Agricultural pesticides do not suppress infection of Biomphalaria (Gastropoda) by Schistosoma mansoni (Trematoda)

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. The pathogen is transmitted via freshwater snails. These snails indirectly benefit from agricultural pesticides which affect their enemy species. Pesticide exposure of surface waters may thus increase the risk of schistosomiasis transmission unless it also affects the pathogen.