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

Schistosoma japonicum infections continue to be a public health concern in China, thePhilippines, and Indonesia. In the Philippines, it has a focal distribution wherein an estimated12.4 million people are at risk of infection, while 2.7 million are directly exposed across 12regions. The country’s latest national prevalence revealed that some endemic communities hadalready reached infection control status. Recent advancements in schistosomiasis diagnosticshave resulted in the development of assays that have superior diagnostic performance. Thecost of adopting these novel techniques remains a huge bottleneck for those with developingeconomies and underfunded control and elimination programs like the Philippines. Mass DrugAdministration (MDA) has significantly reduced the schistosomiasis morbidity rates in thePhilippines through its protracted implementation. MDA fatigue among beneficiaries resulting innon-compliance has been reported. Control and elimination efforts still need continued local andnational governmental support. A One Health approach is called for if the goal of transmissioninterruption in all endemic communities is to be achieved by 2025. This paper reviews therecent 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.