The emergence of Schistosoma japonicum cercariae from Oncomelania quadrasi.
The release of Schistosoma japonicum cercariae from Leytean Oncomelania quadrasi snails was observed under laboratory conditions. Two patterns of emergence were noted. The initial, nonperiodic emergence occurred immediately after submerging the snails in water and was followed by a periodic, diurnal emergence which peaked in the afternoon. The daily cercarial output of the periodic emergence appeared to be affected by exogenous light intensity. Furthermore, there was a cessation or reduction in cercarial output every 3rd or 4th day.
D000818:Animals; D008027:Light; D010507:Periodicity; D012549:Schistosoma japonicum / Q000254:growth & development*; D012908:Snails / Q000469:parasitology*