[Effect of health education intervention on schistosomiasis control in Mianyang City].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of health education on schistosomiasis control in Mianyang City. METHODS: The population aged 6-65 years in 12 moderately and heavy schistosomiasis endemic villages of 6 endemic counties in Mianyang City were selected as the investigation objects, among which, the health education on schistosomiasis control were implemented. The questionnaire surveys were carried out to understand the knowledge, attitude and behavior on schistosomiasis control of the target population, and the scores before and after the intervention were compared to evaluate the effect. RESULTS: Totally 600 people were investigated, including 298 villagers and 302 students. After the health education intervention, the average scores of knowledge, attitude and behavior on schistosomiasis control of the villagers improved from (77.17 ± 5.04) , (77.83 ± 5.74), (72.17 ± 2.48) to (89.12 ± 3.18), 100, 100, respectively, while those of the students improved from (79.50 ± 5.82), (84.33 ± 2.66), (82.17 ± 4.71) to (87.00 ± 3.59), 100, 100, respectively, all the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The health education of schistosomiasis control in Mianyang City achieves a good effect. How to consolidate the results and enhance the consciousness of the mass to participate in schistosomiasis control is still the primary mission at present.

[Molluscicidal effect of Rongbao in Mianyang City].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the molluscicidal effect of Rongbao in schistosomiasis endemic areas in Mianyang City. METHODS: Three Oncomelania hupensis snail habitats with the similar snail status were selected and sprayed with Rongbao, niclosamide, and fresh water, respectively. Then the snail status in the three fields was surveyed before the spraying and 7, 15, 30 and 60 days after the spraying, and the molluscicidal effects of different molluscicides were compared. RESULTS: The reducing rates of densities of living snails in the field sprayed with Rongbao were 94.4%, 95.9%, 98.2% and 98.8%, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days after the spraying, respectively. The reducing rates of the densities of living snails in the other field sprayed with niclosamide were 94.0%, 94.0%, 89.9% and 92.2% in above-mentioned days, respectively. In the 30 days and 60 days after the spraying, the reducing rates of densities of living snails in the field sprayed with Rongbao were significantly higher than those sprayed with niclosamide (chi2(30d) 8.18, chi2(60d) = 3.97, Both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The short-term molluscicidal effect of Rongbao is similar to that of niclosamide, but the long-term effect of Rongbao is better than that of niclosamide.

[Assessment of schistosomiasis transmission interruption in Beichuan County, Sichuan Province].

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether Beichuan County reaches the national standard of schistosomiasis transmission interruption. METHODS: Three villages in Beichuan County were sampled as assessment spots, and the schistosomiasis infections of residents and domestic animals, the status of Oncomelania snails and the past records were assessed according to the Criteria for Control and Elimination of Schistosomiasis in China. RESULTS: No local schistosome infections were found in residents and cattle for successive 5 years and no snails were found for 2 successive years in the 3 villages. The files were documented completely. All the indices reached the national standard of schistosomiasis transmission being interrupted. CONCLUSION: Beichuan County has reached the national standard of schistosomiasis transmission interruption. However, the endemic surveillance of schistosomiasis still needs to continue.

[Toxicity of 50% ethanol salt powder of niclosamide on growth of silkworms].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the toxity of niclosamide on the growth of silkworms. METHODS: Mulberry leaves were soaked in the different concentrations of solution of 50% ethanol salt powder of niclosamide for 10 s or 3 min, and then the leaves were fed to silkworms. The death rates of silkworms and the weight of cocoons were observed. Normal feeding control groups were established. RESULTS: The death rates were 22.5%-85.0% and 56.0%-100% in the 10-s-soaked groups and 3-min groups, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control groups. CONCLUSION: The 50% ethanol salt powder of niclosamide has a toxity for silkworm. Therefore, we should properly handle the relationship between the Oncomelania snail control and silkworm breeding.

[Investigation on advanced schistosomiasis cases in Mianyang].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the current status and disease history of advanced cases of schistosomiasis in Mianyang Prefecture. METHODS: The advanced patients in Fucheng, Beichuan and Anxian were investigated in 2010. Demographical information, disease history, current status, awareness and accessibility to the national medical aid to advanced schistosomiasis patients were investigated by inquiry, physical examination and information searching from the history archives. RESULTS: There were 78 advanced schistosomiasis patients in the Prefecture, distributing at Beichuan (7 cases, 9.0%), Fucheng (19 cases, 24.4%) and Anxian (52 cases, 66.7%). The male to female ratio was 2.3:1. The age ranged from 35 to 79 years old, with 74.4% (58/78) above 50 years old. About 73.1% of the patients were illiterate or with primary school education among 67 cases participating in the investigation. 94.0% of them were farmers. There were 43 cases with splenomegaly (64.2%), 23 cases with ascites (34.3%). 52.2% (35/67) of the patients still had gastrointestinal symptoms. Abdominal ultrasonography showed that 19 cases were with grade II or above hepatic fibrosis. Among the 67 cases, 3 were clinically cured, 35 clinically stable and 29 in need of further treatment. All cases had different degrees of loss in labour capacity. 23 cases were aware of the national medical aid policy with a rate of 34.3%. 19 cases (28.4%) received the aid. CONCLUSION: Health education should be strengthened in the rural population above 50 years old, especially those with low education level, and further advocacy on the medical aid policy to advanced schistosomiasis patients needs to be made.