Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Risk of schistosomiasis expansion to semi-arid northeastern Brazil under the influence of the Integration Project of the São Francisco River (IPSFR) was assessed.
METHODS:
Stool examinations of schoolchildren, epidemiological investigation, and survey of the local host snail Biomphalaria straminea were performed in five IPSFR municipalities.
RESULTS
Six of 4,770 examined schoolchildren were egg-positive for Schistosoma mansoni. Biomphalaria straminea was widespread, but not naturally infected with S. mansoni. Snails experimentally exposed to two laboratory S. mansoni strains yielded infection indices of 1-4.5%.
CONCLUSIONS:
There is evidence of active schistosomiasis transmission in the area; thus, intensive surveillance actions are required.
Keywords:
Integration Project of the São Francisco River; Epidemiological survey; Biomphalaria straminea
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