In Brazil, high levels of schistosomiasis mansoni are linked to the presence of the species Biomphalaria glabrata, considered to be the main host of Schistosoma mansoni in endemic areas. This work conducted a survey of 40 endemic municipalities in the State of Alagoas, aiming at identifying this species and its important role in the maintenance of schistosomiasis. Among the municipalities surve...

The outcome of the interaction between Biomphalaria and Schistosoma mansoni depends on the response of the host internal defence system (IDS) and the escape mechanisms of the parasite. The aim of this study was to evaluate the responsiveness of the IDS (haemocytes and soluble haemolymph factors) of resistant and susceptible Biomphalaria tenagophila lineages and Biomphalaria glabrata lineages in...

Infection caused by the trematode Echinostoma paraensei has been shown to interfere in the natural resistance to infection by Schistosoma mansoni. Biomphalaria glabrata is susceptible to infection, while Taim isolate Biomphalaria tenagophila is resistant to infection by S. mansoni. These two snail species were assessed for infection with E. paraensei two days after exposure to S. mansoni miraci...

The growth of Biomphalaria glabrata, B. schrammi, Drepanotrema lucidum and D. kermatoides was studied in three habitatis on Guadeloupe. Theortical growth curves were calculated for each species by applying the Walford method and the von Bertalanffy equation. On Guadeloupe, the growth of B. glabrata was faster in the ponds of Grand Terre than in the small high altitude streams of Basse Terre. Th...

Schistosomiasis, the most important parasitic disease in Egypt, has plagued its people since ancient times. Two species of Biomphalaria are reported from Egypt, the indigenous Biomphalaria alexandrina and Biomphalaria glabrata, the latter is believed to be introduced during the past few decades. Both are known to be excellent hosts of Schistosoma mansoni, in Egypt. SDS-PAGE was used to separate...

Studies based on shell or reproductive organ morphology and genetic considerations suggest extensive intraspecific variation in Biomphalaria snails. The high variability at the morphological and genetic levels, as well as the small size of some specimens and similarities between species complicate the correct identification of these snails. Here we review our work using methods based on polymer...

Schistosoma mansoni, which causes schistosomiasis has humans as the primary definitive host and mollusks Biomphalaria glabrata, B. straminea tenagophila intermediate hosts. The goal of this research was to undertake a malacological survey on watercourses in city Betim, using data provided by city´sHealth´s Department. were collected from pre-selected sites, examined for presence cercariae taxon...

Objective The influence of age and the presence of secondary sporocysts in the miraxonal attraction exercised by Biomphalaria glabrata on miracidia of Schistosoma mansoni of the BH strain were studied. Material and Method A glass apparatus containing two compartments joined by a tube and previously tested in other experiments, was used. Specimens of B. glabrata or its snail conditioned water (S...

Despite the implementation control programs, schistosomiasis continues to spread throughout the world. Among modern control strategies, vector control is currently being emphasized. Within this context, analysis of the genetic variability of intermediate host snails (Biomphalaria spp) is important because it allows identification of specific sequences of the genome of this mollusk related to su...