"Schistosomiasis in South Africa": a review of the history, intermediate hosts, incidence, signs and symptoms and treatment, based on an analysis of thirty-four cases. With an appendix on the recently introduced organic anatomy compounds

Abstract

Schistosomiasis as it appears in South Africa has certain features and peculiarities differentiating it from the type seen in other lands. There appears to be no coordinated account in the literature of Schistosomiasis in South Africa and an attempt is here made to review the position, using the analysis of thirty-four cases personally treated as a background. The observations made on these thirty-four cases are compared with those of other investigators in South Africa and with the findings in other countries.

A brief account is given of

(a) the history of Schistosomiasis, with special reference to the part played by South Africa in the elucidation of the aetiology;

(b) the identification of the intermediate hosts and the determination of the species of the molluscs responsible for the transmission in South Africa;

(c) the incidence of the disease in South Africa with relation to age, sex, race and religion, class of person infected, geographical distribution and the type of schistosome found;

(d) the signs and symptoms;

(e) the treatment with special reference to the treatment of the thirty -four cases and a discussion on some of the faults that have marred the progress of the eradication of the disease in the Union;

(f) the methods adopted in South Africa for the prevention of the disease.

Although in parts there seems to be some adverse comment upon the handling of the position by the Authorities, it has been done in a spirit of constructive criticism, fully realising the difficulties that have been and are still to be overcome.

Throughout reference has been made to the condition as it affects other countries in the hope that comparisons and contrasts may be of value in the final solution of the problem.

An appendix is added on the use of the more recent complex organic antimony compounds so bringing the subject up to date and also in the hope that the information gathered may be of some value in further consideration of the ultimate conquest of the disease.