Epidemiologic study of schistosomiasis in two rural areas with different topographic characteristics in El-Minia governorate

ABSTRACT

Schistosomiasis is a major health problem in Egypt as in other tropical and subtropical areas. The present study was designed to measure the prevalence of schistosomal infection in two rural areas with different topographic and ecological characteristics in El Minia governate and to evaluate some human host factors that might influence schistosomiasis spread. The study was done in the Internal Medicine department, El Minia Faculty of Medicine over the period from October, 1993 to October, 1994. It was conducted on 650 subjects: 500 from El Hawaslia village [264 males and 236 females with their ages ranging from 4-92 years] and from Dir El Adra village [74 males and 76 females with ages ranging from 5-71 years]. All subjects were subjected to thorough history taking, clinical examination and both qualitative and quantitative urinalysis and stool examination. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination was performed as well. As regards schistosomiasis haematobium, the study reported a prevalence rate of 10.3% in El Hawasila, while Dir El Adra village only one case was detected. In El Hawaslia the highest prevalence was found among the youngest age group [4-20 years]. The total prevalence was higher in males [11.5%] than in females [8.9%]. Nevertheless females reported higher prevalences among older age groups 62.5%, 66.7% and 66.7% in females versus 37.5%, 33.3% and 33.3% in males in the age groups 21-40, 41-60 and >/= 61 years respectively. Occurpation, irrigation system and water contact activities played an effective role in schistosomiasis haematobium spread in El Hawaslia. Regarding S. mansoi one case was reported in El Hawaslia [indeed it was mixed infection of S. haematobim and S. mansoni]. No schistosomiasis mansoni was detected in Dir El Adra. In conclusion, schistomosiasis had not been yet controlled in our locality inspite of the many control programs. Contaminated water contact was far the most important factor in spreading the infection. Schistosoma mansoni began to spread from Lower to Upper Egypt and this might change the spectrum of morbidity of bilharziasis in Upper Egypt