Transmission sites for Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma bovis identified in localities within the Athi River basin of Kenya using a PCR-RFLP assay

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06114
• Publication Date: 2021-02-03T17:56:33Z
• Authors: Eric L. Agola; Ibrahim N. Mwangi; Geoffrey M. Maina; Joseph M. Kinuthia; Martin W. Mutuku
• Keywords: Bulinus; Schistosoma

The epidemiology of human urinary schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium can be complicated the presence ruminant caused, primarily S. bovis. two schistosome species may transmitted same Bulinus species, they occur sympatrically in habitat, and their cercariae are very similar morphology therefore, difficult to tell them apart. Screening snails collected from freshwater habitats for infections is often used identify transmission sites or evaluate success failure interventions. However, pin-pointing involved other mammalian schistosomes such as bovine schistosome, which a fairly common parasite. A PCR-RFLP method targeting unique segment second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was shed bulinid endemic located within Machakos county south-eastern Kenya, with aim assess distribution each parasite study area.A total 5,034 were 41 different screened infections, out these, 43 (<1%) found shedding cercariae. On analysis using Polymerase chain reaction- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) assay, 32 identified while 11 turned Only 40 namely Kisukioni Katiwa, active sites. Both both assay reliably distinguished between bovis cercariae, even when only few (5-10) present sample, concentrations low five pico grammes (5pg). FTA® paper offered more reliable way collecting, transporting storing material, samples.The PCR-based potentially support control efforts, epidemiological studies schistosomiasis, ecology