The Effect of Bacillus thuringiensis M-exotoxin on Trematode Cercariae
The effect of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis eluate containing water-soluble exotoxin (M-exotoxin) was observed by its use on cercariae of seven trematode species. To the most sensitive species to the toxic effect of the mentioned toxin belonged schistosome furcocercariae (human species Schistosoma mansoni and avian parasite Trichobilharzia szidati). Under the influence of the toxin, surface syncytial structure (tegument) was separated from underlying tissues, with subsequent disintegration of internal organs connected with disruption of acetabular glands and release of their proteolytic content.
Horak
P
Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Vinicna 7, Prague 2, 128 44, Czech Republic
Weiser
J
Mikes
L
Kolarova
L