-2 may play an important role in the immunoregulation of schistosomiasis japonica.

Female↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Impact of water resource installations on the distribution of schistosomiasis and its intermediary hosts in Burkina Faso].

Dams generally are a favourable biotope for the molluscs acting as intermediary hosts to schistosomiasis. The importance of the schistosomiasis endemic which follows depends on the interactions taking place between the parasites and their definitive (humans) and intermediary hosts. A preliminary sound knowledge of the prevailing epidemiological situations is therefore necessary to define an efficient programme to fight these infections. The extension of schistosomiasis following the installation of water resource facilities is significative of the part played by these hosts. In the hydroagricultural complex of Sourou, the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis increased from 19% in 1954 to more than 70% in 1998-1999 in Guiédougou, the most ancient site. As to digestive schistosomiasis, almost unheard of until 1987, its prevalence ranged from 8% to 69% in 1998 in the villages located alongside the areas thus equipped. In the Kou Valley, the prevalence went up from 14% in 1957 to 80% in 1974 for urinary schistosomiasis and from 1.3% to 45% for intestinal schistosomiasis. The same tendencies are likely to appear in the hydraulic installations of Bagré, Ziga, and Kompienga. Dams thus constitute amplifying factors for the proliferation of species and for parasite-host interactions. All the actors (developers, populations and scientists) are faced with the challenge of finding a mean to control the development of schistosomiasis infections which are likely to seriously lessen the benefits expected from these hydraulic installations.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[Recent evolution of schistosomiasis in the water project of Sourou in Burkina Faso].

In order to help the hydro-agricultural projects in the management of water resources together with a schistosomiasis control programme, it is important to evaluate the extent of the problem. This is the reason why parasitological and clinical surveys were conducted in schools associated with malacological surveys in transmission sites of several water projects including the one from Sourou. The data-collecting for the research on molluscs was carried out in surface water and as for parasitologic investigations on school-aged children, urine filtration and Kato-Katz were used to evaluate the parasitic load. The levels of prevalence were respectively in Guiédougou, Niassan, Di and Toma-île, in 2000, 60.5%, 40%, 48.8% and 51.9% for the urinary schistosomiasis, 5.3%, 0%, 6.9% and 50.6% for the intestinal schistosomiasis and in 2002, 56%, 51.9%, 51.6% and 43.4% for the urinary schistosomiasis, 10.1%, 8.2%, 22.7% and 90.8% for the intestinal schistosomiasis. The molluscs species collected and identified were: Biomphalaria pfeifferi for the intestinal schistosomiasis and Bulinus truncatus rohlfsi and B. senegalensis for the urinary schistosomiasis. B. senegalensis and B. truncatus were found naturally infested by S. haematobium. Water projects constitute amplifying factors of the proliferation of the species and parasitic exchange. All the actors (developers, populations, scientists) are questioning the means at their disposal to reduce the development of schistosomiasis which decrease the expected benefit of hydro-agricultural installations.

Agriculture↗

PubMed2000

Evolution of schistosomiasis-induced pathology after therapy and interruption of exposure to schistosomes: a review of ultrasonographic studies.

