Schistosoma mattheei and zoonotic schistosomiasis

Abstract

We highlight the epidemiological importance of Schistosoma mattheei, a common parasite of livestock with an underappreciated ability to infect people, being recently incriminated in both female and male genital schistosomiasis. Through hybridisation(s) with other schistosome species, its public health importance will grow as its zoonotic potential expands across southern Africa.

Keywords: One Health; female genital schistosomiasis; hybrids; male genital schistosomiasis; praziquantel; urogenital schistosomiasis.