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Mass Isolation and In Vitro Cultivation of Intramolluscan Stages of the Human Blood Fluke Schistosoma Mansoni
Published on: January 14, 2018
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Schistosomiasis
Donald P McManus1, David W Dunne2, Moussa Sacko3
1Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Don.McManus@qimrberghofer.edu.au.
Nature Reviews. Disease Primers
|August 11, 2018
Summary
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, causes significant illness worldwide. Effective control requires integrated strategies including treatment, snail control, and improved sanitation.
Area of Science:
- Neglected tropical diseases
- Parasitology
- Public health
Background:
- Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a debilitating parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma flatworms.
- Endemic in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, it affects millions.
- Disease pathology arises from eggs trapped in host tissues, triggering inflammatory responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current understanding of schistosomiasis.
- To highlight diagnostic and treatment challenges.
- To emphasize the need for multifaceted control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of schistosomiasis epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, and control.
- Analysis of praziquantel efficacy and limitations.
- Discussion of integrated approaches for disease elimination.
Main Results:
- Schistosomiasis causes significant morbidity, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Current diagnostics and praziquantel treatment have limitations, including lack of reinfection prevention and emerging drug resistance.
- Accurate, rapid point-of-care diagnostics are crucial for endemic populations.
Conclusions:
- Schistosomiasis elimination necessitates a comprehensive approach.
- Integrated strategies include praziquantel treatment, snail control, improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and robust surveillance-response systems.
- Tailoring interventions to specific social-ecological contexts is vital for success.
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