The use of spatial tools in the study of Schistosoma mansoni and its intermediate host snails in Brazil: a brief review.

The rapidly increasing number of spatial studies and the complexity of schistosomiasis transmission dynamics in Brazil indicate that surveillance and control programmes can benefit from the spatial approach, not only in areas susceptible to the introduction and establishment of new transmission foci but also in areas experiencing declines in schistosomiasis transmission. Several additional areas amenable to, or requiring, spatial research are identified. This paper reviews spatial studies of schistosomiasis in Brazil with a focus on the application of spatial tools in epidemiological, disease ecological, control and several additional areas in schistosomiasis research.