Disease Concepts and Treatment Practices Relating to Schistosomiasis Haematobium in Upper Egypt

Abstract : Schistosomiasis haematobium has been endemic in the lower part of the NIle valley at least since pharaonic times and now probably affects more people in Egypt than in any other country. Although the ancient Egyptians had developed a sophisticated medical system and used various plant medicines for parasitic infections ans possibly preventive measures for haematuria and many peoples in Africa still treat vesical schistosomiasis with herbal remedies, no study has been made of disease concepts and treatment practices of the Egyptian fellahin. This is regrettable since the large farming population is, with the possible exception of boatman and fisherman, the most heavily infected segment of the Egyptian population and schistosomiasis control programmes in Egypt have been hindered by many human problems. During a longitudinal study of the relationship between human water contact and S. haematobium infection in El Ayaisha village in Upper Egypt, we found that some people use local plant remedies in addition to synthetic antischistosomal compounds and that their water use behavior is influenced by various beliefs and customs. The purpose of this reprinted paper is to describe prevailing disease concepts and treatment practices in relation to S. haematobium infection in El Ayaisha and several other villages in Upper Egypt. S. haematobium prevalence rates were 27% in the general population and 70-5% in schoolboys aged 10 years, similar to the rates in two nearby villages and many other communities in Upper Egypt.