Schistosomiasis mansoni in urban Northeast Brazil: influence of rainfall regime on the population dynamics of Biomphalaria sp.

Schistosomiasis mansoni in urban Northeast Brazil: influence of rainfall regime on the population dynamics of Biomphalaria sp.

Introduction Our objective was to evaluate the influence of rainfall regime on the population dynamics of Biomphalaria in a potential urban focus of schistosomiasis in Aracaju, Brazil, during 2009-2010. Methods Snails were collected monthly and were counted, measured and identified; the level of infection and fecal contamination at the sampling sites was determined; rainfall data were obtained. Results High levels of fecal contamination were observed, and the abundance of Biomphalaria glabrata increased during the rainy and post-rainy seasons. The snails' size was variable, and infected snails were identified independently of rainfall. Conclusions These results provide evidence of anthropogenic and climate interference in an urban focus of schistosomiasis in the Aracaju metropolitan area.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Oliveira,Daniel Santos, Santos,Vanessa Bispo, Melo,Andrea Gomes Santana, Lima,Alvaro Silva, Carvalho,Camila Dantas, Allegretti,Silmara Marques, Melo,Claudia Moura de, Madi,Rubens Riscala, Jeraldo,Veronica de Lourdes Sierpe
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical - SBMT 2013
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0037-86822013000500654
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Introduction Our objective was to evaluate the influence of rainfall regime on the population dynamics of Biomphalaria in a potential urban focus of schistosomiasis in Aracaju, Brazil, during 2009-2010. Methods Snails were collected monthly and were counted, measured and identified; the level of infection and fecal contamination at the sampling sites was determined; rainfall data were obtained. Results High levels of fecal contamination were observed, and the abundance of Biomphalaria glabrata increased during the rainy and post-rainy seasons. The snails' size was variable, and infected snails were identified independently of rainfall. Conclusions These results provide evidence of anthropogenic and climate interference in an urban focus of schistosomiasis in the Aracaju metropolitan area.

Similar Items