title: Application of a geographical information system approach for risk analysis of fascioliasis in southern Espírito Santo state, Brazil.
abstract: A model based on geographical information systems for mapping the risk of fascioliasis was developed for the southern part of Espírito Santo state, Brazil. The determinants investigated were precipitation, temperature, elevation, slope, soil type and land use. Weightings and grades were assigned to determinants and their categories according to their relevance with respect to fascioliasis. Theme maps depicting the spatial distribution of risk areas indicate that over 50% of southern Espírito Santo is either at high or at very high risk for fascioliasis. These areas were found to be characterized by comparatively high temperature but relatively low slope, low precipitation and low elevation corresponding to periodically flooded grasslands or soils that promote water retention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal Espírito Santo, Alto Universitário s/n, Alegre, Brazil. isabella@cca.ufes.br
authors.forename: Isabella Vilhena Freire
authors.initials: IV
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.forename: Barbara Rauta
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: de Avelar
authors.forename: Maria Julia Salim
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: Adevair Henrique
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: da Fonseca
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002980:Climate; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005210:Fasciola hepatica; D005211:Fascioliasis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D062305:Geographic Mapping; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D015980:Public Health Practice; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors