African Snail Achatina Fulica Research Articles

EVALUATION OF CALCIUM CARBONATE CONTENT IN EGGSHELLS OF AVIAN, TURTLE, SNAIL, AND OSTRICH USING CHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

In the present study, different eggs were collected and analyzed from five various animal species: European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758)), giant African land snail (Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822)), common ostrich (Struthio camelus (Linnaeus, 1758)), white, light-brown, and dark-brown laying hen (Gallus gallus domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) and European quail (Coturnix coturnix (Linnaeus, 1758). The typical mineral shell mainly composed of the calcite polymorph of CaCO3 but the eggshell consists of membranes, that composed mainly of proteins. The shell quality also could be assigned by several external and internal factors such as oviposition time, animal genotype and age, housing system (for poultry), and mineral nutrition complex. The CaCO3 content was determined by the standard titration method, coz the titration could provide a reliable method for evaluation of CaCO3 content in different types of eggshells. The structural surface characterization of eggshells was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with a field emission gun. In terms of chemical composition, ostrich eggshells generally did not differ much from those of laying hen, turtles, giant snails, or quail eggs, but the concentration of calcium carbonate was the highest. The average calcium carbonate content of various eggshells is between 84 and 98%. The thickness of the eggshell ranges from 0.08 to 1.89 mm, and it is not the same over the entire surface of the egg. At the sharp end of the egg, the shell is slightly thicker than at the blunt end. The purpose of this study was to study the quantitative content of calcium carbonate in various eggshells of different animals to draw further conclusions in which animals the eggshell contains the maximum amount of biological calcium carbonate.

Occurrences and socio-environmental impacts of the Giant African snail (Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822) in urban area of Macapá, Amapá, Brazil

This study aimed to verify the occurrence and socio-environmental impacts of the presence of African Snail in the Açai neighborhood, city of Macapá, State of Amapá, showing problems such as the occurrence of the species and the lack of knowledge of the community about its infestation and control. The interviews were conducted using semi-structured forms to collect information on site and photographic record, for a period of four months (08/2013 to 12/2013). Variables of social and environmental axes were evaluated as impact indicators. The results showed that a greater performance of the public would contribute directly to the quality of life of the population and the environment, promoting the decrease in the occurrence of this snail. An environmental education program aimed at disseminating information on the impacts of African snail should be encouraged. It is necessary to work in the development of legal instruments, as well as in the development of campaigns to clarify the population.

Population characterization and parasitological assessment of the giant African snail ( Achatina fulica) in urban areas of Cartagena, Colombia.

Background: The giant African snail, Achatina fulica, is an invasive species recognized for being a serious agricultural pest and an intermediary vector for diverse parasites that cause diseases in humans. The knowledge of the state of African snail populations in urban areas is of great ecological and public health importance. Therefore, our objective was to characterize the status of giant African snail populations present in the city of Cartagena, Colombia, including the assessment of nematode parasites in the specimens. Methods. Sites were visited following information from citizens affected by the presence of the African snail. The specimens were collected and transported to the laboratory; subsequently, they were weighed, measured, and classified by size. Dissections of lung tissue and soft organs were performed to search for and identify nematode parasites. Size measurement between the sampled sites was statistically compared and density and biomass indicators were established. Results. In total, 204 snails were collected distributed among four sites within Cartagena city. Of these, 50% were juvenile specimens (10-40 mm). The size of the specimens showed significant differences between the sampling areas. The calculated density was between 0.0019-0.68 ind/m 2 and the biomass between 3.92-48.75 kg/ha. No presence of nematode parasites was observed in these specimens. Conclusions. Densities and biomasses of A. fulica in Cartagena do not reach levels considered highly harmful. On the other hand, although no parasites were found in these snails, it is relevant to continue with studies on the human health risks that represent the presence of this invasive species in urban areas of Cartagena.

Population characterization and parasitological assessment of the giant African snail ( Achatina fulica) in urban areas of Cartagena, Colombia

