Distribution and harmfulness of gastric schistosomiasis in the mainland of China

Objectives To summarize and analyze the distribution and harmfulness of gastric schistosomiasis in the mainland of China so as to make suitable measures of control and prevention. Methods Case data of schistosomiasis collected from varieties of medical books,monographs and journals on parasitology were analyzed in order to understand the risk factors and situation of gastric schistosomiasis cases in the mainland of China. Results In the southern part of schistosomiasis epidemic areas of China,10 provinces or municipalities had been reported to have these cases with an exception of Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. A majority of the cases were reported in Jiangsu,Zhejiang,Hubei and Anhui provinces,accounting for 85.40% (626/733) of total case numbers in the mainland of China,while the cases in Yunnan and Fujian provinces only accounted for 0.27% (2/733). The cases'occupations were predominantly farmers and had an age range of 12 to 76 years old.Among 315 cases with detailed data,the ratio of male and female was 4.08∶1. All of the cases had some obvious symptoms in gastric intestinal system. Conclusion In China,gastric schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma japonicum was at scattered distribution with only a few provinces showing concentrated phenomena. Key words: Mainland of China;  Gastric schistosomiasis;  Epidemiology;  Distribution and harmfulness