Implication of Bulinus truncatus in the transmission of urinary schistosomiasis in Senegal, West Africa

Abstract

Abstract Studies on the compatibility between Bulinus truncatus and Schistosoma haematobium from various areas in the Senegal River basin (SRB) were carried out, to investigate the role of B. truncatus in the epidemiology of urinary schistosomiasis in Senegal. The results show that B. truncatus from the Lower Valley is not compatible with S. haematobium from the Middle Valley. Interestingly, the study reveals that B. truncatus from the Upper Valley is compatible with S. haematobium from the same area, and that S. haematobium from the Middle Valley is compatible with B. truncatus from the Lower Valley. Bulinus truncatus naturally infected with S. haematobium have been collected from the Upper Valley of the SRB. These results indicate that B. truncatus is involved in the urinary schistosomiasis in Senegal.