African zoonotic schistosomiasis: a paradigm shift

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

• Schistosomiasis is a significant parasitic disease with zoonotic implications, particularly in Asia and Africa.
• While Schistosoma japonicum is zoonotic in Asia, the zoonotic potential of African schistosomes (S. mansoni, S. haematobium) remains understudied.
• Hybrid schistosome forms are emerging as a concern, involving S. haematobium and S. bovis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze advancements in understanding the zoonotic characteristics of S. japonicum.
• To review the role of various animal hosts in the transmission of S. mansoni and hybrid schistosomes.
• To investigate the genetic diversity of hybrid schistosomes in West Africa and their implications for zoonotic urogenital schistosomiasis.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on S. japonicum zoonosis.
• Examination of host roles (rodents, primates, cattle) in schistosome transmission.
• Analysis of genetic diversity of hybrid schistosome forms across different spatial scales in West Africa.

Main Results:

• S. japonicum exhibits diverse zoonotic scenarios in Asia.
• Rodents and non-human primates are key in S. mansoni transmission; cattle and rodents are important in S. haematobium/S. bovis hybrids.
• Hybrid schistosomes display significant genetic diversity across West Africa.

Conclusions:

• Understanding host-parasite interactions is crucial for controlling zoonotic schistosomiasis.
• Genetic diversity of hybrid schistosomes impacts transmission dynamics and virulence.
• Further research is needed on the implications of zoonotic urogenital schistosomiasis and parasite gene flow.