The WH 8 Collaborating Centre for Research and Control

The Centre de Recherche sur les Méningites et les Schistosomes (CERMES) is a sesearch institute depending on the Organisation de Coordination et de Coopération pour la bitte contre les Grandes Endémies a West Afiicaiz Organization for Public Health devoted to the studies on schistosomiasis and meningitis. The staff includes 32 persons with I I scientists and one financial officer: The activities of the CERMES involving schistosomiasis concern three research units: (a) ecology of hunzaiz and animal schistosomiasis transmission; the C E M E S defined the different patterns of schistosomiasis transmissioit in Niger (involvitig African dry savana); in this field, ive have shown, (i) the existence of important variability in conditions of transmission of S. haematobium and, (ii) natural hybridization betweeii parasitic species of the rttminants (S. bovis and S. curassoni) and genetic interaction between human and animal parasites; (b) definition of morbidity indicators usable for rapid assessnzeizt methods, for appraisal of the severity of the disease and for the evaluation of the eflciency of control methods; we have established the correlation between ultrasonographic data and some cheap and sintple field indicators; (c) inzinune response and protective iinniirriity induced by reconabinnnt glutathion Stransfirase (Sin28, Sb28 and Sh28) in ltomologo~~s and heterologoiis animal models including goats, sheep and non hzrman primates (Erythrocebus patas), In Niger, we participate in all conti-o1 programs against schistosoniiasìs to define control strategies, to supervise operations and to participate in their evaltiation with external experts. International collaborations constitute a. frame incltiding four laboratories in Africa and six laboratories in developed countries (Europe and USA).