A controlled human Schistosoma mansoni infection model to advance novel drugs, vaccines and diagnostics.

Schistosomiasis treatment relies on the use of a single drug, praziquantel, which is insufficient to control transmission in highly endemic areas. Novel medicines and vaccines are urgently needed. An experimental human model for schistosomiasis could accelerate the development of these products.

Establishing the Production of Male Schistosoma mansoni Cercariae for a Controlled Human Infection Model.

To accelerate the development of novel vaccines for schistosomiasis, we set out to develop a human model for Schistosoma mansoni infection in healthy volunteers. During natural infections, female schistosomes produce eggs that give rise to morbidity. Therefore, we produced single-sex, male Schistosoma mansoni cercariae for human infection without egg production and associated pathology.

Protective effect of Schistosoma mansoni infection on allergic airway inflammation depends on the intensity and chronicity of infection.

Background: Population studies have suggested that chronic and intense helminth infections, in contrast to acute and mild helminth infections, might suppress allergic airway inflammation.

Objective: We sought to address the question of how the chronicity and intensity of helminth infections affect allergic airway inflammation in a well-defined experimental model.

Methods: C57/Bl6 mice were infected with Schistosoma mansoni, followed by sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin (OVA), and different stages and intensities of infection were studied.