Schistosoma intercalatum: an endangered species in Cameroon?
Despite the extremely wide distribution of both intermediate (snail) and definitive hosts, the species Schistosoma intercalatum has a highly restricted distribution in parts of West Africa (Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo and São Tomé). Recent studies showed that the epidemiology of this species is very dynamic, including invasions and extinctions. This article reviews the epidemiology of S. intercalatum in Cameroon, where the species is endangered, and analyses its overall status in Africa. The possible reasons for the limited distribution of S. intercalatum are discussed.
Tchuem Tchuenté
Louis-Albert
LA
Laboratory of General Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812 Yaoundé, Cameroon. tchuemtchuente@camnet.cm
Southgate
Vaughan R
VR
Jourdane
Joseph
J
Webster
Bonnie L
BL
Vercruysse
Jozef
J
D000818:Animals; D002163:Cameroon / Q000453:epidemiology; D003710:Demography; D006801:Humans; D011156:Population Density; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012547:Schistosoma / Q000254:growth & development*; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000635:transmission; D012908:Snails / Q000469:parasitology