Human and animal schistosomiasis and fascioliasis in a mobile pastoralist setting at Lake Chad : a one health approach

In the frame of a long-standing Swiss-Chadian trans-disciplinary health research partnership, mobile pastoralists from Lake Chad reported important economic losses due to livestock fascioliasis. Fasciola gigantica and Schistosoma bovis – trematodes affecting livestock – show similarities in their lifecycle to Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni that cause human schistosomiasis. This research aimed at assessing treatment strategies and disease burden, and to elucidate the mutual predictive potential of human and livestock trematode infections. By applying a One Health study design, human schistosomiasis and cattle fascioliasis and schistosomiasis were assessed concurrently. Additional emphasis was put on treatment strategies, outcome satisfaction and access to and availability of drugs.
Mobile pastoralists of four ethnic groups participated. Prevalence of human schistosomiasis and livestock trematodiases showed considerable heterogeneity from one ethnic group to another, but correlated within ethnic groups. Effective trematocidal drugs were not available in the study area. As elements of a systemic understanding of the transmission dynamics of these water-associated parasitic diseases in the specific social-ecological setting their mutual predictive potential relates to distinct husbandry practices. Introducing efficacious drugs and strategic treatment of human schistosomiasis and livestock fascioliasis will impact on human and animal health, resulting in economic benefits by improving livestock productivity and reducing treatment costs. This research provides evidence for the benefits of a One Health approach targeting diseases that share specific ecological traits to improve human and animal health.