The importance of animals in human schistosomiasis in South Africa.

The importance of animals in human schistosomiasis in South Africa is reviewed. The prevalence of animal schistosome species in humans, the role of animals as reservoir hosts of Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni, and the possibility of false-positive serological reactions in humans following exposure to animal or bird bilharzia are considered. It is concluded that, as regards animal schistosomes, at present only S. mattheei and a hybrid of S. mattheei and S. haematobium pose a potential threat to human health in South Africa.