PhD Oral Defense: A study of the Schistosoma mansoni nervous system: characterization of catecholamine and phenolamine signaling
PhD Oral Defense of Nelly El-Sakkary, Institute of Parasitology.
Schistosomiasis is a debilitating and painful chronic disease that affects the visceral organs and negatively affects the growth and development of school-aged children. The disease persists in regions of poverty in 78 countries in tropical and subtropical regions, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Schistosomiasis is a “neglected” disease of poverty found in regions without access to clean freshwater. The migration of larvae and the persistence of infection in the host are governed by the interaction of schistosome neurotransmitters with their associated receptors, and neuromuscular control of parasite motility. To target the schistosome nervous system for drug development, it must be further studied, as relatively little is known about the parasite‟s neurobiology.