Epidemiology and control of mekongi schistosomiasis》.pdf

Acta Tropica 82 (2002) 157–168 Epidemiology and control of mekongi schistosomiasis C. Urbani a,*, M. Sinoun b, D. Socheat b, K. Pholsena c, H. Strandgaard d, P. Odermatt e, C. Hatz f a World Health Organization 63, Trang Hung Dao Street, P.O. Box 52, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam b National Malaria Centre, 372 Bl. Moniong, Phnom Penh, Cambodia c Department of Hygiene and Preention, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao PDR d World Health Organization, P.O. Box 343, Vientiane, Lao PDR e Institut de la Francophonie pour la Medecine Tropicale, B.P. 9519, Vientiane, Lao PDR f Swiss Tropical Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland Abstract Since the first case of Schistosoma mekongi infection was reported in 1957, control measures have been implemented in Laos and in Cambodia. Operational research provided the necessary information on parasite epidemiology and the associated morbidity in order to develop adequate control measures. S. mekongi transmission occurs in rocky banks of the river according to a seasonal cycle. Common daily activities of villagers living in the endemic areas constitute the risk factors for infection. The potential role of an animal reservoir is not fully understood. Severe disease is associated with advanced infection status. Signs and symptoms of portal hypertension dominate the clinical situation, and death is usually due to bleeding from ruptured esophageal varices. Schistosomiasis control in both Laos and Cambodia was b