Human Helminthiases in the Philippines

Abstract

The next chapter deals with schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma japonicum. After an historical survey there follow descriptions of the biology of this waterborne helminth, the intermediate host (Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi) and its bionomics, the frequency of infections (average prevalence of 15.9% in endemic areas), the animal reservoir (Rattus rattus mindanensis) and results of surveys in various endemic areas of the country. The author summarizes the results of the control methods and outlines the technical and administrative measures undertaken; he points out that, as this disease is an anthropozoonosis, measures of environmental hygiene are an essential component in addition to surveillance and treatment plus elimination of the snail habitat. Compared with the estimated cost of an integrated national programme of control the amount of money available is manifestly insufficient. Nevertheless the pilot project at Palo, on the island of Leyte, was able to develop the necessary technical and scientific prerequisites for a more comprehensive attack on the disease.It would be impossible, in the space available, to review in detail the contents of the 2 chapters devoted to food-borne and soil-transmitted helminthiases. The author provides a wealth of information on intestinal capillariasis, angiostrongyliasis, gnathostomiasis, diphyllobothriasis and sparganosis, taeniases and cysticercosis, echinostomiasis, paragonimiasis and other food-borne helminthiases. In the chapter on soil-transmitted helminthic infections ascariasis, trichuriasis, ancylostomiasis, strongyloidiasis, enterobiasis, and some rarer diseases are given due attention.The concluding pages under the title: "A geomedical view" point to the distribution of the various helminthiases which presents a complex picture because of the climatic, environmental and other conditions, including the activities and habits of the human population. The elucidation of the relationship of all these factors has been the purpose of this book.The text of this study is amplified by 6 appendices comprising administrative texts on appropriation of funds and organization of public health activities, and information on habitats of Oncomelania snails; data on epidemiological surveys; a list of 885 references; 3 maps showing the regions and provinces of the republic, geographical distribution of Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, Schistosoma japonicum and soil-transmitted helminths. Regrettably there is no index.This is a remarkable geomedical review of helminthic diseases prevalent in the Philippines. Its completeness and attention to detail command admiration. Anyone who is interested in medical and public health aspects of this country, which has just passed through a critical stage of its history and may play a decisive role in the future political and military scene of this part of the world, cannot afford to ignore this work. The author as well as the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and the German Scientific Council deserve congratulations on its production. The translation into English is excellent.L.J. Bruce-Chwatt