Brazilian contributions to epidemiological aspects of schistosomiasis mansoni

Abstract

A review of epidemiological aspects of endemic areas for schistosomiasis, especially in Brazil, will be presented. These studies, performed by several authors from different states of the country, have been very useful in indicating the relative efficacy of control measures. For example quoting only one aspect, specific treatment was demonstrated by Brazilian researchers to be the most important individual tool for morbidity control. More recently the study of risk factors in endemic areas has been seen to be a very important approach when transmission control is the final goal.

Epidemiological and control aspects of schistosomiasis in Brazilian endemic areas

“…More recently, Katz (1992, 1998) Coura et al (1992, Bina (1992) Barbosa and Coimbra Jr. (1992), Kloetzel (1992), Barbosa (1995), and Coura (1995) reviewed the epidemiological situation and suggested controlling actions for disease in Brazil, while Hiroshi Kano (1992) and Amaral and Porto (1994) analyzed the controlling actions adopted by National Health Foundation (Fundação Nacional de Saúde -Funasa).…”

Schistosomiasis control in Brazil

“…It must be also pointed out that the great majority of the studies performed in specific endemic areas, by different researchers in Brazil, consistently find significant decrease on prevalence and on incidence of schistosomiasis, when control measures (chemoterapy and/or molluscicide) are repeatedly used for a number of years (Katz 1980, Coura et al 1987, Coura Filho et al 1992, Katz 1992, Lima e Costa et al 1993.…”