Ultrasonography (US) is suitable for diagnosing schistosomiasis-related organic pathology and is particularly useful to assess its evolution after therapy and/or interruption of exposure to the Schistosoma parasites. Evolution of pathology after treatment: Regression of hepatic abnormalities in Schistosma mansoni-infected children and adolescents has been observed already from 7 months post-therapy on. This does, however, not occur in all cases: individual differences are great ranging from spontaneous regression of pathology without treatment to persistence of pathology lasting for years after therapy even without re-infection. Intensity and duration of exposure, different parasite strains, patients' age and genetic background all influence the evolution of pathology. In communities at continuous exposure to S. mansoni infection, repeated re-treatment is required to control hepatosplenic morbidity. In Schistosoma japonicum infection, changes around the portal tree may regress, but characteristic diffuse abnormalities described as 'network pattern' abnormalities do not resolve. In Schistosoma haematobium infection bladder abnormalities and urinary tract obstruction frequently resolve after treatment. Clinically relevant pathology may resurge from 1 year after therapy on if exposure continues. Subjects with more advanced pathology before therapy, appear to be at higher risk of pathology re-appearance. Evolution of pathology after interruption of exposure to schistosomiasis: Knowledge on the evolution of pathology induced by S. mansoni is limited to some reports in emigrants and to the experience of ultrasonographists working in areas, where transmission has been partially interrupted. Due to the longevity of the parasite, infection may last for many years. Even after elimination of the parasites severe pathology may persist for long. In S. haematobium infection spontaneous healing after interruption of re-exposure may occur, but cases have been reported where urogenital lesions led to complications many years after exposure. Contrary to hepatosplenic and urinary pathology, knowlegde on the evolution of other organic abnormalities is very limited: studies on the evolution of biliary abnormalities or intestinal pathology have not been published. Genital pathology may be induced by all Schistosoma spp. Post-therapy evolution of genital schistosomiasis is largely ignored. In some European travellers partial regression of prostatic fibrosis has been described. Schistosomal adnexitis leading to infertility and/or ectopic pregnancy has been reported occurring many years after interruption of exposure. Ultrasonography (US) has never been used to study the influence of schistosomiasis on pregnancy. Concluding, current knowlegde on the evolution of pathology after treatment and/or interruption of exposure is still fragmentary. Frequently, fibrosis reverses after therapy, but advanced pathology may persist for long. Therefore, the possibility of severe clinical complications has to be taken into account, even if the infection is inactive since many years. In interventions aimed at controlling schistosomiasis-related morbidity, evolution of pathology must be monitored by US in representative patient cohorts. Further systematic US-studies are needed not only on the evolution of hepatosplenic and urinary pathology but also on that of intestinal, biliary and genital pathology induced by schistosomiasis, as well as on the influence of schistosomiasis on the outcome of pregnancy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Novel adenine adducts, N7-guanine-AFB1 adducts, and p53 mutations in patients with schistosomiasis and aflatoxin exposure.

INTRODUCTION: The most frequent mutation in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in populations exposed to a high dietary intake of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mutation in codon 249 of the p53 gene. Schistosomiasis is known to cause p53 mutation. We hypothesized that the combination of schistosomiasis and aflatoxin B1 increases the incidence of p53 gene mutation. METHODS: Liver tissue from 21 patients with schistosomiasis and 5 patients without schistosomiasis were analyzed for occurrence of mutations of the p53 gene and levels of N7-guanine-AFB1 adducts. RESULTS: The presence of mutations in codon 249 of p53 gene was higher in patients infected with Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) than in those infected with Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) or a combination of both strains (p < 0.01), compared to control subjects. No mutations were detected in p53 gene in liver DNA from schistosomiasis-free patients. Significant amounts of N7-guanine-AFB1 adducts and novel adenine-adducts (p < 0.01) were detected in patients with schistosomiasis, mostly in patients infected with S. haematobium or a combination of both strains, compared to control subjects. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that schistosomiasis and exposure to aflatoxin B1 act synergistically to increase the incidence of p53 gene mutation. The increase in p53 mutations may enhance progression of HCC at an early age in patients with schistosomiasis.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Study on histopathology, ultrasonography and some special serum enzymes and collagens for 38 advanced patients of schistosomiasis japonica.

