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Abstract Fascioliasis is a common disease of ruminants especially sheep, goats, cattle and buffaloes. Although man is considered as an unsuitable host, yet human fascioliasis is endemic in many countries all over the world. Two main Fasciola species are implicated as the aetiological agents namely: F.hepatica and F. gigantica. Each requires different lymnaea species as intermediate hosts with different ecological require~llents. In Egypt, animal fascioliasis is mainly due to infection with F. gigantica. However recent studies proved the presence of F. hepatica among animals reared in Abis area and El Menoufia. As regards human fascioliasis, it is probably caused by F. hepatica. It is reported from many govemorates as Qualyobia, Dakahlia, Kafr El Sheikh, Beheira and Alexandria. Most of the cases were recorded in Abis rural area with prevalence range of 2 to 17. The present study was carried out to assess the problem of fascioliasis in one of the statellites of Abis VIII village. The study comprised three aspects; assessment of human and animal facioliasis in addition to a comprehensive snail survey. A cross sectional study including all inhabitants of the satellite was carried out. Stool samples were collected from those aged two years and above (1006 samples) and were examined using Kato Katz technique. Questionnaire interview was completed for 916 individuals, house forms were fulfilled for all units to assess the risk factors associated with fascioliasis. After excluding spurious infection, by examining three stool samples, positive cases received two doses of triclabendazole, 10mg/kg body weight daily on two successive days. Five weeks later cure rate was estimated by examining two consecutive stool samples with three days interval. Diagnosis of animal fascioliasis was based on examination of 182 animals (57 buffaloes, 66 cows, 26 donkeys, 24 goats and 9 sheep). Rectal stool samples were collected, processed following a modified sedimentation technique and examined microscopically to detect Fasciola eggs. A snail survey was carried out monthly during the period from November 1997/to October 1998. A total length of 6570 meters of canals and 7200 meters.. of drains were examined monthly for collection of lymnaea snails. Crushing technique was used to detect cercarial infection in the collected snails. Data were analysed m~ing EpiInfo 6 computer package and results revealed the following: Human study 1. The overall prevalence of human fascioliasis was 5.3 with an intensity of 58.3 epg as measured by GMEC. |