Effects of temperature on the larval development ofAngiostrongylus cantonensis in the intermediate host,Biomphalaria glabrata

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Abstract
The effects of temperature on the larval development ofAngiostrongylus cantonensis inBiomphalaria glabrata were studied under controlled conditions. WhenB. glabrata were maintained at different, constant temperatures, the first-stage larvae developed to third-stage larvae between 20° and 31° C. The velocity of development to the third-stage in the snail depended on the relationship,Y=−0.1281+0.0081X (Y velocity of development;X rearing temperature). The “threshold of development” was 15.8° C and the thermal constant 123 degree-days. It is concluded that there might be a possibility ofA. cantonensis spreading to temperate regions in the world, if, in addition to the temperature, other factors allowed the completion of the life cycle of this worm.