Abstract: Objective To research and develop(R&D) a harmless sanitary latrine for small-sized ships, and evaluate the efficacies of such latrine in killing Schistosoma japonicum eggs. Methods The sanitary latrine was developed based on the principles of three-septic-tank toilet by combined introduction of the microbial agents that could decompose feces to form a strong acid environment in latrine. Simulated field experiments were performed to evaluate the efficacy of the harmless sanitary latrine in killing Schistosoma japonicum eggs. Results Simulation test showed that this sanitary latrine for small-sized ships could completely kill the Schistosoma japonicum eggs with the role of microbial agents. The difference was significant difference between experiment group and control group ( P < 0. 05). Conclusion The harmless sanitary latrine is valuable for smallsized ships running in the lake areas, because it does not need power supply, and is easy to use, energy-saving and environmentally friendly. Particularly, this facility satisfies the national standard GB 7959-2012 Hygienic requirements for harmless disposal of night soil in schistosomiasis control.

Key words: Schistosomiasis, Fishermen's feces, Harmless sanitarylatrine, Microbial agents