Abstract Body

Background: Occurrence of Fasciola gigantica and F. hepatica and their intermediate hosts is documented in several African countries. However, there is still paucity of information on the epidemiology and geographical distribution of Fasciola spp and their intermediate hosts. The geographical distribution of Fasciola spp and their IHs is determined by key environmental factors such as temperature, altitude above sea level, availabilty of water bodies among others. Few studies in Africa on the epidemiology of fasciolosis have taken into account these factors, and hence there are gaps in the geographical distribution of both the Fasciola spp and their IHs in most conutries. Without critical information on geagraphical delimitations, it is difficult to ascertain whether the geographical occurence of fasciolosis is expanding in the advent of climate change.

Aim and Methods: The aim of this presentation is to give an update based on a recent review on the geographical distribution and prevalence of Fasciola species and their IHs in East and Southern Africa and highlight gaps for future research using GIS technology to model spatial and seasonal distribution of of suitable habitats of Fasciola spp IHs at localized sites.

Expected outcome: The results will be extrapolated to other similar sites in the African region. Modelling will be done in combination with molecular characterization of Fasciola spp isolated from several climatic zones in the region, especially isolates from areas where the the two main species overlap, and search for occurrence of hybrids.