The WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Schistosomiasis at Niamey, Niger

Abstract

The Centre de Recherche sur les Méningites et les Schistosomes (CERMES) is a research institute depending on the Organisation de Coordination et de Coopération pour la lutte contre les Grandes Endémies--a West African Organization for Public Health--devoted to the studies on schistosomiasis and meningitis. The staff includes 32 persons with 11 scientists and one financial officer. The activities of the CERMES involving schistosomiasis concern three research units: (a) ecology of human and animal schistosomiasis transmission; the CERMES defined the different patterns of schistosomiasis transmission in Niger (involving African dry savana); in this field, we have shown, (i) the existence of important variability in conditions of transmission of S. haematobium and, (ii) natural hybridization between parasitic species of the ruminants (S. bovis and S. curassoni) and genetic interaction between human and animal parasites; (b) definition of morbidity indicators usable for rapid assessment methods, for appraisal of the severity of the disease and for the evaluation of the efficiency of control methods; we have established the correlation between ultrasonographic data and some cheap and simple field indicators; (c) immune response and protective immunity induced by recombinant glutathion S-transferase (Sm28, Sb28 and Sh28) in homologous and heterologous animal models including goats, sheep and non human primates (Erythrocebus patas). In Niger, we participate in all control programs against schistosomiasis to define control strategies, to supervise operations and to participate in their evaluation with external experts. International collaborations constitute a frame including four laboratories in Africa and six laboratories in developed countries (Europe and USA).

PIP: The Centre de Recherche sur les Meningites et les Schistosomoses (CERMES), a research center in Niamey, Niger, affiliated with a West African public health organization, conducts studies in the areas of parasitology, epidemiology, and immunology. Significant variability in factors related to transmission of Schistosoma haematobium have been noted. Experimental research on the Schistosoma-bulinid compatibility and field surveys of the geographic distribution and role of snails in transmission have been essential to the design of parasite control interventions in West Africa. A CERMES-sponsored project, supported by the European Community, is examining urinary schistosomiasis control in the Niger river valley and the impact of treatment on ultrasonically visualized urologic lesions. The Experimental Vaccine Unit seeks to improve the route of administration and choice of adjuvant and to propose a vaccine protocol for field testing. Recombinant proteins have been found to alter the development of the parasite either by inducing a reduction in the parasite burden or an inhibition of the fecundity of the parasite.