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Project

Preventing snail-borne diseases through improved monitoring and community involvement

Snail-borne diseases (SBDs) are caused by trematodes, parasitic worms that are transmitted by freshwater snails. They affect communities and reduce economic productivity. By affecting man and animals they are listed as important zoonoses and control efforts should be executed in a 'One Health' approach. The most important of these SBDs in southern Africa is schistosomiasis (snail fever or bilharzia), a neglected tropical disease (NTD) which ranks only second to malaria in terms of prevalence and morbidity. Chronic infection can result in stunted growth and cognitive impairment, liver fibrosis, bladder cancer and infertility. During the last decades, the control of schistosomiasis has focused on mass drug administration (MDA) among school-aged children. However, schistosomiasis continues to (re-)emerge and scientists agree that MDA alone does not suffice, due to several biological and socio-cultural factors. Parasite populations located in their gastropod and reservoir hosts are not affected by MDA and will re-enter the system after treatment. Research also demonstrated that a limited knowledge, risky water practices, poor sanitation and negative attitudes and beliefs about schistosomiasis increase the risk of infection. Therefore, snail control, identification of animal reservoirs and health education are essential components of elimination programs. It is against this background that the proposed study aims to conduct monitoring of snail-borne diseases in a One Health framework. A better understanding of patterns and processes by means of ecological and molecular monitoring will help to develop sustainable management strategies resulting in improved health of wetland ecosystems, wildlife and livestock, and humans.

Date:7 Dec 2020 →  Today
Keywords:Snail-borne diseases, Schistosomiasis, Surveillance, Xenomonitoring, Citizen science
Disciplines:Bioinformatics of disease, Social epidemiology
Project type:PhD project