Molecular tools reveal hidden schistosome hybrids hindering schistosomiasis control in Africa

Schistosomiasis, or ‘Bilharzia’, is a major parasitic disease caused by several species of schistosomes. Infecting many warm- blooded hosts, including humans, livestock and wildlife, these parasites require developmental stages within freshwater intermediate host snails to complete their lifecycle. Applying several molecular tools, recent studies in Malawi and other sub- Saharan countries are revealing complex transmission dynamics, elucidating actual and potential zoonotic pathways. These molecular tools are uncovering hidden schistosome hybrids alongside surprising patterns of crossspecies infection previously missed by traditional diagnostics. In reshaping the understanding of schistosomiasis transmission, molecular diagnostics highlight our need for integrated, cross- species control efforts based on a ‘One Health’ approach.