SCHISTOSOMIASIS CONTROL IN THE PEOPLES-REPUBLIC-OF-CHINA

Schistosomes, snail-transmitted trematodes (blood flukes), cause a maj or parasitic disease that ranks second only to malaria in terms of hum an suffering in the tropics. Schistosoma japonicum has occupied its ec ological niche in China for thousands of years; through natural select ion it has evolved survival mechanisms that make it difficult (if not impossible) to eradicate. As discussed here by Allen Ross, Li Yuesheng , Adrian Sleigh and Don McManus, vaccination, in combination with curr ent control strategies, may significantly reduce the morbidity of this disease and ultimately improve the quality of life for those living a djacent to endemic zones. This article provides a special focus in Hun an province and examines the potential impact of the Three Gorges Supe r Dam Project on schistosomiasis control.