Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg., s1-31(3), 1951, pp. 346-354
Copyright © 1951 by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Observations on Cases of Schistosomiasis Mansoni in a Non-Endemic Area (Aruba, N.W.I.)1
Anthony le Poole
- (1) 100 cases of schistosomiasis mansoni were found among a group of West Indians who had immigrated to Aruba which is a non-endemic area.
- (2) The routine use of a skin sensitivity test with a cercarial antigen and biopsy of the rectal mucosa are the most dependable ways of establishing the diagnosis of the disease.
- (3) It is important to consider schistosomiasis in the differential diagnosis of patients originating in areas known to be endemic for Schistosoma mansoni who present signs and symptoms pointing to a disturbance of the intestinal tract, especially with dysentery and splenic enlargement.
- (4) Although the period of observation (3 years) only permits a provisional opinion, it seems likely that schistosomiasis in patients not subjected to reinfestation, and living under favorable conditions is a non-progressive relatively mild condition, interfering little with the patients' general condition and working capability. Longer observation is needed to confirm this impression.
1 From the Division of Internal Medicine, Lago Hospital, Lago Oil & Transport Company, Ltd., San Nicholas, Aruba, Netherlands West Indies.
Copyright © 1951 by the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.