Schistosomiasis in newly reclaimed areas in Egypt 2- patterns of transmission

ABSTRACT

The distribution, abundance and seasonality of infected Biomphalaria alexandrina and Bulinus truncatus were studied for two years [1992-1994] in two newly reclaimed areas; namely, El-Manayef and El- Morra located on both sides of Suez Canal near Ismailia City. The results confirmed the occurrence of transmission of both Schistosoma mansoni and S. hematobium since infected snails of both species were recovered in these areas. Consequently, this proved that reclamation of parts of the desert utilizing Nile water had led to the spread of Schistosomiasis to these areas. Analysis of the Delta showed that the infected snails, especially B. alexandrina, was found clustered in a relatively few number of transmission sites. Furthermore, the greater majority of these sites were found to be located within a less number of transmission foci. This pattern of focality was clearly demonstrated by geographical information system [GIS] produced maps