Background: The giant African snail, Achatina fulica, is an invasive species recognized for being a serious agricultural pest and an intermediary vector for diverse parasites that cause diseases in humans. The knowledge of the state of African snail populations in urban areas is of great ecological and public health importance. Therefore, our objective was to characterize the status of giant African snail populations present in the city of Cartagena, Colombia, including the assessment of nematode parasites in the specimens. Methods. Sites were visited following information from citizens affected by the presence of the African snail. The specimens were collected and transported to the laboratory; subsequently, they were weighed, measured, and classified by size. Dissections of lung tissue and soft organs were performed to search for and identify nematode parasites. Size measurement between the sampled sites was statistically compared and density and biomass indicators were established. Results. In total, 204 snails were collected distributed among four sites within Cartagena city. Of these, 50% were juvenile specimens (10-40 mm). The size of the specimens showed significant differences between the sampling areas. The calculated density was between 0.0019-0.68 ind/m 2 and the biomass between 3.92-48.75 kg/ha. No presence of nematode parasites was observed in these specimens. Conclusions. Densities and biomasses of A. fulica in Cartagena do not reach levels considered highly harmful. On the other hand, although no parasites were found in these snails, it is relevant to continue with studies on the human health risks that represent the presence of this invasive species in urban areas of Cartagena.

Snail Slime: Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Properties

Snails posses numerous nutritional, medicinal and therapeutic properties, making it an essential component of human nutrition, medicinal and skin health. This study is aimed at evaluating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of snail slime obtained from giant African land snail (Achatina fulica). The slime was extracted by low heat method and anti-inflammatory properties was ascertained by inducing paw edema in day old chicks using carrageenan, the phytochemical screening was conducted to ascertain the level of phenols and flavonoids, while the antioxidant properties was determined by DPPH radical scavenging activity, using ascorbic acid as standard. Statistical analysis using ANOVA version 20.0 was conducted to analyze the data obtained from the study. Post study statistics of data (mean ± SD) indicates that the snail slime extract potentially posses anti-inflammatory, relative phytochemical and antioxidant properties at significant (p≤0.05) level, hence validating its use in nutrition, medicinal and cosmetic purposes, and preparations.

Population characterization and parasitological assessment of the giant African snail (Achatina fulica) in urban areas of Cartagena, Colombia

Background: The giant African snail, Achatina fulica, is an invasive species recognized for being a serious agricultural pest and an intermediary vector for diverse parasites that cause diseases in humans. The knowledge of the state of African snail populations in urban areas is of great ecological and public health importance. Therefore, our objective was to characterize the status of giant African snail populations present in the city of Cartagena, Colombia, including the assessment of nematode parasites in the specimens. Methods. Sites were visited following information from citizens affected by the presence of the African snail. The specimens were collected and transported to the laboratory; subsequently, they were weighed, measured, and classified by size. Dissections of lung tissue and soft organs were performed to search for and identify nematode parasites. Size measurement between the sampled sites was statistically compared and density and biomass indicators were established. Results. In total, 204 snails were collected distributed among four sites within Cartagena city. Of these, 50% were juvenile specimens (10-40 mm). The size of the specimens showed significant differences between the sampling areas. The calculated density was between 0.0019-0.68 ind/m2 and the biomass between 3.92-48.75 kg/ha. No presence of nematode parasites was observed in these specimens. Conclusions. Densities and biomasses of A. fulica in Cartagena do not reach levels considered highly harmful. On the other hand, although no parasites were found in these snails, it is relevant to continue with studies on the human health risks that represent the presence of this invasive species in urban areas of Cartagena.

Allometry and geographic variation of the morphology of Achatina fulica (Achatinidae) in Colombia

ABSTRACT The morphological characterisation of populations of exotic species is relevant for monitoring their impacts, as morphological traits are the first to react to environmental gradients. In Colombia, the giant African snail (Achatina fulica) has expanded across the country, occupying different habitats. We assessed the morphological variations of its shell in the cis- and trans-Andean regions of Colombia. We systematically and opportunistically collected snails at 12 locations in Colombia and applied geometric morphometric methods to analyse shell morphology variations. We found significant differences in A. fulica shell morphology, size, and allometry between cis- and trans-Andean regions. We also found differences in the frequencies of colour patterns, with pattern #2 being most frequent in the cis-Andean region and pattern #5 in the trans-Andean region. Results suggest that the shell morphology of A. fulica is an attribute that may respond to environmental, management or genetic differences between cis- and trans-Andean regions and that these differences should be considered in the design of management strategies across the country.

