Mini-FLOTAC as an alternative, non-invasive diagnostic tool for Schistosoma mansoni
And other trematode infections in wildlife reservoirs
Abstract
Schistosomiasis and food-borne trematodiases are not only of major public health concern, but can also have profound implications for livestock production and wildlife conservation. The zoonotic, multi-host nature of many digenean trematodes is a significant challenge for disease control programmes in endemic areas. However, our understanding of the epidemiological role that animal reservoirs, particularly wild hosts, may play in the transmission of zoonotic trematodiases suffers a dearth of information, with few, if any, standardised, reliable diagnostic tests available. We combined qualitative and quantitative data derived from post-mortem examinations, coprological analyses using the Mini-FLOTAC technique, and molecular tools to assess parasite community composition and the validity of non-invasive methods to detect trematode infections in 89 wild Hubert’s multimammate mice (Mastomys huberti) from northern Senegal.
This is a publication arising from the Zoonoses and Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) programme.
Citation
Catalano S, Symeou A, Marsh K, Borlase A, Léger E, Fall C, Sène M, Diouf N, Ianniello D, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Bâ K, Webster J (2019). Mini-FLOTAC as an alternative, non-invasive diagnostic tool for Schistosoma mansoni and other trematode infections in wildlife reservoirs. Parasit Vectors. 12(1):439.