Parameters for effective sand filtration of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae from water

Abstract Schistosomiasis is a water-based neglected tropical disease that prevalent in over 78 countries. It affects communities are reliant on freshwater bodies contaminated with schistosome cercariae for their daily water activities. Whilst treatment the drug praziquantel relatively effective, it does not prevent reinfection. One option reducing schistosomiasis infection providing at-risk treated water, thereby contact cercaria-infested activities such as bathing or doing laundry. This study aims to establish design guidance sand filtration remove from water. Four filters were tested, varying 300 2,000 μm grain size. Each filter was tested depth of 20 cm, which increased until no detected effluent. The required 100% ranged between 40 and 70 cm depending Cercaria removal more effective smaller size larger depth. These results valid intermittent flow, up six cycle flushes. While rigorous testing needed, these initial suggest can be an way treat cercaria-contaminated low-income settings.