Her research project will characterize parasite- and host-specific biomarkers in genital exudates (menstrual/postpartum blood, vaginal lavage) of schistosomiasis patients, allowing the development of a home-based, non-invasive, comfortable, and field-friendly dipstick test to diagnose low-threshold active infections for prompt interventions. Infections due to the Schistosoma parasite are a major cause of parasitic morbidity. The diagnosis of infection by Schistosoma hematobium, the urinary blood fluke, has been done mainly through detection of parasite eggs and/or blood in patients' urine; however, this parasite can find its way to the genital tract and cause an additional pathology called urogenital schistosomiasis  - in women, female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) - whose diagnosis is difficult even for health care providers. An estimated 56 million women and girls suffer from FGS, nearly all in sub-Saharan Africa, and it has been identified as a leading HIV/AIDS cofactor in that region. This project will promote family social welfare and positively impact the livelihood of women and children in the affected communities.