Abstract
Trematode infections are considered to be a non public health problem in Indonesia, with the exception of the two species namely Schistosoma japonicum and Fasciolopsis buski which are still assumed to be the most important trematodes of Indonesia. Other trematode infections reported occasionally were caused by: Echinostoma spp, Haplorchis yokogawai, Haplorchis taichui, Paralecithodendrium molenkampi, Phaneropsolus bonnei and Plachiorchis javensis. Schistosoma japonicum infection has been known to be endemic among the inhabitants of Lake Lindu since 1937. Surveys carried out since that time revealed prevalence rates which varied from 8-55%. Further studies proved that the species at Lindu were similar to the species found in Asia. Resurvey initiated in 1971 gave almost a similar prevalence rate followed by the discovery of the molluscan intermediate host namely Oncomelania hupensis lindoensis. In 1972 a new focus of schistosomiasis was discovered at Napu Valley. Other survey did not reveal any other endemic foci. The result of a biological study carried out since 1976 reconfirmed the diagnosis of the species. Clinical study showed that the significant signs and symptoms of schistosomiasis found among the Lindu inhabitants were : dermatitis, diarrhea, dysentry, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, distention of the abdomen, melaena. hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Control of schistosomiasis was initiated in 1981, using praziquantel for mass treatment. Twelve cycles of treatment at Lake Lindu area and 10 cycles at Napu Valley resulted in a reduction of overall prevalence rate from 15,80 % at Lindu area in 1981 to 1,14 % in 1987 whereas in Napu Valley the reduction was from 35,8 % in 1982 to 1,00 % in 1987. Fasciolopsis buski infection was first reported in 1982 from the Regency of Babirik, Hulu Sungai Utara in South Kalimantan Province. The following survey in that area in 1986 revealed a prevalence rate of 27,0 %. Clinical examination showed that some of the complaints were : diarrhea, poor appetite, mild abdominal colic or burning sensation, vomiting and fever. Physical examination revealed emaciation, anemia, distented abdomen, ascites, and jaundice. Another survey in four other adjacent villages showed prevalence rates that varied from 0,00% - 68,3%. The epidemiological survey carried out recendy did not reveal the intermediate hosts except only two metacercariae which could not be identified.
