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Multicenter Study
. 2007 Jan;101(1):34-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2006.04.011. Epub 2006 Oct 9.

Control of Schistosoma mekongi in Cambodia: results of eight years of control activities in the two endemic provinces

M Sinuon  1 , R Tsuyuoka, D Socheat, P Odermatt, H Ohmae, H Matsuda, A Montresor, K Palmer
Affiliations
Multicenter Study

Control of Schistosoma mekongi in Cambodia: results of eight years of control activities in the two endemic provinces

M Sinuon et al. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2007 Jan.

Abstract

In Cambodia, schistosomiasis is transmitted in the provinces of Kratie and Stung Treng where approximately 80000 individuals are estimated to be at risk of infection. The baseline prevalence of infection was estimated to be between 73% and 88%, and cases of severe morbidity (hepatosplenomegaly, puberty retardation) and mortality were very common. In 1994, the Ministry of Health of Cambodia started schistosomiasis control applying universal chemotherapy with praziquantel (40mg/kg). The coverage of the programme was between 62% and 86% for 8 years. This simple control measure resulted in the control of the disease: no cases were reported in 2004 and only three cases were reported in 2005. In addition, there are no longer reports of cases of severe morbidity due to schistosomiasis. Since the beginning of the control programme, a single dose of mebendazole (500mg) has been combined with praziquantel during the mass chemotherapy; as a result the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworms dropped from 74.5% to 10% and from 86% to 40% respectively. The experience in Cambodia demonstrates that, with political commitment, control of parasitic diseases is achievable even in a situation of minimal resources. The programme represents a successful model for other developing countries.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interests

The authors have no conflicts of interest concerning the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Location of districts endemic for S. mekongi
Figure 2
Figure 2
Change in schistosomiasis prevalence in sentinel sites during the programme implementation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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