The Centre provides a rigorous scientific and educational environment, conducting research aimed at advancing knowledge of these diseases and improving the health of populations in endemic areas across the country.
By addressing these knowledge gaps and evaluating the efficacy of current treatment and control strategies, the CSP works to build a dynamic framework for high-level research in Cameroon
Despite decades of study, key aspects of the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and biology of these parasites remain poorly understood including the extent and impact of hybridization between schistosome species
Through this expertise, the Centre translates scientific findings into concrete public health action, playing a leading role in the fight against schistosomiasis and STH in the country.
The Centre for Schistosomiasis & Parasitology is headed by Professor Louis-Albert TCHUEM TCHUENTÉ, who set up the centre in 1999 with a view to putting in place an adequate framework and a dynamic team for high-level research
Keen defender of capacity building in research and investment in science and technology in developing countries, Prof TCHUEM TCHUENTÉ, through his scientific discoveries, has contributed to a better knowledge of the reproductive biology of schistosomes and implications of the latter on the epidemiology of schistosomiasis
Professor TCHUEM TCHUENTÉ, who is an international expert, member of several learned societies and winner of several international scientific awards, is an author of more than hundred publications in leading international scientific journals. Lecturer in Parasitology at the Yaoundé University I, Professor TCHUEM TCHUENTÉ is the national coordinator of the National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and Intestinal Helminthiasis in Cameroon, one of the priority programmes of the Ministry of Public Health.
He has, notably, called into question the concept of "faithfulness among schistosomes” by proving the process of change of sexual partner and the existence of a competition for mating in these parasites. In addition, he has demonstrated the "exclusive competition among schistosomes," and has contributed to the discovery of a new species of human schistosome called Schistosoma guineensis.
CSP provides a scientific and educational environment of the utmost standard and conducts innovative research aimed at improving the health of people in endemic areas of the country. By furthering understanding of the epidemiology and transmission of these diseases, and exploring the efficacies of different treatments, the Centre aims to radically improve the current situation in Africa
Although the parasites responsible for these diseases have been studied extensively, the epidemiology of infections and many aspects of their biology remain poorly understood. The CSP aims to address these knowledge gaps and establish a dynamic framework for high-level research in these areas. The CSP plays a seminal role in research for schistosomiasis and STH in Cameroon, translating its unique expertise into action to improve the health of those who need it most.
Understanding where parasites occur and how their distribution evolves is essential to confronting them effectively. Through sustained field surveys and geospatial analysis, CSP has helped generate up-to-date data on the distribution of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis across Cameroon, enabling more efficient planning, coordination, and evaluation of control activities nationwid
CSP's multidisciplinary expertise spanning field epidemiology, parasitology, and molecular diagnostics has been shaped through sustained collaboration with partners at both national and international levels, including institutions in France and the United Kingdom. Affiliated with the University of Yaoundé I, the Centre works closely alongside the Ministry of Public Health, supporting the design and implementation of control activities and operational research, while contributing to the training of the next generation of researchers.
CSP employs a multidisciplinary team of over 10 people with in-depth knowledge in epidemiology, parasitology, molecular biology, disease control, surveillance, and geospatial analysis including senior researchers, research assistants, laboratory technicians, a GIS specialist, and Master's and PhD students with vast experience in applied field research and control programme development.
By placing these diseases under the microscope, CSP has gained a wide range of scientific expertise and strengthens the research capacity of research teams both at national and international levels. This has resulted in a strong multidisciplinary partnership in the international parasitology community. The centre is linked to the University of Yaounde I, Cameroon and it assists the Ministry of health in the implementation of control activities and operational research.
The centre employs a multidisciplinary team of over 10 people, with in-depth knowledge in epidemiology, parasitology, disease control and surveillance. The team which has a vast experience in applied field research and the development of control programmes is comprised of researchers, lecturers, medical doctors, lab technicians, PhD and Master students.
We envision a sub-Saharan Africa where schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis no longer compromise the health, education and economic potential of communities. It focuses on generating scientific evidence that directly informs disease surveillance and public health interventions.
Aligned with the World Health Organization's 2030 roadmap for neglected tropical diseases, our work contributes to a measurable, sustainable path toward elimination grounded in scientific evidence, national leadership, and long-term partnerships.
Creation of the Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology in Yaoundé by Professor Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuenté, with the ambition of building a high-level research environment dedicated to neglected tropical diseases.
Co-discovery and formal description of Schistosoma guineensis, a new human schistosome species a contribution that reshaped the global taxonomy of human schistosomes.
Landmark research on hybridization, competitive exclusion and mating behaviour between schistosome species, establishing CSP as a global reference in schistosome reproductive biology.
Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology formally established as a dedicated research institution, consolidating its structure, governance and scientific identity.
Designated as WHO Collaborating Centre for Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis formal recognition of CSP as a global reference partner of the World Health Organization.
First comprehensive mapping of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis across Cameroon, published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases and BMC Infectious Diseases a foundation for the national control strategy.
Launch of the nationwide Mass Drug Administration programme, reaching millions of children and at-risk individuals across endemic regions of Cameroon.
