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MORBIDITIES ASSOCIATED WITH HYBRID INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN ALONG SOUTH LAKE MALAWI (ID 1890)
Abstract
Abstract Body
The discovery of Schistosoma hybrids in Mangochi and Nsanje had brought a new dimension of biology of schistosomiasis in Malawi. We believe Schistosoma haematobium-hybrids are able to be maintained in environmental transmission through livestock and still infect people and cause disease. The clinical picture of hybrids is humans is not understood and it underpins the course of schistosomiasis control interventions. We have embarked on a study to assess the prevalence of hybrids in the communities in Mangochi and Nsanje districts and to ascertain if there is any increased host morbidity in hybrids or co-infected individuals with a mirrored picture in cattle samples. We are collecting urine, stool and blood samples from 1200 consented participants from each district aged from 2 to 45 years of age. The Urine and stool are inspected for eggs and isolated eggs on FTA card are extracted for ITS PCR and DNA sequencing of cox1 and 18S and ITS regions capable of detecting hybrids. While the blood sample is assessed for anemia and inflammation associated with schistosomiasis, suspected individuals with hybrid infection receive ultrasonography assessment. We will present our preliminary results from human and animal which so far is showing presents of possible hybrids. A possible 22% suspected hybrids in cattle has already been analyzed. We hope our data will add to the understanding of the pathology associated of schistosomiasis in Malawi and the region.