Thirty-eight cases clinically diagnosed as advanced schistosomiaisis were subject to splenectomy in Dongzhi County Special Hospital for Schistosomiasis because of portal hypertension, splenomegaly and/or hypersplenism. Liver biopsy was undertaken in all cases during surgical intervention. Before operation, ultrasonography on the liver and spleen was carried out. Also done was biochemical assay on several indices related to liver damage and fibrosis. Among the 38 cases, 24 were diagnosed as schistosomiasis by the finding of eggs in feces, 13 were diagnosed by positive serological test with IHA or COPT, and only in one case, the diagnosis of schistosomiasis was doubtful before operation. However, the eggs were found in the liver section upon histological examination. All the 38 cases had symptoms and signs of portal hypertension and most of them had general symptoms. Histories of hematemesis and melena were recorded in three cases. The causes of hospitalization were mainly splenomegaly and abdominal distension, and two were suffering from upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Upon histopathological examination, schistosome eggs were found in 33 out of 38 cases. Advanced schistosomaiasis was shown in 18 cases and schistosomiasis associated with hepatitis or cirrhosis was seen in other 20 patients. The main pathological changes were egg granulomas with different degrees of fibrosis and some differences in the pathological changes between schistosomal liver fibrosis (SLF) and mixed liver cirrhosis (both schistosome and hepatitis in origin) were seen. Compared with normal ultrasonography, in all the 38 cases, the length of the left and right liver, and the spleen, and the thickness of the left liver, the width of portal trunk, were all out of normal ranges. The differences between the patients and normal records were significant. However, there were no statistically significant differences in terms of above-mentioned indices as well as liver parenchyma changes on ultrasound between advanced schistosomaiasis and schistosomiasis complicated with hepatitis or cirrhosis (all P>0.5). According to WHO classification criteria on ultrasonography for schistosomiasis, among 20 cases combined with hepatitis or cirrhosis, 11 cases fell in Grade II, and nine cases in Grade III hepatic fibrosis, whereas among 18 cases with schistosomiasis fibrosis, 12 and six were in Grade II and III, respectively. The mean value of serum MAO, PIIIP, IVC and HA in the 38 cases were all significantly higher than normal range. However, no significant differences (all P>0.1) were seen between advanced schistosomiasis and those complicated with hepatitis or cirrhosis in terms of the levels of the four indices. The results showed that ultrasonography has its importance in the diagnosis and evaluation of liver fibrosis. However, in differentiation of the two types of liver damage, ultrasound does not provide important information. Histopathological examination, on the other hand, can provide useful information to identify the hepatic diseases.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Reassessment of the cost of chronic helmintic infection: a meta-analysis of disability-related outcomes in endemic schistosomiasis.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is one of the world's most prevalent infections, yet its effect on the global burden of disease is controversial. Published disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) estimates suggest that the average effect of schistosome infection is quite small, although this is disputed. To develop an evidenced-based reassessment of schistosomiasis-related disability, we did a systematic review of data on disability-associated outcomes for all forms of schistosomiasis. METHODS: We did structured searches using EMBASE, PUBMED, and Cochrane electronic databases. Published bibliographies were manually searched, and unpublished studies were obtained by contacting research groups. Reports were reviewed and abstracted independently by two trained readers. All randomised and observational studies of schistosomiasis morbidity were eligible for inclusion. We calculated pooled estimates of reported disability-related effects using weighted odds ratios for categorical outcomes and standardised mean differences for continuous data. FINDINGS: 482 published or unpublished reports (March, 1921, to July, 2002) were screened. Of 135 selected for inclusion, 51 provided data for performance-related symptoms, whereas 109 reported observed measures of disability-linked morbidities. Schistosomiasis was significantly associated with anaemia, chronic pain, diarrhoea, exercise intolerance, and undernutrition. INTERPRETATION: By contrast with WHO estimates of 0.5% disability weight assigned to schistosomiasis, 2-15% disability seems evident in different functional domains of a person with schistosomiasis. This raised estimate, if confirmed in formal patient-preference studies, indicates a need to reassess our priorities for treating this silent pandemic of schistosomiasis.

Anemia↗

PubMed2006

Schistosomiasis and water resources development: systematic review, meta-analysis, and estimates of people at risk.

