Transmission control of schistosomiasis japonica: implementation and evaluation of different snail control interventions.
The great progress made in the control of schistosomiasis japonica in China is to some extent explained by successful intermediate host snail control, in particular with environmental management commencing some 50 years ago. By 1995, interruption of Schistosoma japonicum transmission had been achieved in five of the 12 schistosome-endemic provinces while endemic areas in the remaining provinces had been reduced significantly, and snail habitats had decreased by 74%. In this paper, we review the role and approaches towards control and give an account of compounds toxic to snails. Mid- and long-term national plans for schistosomiasis control are discussed, including integrated snail control approaches as an important measure. It is anticipated that implementation of these plans will accelerate snail control, which in turn will consolidate and mutually reinforce other control measures, most notably praziquantel-based chemotherapy. The ultimate aim is to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem in China.
Yuan
Yi
Y
School of Medicine, Wuhan University, and Hubei Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Wuhan 430071, China.
Xu
Xing-Jian
XJ
Dong
Hui-Fen
HF
Jiang
Ming-Sen
MS
Zhu
Hui-Guo
HG
D000383:Agriculture; D000818:Animals; D004199:Disease Vectors; D016468:Forestry; D006801:Humans; D008975:Molluscacides / Q000494:pharmacology; D010571:Pest Control / Q000379:methods*; D012554:Schistosomiasis japonica / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D012908:Snails / Q000469:parasitology*
D008975:Molluscacides