Schistosomiasis Mansoni in the State of Maranhão, Brazil: An Integrative Mini-Review

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.9402402102

• Palavras-chave: Esquistossomose, Saúde Pública, Doença Endêmica

• Keywords: Schistosomiasis, Public Health, Endemic Disease

• Abstract: Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease characterized by its significant prevalence, the severity of its clinical forms, and its progression, making it a major public health issue in the country. The etiological agent is Schistosoma mansoni, with snails of the genus Biomphalaria serving as intermediate hosts. The endemic disease affects nearly 240 million people worldwide; however, 700 million people live in endemic areas. Currently, schistosomiasis is reported in Brazil across 19 federative units, distributed throughout all regions of the country, making it the largest endemic area in the Americas. In the state of Maranhão, schistosomiasis has been known since 1920. According to a 2011 epidemiological situation report, the disease was considered endemic in 20 municipalities and focal in 29 of the 217 existing municipalities. The species S. mansoni is the only one described in Brazil. The lack of sufficient financial investment and trained human resources severely limits the effectiveness of programs in addressing the population's demands for a long-term solution. Consequently, what we see are shallow achievements, never leading to a definitive result. As a disease linked to underdevelopment, to achieve the elimination of schistosomiasis and other infectious and parasitic diseases, governments will need to promote significant improvements in the socioeconomic conditions of the population, along with a safe water supply and sanitation improvements in urban centers and rural areas.