%0 Journal Article %T Elimination of Schistosomiasis Mekongi from Endemic Areas in Cambodia and the Lao People¡¯s Democratic Republic: Current Status and Plans %A Aya Yajima %A Hiroshi Ohmae %A Masashi Kirinoki %A Peter Odermatt %A Rattanaxay Phetsouvanh %A Rekol Huy %A Robert Bergquist %A Sakhone Laymanivong %A Sinuon Muth %A Somphou Sayasone %A Thipphavanh Chanthapaseuth %A Virak Khieu %J - %D 2019 %R https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed4010030 %X Abstract The areas endemic for schistosomiasis in the Lao People¡¯s Democratic Republic and in Cambodia were first reported 50 and 60 years ago, respectively. However, the causative parasite Schistosoma mekongi was not recognized as a separate species until 1978. The infection is distributed along a limited part of the Mekong River, regulated by the focal distribution of the intermediate snail host Neotricula aperta. Although more sensitive diagnostics imply a higher figure, the current use of stool examinations suggests that only about 1500 people are presently infected. This well-characterized setting should offer an exemplary potential for the elimination of the disease from its endemic areas; yet, the local topography, reservoir animals, and a dearth of safe water sources make transmission control a challenge. Control activities based on mass drug administration resulted in strong advances, and prevalence was reduced to less than 5% according to stool microscopy. Even so, transmission continues unabated, and the true number of infected people could be as much as 10 times higher than reported. On-going control activities are discussed together with plans for the future. View Full-Tex %K Schistosoma mekongi %K Neotricula aperta %K snail %K Cambodia %K Lao PDR %K elimination %U https://www.mdpi.com/2414-6366/4/1/30