Dr. Mureille C. Tchami Mbagnia is
a parasitologist and molecular ecologist whose research focuses on neglected
tropical diseases (NTDs), particularly schistosomiasis. She combines field
ecology, molecular biology, and population genetics to better understand the
biology of disease vectors and intermediate hosts, with the aim of improving
disease surveillance and supporting evidence-based control and elimination
strategies. Her expertise spans both field and laboratory research, including
freshwater snail ecology, parasitological diagnostics, molecular biology, and
bioinformatics. During her doctoral research, she investigated the population
genetics of Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Biomphalaria camerunensis, the two
principal intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni in southern Cameroon. By
integrating ecological surveys with advanced molecular techniques, she
generated new insights into the genetic diversity, population structure, and
distribution of these medically important snail species. A key achievement of
her research was the development of molecular tools that enable the accurate
identification and differentiation of Biomphalaria species, contributing to
improved epidemiological surveillance and a better understanding of
schistosomiasis transmission in endemic settings. Dr Tchami Mbagnia is
passionate about applying molecular science to address public health
challenges. Through interdisciplinary and collaborative research, she is
committed to advancing innovative solutions that strengthen disease
surveillance, guide targeted interventions, and accelerate the elimination of
neglected tropical diseases across Africa.