Response of sundried mango seed kernel meal on growth performance of East African land snail (Achatina fulica)Response of sundried mango seed kernel meal on growth performance of East African land snail (Achatina fulica)

Fifty-six (56) days feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the response of feeding sundried mango seed kernel on the growth performance of Achatina fulica snails. The mango seeds kernel used as test ingredient was collected, cracked, sundried for two weeks and after which it was milled to obtain mango seed kernel meal. The mango seed kernel meal was used to formulate four experimental diets that meet the nutrient requirements of snails included at 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% respectively; designated Diet 1, Diet 2, Diet 3 and Diet 4. Diet 1 served as the control. One hundred and twenty (120) Achatina fulica snails of similar sizes were assigned to 4 dietary treatments and replicated 3 times in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. Each dietary treatment consisted of thirty (30) snails per treatment with ten (10) snails per replicate. Proximate composition of the mango seed kernel meal and the experimental diets were conducted to determine the nutrient contents of the mango seed kernel meal and that of the experimental diet. Data were collected on growth performance parameters. The data collected were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results showed that significant reduction (P

Haemolymph and mineral composition of East African land snail (Achatina fulica ) fed sundried mango seed kernel meal

A hundred and twenty (120) growing Achatina fulica snail were used to assess the impact of sundried mango seed kernel meal (MSKM) on the haemolymph and mineral composition of Achatina fulica. The mango seed kernel meal used as test ingredient were collected, cracked and the kernel sundried for two weeks after which it was milled into a fine powder. Four dietary treatments were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of snails. The mango seed kernel meal was included at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%, representing Diet 1, Diet 2, Diet 3 and Diet 4 respectively. Diet 1 served as the control. Snails of similar weights were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments and replicated three (3) times in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. Each dietary treatment consisted of thirty (30) snails per treatment with ten (10) snails per replicate. The snails were fed ad libitum. At the end of the 56 days feeding trial, four (4) snails sampled from each replicate were randomly selected for haemolymph and mineral analysis. Data collected on different parameters were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that there were significant differences (p

Precariety of basic sanitation and the presence of the african snail (Achatina Fulica Bowdich, 1822) in the city of Manaus / AM-Brasil

The African snail (Achatina fulica) represents a serious risk to public health as it is a vector of disease such as eosinophilic meningitis. This mollusk has become abundant in urban environments, where its habitat is the areas located around rivers and vacant lots. Due to this context, it was the main objective of the present research, the identification of the areas of occurrence of the African snail in face of the precarious situation of sanitation in Manaus. The methodology was worked through field surveys, georeferencing and use of the database of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The results show that in the 126 areas mapped with the presence of the African snail, 119 census tracts are marked by the existence of untreated sewage and inadequate destination. In these sectors, the highest population density of the species was noted. The precarious situation of sanitation in the capital of Amazonas, shows that only 12.3% of the population receives sewage collection service, and the scarcity of sewage services becomes the main factor in favoring the spread of African snails in Manaus.

EFFECT OF CLOVE OIL ON THE BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE OF OVOTESTIS AND HEPATOPANCREAS OF Achatina fulica

The giant African snail Achatina fulica is widespread across the subtropical and tropical countries and has picked up the global pest status. Its voracious feeding capacity and protandrous reproduction makes it almost invincible once established. Measures to combat its menace have for long focussed on chemical molluscicides. However the rising environmental sensitivity in the past few decades has attracted the use of natural compounds to target this pest. The current study was aimed to evaluate the impact of clove oil on the biochemical profile of its ovotestis and hepatopancreas. The snails were randomly divided into three groups i.e., control, vehicle treated group (1% Tween 80) and clove oil treated group. Snails in the clove oil treated group were subjected to subacute doses of clove oil (20% and 60% of LD50 value/24 hrs) by topical application. The activity levels of vital enzymes namely acetylcholinesterase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, protease and lactic dehydrogenase were pertinently altered in the ovotestis and hepatopancreas of the clove oil treated snails as compared to the control. Contents of important biomolecules like DNA, RNA, protein, and phospholipids were reduced, the level of lipid peroxidation was significantly enhanced with a concomitant decrease in glutathione content in clove oil treated groups vis-a-vis control in both the tissues studied, highlighting the toxic effect of clove oil to the snail. Thus it is suggested that clove oil can be used in controlling the population of this harmful pest.

Physical and Morphological Properties of Snail (Achatina Fulica) Shells for Beneficiation into Biocomposite Materials

In this study, microhardness and flow strength (tensile) of a shell of an African Giant snail (Achatina Fulica) were studied as a function of indentation load. The influence of loading direction on the hardness of the nacreous and prismatic structure of the shell material was analyzed. The results revealed that microhardness measured on the shell was dependent on the load on the nacreous and prismatic structures. Indentation loading between 50 and 500 kN induced tensile strengths that ranged between 675–1050 and 390–810 MPa on the prismatic and nacreous layers, respectively. In addition, the morphology of the shell surface exhibited an interlocking structure with a large surface for binding to the organic matrix. The observed reinforcement of the shell explained the hardness property of the shell. The improved hardness of the shell implies that it can be beneficiated into filler that may be used to improve the mechanical properties of polymeric composite materials.

