Schistosomiasis: Emerging Evidence of Zoonotic Transmission Following Molecular Characterization of Unusual Schistosoma Eggs in Human Urine in Abuja, Nigeria
Schistosomiasis remains a major public health concern in Nigeria. We molecularly characterize unusual Schistosoma eggs in human urine to identify and assess potential zoonotic transmission in Abuja, Nigeria. Urine samples were collected from 1,887 participants aged five years and above. Samples were examined for Schistosoma eggs using light microscopy. A total of 507 (26.9%) were positive for any form of Schistosoma while 91 (4.8%) had atypical Schistosoma eggs. DNA was extracted from the atypical ova and analyzed through metagenomic sequencing. DNA analysis confirmed one human species (S. haematobium) and one livestock species (S. bovis) in were present in the subjects. The study provides evidence of livestock Schistosoma circulating in humans in Abuja, Nigeria, raising concerns about zoonotic transmission and its implication in schistosomiasis elimination effort in Nigeria. The findings underscore the need for enhanced molecular surveillance to better understand schistosome transmission dynamics in endemic regions.