Incidence Study of Schistosomiasis in Egyptian Children Utilizing Combined Clinical, Immunological and Parasitological Parameters

摘要

The prevalence and morbidity of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni infection were compared in Egyptian children in matched age groups. The relationship of the prevalance to the irrigation system was investigated as well. It was found to have a lower rate in areas which had till recently a basin system of irrigation, than those with perennial irrigation. The public health implication of this difference is obvious after the construction of the High Dam. The investigation was carried out on an approximation of 10% of the pediatric age group of the areas examined, with a total of 953 children with S. haematobium and 835 with S. mansoni infection. A cross-sectional study of the prevalence and intensity of both S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections was compared and correlated with morbidity as determined by standard medical examination. S. mansoni infection as determined by quantitative Kato thick smears has an over all prevalence of 48.3%; the infection was detected as early as 3 years of age.