Intestinal schistosomiasis, caused by the parasitic trematode Schistosoma mansoni , is a chronic disease and the prolonged and continuous exposure to S.
For diagnosis, the Kato-Katz KK method is recommended, however, this method showed low accuracy in areas of low endemicity.
In order to search for immunological markers for infection, the immunological profile in serum samples of these individuals was then compared with patients detected with the KK method and with a higher parasite load and with individuals repetitively negative by extensive stool exams. Schistosomiasis is a-chronic disease with estimates of more than million infected people.
Of these, the biggest part, about In Brazil, the only species found is Schistosoma mansoni. Here, as in other parts of the world, the disease is still considered a public health problem and, most recently, it was estimated that around 1. One of the main advances in the control of schistosomiasis was the implementation of the Brazilian Schistosomiasis Control Program BSCP in the s, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization.
One of the pillars of BSCP is the readily detection of infected individuals by large scale stool examinations, using the Kato-Katz KK method 7 and the subsequent treatment, in order to minimize mortality and morbidity of the affected population 8. Nowadays, with the advances of schistosomiasis control worldwide, the goals of WHO have moved from reduction of mortality rates and reduce morbidity to transmission control and even eradication in some areas 9.
