title: Cercarial emergence pattern of Schistosoma haematobium from Libreville, Gabon.
abstract: Although schistosomiasis has been a public health issue in Gabon for nearly a century, little is known about its current transmission dynamics. We analyzed the chronobiology of 137 cercarial emission profiles of Schistosoma haematobium from Libreville, the capital of Gabon, located in an open area for schistosomiasis. We found that 88% of the cercariae were shed between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and that the average pattern was of circadian type, with the average peak at 1 p.m., and representing 27% of the total number of cercariae of the day. The rhythms of emergence may be associated with environmental pressures on the parasite, especially those related to their definitive hosts.
authors: Institut de Recherche en Écologie Tropicale (IRET), CENAREST-Gabon, BP 13354, Libreville, Gabon.
authors: Rodrigue
authors: R
authors: Mintsa-Nguéma
authors: Université Perpignan Via Domitia, Écologie et Évolution des Interactions, UMR 5244, 66860 Perpignan, France - CNRS, Écologie et Évolution des Interactions, UMR 5244, 66860 Perpignan, France.
authors: Hélène
authors: H
authors: Moné
authors: Département de Zoologie et Génétique, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, 01BP526, Cotonou, Bénin.
authors: Moudachirou
authors: M
authors: Ibikounlé
authors: Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie-Médecine Tropicale, Faculté de Médecine de Tours, CHRU Bretonneau, 37044 Tours, France.
authors: Krystina
authors: K
authors: Mengué-Ngou-Milama
authors: Département de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université des Sciences de la Santé de Libreville, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon.
authors: Maryvonne
authors: M
authors: Kombila
authors: Université Perpignan Via Domitia, Écologie et Évolution des Interactions, UMR 5244, 66860 Perpignan, France - CNRS, Écologie et Évolution des Interactions, UMR 5244, 66860 Perpignan, France.
authors: Gabriel
authors: G
authors: Mouahid
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002033:Bulinus / Q000469:parasitology*; D058487:Cercaria / Q000502:physiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004777:Environment; D005681:Gabon; D005849:Gerbillinae / Q000469:parasitology; D008027:Light; D012548:Schistosoma haematobium / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000528:radiation effects