An estimated 779 million people are at risk of schistosomiasis, of whom 106 million (13.6%) live in irrigation schemes or in close proximity to large dam reservoirs. We identified 58 studies that examined the relation between water resources development projects and schistosomiasis, primarily in African settings. We present a systematic literature review and meta-analysis with the following objectives: (1) to update at-risk populations of schistosomiasis and number of people infected in endemic countries, and (2) to quantify the risk of water resources development and management on schistosomiasis. Using 35 datasets from 24 African studies, our meta-analysis showed pooled random risk ratios of 2.4 and 2.6 for urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis, respectively, among people living adjacent to dam reservoirs. The risk ratio estimate for studies evaluating the effect of irrigation on urinary schistosomiasis was in the range 0.02-7.3 (summary estimate 1.1) and that on intestinal schistosomiasis in the range 0.49-23.0 (summary estimate 4.7). Geographic stratification showed important spatial differences, idiosyncratic to the type of water resources development. We conclude that the development and management of water resources is an important risk factor for schistosomiasis, and hence strategies to mitigate negative effects should become integral parts in the planning, implementation, and operation of future water projects.

Africa↗

PubMed1999

Chronic Japanese schistosomiasis and hepatocellular carcinoma: ten years of follow-up in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan.

In a preliminary study carried out in the study area we found that 19.1% (173/907) of patients with chronic liver disease and 51% (35/68) of hepatocellular carcinoma cases were infected with Japanese schistosomiasis. Analysis of data from 571 autopsies revealed a similarly high incidence of schistosomiasis among cases of hepatoma and other liver diseases. A prospective case-control study conducted over 10 years showed that hepatoma developed in 5.4% (26/484) of chronic schistosomiasis cases and in 7.5% (23/307) of patients with chronic liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc). The difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.228). A high incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody (HCVAb) was found in the schistosomiasis group (36.5%; 95% CI = 44.9-28.1%) and in the chronic liver disease group (56.0%), 39% of whom had chronic hepatitis (P = 0.028). Various factors that might have contributed to the development of hepatoma and schistosomiasis were investigated, but no evidence of a significant correlation between schistosomiasis and hepatoma was found. The high incidence of HCVAb was considered to have been responsible for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic schistosomiasis patients. The role of HBV infection in the development of hepatoma in schistosomiasis patients was not confirmed after an assay for HCVAb was included in the study.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Clinicopathological patterns and distribution of Schistosomiasis in Asir Region.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to report, for the first time, the histopathologic pattern of Schistosomiasis from the Asir Region and to compare it to patterns reported from other regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Several studies have reported the patterns of Schistosomiasis in other regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other countries where Schistosomiasis is endemic. Schistosomiasis is endemic in certain areas of Asir region, however no data is available concerning the clinicopathological pattern of Schistosomiasis in the Asir Region. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 217 cases of Schistosomiasis from surgical and biopsy files of Asir Central Hospital during a period from January 1990 to October 1999. RESULTS: Our study revealed that Schistosomiasis was more common among the expatriate population of Asir Region than Saudi nationals residing in this area. The urinary tract was most commonly involved, and then in descending frequency came the vermiform appendix, liver and large bowel. CONCLUSION: These findings are somewhat different from those observed in the Riyadh Region where the vermiform appendix was the most commonly affected organ. Based on the histopathologic pattern, our study describes the pattern of Schistosomiasis in the Asir Region and may serve as a base-line for future research work.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Impact of type and stage of schistosomiasis on quality of life and productivity of infected workers.

All workers with schistosomiasis (205 workers) during the field period (April 1998 to March 1999) were included. The study tools included an interviewing schedule, the WHO QOL-brief and a production data format specially designed to obtain data about the productivity of the workers. The data revealed that 78.8% of the schistosomiasis workers suffered from Schistosoma mansoni while only 7.6% suffered from S. haematobium and 13.5% had a mixed infection. Workers infected with S. mansoni tended to have lower mean percent of all the QOL domains and productivity indicators compared with workers infected with S. haematobium but these differences were not statistically significant. Workers with complications of schistosomiasis had significantly lower values for the QOL physical, social relationship and environmental domains (55.27 +/- 15.59, 74.94 +/- 5.34 and 56.39 +/- 15.09 versus 61.38 +/- 5.74, 79.36 +/- 11.96 and 61.64 +/- 7.74 respectively). Moreover, the production score was significantly lower in the workers with complication compared with workers free from schistosomiasis complications. The mean percent of QOL domains decreased as the stage of schistosomiasis increased from stage 1 to stage 4, this was statistically significant for the physical and independence domain. The mean additional hours and production scores decreased successively from stage 1 to stage 4 of schistosomiasis. Thus, special attention should be paid to schistosomiasis workers for early detection and treatment of complications to improve the QOL and increase the productivity of those workers. The impact of the stage of schistosomiasis on productivity and QOL of workers needs further research with a wide spectrum of workload in different industries.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

