Spatial variation of life-history traits in Bulinus truncatus, the intermediate host of schistosomes, in the context of field application of niclosamide in Côte d'Ivoire.

Background: Control of intermediate host snails using molluscicides for the control and/or elimination of schistosomiasis is a strategy in line with WHO recommendations. Niclosamide is the main chemical molluscicide recommended by WHO. However, except the immediate killing of the snail, the extent of the impact of the molluscicide application on the evolution of snail life-history traits, in relation to recolonization of treated sites is not well known.

Characteristics of persistent hotspots of Schistosoma mansoni in western Côte d'Ivoire.

Background: Preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel is the cornerstone of schistosomiasis control. However, in some social-ecological settings, the prevalence and/or intensity of Schistosoma infection does not lower meaningfully despite multiple rounds of preventive chemotherapy, a phenomenon termed persistent hotspot (PHS). We assessed the characteristics of PHS in a Schistosoma mansoni-endemic area of Côte d'Ivoire.

Molecular characterization and distribution of Schistosoma cercariae collected from naturally infected bulinid snails in northern and central Côte d'Ivoire.

Background: Accurate identification of schistosome species infecting intermediate host snails is important for understanding parasite transmission, schistosomiasis control and elimination. Cercariae emerging from infected snails cannot be precisely identified morphologically to the species level. We used molecular tools to clarify the distribution of the Schistosoma haematobium group species infecting bulinid snails in a large part of Côte d'Ivoire and confirmed the presence of interspecific hybrid schistosomes.

Risk factors for Schistosoma mansoni and hookworm in urban farming communities in western Côte d'Ivoire.

Objectives: To identify risk factors for Schistosoma mansoni and hookworm infections in urban farming communities, and to investigate small-scale spatial patterns of infection prevalence.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 113 farming households (586 individuals) and 21 non-farming households (130 individuals) from six agricultural zones in the town of Man, western Côte d'Ivoire. Heads of households were interviewed on common agricultural activities, land and water use, education attainment, socioeconomic status and sanitation facilities.