Schistosomiasis Resource Center
SRC Overview
Schistosomiasis is an infectious disease transmitted by freshwater snails living in tropical areas of sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and South America. Investigators from around the world use the Schistosomiasis Resource Center (SRC) to advance our understanding of this devastating disease.
The SRC propagates multiple Schistosoma species including S. haematobium, S. japonicum, and S. mansoni, plus praziquantel-enriched resistant and praziquantel-enriched susceptible lines. We collaborate with scientists on research projects and ship reagents to labs around the world.
SRC Reagents
Snails
Unexposed (naive) Biomphalaria glabrata in NMRI, M-line and BS-90 strains, plus four more unexposed snail species from a range of geographic origins.
Parasites
S. haematobium, S. japonicum and S. mansoni, supplied as exposed specimens in their snail hosts or in mammals.
Molluscan Cell Line
Biomphalaria glabrata embryonic (Bge) cells, shipped with the culture procedures the SRC uses to maintain them.
Molecular Reagents
Genomic DNA, cDNA, total RNA, polyA RNA and mRNA from parasite and snail host stages, plus cDNA libraries, gene constructs and primers.
Protocols
Together with today's leading researchers, the Schistosomiasis Resource Center develops protocols to maintain the life cycles of Schistosoma spp. Our enormous list of protocols have become the go-to for the industry with detailed and precise instructions. Click to look through the full list.
Inquire About Free Reagents
The SRC offers infected snails, parasite eggs, the Bge molluscan cell line and other materials free of charge. Recipients pay for shipping and handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can request the cost-free reagents from SRC?
Any academic, government, or commercial laboratory that is involved in schistosomiasis research and/or teaching. Simply visit beiresources.org to register to receive molecular reagents, snails and/or infected rodents from the Schistosomiasis Resource Center (SRC). Materials from the SRC are provided at no cost to registered investigators (additional shipping and handling charges may apply).
You are not required to have an NIH-funded research program to obtain these materials. Investigators new to the schistosomiasis field are especially encouraged to make use of resources from the SRC.
How quickly can I obtain the reagents supplied by the SRC?
Once your registration at BEI Resources is complete, BEI Resources will send the SRC your request. Depending on the species and life-cycle stage you are interested in, the SRC may ship the material 3-4 weeks after receiving the request. Contact Margaret Mentink-Kane, PhD for an estimate of the time frame for the particular species requested.
Resources
We are a treasure trove of schistosomiasis resources for scientists and researchers. Get expert publications, schistosomiasis videos and photos, links to our partners and references for our protocols.
Research
The SRC is the leading schistosomiasis resource center and open-door laboratory to researchers around the world. Learn how you can tap into SRC resources.