Schistosomiasis

The goal of Schistosomiasis is to provide the reader with insights into the active research and programs currently related to schistosomiasis, and to use these insights as a way to project forward into the next 10-15 years of work on this disease, spanning the spectrum from research to public health interventions. A secondary goal of this volume is to initiate conversations among those working across the research-to-control spectrum on schistosomiasis about the future of their field, and by doing so lead to constructive efforts to identify and address the most critical questions and challenges related to schistosomiasis. The book covers four main areas: schistosome phylogenetics, gene expression, and the overall genome, including information on exciting new tools for addressing questions that have long been inaccessible to schistosomologists; the host-schistosome interaction at the larval to adult worm interface and addresses aspects important for vaccine development as well as how differential gene expression as detected by DNA microarrays may be utilized to develop tools for detection and control of infection or pathology; the development of the host immune response to eggs, granuloma formation and factors affecting the development and regulation of immunopathology; and the public health concerns associated with schistosomiasis, including morbidity control, host genetics, treatment and proposals for improved partnerships. The volume concludes with a chapter addressing the schisms that sometimes exist along the spectrum from basic research programs to the implementation of control schemes, and a proposal to make these differences benefit patients and researchers rather than succumb to base temptations to compete for resources to no one’s benefit. Like many of the diseases featured in the World Class Parasites series, the prospects for dramatic advances in schistosomiasis coincide with a seemingly shrinking pool of both human and material resources. The most meaningful progress will occur as the laboratory better understands the needs in the field and the field better understands the capabilities of the laboratory.