Schistosomiasis mansoni in Yemen: A review

Schistosomiasis is a major public health problem in Yemen. In 1922 Schistosomiasis mansoni was first reported to be found in Yemeni patients. In 1951 the first population survey was carried out in Taiz and revealed the presence of Biomphalaria biossyi arabica where 35% of the snails were heavily infected with S. mansoni and in San'a no snails were infected. Although S. mansoni and S. hematobium infections have been found in most parts of Yemen Arab Republic (YAR) it seems that the disease is not a public health problem in some parts of the country such as Hodeidah, Al-Beidah, Mareb, and Al-Gouff. The source of S. mansoni and S. hematobium in Yemen was attributed to the continual migration of infected persons from Eritrea and other countries of East Africa to Yemen. The prevalence of infection is higher in rural than in urban areas. The complications of S. mansoni, notably portal hypertension, esophageal varices, and hematemesis have become a major clinical problem. The availability of Praziquantel as a safe and effective treatment makes case findings and treatment an important part of schistosomiasis control. Control of the disease also requires field studies followed by mollusciding, improvement of water supply and sanitation and, perhaps most importantly, health education.