Elimination of schistosomiasis mekongi in reach for Lao PDR: The last patient with severe disease?

Abstract

Schistosomiasis mekongi is endemic in a restricted area in Northern Cambodia and the Southern Lao People's Democratic Republic. Severe hepatobiliary morbidity is associated with chronic untreated S. mekongi infection. Since the 1980s extensive control efforts have been employed in endemic areas, resulting in substantial reduction of infection rates and disease burden. We report on a patient with a fatal course of clinically-assessed chronic schistosomiasis. This report underscores that patients with severe chronic Mekong schistosomiasis may still exist and may need treatment support.

Keywords: Bilharziosis; Cambodia; Infection; Lao People's Democratic Republic; NTD; Neglected tropical disease; Schistosoma mekongi; Schistosomiasis; Severe disease.