An evaluation of the influence of World War II on the incidence of amebiasis.

Abstract

Summary 1. Eleven hundred and ten students at the University of Wisconsin, most of whom were service veterans of World War II, have been examined for E. histolytica: 4.5 per cent of overseas veterans, 2.5 per cent of those with domestic service, and 1.6 per cent of those with no war service, were found infected. 2. Studies on the incidence of amebiasis in over 50,000 service personnel during the late war are summarized and the average incidence of 14.7 per cent has been computed. 3. Studies on the incidence of amebiasis in college student populations prior to the war are summarized and the average incidence of 4.9 per cent has been computed. 4. The incidence of amebiasis among service personnel during the war is comparable to the estimated incidence in the general population for the United States. When compared to similar groups three years after the war this rate seems to be significantly higher. 5. The incidence in a postwar student population composed of men with military service is no greater than before the war in student populations. 6. It seems probable on the basis of the present findings that there has been little change in general incidence of amebiasis as a result of the war.