Molecular analysis of atypical schistosome eggs retrieved from children in Malawi revealed genetic interactions occurring between human (
Schistosoma haematobium
) and livestock (
S. mattheei
and
S. bovis
) schistosome species. Detection of hybrid schistosomes adds a notable new perspective to the epidemiology and control of urogenital schistosomiasis in central Africa.
Two surveys conducted in 2017 and 2018 demonstrated
Biomphalaria pfeifferi
snails in Lake Malawi in Africa. Epidemiologic examination of 175 local children at 3 primary schools confirmed emergence of intestinal schistosomiasis. These findings highlight autochthonous transmission of
Schistosoma mansoni
flukes in Lake Malawi and the need to revise international travel advice.
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