Large-scale impact survey across six Cameroonian regions and publication of the Precision Mapping framework an innovative tool now used internationally to accelerate schistosomiasis elimination.
Entry into the international COUNTDOWN consortium for schistosomiasis elimination a global research initiative dedicated to scaling-up control of neglected tropical diseases.
Integration of genomics, GIS modelling and ethnopharmacology within a unified research platform combining molecular, geographic and traditional knowledge to inform control strategies.
Strengthened partnership with the Chinese Center for Disease Control for knowledge exchange, joint research and South–South cooperation on schistosomiasis control.
Scaling elimination strategies in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health, the World Health Organization and a global network of academic and philanthropic partners, working towards the WHO targets for schistosomiasis elimination in Cameroon.
Official scientific anchor of Cameroon's National Programme for Schistosomiasis and Intestinal Helminthiasis Control, working hand in hand with the Ministry of Public Health to inform policy and field operations.
From field epidemiology to molecular genomics, GIS mapping, ethnopharmacology and clinical evaluation the entire research chain operates under one roof, ensuring scientific coherence from sample collection to publication.
Trusted partner of the World Health Organization, the Wellcome Trust, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, FHI 360, and leading African universities a network that brings world-class expertise to Cameroonian science.
Supervises MSc and PhD candidates from Cameroonian, African, European and American institutions building the next generation of parasitologists and strengthening scientific capacity across the continent.
Our ambition has always been to produce science of the highest international standard, conducted on African soil, in service of African communities and to train the scientists who will carry this mission forward.
Parasitological diagnosticsincluding urine filtration and Kato-Katz smearscombined with molecular biology techniques such as PCR and High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis, used notably to detect hybridization between Schistosoma species. Techniques requiring equipment not yet available locally, such as whole-genome sequencing, are carried out through partner laboratories abroad.
Parasitological diagnosticsincluding urine filtration and Kato-Katz smearscombined with molecular biology techniques such as PCR and High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis, used notably to detect hybridization between Schistosoma species. Techniques requiring equipment not yet available locally, such as whole-genome sequencing, are carried out through partner laboratories abroad.
Spatial analysis and mapping of infection and hybridization patterns across survey sites, integrating epidemiological, malacological, and environmental data to identify high-risk zones and inform targeted control strategies.
Support to mass drug administration campaigns led by the national programme, alongside monitoring of treatment outcomes contributing evidence to strengthen schistosomiasis and STH control in Cameroon.
Health education and return of results to participating schools and communities, ensuring that research findings translate into awareness and lasting impact on the ground.
Systematic population surveys, geo-referenced prevalence mapping and age-stratified morbidity assessment across endemic communities in Cameroon.
Monitoring of praziquantel and albendazole outcomes in mass drug administration programmes, with investigation of emerging resistance markers.
Characterisation of schistosome and intermediate host snail populations using microsatellite genotyping, SNP arrays and whole-genome sequencing.
Study of co-circulating schistosome species in the Sanaga and Wouri river basins, examining hybridisation, altered host range and drug susceptibility profiles.
Bridging traditional ethnobotanical knowledge with modern pharmacology from healer interviews to phytochemical characterisation and rodent model validation.
Continuous infection probability surfaces at 1 km² resolution, integrating field data with satellite-derived NDVI and land cover indices for hotspot detection.
RNA-seq transcriptomics, proteomic profiling and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to investigate parasite mechanisms related to immune evasion and drug resistance.
Operational research and direct implementation support for Cameroon's National Programme for Schistosomiasis and Intestinal Helminthiasis Control.
Mapping campaigns have redefined the national NTD strategy of Cameroon, enabling targeted interventions in high-burden zones.
Discovery of Schistosoma guineensis reshaped the global taxonomy of human schistosomes and expanded our understanding of parasite diversity.
Precision mapping framework is now used as a WHO-endorsed model for elimination planning in multiple sub-Saharan African countries.
"CSP's mapping work was instrumental in shaping our national deworming strategy and helping us identify the communities with the greatest need."
"Training at CSP gave me the tools and the network I needed to launch my own research career in parasitology. The rigour and mentorship were exceptional."
"CSP is a trusted partner of the World Health Organization precisely because they combine scientific excellence with a deep commitment to field reality and community impact."
Diagnostic cornerstone using Kato-Katz thick smear and urine filtration techniques. Processes hundreds of samples per campaign with WHO quality assurance protocols.
Parasite characterisation through isoenzyme electrophoresis, colorimetric enzyme assays and HPLC. Equipped with spectrophotometers, centrifuges and gel systems.
Genetic and genomic engine featuring thermal cyclers for PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis and DNA/RNA extraction platforms. Supports next-generation sequencing library preparation.
Class II biological safety cabinet with CO₂-regulated incubators for mammalian cell lines and parasite larval stage maintenance for drug screening.
Houses Swiss OF1 mice and Wistar rats under strictly regulated conditions for maintaining schistosome life cycles and testing experimental interventions.
Maintains Biomphalaria and Bulinus snail colonies at controlled temperature and photoperiod for transmission research and molluscicide screening.
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