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Assessment of schistosomiasis in the semi-arid Northeast region of Brazil: the São Francisco River large-scale water transposition project

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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