Detecting Schistisome Infection in Biomphalaria and Bulinus Snails
Fact file
| Duration |
Three to four years full-time |
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| Eligibility |
Self-funded; Home, EU or International Students |
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| Supervisor(s) |
Dr Chris Wade
Dr Sara Goodacre
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| Application deadline |
No deadline |
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About the project
Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a neglected tropical disease that affects some 252 million people worldwide. It is caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma and is contracted through human contact with contaminated water. Identification of Schistosome infection is determined through the identification of eggs in the stool or urine of patients. However, since the parasite uses a freshwater snail of the genera Biomphalaria or Bulinus as an intermediate host, surveying populations of snails for Schistosome infection is a very useful alternative method of determining the incidence of Schistosome infection. The project will use PCR-based infection detection techniques to determine the incidence of Schistosome infection within local snail populations. It will determine which species of snails are infected with human Schistosome parasites and which are most susceptible to infection. It will also examine the incidence of non-human parasites in snail populations that have the potential to mislead surveys of Schistosome infection in snails. Genetic variation in snail populations will also be examined to examine the link between snail resistance and Schistosome infection.
Funding notes
This project is available to self-funded students. Home applicants should contact the supervisor to determine the current funding status for this project. EU applicants should visit the Graduate School webpages for information on specific EU scholarships. International applicants should visit our International Research Scholarships page for information regarding fees and funding at the University.
References
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Standley, C.J., Goodacre, S. L., Wade, C. M. & Stothard, J. R. 2014. The population genetic structure of Biomphalaria in Lake Victoria, East Africa: Implications for Schistosome transmission. Parasites and Vectors 7: 524.Standley, C. J., Wade, C. M. & Stothard, J. R. 2011. A fresh insight into transmission of Schistosomiasis: a misleading tale of Biomphalaria in Lake Victoria. PLoS ONE 6 (10) e26563. [IF=3.534] [contribution 40% - first author is my PhD student (principal supervisor)]
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Detecting Schistisome Infection in Biomphalaria and Bulinus Snails