Snails and Malacology
Schistosomiasis transmission can not occur without a suitable aquatic snail species to act as intermediate host. The relationship between schistosome species and aquatic snails species is intricate and fascinating. Schistosome species will only infect specific species of aquatic snails and not others. Research into the diversity, molecular biology and ecology of these snail species can contribute to improved transmission control and surveillance.
These groups convenes together researchers working on the snail intermediate host of schistosomiasis to facilitate communication, address barriers to research and identify potential solutions. Areas of focus include:
- Addressing common challenges to the collection and procurement of snail strains, specimens, and materials for research
- Collecting and sharing snail-specific protocols
- Discussing new research into snail biology and control
The GSA currently hosts two snail-related work streams.
- GSA Snail work stream – led by Tom Pennance and Martina Laidemitt. The GSA Snails work stream focuses on the molecular biology and genomics of schistosome-vectors, with particular interest given to the study of lab-adapted model strains. Topics of discussion include optimized molecular biology techniques (e.g., high-molecular weight DNA extraction); high-throughput sequencing technologies (e.g., PacBio, ONT, Illumina, Hi-C); and snail/specimen/sample procurement, transport, and lab rearing.
- GSA Malacology work stream – led by Fiona Allan. The GSA Malacology work stream is focused on the ecological and epidemiological aspects of malacology and snail control/management. Topics include geo-spatial mapping of snail distributions, predictive modelling, species identification, snail control and management approaches and technologies.