Zoonotic Schistosomiasis in Nigeria: The Concealed Threat to Humans Posed by Genetic Hybrid Parasites of Livestock Cattle Origin

Abstract

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a water-borne parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus Schistosoma. The disease is mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions, affecting more than 200 million people worldwide, but predominantly, about 90%, in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria shoulders the largest share of schistosomiasis cases on the African continent. While efforts to combat this disease have traditionally focused on human infections, there has been limited attention given to infections in livestock that might have the potential to spread to humans. Recent empirical findings indicate that, apart from Schistosoma species primarily associated with humans, there are schistosomes in livestock that can infect humans as well. This raises the possibility of genetic material mixing between cattle and human schistosomes, known as hybridization. This phenomenon poses a risk of zoonotic diseases transmission. This chapter delves into ongoing research concerning schistosome hybridization in Nigeria and elucidates its adverse effects on elimination endeavors. Furthermore, it explores the factors that encourage interactions between human and livestock schistosomes and outlines strategies for addressing these concerns.