European Commission : CORDIS : Projects and Results : Epidemiology and transmission dynamics oof Schistosoma infections of the S. haematobium group in Mali, Senegal and Zambia

Epidemiology and transmission dynamics oof Schistosoma infections of the S. haematobium group in Mali, Senegal and Zambia

From 1993-01-01 to 1996-06-30

Project details

Total cost:

Not available

EU contribution:

Not available

Coordinated in:

Belgium

Topic(s):

Funding scheme:

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Objective

The main aim of the project is to study the transmission dynamics of the S.haematobium group, with particular emphasis being placed upon the ecological and genetic factors determining focal levels of endemicity. Areas selected for the study will be in Mali, Senegal and Zambia.
In Mali, the distribution and epidemiology of schistosomes
within the Schifstosoma haematobium group (S. haematobium and S. intrecalatum) in specified foci will be determined together with factorsinfluencing endemicity levels. Incidence studies will be carried out onpeople post treatment.The application of recently developed serological techniques, particularly CAA and CCA
antigen levels in urine and serum, to determine prevalence and intensity of infections will be compared with more traditional parasitological techniques. A multi disciplinary approach will be used to identify and characterise both the snail intermediate hosts and schistosomes, including morphology (scanning electron microscope studies), enzyme analysis (isoelectric focusing) and DNA probes. Attention will be directed at determining the degree of interaction between S. haematobium and S. intercalatum and the epidemiological significance of such interactions.
In Senegal, studies will be conducted on the epidemiology
of schistosomes of the S. haematobium groupin the Senegal river basin. Children, (5 to 14 years), and to a lesser degree cattle Will be examined to establish levels of prevalence and intensity. Attempts will be made to elucidate whether there is an
interaction between S. haematobium and S. Curassoni Schistosomes and their intermediate hosts will be characterized and compatibility studies will demonstrate host/parasite relationships. In Zambia one area of S. haematobium transmission near
Lusaka will be studied in detail. Emphasis will be placed upon determining prevalence and intensity of infection pre- and post treatment together with studies on snail dynanics and infection. In addition, itis hoped to find outwhether interactions between S. haematobium and S. mattheei exist in Zambia.