To Reduce the Global Burden of Human Schistosomiasis, Use 'Old Fashioned' Snail Control. Issue 1 (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sokolow, Susanne H.; Wood, Chelsea L.; Jones, Isabel J.; Lafferty, Kevin D.; Kuris, Armand M.; Hsieh, Michael H.; De Leo, Giulio A.
• Is Part Of: Trends in parasitology. Volume 34:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 40
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Parasitology; Biology; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; Online resources; 571.999
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.10.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4922

Abstract

Abstract : Control strategies to reduce human schistosomiasis have evolved from 'snail picking' campaigns, a century ago, to modern wide-scale human treatment campaigns, or preventive chemotherapy. Unfortunately, despite the rise in preventive chemotherapy campaigns, just as many people suffer from schistosomiasis today as they did 50 years ago. Snail control can complement preventive chemotherapy by reducing the risk of transmission from snails to humans. Here, we present ideas for modernizing and scaling up snail control, including spatiotemporal targeting, environmental diagnostics, better molluscicides, new technologies (e.g., gene drive), and 'outside the box' strategies such as natural enemies, traps, and repellants. We conclude that, to achieve the World Health Assembly's stated goal to eliminate schistosomiasis, it is time to give snail control another look. Trends: Despite a rise in the global effort towards preventive chemotherapy, just as many people suffer from schistosomiasis today as did 50 years ago. Snail control can complement medical treatment, especially where transmission is endemic and reinfection after treatment is a common occurrence. Modernizing snail control is a priority and might benefit from more research on spatiotemporal targeting, environmental diagnostics, better molluscicides, new technologies, and 'outside the box' strategies such as natural enemies, traps, and repellants.