Schistosoma japonicum in the Philippines: Its epidemiology, diagnostics, control, and elimination

Abstract

Schistosoma japonicum infections continue to be a public health concern in China, the Philippines, and Indonesia. In the Philippines, it has a focal distribution wherein an estimated 12.4 million people are at risk of infection, while 2.7 million are directly exposed across 12 regions. The country’s latest national prevalence revealed that some endemic communities had already reached infection control status. Recent advancements in schistosomiasis diagnostics have resulted in the development of assays that have superior diagnostic performance. The cost of adopting these novel techniques remains a huge bottleneck for those with developing economies and underfunded control and elimination programs like the Philippines. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) has significantly reduced the schistosomiasis morbidity rates in the Philippines through its protracted implementation. MDA fatigue among beneficiaries resulting in non-compliance has been reported. Control and elimination efforts still need continued local and national governmental support. A One Health approach is called for if the goal of transmission interruption in all endemic communities is to be achieved by 2025. This paper reviews the recent research and updates on S. japonicum infections in terms of disease occurrence, advancements in diagnostic techniques and approaches, and its treatment, prevention, control, and elimination in the Philippines and its neighboring countries.