Livestock Reservoir Hosts: An Obscured Threat to Control of Human Schistosomiasis in Nigeria

Schistosomiasis is one of the leading neglected tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Recorded case numbers this chronic and debilitating helminth disease indicate Nigeria to be most endemic country within region. National control efforts have focused intensively on restricting human contact with freshwater sources intermediate host snails. However, limited attention has been paid role livestock as reservoir hosts prevalence transmission schistosomes humans via farmed animals. The West African nations Mali, Senegal, neighbouring Niger, Benin, Cameroon all reported hybridization closely related species Schistosoma haematobium, which infects humans, S. bovis, cattle. As these countries share Niger Benue rivers, their tributaries, there a distinct possibility aquatic snails infected hybrid migrating become established Nigerian river system. Here, we report current state research that aims elucidate key aspects zoonotic schistosomiasis epidemiology. Factors promoting are highlighted, how available measures can optimized address emergence schistosome hybrids discussed.