Snail study combats deadly tropical disease

Description

Scientists at Aberystwyth University have studied the biology of a snail species that is responsible for passing on a deadly parasite killing 200,000 people every year. The snail  ‘Biomphalaria glabrata’ carries a species of parasitic worm responsible for the disease schistosomiasis. This tropical disease is often asymptomatic at first, but the parasite can remain in the body for many years and may cause major damage to organs such as the bladder, kidneys and liver.

ISSUE 82 ● SUMMER 2017