Schistosomiasis Modeling: Prevention and Treatment Strategies

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma, predominantly affecting individuals in tropical and subtropical regions with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water. The disease is transmitted when infected individuals release urine or feces containing parasite eggs into water bodies, which then hatch and release free-swimming cercariae. The interaction between the host and schistosomes is complex, as the parasitic flatworms employ strategies to evade the host’s immune system, enabling them to establish long-term infections. They achieve this by producing immunomodulatory molecules that hinder immune response effectiveness and forming a protective tegument layer, allowing them to survive within the human bloodstream. Prevention efforts for schistosomiasis primarily revolve around reducing exposure to contaminated water sources, improving sanitation facilities, and educating individuals about avoiding infected water bodies. Control programs targeting snails, which act as intermediate hosts for the parasite, may also be implemented in endemic areas. Despite these efforts, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of the host-parasite-environmental dynamics, which are crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

This research topic aims to explore the scientific gaps associated with our understanding of Schistosoma species and its importance in designing better drug and treatment modalities. Specifically, the goal is to highlight the latest scientific findings on this pathogen, focusing on transmission patterns between hosts, dynamic interactions between the host, parasite, and environment using modeling techniques, and the development of prevention and treatment strategy models. By addressing these areas, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disease and contribute to the development of more effective interventions.

To gather further insights into the complex dynamics of schistosomiasis, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Transmission patterns between hosts
- Dynamic interactions between the host, parasite, and environment using modeling techniques
- Prevention strategy models to stem the infection
- Treatment strategy models against the infection

This research topic aims to collect various articles on the areas above. We will accept all article types permissible in the Frontiers in Parasitology submission guidelines, including Reviews, Original Research Articles, and Brief Research Reports.

Keywords: Schistosomiasis, Disease Modeling, Transmission Dynamics, Integrated Approaches

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.