Recent detection of a schistosomiasis focus with S. mansoni in a high region of Rwanda
Vimont Vicary, M.P.
Medecine Tropicale Revue du Corps de Sante Colonial 41(6): 653-656
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-682X PMID: 7339423 Document Number: 175925
A schistosomiasis focus infested by S. mansoni has been recently detected in the North-Western region of Rwanda (average altitude 1800 m). The soil is rich. The small homesteads are scattered. Only a part of the population, living on the bank of the lakes Bulera and Ruhondo, is mainly concerned with fishery. The endemy is not negligible, in spite of unfavourable climatic conditions, and of lakes water temperature never reaching 25 degrees C. But all other conditions required for the growth and the transmission of the parasite are present: mollusks are abundant, mainly Biomphalaria pfeifferi. An epidemiologic study carried out through stool exams among the water-side population (11.857 persons) demonstrated a low incidence of the disease. It is possible to conclude that there is no evident correlation between the schistosoma infestation and the disease incidence.