Publications (1)6.41 Total impact
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Article: Schistosomiasis japonica in the Philippines: the long-term impact of population-based chemotherapy on infection, transmission, and morbidity.
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ABSTRACT: The long-term impact of annual case-finding and chemotherapy with praziquantel on schistosomiasis japonica was examined in an 8-year longitudinal study in the Philippines. The prevalence, incidence, and intensity of infection and schistosome-induced hepatomegaly significantly decreased within 3-4 years of treatment and then stabilized despite continual population-based chemotherapy. Hepatomegaly rapidly developed in acutely infected persons, with 82% of subjects developing hepatic enlargement within 2 years of reinfection. These data suggest that abrupt discontinuation of current control measures in the Philippines may result in a rapid rebound in morbidity. Age-dependent acquired resistance to reinfection also developed in subjects chronically exposed to schistosomiasis japonica, suggesting that a vaccine may represent an alternative approach for control of this parasitic infection.The Journal of Infectious Diseases 08/1996; 174(1):163-72. · 6.41 Impact Factor