The Heart Rhythm of the Giant African Snail Achatina Fulica of Different Ages when Feeding

The Heart Rhythm of the Giant African Snail Achatina Fulica of Different Ages when Feeding

A chromosomal-level genome assembly for the giant African snail Achatina fulica.

Background Achatina fulica, the giant African snail, is the largest terrestrial mollusk species. Owing to its voracious appetite, wide environmental adaptability, high growth rate, and reproductive capacity, it has become an invasive species across the world, mainly in Southeast Asia, Japan, the western Pacific islands, and China. This pest can damage agricultural crops and is an intermediate host of many parasites that can threaten human health. However, genomic information of A. fulica remains limited, hindering genetic and genomic studies for invasion control and management of the species.FindingsUsing a k-mer–based method, we estimated the A. fulica genome size to be 2.12 Gb, with a high repeat content up to 71%. Roughly 101.6 Gb genomic long-read data of A. fulica were generated from the Pacific Biosciences sequencing platform and assembled to produce a first A. fulica genome of 1.85 Gb with a contig N50 length of 726 kb. Using contact information from the Hi-C sequencing data, we successfully anchored 99.32% contig sequences into 31 chromosomes, leading to the final contig and scaffold N50 length of 721 kb and 59.6 Mb, respectively. The continuity, completeness, and accuracy were evaluated by genome comparison with other mollusk genomes, BUSCO assessment, and genomic read mapping. A total of 23,726 protein-coding genes were predicted from the assembled genome, among which 96.34% of the genes were functionally annotated. The phylogenetic analysis using whole-genome protein-coding genes revealed that A. fulica separated from a common ancestor with Biomphalaria glabrata ∼182 million years ago.ConclusionTo our knowledge, the A. fulica genome is the first terrestrial mollusk genome published to date. The chromosome sequence of A. fulica will provide the research community with a valuable resource for population genetics and environmental adaptation studies for the species, as well as investigations of the chromosome-level of evolution within mollusks.

Genetic characterization of Angiostrongyluslarvae and their intermediate host, Achatina fulica, in Thailand.

Angiostrongyliasis is a parasitic disease caused by nematodes of the genus Angiostrongylus. Distribution of this worm corresponds to the dispersal of its main intermediate host, the giant African land snail Achatina fulica. Genetic characterization can help identify parasitic pathogens and control the spreading of disease. The present study describes infection of A. fulica by Angiostrongylus, and provides a genetic outlook based on sequencing of specific regions. We collected 343 land snails from 22 provinces across six regions of Thailand between May 2017 and July 2018. Artificial digestion and Baermann's technique were employed to isolate Angiostrongylus larvae. The worm and its intermediate host were identified by sequencing with specific nucleotide regions. Phylogenetic tree was constructed to evaluate the relationship with other isolates. A. fulica from Chaiyaphum province was infected with A. cantonensis, whereas snails collected from Phrae and Chiang Rai provinces were infected with A. malaysiensis. The maximum likelihood tree based on 74 A. fulica COI sequences revealed monophyletic groups and identified two haplotypes: AF1 and AF2. Only AF1, which is distributed in all regions of Thailand, harbored the larvae of A. cantonensis and A. malaysiensis. Two mitochondrial genes (COI and cytb) and two nuclear regions (ITS2 and SSU rRNA) were sequenced in 41 Angiostrongylus specimens. The COI gene indicated that A. cantonensis was closely related to the AC10 haplotype; whereas the cytb gene revealed two new haplotypes: AC19 and AC20. SSU rRNA was useful for the identification of A. cantonensis; whereas ITS2 was a good genetic marker for differentiating between A. cantonensis and A. malaysiensis. This study provides genetic information about the parasite Angiostrongylus and its snail intermediate host. The data in this work may be useful for further study on the identification of Angiostrongylus spp., the genetic relationship between intermediate host and parasite, and control of parasites.

