Schistosoma Mansoni: Post-aestivation studies on the Fecundity and Growth of Infected and Uninfected Biomphalaria pfeifferi

Abstract

First generation of laboratory bred Biomphalaria pfeifferi measuring approximately 8mm in diameter were collected and grouped into four batches. Batches 1, 2 and 3 consisted of uninfected snails aestivated for 7, 14 and 21 days respectively. The fourth group had snails which been infected with Schistosoma mansoni miracidia and then aestivated 7 days post miracidial exposure, for one week. Results obtained showed that there was a significant increase in the growth of reactivated infected and uninfected snails. Weekly monitoring of fecundity showed that ovipository activity was lower among the infected group of snails. A higher level of egg production was also seen in reactivated snails than in the unaestivated B. pfeifferi.


Key Words: Schistosoma mansoni, aestivation, fecundity and growth


Nig. J. Health and Biomed. Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 98-102