Cross sectional study of schistosomiasis among military recruits in Alexandria.

A cross-sectional survey for schistosomiasis infection was carried out among 1170 military recruits in Alexandria. Data on prevalence-intensity of infection-subjective symptoms and history of antischistosomal chemotherapy administration were collected from participants. The results confirmed the endemicity of S. mansoni and the low prevalence of S. haematobium infection in Delta region (33.1% and 1.1%) respectively. Previous antischistosomal chemotherapy administration was associated with decreased geometric mean egg count inspite the increase in prevalence. It is recommended that mass chemotherapy with praziquantel of this young active adult group would be of beneficial effect in decreasing schistosomiasis morbidity among an important large section of the community.