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Impact of Climate Change on Schistosomiasis Transmission and Distribution—Scoping Review

Author

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  • Kwame Kumi Asare

    (Biomedical and Clinical Research Centre, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
    Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana)

  • Muhi-Deen Wonwana Mohammed

    (Biomedical and Clinical Research Centre, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana)

  • Yussif Owusu Aboagye

    (Biomedical and Clinical Research Centre, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana)

  • Kathrin Arndts

    (Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), 53127 Bonn, Germany
    German-West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention (G-WAC), Partner site Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany)

  • Manuel Ritter

    (Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), 53127 Bonn, Germany
    German-West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention (G-WAC), Partner site Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany)

Abstract

Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic worms of the genus Schistosoma and transmitted through freshwater snails, affects over 200 million people worldwide. Climate change, through rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events, is influencing the distribution and transmission dynamics of schistosomiasis. This scoping review examines the impact of climate change on schistosomiasis transmission and its implications for disease control. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the influence of climate variables (temperature, rainfall, water bodies) on snail populations, transmission dynamics, and the shifting geographic range of schistosomiasis. It also explores the potential effects of climate adaptation policies on disease control. The review follows the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, including studies published from 2000 to 2024. Eligible studies were selected based on empirical data on climate change, schistosomiasis transmission, and snail dynamics. A two-stage study selection process was followed: title/abstract screening and full-text review. Data were extracted on environmental factors, snail population dynamics, transmission patterns, and climate adaptation strategies. Climate change is expected to increase schistosomiasis transmission in endemic regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, while some areas, such as parts of West Africa, may see reduced risk. Emerging hotspots were identified in regions not currently endemic. Climate adaptation policies, such as improved water management and early warning systems, were found effective in reducing transmission. Integrating climate adaptation strategies into schistosomiasis control programs is critical to mitigating the disease’s spread, particularly in emerging hotspots and shifting endemic areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Kwame Kumi Asare & Muhi-Deen Wonwana Mohammed & Yussif Owusu Aboagye & Kathrin Arndts & Manuel Ritter, 2025. "Impact of Climate Change on Schistosomiasis Transmission and Distribution—Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(5), pages 1-26, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:5:p:812-:d:1661175
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chester Kalinda & Moses Chimbari & Samson Mukaratirwa, 2017. "Implications of Changing Temperatures on the Growth, Fecundity and Survival of Intermediate Host Snails of Schistosomiasis: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Doru Bănăduc & Vladica Simić & Kevin Cianfaglione & Sophia Barinova & Sergey Afanasyev & Ahmet Öktener & Grant McCall & Snežana Simić & Angela Curtean-Bănăduc, 2022. "Freshwater as a Sustainable Resource and Generator of Secondary Resources in the 21st Century: Stressors, Threats, Risks, Management and Protection Strategies, and Conservation Approaches," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-29, December.
    3. Caroline K. Glidden & Alyson L. Singleton & Andrew Chamberlin & Roseli Tuan & Raquel G. S. Palasio & Roberta Lima Caldeira & Antônio Miguel V. Monteiro & Kamazima M. M. Lwiza & Ping Liu & Vivian Silva, 2024. "Climate and urbanization drive changes in the habitat suitability of Schistosoma mansoni competent snails in Brazil," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    4. Andrea J. Lund & David Lopez-Carr & Susanne H. Sokolow & Jason R. Rohr & Giulio A. De Leo, 2021. "Agricultural Innovations to Reduce the Health Impacts of Dams," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-8, February.
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