Application of biotechnology methods to the study of trematodes

Advances in biotechnology over the past decade offer renewed hope for solutions to trematode parasitoses in Thailand. Trematode diseases have remained the same, but the tools (1) to exploit the innate ability of cells to replicate and produce biological products upon demand, (2) to manipulate the genetic makeup of an organism, (3) and to biologically or synthetically manufacture peptides have provided scientists with new reagents for diagnosing, treating, preventing and controlling trematode diseases. Although recent applications have been focused on schistosomiasis, they have potential application to other trematode diseases (paragonimiasis, clonorchiasis, opisthorchiasis, fasciolopsiasis, and fascioliasis) endemic to Thailand. The optimism which new technology has generated must be tempered with realism and continued support for basic parasitology. Progress is dependent on a combination of approaches involving techniques at the molecular, cellular, organism and population levels. The new tools must be used in conjunction with old knowledge. Most of all there must be a rational strategy for the use of products of new technology. Defined vaccines alone will not be the answer, even if they become a reality. They must be applied in a manner that optimizes their effectiveness. The silver bullets may be out there, but they are still in a roughly molded stage. They must be finished, loaded in an appropriate epidemiological gun, and fired by an expert at specific targets.