Effect of aestivation of Biomphalaria pfeifferi on the survival and infectivity of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae.

Br J Biomed Sci

Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, P.M.B 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

Published: December 2004

Schistosoma mansoni cercariae from post-aestivated Biomphalaria pfeifferi remain motile for 20 hours after release. Thereafter, their activity decreases with age. The difference in mortality rate of cercariae from aestivated and non-aestivated B. pfeifferi studied here proved to be statistically significant (P < 0.05) within the first 10 hours of the experimental period. Results of the percentage recovery of worms from different mouse organs infected with cercariae from aestivated and non-aestivated snails varied. The two main organs infected were the liver and intestine. In conclusion, the penetration, migration and maturation of cercariae into adult worms were not affected by the aestivation of B. pfeifferi.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09674845.2004.11732659DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

biomphalaria pfeifferi
8
schistosoma mansoni
8
mansoni cercariae
8
cercariae aestivated
8
aestivated non-aestivated
8
organs infected
8
cercariae
5
aestivation biomphalaria
4
pfeifferi
4
pfeifferi survival
4

Similar Publications

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease of public health significance. In view of its elimination as a public health problem by 2030, adopting a One Health approach is necessary, considering its multidimensional nature. Animal reservoirs, in particular, pose a significant threat to schistosomiasis control in Africa and beyond.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Intestinal schistosomiasis was confirmed endemic in Mangochi District, Malawi, in May of 2018 following an unexpected encounter with discreet populations of Biomphalaria spp. freshwater snails during routine malacological surveillance activities. Since then, only limited malacological surveillance of Biomphalaria has been carried out, and so the distribution of Biomphalaria populations in this area is currently unclear.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The study focuses on understanding the distribution and environmental factors affecting the Biomphalaria pfeifferi snail populations in East Africa, crucial for the transmission of schistosomiasis.
  • Over a three-year period, malacological surveys were conducted at 172 locations across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, identifying B. pfeifferi snails in 23 sites predominantly found in streams.
  • The findings revealed a strong link between the snails' abundance and water temperature/depth, alongside a notable prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infections, particularly in regions surrounding Lake Victoria in Kenya and various districts in Uganda and Tanzania.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Ecosystem links: Anthropogenic activities, environmental variables, and macrophytes structure snail preferences in man-made waterbodies.

Sci Total Environ

December 2024

Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, South Africa.

Article Synopsis
  • Freshwater snails are crucial hosts for trematode parasites, affecting public health and biodiversity, yet their ecology is not well understood in the context of snail control.
  • A study in eastern Zimbabwe analyzed environmental factors and land use impacts on snail populations, collecting 926 snails from various ponds and identifying a high infection rate of 70.2% for trematodes.
  • Results indicated that land use, particularly commercial agriculture, negatively affected snail diversity and infection rates, while specific environmental features, like oxygen weed coverage, influenced the presence of certain snail species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This study aimed at determining the identity of freshwater snails collected from selected water habitats frequented by wildlife as source of drinking water in the Matebeleland region of Zimbabwe and further screening the identified snails for natural infections with amphistomes using PCR. A total of 487 freshwater snails were collected from six areas in the Matebeleland region of Zimbabwe for identification and screening of amphistome infection. Eight freshwater snail species were morphologically identified and , and were confirmed using the COI gene.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!