First Report of A Focus of Schistosomiasis in Lebanon

J. E. Azar Department of Tropical Health, American University of Beirut, Lebanon

Search for other papers by J. E. Azar in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
George W. Luttermoser Department of Tropical Health, American University of Beirut, Lebanon

Search for other papers by George W. Luttermoser in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
John F. Schacher Department of Tropical Health, American University of Beirut, Lebanon

Search for other papers by John F. Schacher in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access

Summary

A focus of Schistosoma haematobium infection is reported for the first time from Lebanon. Examination of single urine samples from 591 persons gave an infection rate of 14.6%.

Evidence suggests the recent introduction of this disease and its spread along an irrigation canal system in the southern region of this country. Shells of Bulinus (Bulinus) truncatus Audouin have been found in sediment removed from the canal, but no live snails of this genus have yet been recovered.

The importance of schistosomiasis in this country with its extensive irrigation development plans is emphasized.

Author Notes

Save