In order to contribute to the improvement of health of people in endemic areas, the Centre Schisto integrates research and control across eight major research themes — from field epidemiology and drug efficacy to genomics, GIS and ethnobotany.
Each theme is anchored in Cameroonian field sites, connected to international consortia, and designed to produce evidence usable by the National Programme for Control of Schistosomiasis and Intestinal Helminthiasis.
Interlinked research themes running in parallel across CSP labs and field stations.
Sentinel sites across Cameroon feeding data into every theme.
Single mission — turn research into control action that protects endemic communities.
"Schistosomiasis and intestinal helminthiasis remain among the most widespread parasitic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. This theme establishes a continuously updated epidemiological baseline across endemic communities in Cameroon, providing the evidence base for targeted control programs."
Key research activities
"With praziquantel (PZQ) as the sole WHO-recommended treatment for schistosomiasis, this theme systematically monitors therapeutic outcomes in MDA communities, evaluating cure rates and egg reduction rates according to standardized protocols."
The theme addresses in vitro and in vivo models detecting reduced PZQ susceptibility in Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium. Resistance markers — SmMRP1, Smβ-tubulin polymorphisms, and genome-wide SNP profiles — undergo validation across multiple Cameroon transmission sites. Albendazole and mebendazole efficacy monitoring occurs against Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm species.
Key research activities
"The genetic architecture of both schistosome parasites and their intermediate snail hosts fundamentally determines transmission dynamics and drug response profiles."
The theme employs microsatellite genotyping, SNP arrays, and whole-genome sequencing of field parasites. Snail populations (Biomphalaria pfeifferi, B. camerunensis, Bulinus truncatus) are genotyped to identify cryptic species and susceptibility genotypes. The research predicts parasite responses to MDA pressure and climate-driven range shifts.
Key research activities
"The Sanaga and Wouri river basins represent one of the few natural laboratories worldwide where S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. intercalatum co-circulate, creating exceptional conditions for studying interspecific hybridisation."
Researchers employ multilocus microsatellite genotyping, mitochondrial cox1 sequencing and nuclear ITS2 analysis to detect hybridisation events. Hybrids display altered host range, enhanced infectivity and potentially modified drug susceptibility profiles — with direct implications for surveillance, diagnostics and control strategies.
Key research activities
"In many endemic communities, traditional plant-based remedies represent the first therapeutic recourse for helminthic infections."
The theme bridges ethnobotanical knowledge with modern pharmacology to evaluate traditional practices through structured surveys, in vitro screening, phytochemical analysis, and in vivo validation in rodent models.
"This theme investigates the molecular mechanisms underpinning host immune evasion, drug metabolism, host specificity, and adaptive responses to MDA pressure through functional genomics approaches."
RNA-seq transcriptomics compares gene expression across parasite life stages, geographic strains, and PZQ-exposed versus unexposed populations. Proteomic profiling by 2D-PAGE and LC-MS/MS characterizes the tegumental protein repertoire, revealing how schistosomes manipulate host immune responses.
Key research activitiesThe Centre Schisto leads the control of schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis in Cameroon — turning scientific evidence into action that protects communities.
The Centre Schisto is particularly involved in the control of schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis. It contributes to the working out of control strategies, and assists the National Programme for Control of Schistosomiasis and Intestinal Helminthiasis in the implementation of control activities and operational research.
Recent mapping results show the positive impact the annual deworming campaigns in Cameroon are having in the fight against schistosomiasis.
Proven resultsThe strengthening of the capacity of research teams in developing countries, a greater involvement of researchers from these developing countries, and a strong multidisciplinary partnership are essential for an efficient and durable control of parasitic diseases — which represent a serious constraint on human development in the tropics.
By its wide range of scientific expertise, international and national collaboration, and its leading role in research and control of parasitic diseases in Cameroon, the Centre for Schistosomiasis & Parasitology works to promote Community Health, and is an efficient and reliable partner in in-depth scientific research and parasitic disease control.
The Centre Schisto supervises the training of DEA and PhD students from Cameroonian, African, European and American universities.
Since its onset, the CSP has been a location where students can easily carry out their final-year research in the presence of efficient supervisors. The CSP also organizes various scientific meetings.
Final-year research with experienced supervisors
Cameroon, African, European and American universities
Regular seminars and conferences for knowledge exchange
