Meta-analysis indicates lack of local adaptation of Schistosoma mansoni to Biomphalaria alexandrina in Egypt

In Egypt, reclaiming portions of the desert using water from the Nile has resulted in large-scale invasion of Biomphalaria alexandrina in these regions. Studies exploring the local adaptation of Schistosoma mansoni to its snail host have been carried out to predict the extension of schistosomiasis to newly reclaimed areas. A meta-analysis of the relevant reports was conducted to compare the different biological characteristics of sympatric and allopatric Schistosoma mansoni and Biomphalaria alexandrina using different experimental designs. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the biological characteristics of sympatric and allopatric populations. The experimental design of some of the studies analyzed was found to affect the total cercarial production. The distance between the origin of the parasite and that of the snail did not affect any of the biological characteristics. The results showed that there is no evidence of local adaptation between Schistosoma mansoni and Biomphalaria alexandrina; however, the parasite is adapted to its intermediate host throughout the water bodies located in Egypt. The absence of local adaptation between Schistosoma mansoni and Biomphalaria alexandrina is likely of critical importance in predicting public health risks engendered by future reclaimed agriculture projects. Indeed, these results could assist in determining the appropriate balance between the development of water resource projects and schistosomiasis control in Egypt.