Molecular Monitoring of Schistosomiasis Transmission - Abstract
Schistosomal repeated genomic sequences were identified and their amplification by PCR and LAMP was developed for molecular detection of snails infected by Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium. Patent and prepatent snail infections were identified. Inter-repeat amplification was introduced for differentiating snails infected by S. haematobium from those infected by animal schistosomes. A year-long screening of S. haematobium infection in snails was carried out and the dynamics of prepatent and patent infections in multiple water bodies was determined. Matters concerning application of molecular mass screening were suggested.