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. 2007 Nov 26;1(3):e32.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000032.

A schistosomiasis research agenda

Daniel G Colley  1 , W Evan Secor
Affiliations

A schistosomiasis research agenda

Daniel G Colley et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. .

Abstract

There is a long and rich history of research and control in the field of schistosomiasis that has resulted in major scientific and public health accomplishments. Examples of such findings and accomplishments include immunologic regulation in chronic infections, the association of helminth infections with Th1-regulating Th2-type immune responses, the critical role of interleukin-13 in fibrogenesis, and the development and validation of the "dose pole" for determining praziquantel dosages in the field. Perhaps in part because of this broad and successful history, those who work on schistosomiasis come from a wide variety of backgrounds and interests. While such variety is enriching to the field, it sometimes results in diverse opinions about which of the many research opportunities should be pursued. Such diversity, we believe, has at times led to a divisiveness that has harmed overall progress in the field. Partly in response to such events, we have worked with as many of those interested in schistosomiasis as we could identify to develop what we feel is a comprehensive and cohesive agenda for schistosomiasis research.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

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1659 adult Schistosoma mansoni worms obtained by live surgical perfusion of an 18 year-old patient in 1970
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Cross-section of a Schistosoma mansoni adult worm pair in the mesenteric venule of a mouse; H&E stain
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • The schistosomiasis research agenda--what now?
    Bethony JM, Loukas A. Bethony JM, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2008 Feb 27;2(2):e207. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000207. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2008. PMID: 18301729 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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