Low transmission areas of schistosomiasis in Venezuela: consequences on the diagnosis, treatment, and control
AUTOR(ES)
Noya, Belkisyolé Alarcón de, Guevara, Raiza Ruiz, Colmenares, Cecilia, Losada, Sandra, Noya, Oscar
FONTE
Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO
2006-10
RESUMO
Schistosomiasis low transmission areas as Venezuela, can be defined as those where the vector exists, the prevalence of active cases is under 25%, individuals with mild intensity of infection predominate and are mostly asymptomatic. These areas are the consequence of effective control programs, however, "silent" epidemiological places are difficult to trace, avoiding the opportune diagnosis and treatment of infected persons. Clinic and abdominal ultrasound have not shown to discriminate infected from uninfected persons in areas where besides Schistosoma mansoni, intestinal parasites are the rule. Under these conditions, serology remains as a very valuable diagnostic tool, since it gives a closer approximation to the true prevalence. In this sense, circumoval precipitin test, ELISA-SEA with sodium metaperiodate, and alkaline phosphatase immunoassay joined to coprology allow the identification of the "schistosomiasis cases". In relation to public health, schistosomiasis has been underestimated by the sanitary authorities and the investment on its control is being transferred to other diseases of major social and political relevance neglecting sanitary efforts and allowing growth of snail population. Some strategies of diagnosis and control should be done before schistosomiasis reemergence occurs in low transmission areas.
Documentos Relacionados
- Bone Tumors. Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis
- Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Latest Research
- Tumours of the thymic region. Symptomatology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
- Influence of rural environment on diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of colorectal cancer.
- Recent advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.