Epidemiological aspects of schistosomiasis in workers of the movement of landless rural workers

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2013 Jul-Aug;46(4):519-21. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-1412-2013.

Abstract

Introduction: Schistosomiasis is endemic in 74 countries and is considered a serious public health problem in some locations.

Methods: A transverse study was performed of 13 landless settlements in southern Sergipe from February to December 2009. The study included 822 settlers, of whom 601 underwent stool testing.

Results: The prevalence of schistosomiasis in landless workers was 4.3%. The population has a low education level, and basic sanitation services are not available to all residents.

Conclusions: The prevalence of schistosomiasis was low in the population and among different settlements, possibly because of different forms of water use by the settlers.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Feces / parasitology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Poverty
  • Prevalence
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / diagnosis
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / epidemiology*
  • Young Adult