A feasible and effective technique for the detection of Schistosoma japonicum cercaria-infested water

Objective To develop a new technique for defecting Schistosoma japonicum (S .japonicum) cercariae so as to predict the distribution of area with high t ransmission potential and to control acute infection of schistosoma. Methods A C-6 film was established and used to adhere the cercariae on wate r surface and compared with a few other conventional detecting techniques. Results The average rate of the cercaria-recovery was 40% in laboratory and field using C-6 film, which was 20 times higher than that of traditional n ylon-tissue adsorbing and precipitating method. Either in some areas where oncomelania were present or in some places where the snail had been under c ontrol, the technique could detect the cercariae. Conclusion The technique can be characterized by a feasible, economical, pr omptly accessible method, especially for field application.