Evaluation of mammalian and intermediate host surveillance methods for detecting schistosomiasis reemergence in southwest China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Schistosomiasis has reemerged in China, threatening schistosomiasis elimination efforts. Surveillance methods that can identify locations where schistosomiasis has reemerged are needed to prevent the further spread of infections.

Methods and principal findings

We tested humans, cows, water buffalo and the intermediate host snail, Oncomelania hupensis, for Schistosoma japonicum infection, assessed snail densities and extracted regional surveillance records in areas where schistosomiasis reemerged in Sichuan province. We then evaluated the ability of surveillance methods to identify villages where human infections were present. Human infections were detected in 35 of the 53 villages surveyed (infection prevalence: 0 to 43%), including 17 of 28 villages with no prior

SUBMITTER: Carlton EJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3050915 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature