Determination of schistosomiasis environmental contamination and potential intervention strategies

Supervisors:
Dr Poppy Lamberton - [Email Address Removed]
Dr Stephanie Connelly - [Email Address Removed]
Dr Cindy Smith - [Email Address Removed]

Abstract:
Schistosomiasis affects >240 million people, reducing children’s physical and cognitive development and causing severe morbidity including liver fibrosis and cancer in adults. Schistosoma mansoni miracidia hatch from eggs in human faeces when excreta enter fresh water. Miracidia infect snails and reproduce releasing thousands of cercariae that burrow into humans on contact with contaminated water. Mass treatment is the current control strategy, yet across Africa, where pit latrines and open defecation are commonplace, intensities remain high. Locally appropriate sanitation solutions are urgently required to reduce transmission and prevent reinfection. This PhD brings together a world-leading multidisciplinary team with expertise in schistosomiasis (PL), environmental engineering (SC) and microbiology (CS) to enable:

1) seasonal quantification of S. mansoni in soil and water surrounding pit latrines using qPCR coupled with characterisation of total microbial communities and select environmental parameters to identify correlations with S. mansoni environmental abundance;
2) laboratory characterisation and optimisation of low-cost intervention strategies including anaerobic digestion and pasteurisation of sewage, and, UV treatment and biofiltration of water, to inactivate S. mansoni eggs, miracidia, and cercariae alongside common local pathogens;
3) field trials of the optimised sanitation system(s) in Mayuge District Uganda.

Results will directly inform transmission models and future interventions.

MVLS/EPSRC STUDENTSHIPS 2017

This is one of the six fully funded studentship positions in the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences. The project will commence on 1 October 2017.

The positions are fully funded for 3.5 years, and includes an annual consumable allowance.