Molecular analysis of atypical schistosome eggs retrieved from children in Malawi revealed genetic interactions occurring between human (Schistosoma haematobium) and livestock (S. mattheei and S. bovis) schistosome species. Detection of hybrid schistosomes adds a notable new perspective to the epidemiology and control of urogenital schistosomiasis in central Africa.
Keywords: Malawi; Schistosoma haematobium; co-infection; evolution; hybridization; introgression; parasites; trematodes; zoonoses; zoonotic potential.