The Geographic Information System applied to study schistosomiasis in Pernambuco

Area of Science:

• Environmental health
• Spatial epidemiology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Schistosomiasis remains a significant public health concern in endemic regions.
• Accurate identification of transmission hotspots is crucial for effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To diagnose and map risk environments for schistosomiasis transmission in coastal Pernambuco, Brazil.
• To utilize geoprocessing techniques for spatial analysis of environmental and epidemiological data.

Main Methods:

• Conducted coproscopic and malacological surveys in Forte Orange and Serrambi.
• Collected environmental data (temperature, salinity, pH, TDS, fecal coliforms) from Biomphalaria snail habitats.
• Applied spatial analysis using ArcGIS 10.1, including kernel density estimation, digital elevation models, and distance mapping.

Main Results:

• Identified Biomphalaria breeding sites and clusters of Schistosoma mansoni-infected individuals in both study areas.
• Environmental parameters at breeding sites varied, with specific ranges for temperature, pH, TDS, and salinity.
• Geoprocessing revealed spatial correlations between snail foci, infected populations, rainwater accumulation zones, and proximity to schools and health facilities.

Conclusions:

• Geoprocessing is a valuable tool for accurately locating and assessing schistosomiasis risk areas.
• Spatial analysis can effectively inform and support public health interventions for schistosomiasis control.