The NIH-NIAID schistosomiasis resource center

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Tropical Disease Research
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Schistosomiasis research requires maintaining the parasite's life cycle, involving mammalian and snail hosts.
• This process is resource-intensive, posing significant financial and logistical challenges for investigators, especially new ones.
• Limited lab space and experienced personnel further complicate parasite life cycle maintenance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical context and scope of a centralized resource for schistosome life stages.
• To highlight the resource's impact on the research community and its cost-saving benefits.
• To inform investigators, particularly those new to the field, about available materials and support.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of the NIH-NIAID centralized resource contract.
• Description of available schistosome species and life stages.
• Assessment of the resource's impact on tropical disease research funding and efficiency.

Main Results:

• The centralized resource has provided significant cost savings to both the funding agency and researchers.
• It enables investigators to redirect funds and personnel towards specific research objectives.
• The resource has facilitated research by overcoming the difficulties of maintaining parasite life cycles.

Conclusions:

• The NIH-NIAID resource is a valuable asset for schistosomiasis research, mitigating the challenges of parasite life cycle maintenance.
• Awareness of this resource can significantly benefit researchers by providing essential materials and support.
• The resource offers potential for future contributions to evolving research interests in tropical medicine.