EFFECT OF HELISOMA-DURYI ON SURVIVAL, GROWTH, AND CERCARIAL PRODUCTION OF SCHISTOSOMA-MANSONI-INFECTED BIOMPHALARIA-GLABRATA

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 55  (5) , 577-580
Abstract
Biological control of the intermediate hosts of S. mansoni and S. haematobium by a competitor snail, H. duryi, was suggested. In the present laboratory study, information was obtained concerning the interspecific competition between H. duryi and B. glabrata. The growth rate, mortality rate and cercarial production of S. mansoni-infected B. glabrata were highly influenced by H. duryi. These observations agree with results obtained in earlier experiments concerning the interspecific competition between H. duryi and S. mansoni-infected B. pfeifferi. The exact characteristics of the influencing factor were not determined, but H. duryi could possibly be used as a biological control agent.