%A Andrew Ayers
%T Schistosomiasis and the control and prevention of a debilitating disease: a literature review
%X Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by a parasitic trematode worm that manifests primarily in the forms of intestinal and urogenital infections, and is transmitted by freshwater snails. The disease plagues more than 200 million people a year, primarily in poverty-stricken areas, and it is a major public health concern due to its large socioeconomic impact and widespread geographic distribution.  The disease consists of several stages including an initial rash, acute schistosomiasis, and chronic schistosomiasis. Children, women, fisherman, and farmers are at the highest risk for the disease. The disease is diagnosed primarily through the analysis of stool and urine samples. Treatment and preventative treatment consists of the consumption of praziquantel.  Primary control measures consist of the use of molluscicides and biocontrol, while prevention consists of mass drug administration, public health education campaigns, and wildlife management.  The best way to eliminate the disease is to develop a vaccine to disrupt transmission, but until then control and prevention should be the main focus to eliminate the disease. Combining molluscicidal water treatment and biocontrol techniques, combination therapy using artemether and praziquantel along with educational programs, and dual-utilization of wildlife management and agricultural modernization serve as the most effective ways of controlling the disease.
%D 2018
%I University of Pittsburgh
%L pittir35752