This study concerns the development of a trap and ultimately a trapping procedure for the principal intermediate (snail) hosts of schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa; Bulinus spp. and Biomphalaria spp. The initial ‘laboratory’ phase (described herein) will validate the viability of trapping wild-type captive populations to refine the trap design and methodology.
This study aims to provide a standardised community-based approach to monitor transmission risk and target (both spatially and temporally) improved intervention/control methods.