Current epidemiological status of schistosomiasis in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract

Uncontrolled peripheral urbanisation coupled with environmental degradation has affected the status of schistosomiasis in Pernambuco (PE), Brazil. This endemic disease continues to perpetuate its transmission in rural areas and has also become a cause for concern in coastal towns of the state. The lack of basic infrastructure (sanitation and health programmes) to support the new urban areas leads to faecal contamination of natural aquatic environments, resulting in consequent infection of vector snails and the emergence of new sources of schistosomiasis transmission. In the present paper, we discuss the current epidemiological status of schistosomiasis in PE. We have consolidated and analysed information from parasitological, malacological and morbidity surveys undertaken by the group of researchers at the Laboratory of Schistosomiasis, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães-Fiocruz. The results of our analysis show: (i) the maintenance of the levels of schistosomiasis in the rural Zona da Mata, PE, (ii) the record of the human cases of schistosomiasis and the foci of infected snails detected along the coast of PE through 2007, (iii) the high record of the severe clinical form of schistosomiasis in the metropolitan region of Recife (RMR) and (iv) new breeding sites of schistosomiasis vector snails that were identified in a 2008 survey covering the RMR and the coastal localities of PE.

Ecological Aspects of Biomphalaria in Endemic Areas for Schistosomiasis in Brazil

“…The presence of schistosomiasis was later reported in Northern Brazil and in other states in Southern and Southeastern Brazil. Until today, schistosomiasis is increasingly spreading to new regions of the country (Araújo et al, 2007;Barbosa et al, 1996Barbosa et al, , 2010Graeff-Teixeira et al, 1999, Paredes et al, 2010. The disease is a major public health problem in Brazil, and it is estimated that schistosomiasis affects 4.6% of the population, approximately 8,000,000 individuals, and in the states of Minas Gerais, Pernambuco and Espírito Santo, approximately 2.9 million people are infected (Katz & Peixoto, 2000;Paraense et al, 1983).…”

Treatment and education reduce the severity of schistosomiasis periportal fibrosis

“…It is well known that control measures such as sanitation and education are gradually improving in Brazil; these measures contribute to a decrease in schistosomiasis transmission. In addition, better economic conditions for all individuals in northeastern Brazil may help to solve this public health problem, which still affects many states in the region, particularly Pernambuco 19,21,22 . In addition, studies have described recent transmissions of schistosomiasis throughout this region and even in the City of Recife 19 .…”

Modelling of the distribution of Biomphalaria glabrata and Biomphalaria straminea in the metropolitan region of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil

“…Presence of schistosomiasis has been described in 18 of the states of Brazil, including the Federal District, and its occurrence is directly linked to the presence of Biomphalaria (Brazilian Ministry of Health, 2009). In the state of Pernambuco, B. straminea is endemic in the Zona da Mata region, with some records also on the coast of this state, while B. glabrata occurs in the coastal region (Barbosa et al, 2010(Barbosa et al, , 2014. Knowledge of these snails' habitats, behaviour in relation to climate change and geographical distribution is essential for guiding measures for prevention and control of schistosomiasis.…”