History of Katayama disease: schistosomiasis japonica in Katayama district, Hiroshima, Japan

Abstract

Historical account of Katayama disease is presented as a centenary record since the discovery of Schistosoma japonicum in Japan in 1904. The ever unknown endemic disease was called Katayama disease. Katayama district, Hiroshima Prefecture is one of endemic areas of schistosomiasis japonica in Japan. The causative parasite was first discovered in a human case in Katayama district. After the discovery of the parasite, life history, diagnosis, treatment, control measures and even eradication have been worked out, attempted and succeeded in Katayama district together with other endemic areas in Japan. Hiroshima Prefecture declared safety from the disease in 1980.