Effects of Alterations in the Heartbeat Rate and Locomotor Activity of Schistosoma mansoni-Infected Biomphalaria glabrata on Cercarial Emergence

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Abstract
During a 27 h period of food deprivation, B. Glabrata infected with S. mansoni had lower heartbeat rates and locomotor activities than did controls that were feeding ad lib. There was no difference between the cercarial emergence from control and experimental snails either before, during, or after the period of food deprivation. No correlation was found between the locomotor activity of the snail and the number of cercariae emerging from the snail in continuous light. Apparently, the emergence of S. mansoni cercariae from B. glabrata was not affected by the heartbeat rate or locomotor activity of the snail. The factors controlling the rhythm of S. mansoni cercarial emergence from B. glabrata may be independent of the snail.