Results of exposing mice to Schistosomiasis by immersion in natural water

Abstract

1. 1) By immersing groups of mice, placed in suitable cages in naturally-infected water in a highly endemic schistosomiasis area in the Eastern Transvaal and later recovering the schistosomes, it was found that there was a well-defined transmission period for S. mansoni during midsummer, preceded and followed by periods of low transmission, and with practically no transmission during the winter. There was no similar transmission period for S. mattheei. The practical advantages of this transmission period for S. mansoni are mentioned in relation to a control programme with molluscicides. 2. 2) It is also suggested that a pre-transmission period of low intensity might afford some protection to the subsequent heavy cercarial onslaught later in the summer. 3. 3) Other findings, such as mice mortality, snail catches in relation to schistosomes recovered, rainfall and temperature, schistosome sex, and the influence of the state of the canal on transmission, are briefly mentioned.