Research into bilharzia transmitting snails

October 20th, 2014

The study titled: “Snail Aestivation in Umkhanyakude”, focused on how snails which transmit bilharzia survive drought periods to be able to transmit the infection again when the rainy season comes and rivers flow.

Rubaba said these snails usually lived and bred in fresh water. ‘The bilharzia transmitting snails are capable of a special kind of hibernation called aestivation. This allows them to survive dry conditions by slowing their metabolic activities and burrowing into the river bed.

‘The study looks at the extent of this ability. I hope to understand how long they can survive the dry periods. I also want to understand the factors that influence their survival chances to inform eradication efforts.’

Rubaba said about 207 million people were at risk of getting bilharzia with sub-Saharan Africa facing the greatest threat. ‘My research will add to the understanding of bilharzia transmission with a view to eradicating the host snails.’

The on-going study investigated the ecology of snails to determine the influence of climatic change on snail survival and breeding in three rivers in the Umkhanyakude district in KwaZulu-Natal.

Rubaba said community members involved in data collection were very enthusiastic in understanding bilharzia transmission dynamics.

He is currently involved in extensive bilharzia research and has a keen interest in malaria research. One day he hopes to get into ground-breaking research concerning vector borne diseases.

‘I have a passion for research and would like to contribute to the well-being of my community.’

Nombuso Dlamini

For the original version of this news item, please visit indabaonline.ukzn.ac.za.

UKZN postdoctoral student Dr Owen Rubaba speaks on snails that transmit bilharzia.