Ecological and Genetic Insights into Schistosoma haematobium Transmission in Bamako, Mali: Snail Host Density, Cercarial Shedding, and Molecular Profiling
1 Parasites and Microbes Research and Training Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako BP1805, Mali; (A.N.); (L.D.); (M.A.); (A.T.); (Y.A.U.E.N.); (B.S.); (H.G.); (A.D.); (R.A.D.); (A.K.K.); (M.A.T.); (A.D.)
2 Centre de Recherche pour la Lutte Contre les Maladies Infectieuses Tropicales (CReMIT/TIDRC), Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou 01BP526, Benin
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 1 Nov 2025 / Accepted: 15 Apr 2026 / Published: 29 May 2026
Abstract
Background: Urogenital schistosomiasis remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in West Africa. Although traditionally considered a rural disease, ecological conditions and human–water interactions facilitate its transmission in urban areas. This study aimed to assess the ecological and genetic factors influencing Schistosoma haematobium transmission in Bamako, the capital of Mali. Methods: Malacological surveys were conducted at two sites in the capital district, Taliko and Missabougou, over a 12-month period from July 2024 to June 2025. Snail abundance, relative density, and infection rates were determined. Water physicochemical parameters, including temperature, conductivity, and pH, were recorded. Genotypic analysis of cercariae shed daily (24 h) by the snails was performed using PCR. Results: Bulinus truncatus was the predominant intermediate host in Taliko, with high densities (up to 27 snails/collector/15 min) and infection rates ranging from 10% to 45%, peaking in May 2025. In Missabougou, snail densities and infection rates were very low (<1%). Cercarial shedding exhibited a diurnal pattern with a peak between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. All genotyped cercariae were pure S. haematobium strains, indicating that there is no genetic variation associated with the time of shedding. Months with high snail infection coincided with elevated temperatures (27.9–30.6 °C), conductivity levels ≥99 µS/cm, and pH values > 6, suggesting that the water’s physicochemical conditions were suitable for snail survival and parasite development. Conclusion: The physicochemical parameters of water and ecology and geography influenced snail density and infection rates. These findings could guide snail control strategies, while longitudinal monitoring improves our understanding of schistosomiasis transmission dynamics across seasons.
Keywords: ; water physicochemical parameters; ; cercariae genotype; Mali
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CITE
Agniwo, P.; Niangaly, A.; Dembélé, L.; Agbati, M.; Tapily, A.; Egueng Ndong, Y.A.U.; Sidibé, B.; Guindo, H.; Diakité, A.; Diarra, R.A.; Koné, A.K.; Thera, M.A.; Dabo, A.; Doumbo, S.N. Ecological and Genetic Insights into Schistosoma haematobium Transmission in Bamako, Mali: Snail Host Density, Cercarial Shedding, and Molecular Profiling. AJPME 2026, 3, 16.
Agniwo P, Niangaly A, Dembélé L, Agbati M, Tapily A, Egueng Ndong YAU, Sidibé B, Guindo H, Diakité A, Diarra RA, Koné AK, Thera MA, Dabo A, Doumbo SN. Ecological and Genetic Insights into Schistosoma haematobium Transmission in Bamako, Mali: Snail Host Density, Cercarial Shedding, and Molecular Profiling. AJPME. 2026; 3(2):16.
Agniwo, Privat; Niangaly, Amadou; Dembélé, Laurent; Agbati, Marc; Tapily, Aly; Egueng Ndong, Yann Arthur Ulrich; Sidibé, Bakary; Guindo, Hassim; Diakité, Assitan; Diarra, Rabiatou A.; Koné, Abdoulaye K.; Thera, Mahamadou A.; Dabo, Abdoulaye; Doumbo, Safiatou Niare. 2026. "Ecological and Genetic Insights into Schistosoma haematobium Transmission in Bamako, Mali: Snail Host Density, Cercarial Shedding, and Molecular Profiling." AJPME 3, no. 2: 16.
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