Schistosomiasis survey and preliminary control work in the province of Bohol

The result of the schistosomiasis survey in Trinidad and Talibon, Province of Bohol, showed 93 out of the 305 individuals to be positive for S. japonicum ova on stool examination. Snail survey in the different areas covered revealed Bos. Kinan-owan and San Vicente of the Municipality of Trinidad and in Bos. San Roque and Baboy of Talibon to be positive for Oncomelania quadrasi snails. The endemicity of schistosomiasis in the above mentioned places is therefore, establishedSome control measures have been prescribed, which, if carried out through the cooperation and assistance of other government and civic agencies including the landowners, it may be expected that the problem of schistosomiasis in the Province of Bohol could be minimized to a great extent. (Summary)

An evaluation of a coprological technique for assessing drug efficacy in schistosomiasis japonica

A study was carried out to evaluate the reliability of the MIFC technique as a quantitative method of stool examination for S. japonicum ova. The data presented show that valid questions may be raised regarding the use of the MIFC technique for egg counting from the point of view of number and consistency of egg recovery. The results of this study further show that the MIFC method for quantitative stool examination could be improved. Thorough stirring of the whole specimen and the examination of 3 sediments per gram of stool sample instead of just one in the MIFC technique will lead to more reliable results. (Author)

Observations on the possible development of resistance to reinfection in Oriental schistosomiasis among experimental animals

Observation made on the egg output of some experimental monkeys and pigs infected with Schistosoma japonicum cercariae show that after a certain period of time from the date of non-overwhelming initial infection, sufficient resistance may be induced against S. japonicum reinfections. This was noted after 31 months in monkeys and a relatively shorter period of time in pigs after their initial infections. It could, therefore, be surmised that in order to resist to a sufficient degree a big dose of cercarial infections, a longer time interval between initial and challenge infection is necessary. Inasmuch as the data presented are limited, it is felt that further investigations along this line should be carried out. (Authors)

A report of two schistosomiasis endemic municipalities in northwestern Leyte

The results of the schistosomiasis survey in Matag-ob and Villaba of Northwestern Leyte showed 78 school children out of the 385 examined to be positive for S. japonicum ova in their stools. Snail surveys revealed the presence of O. quadrasi which were naturally infected with S. japonicum cercariae. The endemicity of schistosomiasis japonica in these places is therefore established. Treatment of cases, intensive environmental sanitation and health education work are being carried out by the Provincial Health Office and Rural Health Units of these two Municipalities. (Author)

Niridazole in the treatment of schistosomiasis japonica

This paper presents drug trials with Niridazole, an oral schistosomicide. Seventy-two of 106 patients who complemented treatment and who were followed-up monthly for 6 months gave a cure rate ranging from 48.3% to 84.8% and a highly satisfactory egg reduction in the stool of 96.3% to 98%. However, due to transient psychic side reactions observed in some patients, it is recommended that treatment with this drug be done under close medical supervision.(Auth. Abs.)

A preliminary report of early schistosomiasis japonica cases treated with sodium antimony dimethylcysteine tartrate (NaP)

A total of 10 adult patients suffering from early schistosomiasis japonica at the Bethany Hospital, Tacloban City with daily injections of Sodium Antimony Dimethylcysteine Tartrate (NaP) for 5 days at 400 mgs./day. Two had severe reactions consisting of nausea, vomiting and body weakness. Cardiac toxicity was observed in nine cases which developed reversible myocardial ischemic injury. A 100% cure rate from one to six months of stool follow-up after treatment was obtained. The exact value of this drug for mass treatment however, will depend on further evaluation of its toxicity and efficacy with a different dosage and/or schedule between injections.(Auth. Abs.)

Further trials with stibophen in the treatment of schistosomiasis japonica

In view of the absence thus far of a more effective and less toxic schistosomicide, a review and more thorough evaluation of the efficacy of stibophen was carried out. Three different schedules of treatment were tried wherein 10 and 15 injections were given every other day (Schedule I and II respectively) and 15 injections with 2 days interval between injections (Schedule III). A dose of 1 cc/10 kg. body weight per injection was used. Follow-up of the treated patients for a period of 6 months showed that Schedules II and III with mean cure rates of 66.4% and 53.4%, respectively, were better than Schedule I. Mild to moderate reactions occurred in majority of the patients treated with two having severe body weakness so that treatment had to be continued. Generally, less reactions were observed among children compared to adults. For the treatment of cases therefore, the use of 15 injections given either every other day or every fourth day is recommended especially among children 14 years and below.(Auth. Abs.)

Comparative evaluation of the merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde concentration technique and the Kato-Katz technique in the quantitative diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica

A total of 384 stool specimens found to be positive for schistosoma eggs using the Direct Fecal Smear were further examined quantitatively by the MIFC and the Kato-Katz techniques. MIFC has a higher efficiency rate (95.57%) as compared to Kato-Katz technique (73.43%). Kato-Katz yields a higher percentage of false negatives (26.56%). These found to be statistically significant. With regards to quantification, Kato-Katz has a higher mean egg difference (245.69%) but this was found to be statistically significant. Thus, MIFC technique is more reliable and efficient than Kato-Katz in the quantitative diagnosis of Schistosomiasis japonica. (Auth. Sum.)

Studies on schistosome egg quantification in the stool: the improved MIFC technique

Schistosoma japonicum egg quantification using the MIFC and various modifications of the technique was carried out. It was definitely shown that significantly more eggs could be recovered using three sediments per gram sample than when only one sediment is examinedFurther studies show that with the addition of tyloxapol to the MF stock solution and using the original MIFC procedure, more or less the same results as the modified MIFC technique using three sediments could be obtained. A concentration of 0.1% tyloxapol in the MF stock solution may be usedThe examination of three sediments or the addition of tyloxapol in the MF stock solution is, therefore, recommended when the original MIFC technique is used for ova quantification.(Auth. Sum.)

Studies on schistosomiasis egg quantification in the stool: evaluation of the merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde-concentration technique

The presentation consists of two main parts which deal on the evaluation of the Merthiolate-Iodine-Formaldehyde-Concentration (MIFC) technique of stool examination and the recommended improved method for schistosome egg counting. It is felt that studies along this line will be a practical value in the assessment of the efficacy of schistosomicidal drugs for so far, no drug against Schistosoma japonicum infection has been found to give a 100% cure rate within a span of six months follow-up. From the point of view of disease transmission, a good quantitative procedure for egg counts is likewise deemed important.(Auth. Abs.)

Observations of the possible development of resistance to reinfection in oriental schistosomiasis among experimental animals

Observation made on the egg output of some experimental monkeys and pigs infected with Schistosoma japonicum cercariae show that after a certain period of time from the date of non-overwhelming initial infection, sufficient resistance may be induced against S. japonicum reinfections. This was noted after 31 months on monkeys and a relatively shorter period of time in pigs after their initial infections. It could, therefore, be surmised that in order to resist to a sufficient degree a big dose of cercarial infections, a longer time interval between initial and challenge infection is necessary. Inasmuch as the data presented are limited, it is felt that further investigations along this line should be carried out.(Auth. Abs.)