Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy is the most severe and disabling ectopic form of Schistosoma mansoni infection. The prevalence of SMR in centres inSchistosomal myeloradiculopathy (SMR) is the most severe and disabling ectopic form of Schistosoma mansoni infection. In order to prevent serious and irreversible lesions, particularly, in young and productive individuals, early diagnosis and subsequent treatment of SMR are critical. The diagnosis of SMR is based upon: (i) the presentation of neurological symptoms and signs resulting from lesions of the spinal cord; (ii) the demonstration of schistosomal infection using microscopy and serological techniques, and (iii) the exclusion of other causes of myelopathy. The disease is characterised by a triad consisting of lumbar/lower limb pain, alterations in motor function (paraparesis) and/or altered sensitivity in the lower limbs, and urinary dysfunction. The presentation of such symptoms should alert health personnel to the possible emergence of SMR.Since the diagnosis of SMR may be inferred from clinical and laboratory tests, and the treatment is essentially clinical,

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RESUMO A mielorradiculopatia esquistossomótica é a forma ectópica mais grave e incapacitante da infecção pelo

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Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and blood platelet count are good markers for fibrosis evaluation in schistosomiasis mansoni O índice da relação aspartato aminotransferase sobre plaquetas e a contagem de plaquetas no sangue são bons marcadores de fibrose na esquistossomose mansônica Dear Editor:

The Schistosomiasis Control Program (PCE) was implemented in Minas Gerais (MG) in 1984. In 1999, the state started the investigation and control of schistosomiasis in 470 municipalities. The aim of the present paper is to report the evolution of this Program from 1984-2007. The program included a coproscopic survey carried out in the municipalities of known endemic areas using a quantitative method. Positives were treated with praziquantel and given a program of health education. The information for this study was obtained from data collected and stored by the Health State Department. From 2003-2007, 2,643,564 stool examinations resulted in 141,284 positive tests for Schistosoma mansoni (5.3%). In the first evaluation after treatment, a decrease in the number of municipalities with prevalence over 10% was documented. In one village, selected for a more detailed evaluation, the percentage of positive tests decreased from 14.9% in the baseline survey to 5.3% after treatment. A reference centre for patients with severe schistosomiasis was created in Belo Horizonte, MG. Based on our findings, we believe that the implementation of PCE in MG is on the right path and in due time these new initiatives will provide desirable results

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