A comprehensive exploration of schistosomiasis: Global impact, molecular characterization, drug discovery, artificial intelligence and future prospects
William Ekloh,
Andy Asafu-Adjaye,
Christopher Nii Laryea Tawiah-Mensah,
Selina Mawunyo Ayivi-Tosuh,
Naa Kwarley-Aba Quartey,
Albert Fynn Aiduenu,
Blessing Kwabena Gayi,
Juliet Ama Mawusi Koudonu,
Laud Anthony Basing,
Jennifer Afua Afrifa Yamoah,
Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor,
Joseph Harold Nyarko Osei
Affiliations
William Ekloh
Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Andy Asafu-Adjaye
Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
Christopher Nii Laryea Tawiah-Mensah
Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
Selina Mawunyo Ayivi-Tosuh
Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
Naa Kwarley-Aba Quartey
Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Albert Fynn Aiduenu
West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
Blessing Kwabena Gayi
West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
Juliet Ama Mawusi Koudonu
Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Laud Anthony Basing
Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Jennifer Afua Afrifa Yamoah
Animal Health Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Animal Research Institute, Adenta-Frafraha, Accra, Ghana
Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor
Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana; Corresponding author.
Joseph Harold Nyarko Osei
Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Corresponding author.
Schistosomiasis, one of the neglected tropical diseases which affects both humans and animals, is caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma. The disease is caused by several species of Schistosoma which affect several organs such as urethra, liver, bladder, intestines, skin and bile ducts. The life cycle of the disease involves an intermediate host (snail) and a mammalian host. It affects people who are in close proximity to water bodies where the intermediate host is abundant. Common clinical manifestations of the disease at various stages include fever, chills, headache, cough, dysuria, hyperplasia and hydronephrosis. To date, most of the control strategies are dependent on effective diagnosis, chemotherapy and public health education on the biology of the vectors and parasites. Microscopy (Kato-Katz) is considered the golden standard for the detection of the parasite, while praziquantel is the drug of choice for the mass treatment of the disease since no vaccines have yet been developed. Most of the previous reviews on schistosomiasis have concentrated on epidemiology, life cycle, diagnosis, control and treatment. Thus, a comprehensive review that is in tune with modern developments is needed. Here, we extend this domain to cover historical perspectives, global impact, symptoms and detection, biochemical and molecular characterization, gene therapy, current drugs and vaccine status. We also discuss the prospects of using plants as potential and alternative sources of novel anti-schistosomal agents. Furthermore, we highlight advanced molecular techniques, imaging and artificial intelligence that may be useful in the future detection and treatment of the disease. Overall, the proper detection of schistosomiasis using state-of-the-art tools and techniques, as well as development of vaccines or new anti-schistosomal drugs may aid in the elimination of the disease.
