Greater Resistance to Development of Severe Schistosomiasis in Brazilian Negroes

Document Type

Article

Authors

José Carlos Bina, Universidade Federal de Bahia, Brazil
José Tavares-Neto, Hosptial Prof. Edgard Santos, Bahia, Brasil
Aluizio Prata, Universidade de Brasilia
Elaine S. Azevêdo, Hospital Prof. Edgard Santos, Bahia, Brasil

Abstract

The effect of race on the development of severe schistosomiasis was investigated. The proportion of Whites, Mulattoes and Blacks was compared in patients with mild, moderate and severe schistosomiasis and in controls. Another group of schistosomiasis patients was followed for six years to study the evolution of the disease as a function of race. In both studies there was strong evidence for a greater resistance in Blacks to develop severe schistosomiasis while infection rates were similar in both races and in Mulattoes. The possible biological causes for resistance to develop severe schistosomiasis are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Bina, José Carlos; Tavares-Neto, José; Prata, Aluizio; and Azevêdo, Elaine S. (1978) "Greater Resistance to Development of Severe Schistosomiasis in Brazilian Negroes," Human Biology: Vol. 50: Iss. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol50/iss1/6