Mucous cell distribution and mucus production during early growth periods of the giant African snail (Achatina fulica)

The giant African snail (Achatina fulica) secretes mucus for crawling and protection from moisture loss and pathogenic infections. The snail mucus has been popularly used as a bioactive reagent in medical and cosmeceutical products. This study observed the distribution of pedal mucous cells of A. fulica and the snail growth effect (1–3 mth) on pedal mucus production and the types of mucous cells. Foot tissues were processed using a paraffin technique and stained with Masson’s trichrome, periodic acid Schiff, and periodic acid Schiff-Alcian Blue at pH 2.5. Visualization under a light microscope showed that the pedal mucus of A. fulica was mainly produced from two types of mucous glands: 1) tubular mucous gland cells located on the dorsal part of foot that produced acid mucopolysaccharide mucus; and 2) round mucous gland cells located on the ventral part of foot that produced acid and neutral mucopolysaccharide mucus. A positive correlation between the acid mucin level and snail age was only observed on the dorsal area. The level of neutral mucin from both sides was highest after 2 mth. The average length of the mucous cells on the dorsal surface significantly increased during growth. This study revealed the change and distribution of the mucous cells in early A. fulica development to inform further applications in snail bioactive compounds.

O caracol-gigante-africano Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822): análise do conteúdo em livros didáticos de ciências e biologia indicados pelo programa nacional do livro didático (PNLD) 2017 e 2018

Verificou-se a presença de conteúdos sobre o caracol-gigante-africano Achatina fulica nas coleções de Ciências e Biologia indicados pelo PNLD 2017/2018, quanto a presença de imagens e informações referentes à transmissão de doenças, e alertas sobre manejo e controle da população dessa espécie exótica invasora. Os resultados revelaram a ausência de qualquer menção sobre o molusco em 50 % das coleções de Ciências e em 30 % das coleções de Biologia, omissões/incorreções em conceitos e imagens, e algumas legendas equivocadas nos conteúdos encontrados. Concluiu-se que há necessidade de maiores cuidados na elaboração dessas coleções ao tratar de temas de interesse à saúde pública e ao meio ambiente, pois informações corretas contribuem na construção do conhecimento e na formação de atitudes que minimizam o risco de se contrair doenças além de evitar a frequente confusão entre o Achatina fulica e o molusco nativo Megalobulimus sp ameaçado de extinção.

First record of body colour polymorphism in giant African snail Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822) - a comparative study using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene

The presence of the body colour polymorphism in the tropical invasive pest giant African snail is reported for the first time from South India. Three different body colour polymorphs were recognised viz. grey, black and white. The grey body colour is the most common polymorph. The black and white colour polymorphs are found to be in almost equal proportions in the reported localities with the grey counterparts. The cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences of the three colour polymorphs are found to be identical. The presence of the body colour polymorphism in south India may be attributed to the avian predation and other selection pressures.

Occurrence of Rhabditid Nematodes in the Pet Giant African Land Snails (Achatina fulica).

Gastropods comprise nearly 60,000 species of aquatic as well as terrestrial mollusks, primarily snails and slugs. The giant African land snail (Achatina fulica) is one of the most popular pet snails worldwide. This gastropod mollusk is known as the intermediate host of several parasites that cause severe diseases in pets, free-ranging vertebrates, and humans. The aim of this survey was to investigate the occurrence of parasites in giant African land snails kept as pets in southern Italy. Fresh fecal samples were collected from a total of 60 giant African land snails kept in three private collections in Campania region (Italy). In addition, microscopic analysis of mucus and histological examination of biopsy samples from the foot muscle of 30 individual snails were performed. Coprological examination revealed the presence of rhabditid nematodes identified by both morphological and molecular assessment as Rhabditella axei in two out of three examined samples, and Rhabditis terricola, Cruznema sp., and Pristionchus entomophagus in one coprological sample. No parasites were detected in the muscle biopsy samples, or in the mucus. Due to the potential harm of rhabditid nematodes, their presence in giant African land snails potentially in contact with both pets and humans should not be disregarded.

Optimization and characterization of polysaccharides extraction from Giant African snail (Achatina fulica) using pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE)

Achatina fulica was treated by pressurized hot water to extract bioactive polysaccharides and the extraction process was optimized with the extraction yield by response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized condition was temperature of 133.53 °C, water to solid ratio of 54.11 mL/g, and time of 14.95 min, and the yield of the polysaccharide was 42.39% ± 0.85%. The characterization of polysaccharide was comprised of preliminary, physical, and structural properties by GAG, uronic acid, and sulfate content, TLC, HPLC, GPC, FT-IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, TGA, and XRD. The snail hydrolysis polysaccharides (SPs) was also demonstrated to its antioxidant by ABTS+ assay and total antioxidant activity of 32.30% ± 0.31% and 584.12 μg ± 2.10 μg ascorbic acid equivalent (AE)/L. This study indicated that pressurized hot water extraction can be used to extract polysaccharides from A. fulica.