Prevalence of schistosomiasis among fishermen of Lake Maryut.

A survey was carried out to investigate the presence of Bilharziasis among the fishermen of the lake Maryut. Schistosoma mansoni is more prevalent, than S. haematobium among fishermen of lake Maryut. Biomphalaria alexandrina, snails were prevalent around the lake specially in places of low salinity, where fresh water discharges exist. Bulinus truncatus snails were not found during the time of the present survey and more frequent surveys are needed. There is an inverse relation between the number of snails and the salinity of the water. Since the salinity of the water is decreasing by time as a result of the increased discharge of agricultural and domestic waste into the lake, Bilharziasis infection may increase among the fishermen. This situation needs more attention from public health authorities in the area.