Background: Schistosomiasis is one of seven NTDs that are of great public concern in the Philippines. The disease is prevalent in a few of the barangays (communities) in Koronadal City, Philippines. Status of the Schistosoma japonicum infections in animal reservoir host has yet to be explored in these endemic communities.
Materials and Methods: Schistosomiasis was investigated in 70 cattle and 38 water buffaloes from three endemic communities in Koronadal City. The copro-parasitological technique used was the Formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation technique.
Results: Schistosoma japonicum infection was observed in 32.9% of cattle and 60.1 % in water buffaloes. No significant relationship between species of animals and prevalence of infection was noted. Similarly, the prevalence was not significantly associated to age of animals. The intensity of infection in all animals examined was observed to be light. However, water buffaloes had a significantly higher mean egg count in 5g of feces (MEPG) than cattle. The Bovine Contamination Index (BCI) indicated that all infected animals released 3, 505, 500 eggs per day. On average, infected cattle released 1, 674, 500 eggs daily, while infected water buffaloes liberated 1, 932, 000 eggs in the environment daily.
Conclusion: Cattle and water buffaloes in these endemic areas are infected with S. japonicum. These animals release large numbers of eggs in the environment daily, hence, played an important role in disease transmission. Those living and working in endemic areas should be aware of the inherent dangers of disease.
Key words: Schistosomiasis, zoonotic parasitic diseases, one health, S. japonicum, Philippines
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