[Impact of a reservoir project on schistosomiasis transmission in lake region].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of a project of building dike for storing water on schistosomiasis transmission in Junshan Lake. METHODS: Junshan Lake in Jinxian County of Jiangxi Province was selected as survey pilot. Data on snail distribution and historical prevalence of schistosomiasis before building dike were collected. The water level inside and outside of the dike was recorded from 1995 to 2002, and the relationship between the water level and snail population at the inside of the dike was analyzed. Survey was made in a natural endemic village to confirm the current endemicity of schistosomiasis. RESULTS: In the selected area of Junshan lake, schistosomiasis was prevalent in 6 villages of 3 townships, with a snail area of 1,394,030 m2 (2,090 Chinese Mu). Snails distributed mainly in the marshland at an elevation of 16.6-17.2 m, and the average infection rate of schistosomiasis in the residents was 12.5% in 1958 before the dike project. In 1960, two years after the dike was built, no living snails were found on the marshland, and the infection rate of schistosomiasis in the residents reduced remarkably. Currently, no schistosomiasis cases were found in human being and cattle in the surveyed village. CONCLUSION: The reservoir project had helped the elimination of snails and interrupted schistosomiasis transmission.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

[Study on the intention of the administrative model of anti-schistosomiasis institutions at county level].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate current status of schistosomiasis control system at the county level and make recommendations to improve the infrastructure adapting to the prevalent condition of the disease. METHODS: Through pertinently sampling and semi-quantitative questionnaire among the professional workers, experts and administrators in schistosomiasis control, the primary weaknesses involved in the management system and human resources were analyzed. RESULTS: 380 questionnaires were distributed, 33 out of 40 were returned from experts/administrators and 285 out of 340 were received from the professionals. In general, the participants acknowledged the effectiveness of the mechanism on anti-schistosomiasis campaign during the past 40 years. It was found that lack of funds for schistosomiasis control and the poor administrative model of anti-schistosomiasis activities were the main barriers to the control. About half of the participants agreed that the policy about merging the county level anti-schistosomiasis facilities into the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDPC) system. The study also showed an inbalanced distribution of the manpower for schistosomiasis control across the endemic regions. The dropout rate of human resources was high due to the poor management and welfare. CONCLUSION: Reforms on the management model should be performed and multiform compensation system should be built in accordance with the prevalence and trends of schistosomiasis.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

[Outbreaks of acute schistosomiasis in Anhui province in 2003].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outbreak patterns of acute schistosomiasis in Anhui province in 2003. METHODS: The criteria of emergency event for schistosomiasis issued by the Ministry of Health were applled in this study. Epidemiological data of acute schistosomiasis outbreak in Anhui province in 2003 were collected, checked and analyzed. RESULTS: In 2003, there were 6 episodes of acute schistosomiasis outbreaks in Anhui which had met the criteria of being emergency events, issued by the Ministry of Health. The preplanning was initiated in 5 outbreaks to respond to the outbreaks of acute schistosomiasis. All of the acute schistosomiasis cases received timing treatment, except those misdiagnosed cases coming from the non-endemic areas. There were no deaths or follow-up cases during the outbreaks. Health education, preventive treatment for people living in high risk villages were conducted in order to timely control the epidemics of schistosomiasis. CONCLUSION: The implementation of preplanning has played an important role in early cases-finding, timing report and response to the outbreaks of acute schistosomiasis.

Adolescent↗