Epidemiology, of bilharzias (schistosomiasis) in Uganda from 1902 until 2005.
BACKGROUND
Schistosoma mansoni was observed and reported in Kuluva hospital Arua District in north western Uganda as early as 1902. S. mansoni is widely distributed in Uganda along permanent water bodies.


OBJECTIVE
To review the litreture on scistosomiasis in Uganda, since 1902.


METHODS
The core literature for this short review was searched from reports and publications by the British colonial Ministry of Health Districts Medical officers and Entomologists. Additional information was obtained from Makerere University Medical School library archives, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine library archives, University of Antrwap, and post independence publications on schistosomiasis in Uganda in various journals.


RESULTS
Since it was first detected in 1902 Schistosoma (S) mansoni is more widely distributed in Uganda than S. haematobium. However Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium are of public health importance in Uganda and the importance of migrants and fishermen in disseminating infections into non-infested areas and intensifying infection in areas already infested have been reported.


CONCLUSIONS
S. mansoni has been on the increase in Uganda whereas S. haematobium is localized in sporadic foci in the north of Uganda. Treatment with praziquantel the drug of choice in Uganda used in schistosomiasis control programme has reduced development of severe schistosomiasis.
Emmanuel
I Odongo Aginya
IO
Gulu university Department of Microbiology Faculty of Medicine P.O. BOX 166 Gulu.
Ekkehard
Doehring
D
D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001700:Biomphalaria / Q000469:parasitology; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D006801:Humans; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012555:Schistosomiasis mansoni / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology
D000871:Anthelmintics; D011223:Praziquantel