Current Status of Parasitic Diseases

Abstract

The data presented in this paper warrant the general conclusion that remarkable declines have been registered in the incidence and intensity of certain parasitic infections in the Southeastern States. In most areas, intestinal helminths are much less prevalent than they were 2 decades ago. On the other hand, there appears to have been no marked reduction in the incidence of Entamoeba histolytica. although the number of reported cases of amebiasis seems to be on the decline. Trichinosis does not appear to be important in this area. The virtual eradication of malaria has eliminated one of the most serious health problems of the South. Zoonotic larval ascariasis and creeping eruption are still prevalent in the area; the former will probably be recognized with increasing frequency. Nematode endophthalmitis and toxoplasmosis are known to occur, and may also prove to be of increasing importance.