New Solutions for Global Control of Parasitic Infections: The Case of Schistosomiasis
Instead of treating a debilitating parasitic infection called schistosomiasis with drugs, this project aims to develop methodologies for controlling the snail populations that are the cause of the disease in developing countries, particularly those where dams and water projects have greatly expanded freshwater habitats for snails. Traditional drug treatments invariably end up in reinfection, as parasite reservoirs remain undisturbed. This project introduces river prawns, a native crustacean predator that likes to consume snails, as an environmentally safe and effective snail control option. This approach might offer a triple win solution by amplifying the positive effect of traditional drug treatment, possibly eradicating the disease from some areas, and offering a source of protein and marketable goods.
Since beginning field work, the Upstream Alliance, as the researchers call their initiative, has broadened its focus to encompass a range of potential natural solutions to global health problems, and has attracted millions of dollars in funding from organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Science Foundation.
Research News & Insights
The realities of subsistence living in a region of Senegal hard hit by schistosomiasis make reinfection likely, despite mass drug administration. Stanford researchers find that engaging communities in the design of disease control programs could help.
A new program at the Woods Institute aims to pioneer cost-effective ecological solutions to disease.
Profile of ecological disease intervention initiative that received early funding from the Stanford Woods Institute’s Environmental Venture Projects seed grant program.
Quotes Woods Senior Fellow Giulio De Leo (Biology) and Woods Affiliate Susanne Sokolow on their research using prawns to fight Schistosomiasis in Senegal.
Discusses research findings from Woods Senior Fellow Giulio De Leo (Biology), Woods Affiliate Susanne Sokolow and other researchers on using prawns to fight Schistosomiasis in Senegal.