Field-derived Schistosoma mansoni and Biomphalaria pfeifferi in Kenya: a compatible association characterized by lack of strong local adaptation and presence of some snails able to persistently produce cercariae for over a year

摘要

BackgroundSchistosoma mansoni is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa with Biomphalaria pfeifferi being its most widespread and important snail intermediate host. Few studies have examined the compatibility of field-derived B. pfeifferi snails with S. mansoni miracidia derived from human hosts. We investigated compatibility (as defined by shedding of cercariae following exposure to miracidia) of two isolates of S. mansoni from school children from Asao (western Kenya) and Mwea (central Kenya) with B. pfeifferi collected directly from Asao stream or the Mwea rice fields.