Schistosomiasis is a snail-borne disease that has a considerable impact on human and animal health, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The intermediate hosts of the schistosome parasites are freshwater snails of the genera Biomphalaria Preston, 1910 and Bulinus M?ller, 1781. In order to identify existing gaps in the spread of the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this study compiled the available knowledge of the distribution, population dynamics and ecology of the intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Scopus for all malacological studies on schistosoma intermediate hosts in DRC published between 1927 and October 2022. A total of 55 records were found, of which 31 met the inclusion criteria: these were published field and experimental studies conducted in the DRC and focused on snails as intermediate hosts of schistosomes. The analysis of these studies revealed that more up-to-date data on the distribution of snail intermediate hosts in the DRC are needed. Moreover, ecological factors have been less studied for Bulinus species than for Biomphalaria species. These factors play a crucial role in determining suitable snail habitats, and the lack of comprehensive information poses a challenge in snail control. This review makes it clear that there are no current malacological data in the DRC. There is a clear need for molecular and ecological research to update the exact species status and population dynamics of all potential intermediate host species. This will facilitate targeted snail control measures that complement drug treatment in the control of schistosomiasis in the country.

Snail-borne parasitic diseases, such as schistosomiasis and fascioliasis, pose significant public health and economic challenges worldwide. Schistosomiasis affects over 250 million people globally, with most cases in sub-Saharan Africa, while fascioliasis contributes substantially to livestock morbidity and economic losses. Freshwater snails (Biomphalaria, Bulinus, and Radix spp.) act as intermediate hosts, making their surveillance critical for disease control. Mass drug administration alone is insufficient, as high reinfection rates highlight the need for complementary strategies, including targeted snail control. To address limited malacological capacity and logistical constraints, the ATRAP project trained 50 citizen scientists in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to monitor intermediate host snails at the genus level. Between 2020 and 2023, citizens recorded 31,490 snail occurrences. Data quality was ensured through automatic validation and manual verification of submitted snail pictures. This rigorously curated dataset, combining citizen science with expert validation, provides valuable insights for mapping snail distributions, identifying high-risk transmission areas, and developing sustainable, cost-effective snail control strategies.

This study provides the first case report of Amerianna species in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), first confirmed presence in Central Africa and the first molecular data from the African continent. The Amerianna species was found during a snail survey focused on schistosomiasis intermediate hosts. After sequence analysis of the partial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) marker, three of these specimens were found to belong to the genus Amerianna. Combining morphological and molecular data, we tentatively identify the three specimens as Amerianna cf. carinata. This species is originally found in Australian freshwater bodies and was first detected in 1983 in several Nigerian man-made waterbodies. Therefore, special care should be taken when mapping Bulinus truncatus, the intermediate host for Schistosoma haematobium, as to not confuse both species as this might misguide snail control.

Malacological surveys were conducted in 2021 in the Kimpese region of Central Kongo Province, west of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Snail specimens were collected following a standardised protocol, identified using morphological and molecular methods, and tested for schistosome infection using a diagnostic PCR assay. Positive snail samples were sequenced to characterise the infecting schistosome species. Partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene sequences were used in phylogenetic analyses to explore the evolutionary position of these snail species within the broader African context. At least four intermediate snail hosts were identified: Bulinus truncatus, Bulinus forskalii, Biomphalaria pfeifferi, and a Biomphalaria species belonging to the Nilotic species complex (tentatively named Biomphalaria cf sudanica), of which the species identity needs to be confirmed. A total of 37 out of 1,196 snails (3.1%) tested positive for schistosome infection, with an infection prevalence of 7.4% for B. truncatus with Schistosoma haematobium and 1.5% for Biomphalaria spp. with Schistosoma mansoni. The S. mansoni sequence retrieved from these samples formed a basal clade relative to Zambian isolates, whereas S. haematobium grouped with the most frequently characterised haplotype cluster previously identified across mainland Africa. It is important to note that no animal schistosome species were identified in this study. Both the sequences from the snail hosts and the parasites represent novel contributions from the DRC. Additionally, the findings update the current knowledge of schistosomiasis transmission in the Kimpese region by providing insight into the phylogenetic placement, species diversity, and infection status of local snail populations.

Schistosomiasis intermediate host snails’ data in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are limited and geographically dispersed. The objective of this study was to characterize snail habitats and identify environmental determinants of their presence. Monthly malacological surveys were conducted at 72 water contact sites. The morphological identification of the snails was complemented by the sequencing of the mitochondrial cox1 gene in order to guarantee confirmation of the species. The physicochemical parameters of the water, as well as human activities on the site, were recorded. The associations between environmental characteristics and snail presence were evaluated using generalized estimating equation models to account for repeated measurements. A total of 172,491 snails were collected, including 4,899 Schistosoma intermediate hosts (Bulinus spp., n = 3,812; Biomphalaria spp., n = 1,087). Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Biomphalaria sudanica, Bulinus truncatus, and Bulinus forskalii were identified. Biomphalaria species were detected in stagnant or slow-flowing waters; however, they occupied distinct habitats. The presence of snails was found to be independently associated with stagnant water and inversely associated with cassava retting, dishwashing/laundry, and river crossing. These findings provide baseline evidence on the distribution and ecological determinants of the Schistosoma intermediate host in Kimpese, supporting targeted malacological surveillance and integrated control strategies.

Background: In 2018, malaria remained a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, accounting for 44% of all outpatient visits and 22% of deaths. This led to the development of the strategic plan for 2020–2023. To meet the objectives of this renewed plan, a monitoring and evaluation program focusing on performance indicators was established. This study aimed to assess the malaria control performance indicators in Kinshasa. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study used the National Malaria Control Program dataset of the period 2020–2023 to analyze malaria data from 23 HZ (Health Zone) in Kinshasa. Diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive use of LLINs (long-lasting insecticidal nets) and sulfadoxine–pyrimethamin-based IPT (intermittent preventive treatment among pregnant women) indicators were evaluated following the targeted thresholds established in the strategic plan for 2020–2023. Results: Malaria was present in all studied HZ from 2020 to 2023, with a heterogeneous distribution. The malaria incidence during the study period was 30%, with an upward trend in both suspected and confirmed cases, peaking in 2022 and showing no further fluctuations thereafter. The proportion of LLINs distributed to pregnant women during antenatal care visits was 62%, 61%, 45%, and 88% in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. A total of 83.1% of suspected malaria cases were diagnosed using RDT (Rapid Diagnosis Test), and confirmed malaria cases received antimalarial treatment. Conclusions: The objectives of the 2020–2023 strategic plan were only partially achieved, and no HZ reached 100% diagnosis by RDT, with only four HZs reaching at least 95% of the target. Thirty-four HZs were able to benefit from 95% treatment with antimalarial drugs.