research
The Behavioral Determinants of Intestinal Schistosomiasis Transmission: Water Contact, Hygienic Practices and Risk Prevention. A study in Northern Senegal
- Publication date
- 5 November 2009
- Publisher
- Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is one of the major parasitic diseases in the world,
ranking second only to malaria in terms of its socio-economic and public health
importance in tropical and subtropical areas (WHO, 1985; WHO, 2002). At least 200
million people are infected and 600 million at risk. An estimated 85% of all cases
occur in Africa. Schistosomiasis is caused by infection with blood-dwelling fl uke
worms (trematodes) of the genus Schistosoma. These are transmitted by fresh water
snails and contracted through the skin during water contact. Humans can be infected
by fi ve different species of the parasite, each of which has its own characteristics
and effects. Except where mentioned differently, this thesis considers S. mansoni, the
parasite of intestinal schistosomiasis in Northern Senegal.