Wafaa M. Hikal 
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, P.O. Box 741, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
Water Pollution Research Department, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre,33 El-Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza, Egypt
Article History: Received: Nov 09, 2020 / Revised: Dec 2, 2020/ Accepted: Dec 16, 2020
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the most widespread of all parasitic infections of humans and the most common parasite transmitted through contact with fresh water. Human schistosomiasis is one of the most common Neglected Tropical Diseases. Schistosomiasis is caused by infection with the parasite Schistosoma, which is a flat-worm or fluke. It is endemic in more than 70 countries affecting about 229 million people worldwide, of whom 92% are in Africa. Several species exist, of which the most prevalent are Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum, and Schistosoma haematobium. Left untreated schistosomiasis can cause serious long-term health problems such as intestinal and bladder disease. The construction of water schemes to meet the power and agricultural requirements for development has to lead to increased transmission, especially of Schistosoma mansoni. Increasing population and movement have contributed to increased transmission and introduction of schistosomiasis to new areas. Most endemic countries are among the least developed whose health systems face difficulties to provide basic care at the primary health level. Large-scale mass chemotherapy is the first step to reducing the burden of Schistosoma-related disease. The recommended strategy for schistosomiasis is mass treatment with praziquantel, which effectively clears the body of worms, but reinfection is common due to the nature of the parasites transmission and human behavior. Integrated control, targeting the life cycle, is the only approach that will lead to sustainability and future elimination. It should be noted that despite treatment success, the disease may prevalence again, high intensity of infection, and severe morbidity might ensue.
Keywords Schistosomiasis, Bilharzia, Snail Fever, Praziquantel, Africa
How to cite this article
Hikal, W.M. (2020). Health epidemiological study: prevalence and distribution of schistosomiasis in human. Science Archives, Vol. 1 (3), 108-116.
Crossref DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.47587/SA.2020.1307
Copyright
This is an open-access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium provided the original work is properly cited.
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