Endemic potential of shistosomiasis for the State of Rondônia, Brazil

Abstract

A malacological survey was carried out in the town of Porto Velho, Rondônia, in order to establish the distribution of Biomphalaria species and ecological caracterization of the breeding places. The only species found was B. amazonica, occurring in open drainage ditches along streets, for the collection of pluvial water and domestic waste. Three thousand snails were examined for cercariae, with negative results. The cases of schistosomiasis of which the State Health Department was notified during the years 1982 and 1983 in the counties affected by the BR-364 highway, are presented. Finally, the epidemiological importance of these findings in the establishment of active foci of schistosomiasis in Rondonia is discussed.