Abstract
Background
After malaria, schistosomiasis is the second parasitic disease that causes death in the human population. Despite progress in control of infectious disease in the world, schistosomiasis still exists as an important health problem in many developing countries. Based on the extent of health measures taken in endemic countries, disease control has been done with varying degrees of success. The disease control and eradication program in Iran, as one of the infected countries, started in 1961 and continues until now. The last case of the disease was reported in 2001 and so far no positive case has been reported in Iran. Despite this issue, the offices related to the disease control program are still looking for contamination in the snail population and humans. Considering Iran's neighborhood with Iraq and the increase in tourist and pilgrimage traffic between the two countries, the risk of disease reappearance should always be kept in mind.
Methods
In this research, 400 samples of Bulinus truncatus snails were collected from different areas of endemic areas and were examined microscopically and PCR for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium cercaria.
Results
One percent of the samples were infected with Schistosoma sp cercaria, which were not related to Schistosoma haematobium by molecular PCR test.
Conclusion
Considering Iran's proximity to Iraq, the presence of suitable intermediate hosts in the region, and traffic between the two countries, the population of snails and humans should always be investigated in terms of Schistosoma contamination.