Biomphalaria alexandrina in Egypt: Past, present and future.
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Date
2013-09
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Abstract
The African species of Biomphalaria appeared as a result of the relatively recent west-to-east trans-Atlantic dispersal
of the Biomphalaria glabrata-like taxon. In Egypt, Biomphalaria alexandrina is the intermediate host for Schistosoma
mansoni. Biomphalaria alexandrina originated in the area between Alexandria and Rosetta and has historically been
confined to the Nile Delta. Schistosoma mansoni reached Egypt via infected slaves and baboons from the
Land of Punt through migrations that occurred as early as the Vth Dynasty. The suggestion of the presence of
Schistosoma mansoni infection in Lower Egypt during Pharaonic times is discussed despite the fact that that
there is no evidence of such infection in Egyptian mummies. It is only recently that Biomphalaria alexandrina
colonized the Egyptian Nile from the Delta to Lake Nasser. This change was likely due to the construction of
huge water projects, the development of new water resources essential for land reclamation projects and the
movement of refugees from the Suez Canal zone to the Delta and vice versa. The situation with respect to
Biomphalaria in Egypt has become complicated in recent years by the detection of Biomphalaria glabrata and
a hybrid between both species; however, follow-up studies have demonstrated the disappearance of such
species within Egypt. The National Schistosoma Control Program has made great strides with respect to the
eradication of schistosoma; however, there has unfortunately been a reemergence of Schistosoma mansoni
resistant to praziquantel. There are numerous factors that may influence the prevalence of snails in Egypt,
including the construction of water projects, the increase in reclaimed areas, global climate change and
pollution. Thus, continued field studies in addition to the cooperation of several scientists are needed to
obtain an accurate representation of the status of this species. In addition, the determination of the genome
sequence for Biomphalaria alexandrina and the use of modern technology will allow for the study of the
host–parasite relationship at a molecular level.
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Keywords
Biomphalaria alexandrina, Egypt, mummies, Nile Delta, Pharaonic times, Schistosoma mansoni
Citation
Abou-El-Naga Iman F. Biomphalaria alexandrina in Egypt: Past, present and future. Journal of Biosciences. 2013 Sept; 38(3): 665-672.