title: Loss of trematode parthenitae in Planorbella trivolvis (Mollusca: Gastropoda).
abstract: Infection by trematode parthenitae (larval, asexual trematodes) has severe consequences for molluscan hosts, resulting in cessation of reproduction and early mortality. Here we present evidence that the freshwater snail Planorbella trivolvis can lose infections by trematode parthenitae. Of 8 P. trivolvis infected by reniferin parthenitae, 6 died within 2 wk, whereas the remaining 2 snails lost their infections within 82 days after initial examination. This phenomenon might suggest that molluscs can resist established trematode infections (i.e., "self-cure") or at least out-survive some trematode parthenitae.
authors: Department of Integrative Biology, SCA 110, Tampa, Florida 33620, USA. bsears@mail.usf.edu
authors: B F
authors: BF
authors: Sears
authors: J R
authors: JR
authors: Rohr
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018509:DNA, Helminth / Q000737:chemistry*; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000737:chemistry; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005431:Florida; D005618:Fresh Water; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012337:RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / Q000235:genetics; D012908:Snails / Q000469:parasitology*; D014200:Trematoda / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D053833:Wetlands
chemical_list: D018509:DNA, Helminth; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D012337:RNA, Ribosomal, 18S