First morphogenetic analysis of parasite eggs from Schistosomiasis haematobium infected sub-Saharan migrants in Spain and proposal for a new standardised study methodology

Schistosomiasis is a Neglected Tropical Disease caused by trematode species of the genus Schistosoma. Both, autochthonous and imported cases urogenital schistosomiasis have been described in Europe. The present study focuses on eggs, considered pure S. haematobium genetic characterisation (intergenic ITS region rDNA cox1 mtDNA). A phenotypic eggs was made morphometric comparison with experimental populations bovis mansoni, to help diagnosis infecting sub-Saharan migrants Spain. Analyses were Computer Image Analysis System (CIAS) applied basis new standardised measurements geometric tools. principal component analysis (PCA), including seventeen non-redundant measurements, showed three patterns haematobium, mansoni. PCA that population presented large egg size range pronouncedly larger maximum size. Similarly, shows bigger spine values than haematobium. Mahalanobis distances between each pair groups calculated for discriminant performed. In general, mansoni them i.e. they greatest differences. Regarding spine, are most distant species. Results show usefulness this methodology differentiation from these Schistosoma species, capable discerning morphologically close as case group. phenotyping approaches may be assess not only hybrid forms but also potential influences variety other factors.