Laboratory studies on the capability of Biomphalaria pfeifferi (Krauss), intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni to survive desiccation

Abstract

Four age groups of Biomphalaria pfeifferi were subjected to laboratory desiccation and allowed to aestivate for 7,14,21 and 28 days before being revived. Also, B. pheifferi specimens harbouring schistosomal infection were also subjected to laboratory desiccation and aestivated for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Uninfected specimen aestivated for the same number of days respectively were use for control experiments. All four age group were found to have been able to withstand some period of desiccation. Juvenile snails were found to be better aestivators. Infected counterparts, they could not survive for more than 28 days of the desiccation of their habitat.

The Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 24 2003: 173-178