THE EFFECTS OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS ON SPONTANEOUS PLAY ACTIVITY IN BLACK SCHOOL-CHILDREN IN ENDEMIC AREAS - AN ETHOLOGICAL STUDY

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 60  (2) , 61-64
Abstract
An ethological study was undertaken in 2 primary schools in Natal South Africa to assess the effect of schistosome infections on the spontaneous activity of schoolchildren in endemic areas. Apparently, there is selective exposure of more active children to the disease. In low-level infections with Schistosoma haematobium (< 1000 eggs excreted in a 2-h midday period) or S. mansoni (< 1000 eggs/g dry wt of stool) there is little evidence of a decrease in energetic activity under normal conditions. In subjects with higher egg counts or infections with both schistosomes, activity levels generally fall, especially under hot, humid weather conditions when the fall in activity is greater than that for control subjects.

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