II Global Virtual Symposium on Schistosomiasis
Date: June 2, 2026 |
Format: Virtual (EDT)
Organized by: Impact Research Communications (IRC)
The 2026 Global Virtual Symposium on Schistosomiasis convened leading parasitologists, immunologists, and clinicians to advance knowledge on schistosome biology, host-parasite interactions, diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutic strategies. Over a full day of sessions, the symposium showcased breakthroughs in molecular technologies, immune mechanisms, vaccine development, and clinical interventions—underscoring the urgent need for innovation in combating schistosomiasis worldwide.
Day Highlights
Session I: Molecular Technologies & Diagnostics
- Dr. Hong You (Australia) – presented next-generation molecular tools for enhanced schistosomiasis control.
- Dr. Fabien Prodjinotho (Germany) – highlighted lipid metabolism as a vulnerability in schistosomes.
- Dr. Joachim Richter (Germany) – updated WHO’s ultrasound protocol (“Basel protocol”) for schistosomiasis.
- Dr. Carlos Graeff-Teixeira (Brazil) – raised concerns about accuracy in diagnostic studies.
Session II: Host-Parasite Interactions & Immunity
- Dr. Parisa Kalantari (USA) – demonstrated how NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes exacerbate Th17 responses to schistosome eggs.
- Dr. Cecile Crosnier (UK) – used a human receptor platform to map extracellular host-parasite protein interactions
- Dr. Jayhun Lee (USA) – explored host and parasite factors modulating schistosome development and immune evasion.
- Dr. Thiago De Almeida Pereira (USA) – examined fibrosis pathways and therapeutic opportunities.
Session III: Vaccines & Clinical Advances
- Dr. Jeroen Pollet (USA) – reported protective immunity from mRNA vaccines encoding Sm-TSP-2 variants.
- Dr. Darrick Carter (USA) – shared interim clinical trial results for the SchistoShield vaccine.
- Dr. Miriam Tendler (Brazil) – presented progress on the Sm14 FABP vaccine (Schistovac) in Brazil and Africa.
- Dr. Jennifer Friedman (USA) – discussed RCT results on praziquantel treatment in pregnant women.
- Dr. Susannah Colt (USA) – reported RCT findings on praziquantel dosing in preschool-aged children.
The symposium concluded with remarks emphasizing the convergence of molecular innovation, immunology, and clinical research in advancing schistosomiasis management.
Global Participation
Countries represented included: Australia, Germany, Brazil, UK, USA, and others—reflecting the international scope of schistosomiasis research and collaboration.
Key Takeaways
- Molecular innovation: Cutting-edge technologies are reshaping diagnostics and control strategies.
- Host-parasite crosstalk: New insights into immune evasion and pathogenic responses highlight therapeutic targets.
- Vaccine development: vaccine platforms (mRNA, protein-based, clinical trials) show promising progress.
- Clinical interventions: Optimized praziquantel use in vulnerable populations is advancing treatment standards.
- Global collaboration: The symposium reaffirmed the collective commitment to tackling schistosomiasis through interdisciplinary science and innovation.
