[Observation on moving patterns of Oncomelania snails in rivers and canals].
OBJECTIVE
To understand the moving patterns of Oncomelania snails, intermediate host of S. japonicum, in the water bodies.


METHODS
Based on the biological features of the snails, methods and techniques in relation to hydraulics and silt engineering were adopted to investigate the active scrawl ability and passive movement of the snails.


CONCLUSIONS
The scrawl speed of the snails themselves was very low, 2.45 mm per minute only. The active movement in the water current was therefore almost negligible. The major moving patterns of the snails in rivers and canals were that: 1. Snails adsorbed on different kinds of carriers drifted on the water. 2. Snails suspended on the water and drifted with the current, these were the young snails under 7 weeks of age. Adult snail showed a strong ability of adhesion, 12 times higher than its body weight.
He
Chang-hao
CH
Department of Parasitology of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong Science and Technology University.
Pan
Zhao-han
ZH
Zhang
Ai-hua
AH
Cai
Shun-de
SD
Pan
You-qin
YQ
Deng
Wei-wen
WW
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004199:Disease Vectors; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000635:transmission; D012908:Snails / Q000502:physiology*; D014867:Water
D014867:Water