Interaction between the Biomphalaria glabrata-Schistosoma mansoni host-parasite system and the non-target molluscs: influence on cercarial production.
The cercarial production of Schistosoma mansoni by Biomphalaria glabrata (target mollusc: TM) was studied in relation to the presence of non-target molluscs (NTM). Nine species of NTM were tested. Whatever the type of TM-NTM association (lasting association, during prepatent period and production period, association only during the exposure of the molluscs to the miracidia), the presence of NTM involved a significant increase of S. mansoni cercarial production. This increased cercarial production was more or less pronounced according to the NTM species present.
D000818:Animals; D001700:Biomphalaria / Q000469:parasitology*; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D008974:Mollusca / Q000502:physiology*; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000254:growth & development*; D012908:Snails / Q000502:physiology*