Morbidity in Schistosomiasis Japonica in Relation to Intensity of Infection

Abstract

Schistosomiasis japonica remains endemic in several provinces south of the Yangtze River in China because of relatively sparse populations of human beings and dense populations of snails. We studied two brigades in a rural commune in Gui-chi County, Anhui Province, to determine the prevalence, intensity, and morbidity associated with this infection before concerted control efforts were instituted. Quantitative fecal examinations, histories, and physical examinations relevant to schistosomiasis japonica were performed in 96 per cent of the available population 2 to 65 years of age. The prevalence was 26.3 per cent in Brigade A (778 persons) and 14.4 per cent in Brigade B (1532 persons). Clinical symptoms and signs were compared among uninfected persons and persons at three levels of infection as determined by fecal egg output. Some increased weakness was seen only at the heaviest levels of infection; abdominal pain was not an important symptom. Hepatomegaly was somewhat more frequent in moderate and heavy infections, but splenomegaly was rare and unrelated to intensity of infection. Neither stool consistency nor occult blood was related to the presence or intensity of infection. Approximately 50 per cent of the population had been treated for schistosomiasis japonica, 25 per cent repeatedly.