HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Kloetzel, K. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Kloetzel, K.

Some Quantitative Aspects of Diagnosis and Epidemiology in Schistosomiasis Mansoni

Oviposition of Schistosoma mansoni is very low, around 250 eggs per day. Since these are deposited in the small veins of the portal system, an estimated 80% being retained in the tissues, diagnosis of schistosomiasis by a stool examination succeeds only when the worm load exceeds a few hundred flukes.

The author presents prevalence data for a highly endemic area in northeastern Brazil and shows how accuracy depends closely on the method of examination used and the number of slides read. When a group of young children is to be studied, it is suggested that the intradermal test be used.

Severity of clinical schistosomiasis probably depends on the worm load. Some individuals with splenomegaly will be host to thousands of flukes. Since the majority of adults in the hyperendemic regions of Brazil have stools positive for S. mansoni, it is suggested that the detection of areas deserving priority in public health measures be judged not by prevalence but by a study of egg counts.