title: Prevalence and Morbidity Data on Schistosoma mansoni Infection in Two Rural Areas of Jequitinhonha and Rio Doce Valleys in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
abstract: Objective. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and morbidity data on Schistosoma mansoni infection in two rural areas: the Jequitinhonha valley (area 1) and the Rio Doce valley (area 2) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, covering the period from 2007 to 2010. Material and Methods. The parasitological stool tests were based on the quantitative method of Kato modified by Katz et al. Three clinical forms were considered: type I-schistosomiasis infection, type II-hepatointestinal form, and type III-hepatosplenic form. Results. The prevalence of infection among inhabitants of area 1 was 22.9%, with 2.1% presenting the hepatosplenic form and two cases of schistosomal myeloradiculopathy. The infection prevalence rate in area 2 was 20.2%, with 3.3% presenting the hepatosplenic form. Conclusion and Recommendation. There was no difference in the prevalence and in the morbidity of Schistosoma mansoni infection between the two areas, but it was predominant in young men with a low intensity of infection. The cases of schistosomal myeloradiculopathy in area 1 can be highlighted: these emphasize that schistosomiasis should not be neglected in Brazil. The lack of infection control in both areas may be related to the poor sanitation system, the absence of previous treatment, and the reinfection process.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Post-Graduation, Clementino Fraga Filho Hospital, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21045-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Manguinhos, 21045-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria José
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Conceição
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Post-Graduation, Clementino Fraga Filho Hospital, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21045-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Manguinhos, 21045-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Aline Eduardo
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Carlôto
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Manguinhos, 21045-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Tropical Medicine Post-Graduation, Fiocruz, 21045-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Eric Vinaud
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: de Melo
authors.affiliation: University of the State of Amazonas (UEA), 69077-000, Manaus, AM, Brazil.
authors.forename: Iran Mendonça
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Manguinhos, 21045-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: José Rodrigues
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Coura