Biomphalaria Tenagophila Research Articles

Public parks in the city of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil, and the risk of parasitosis transmission by freshwater gastropods.

Urban parks are not only important for the wellbeing of the human population, but are also widely considered to be potentially important sites for the conservation of biodiversity. However, they may offer risk parasitic infections, such as schistosomiasis and fascioliasis, which are both transmitted by freshwater snails. The present study investigated the occurrence of freshwater gastropods in urban parks of the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, and their possible infection by helminths of medical-veterinary importance. Gastropods were collected from six parks (2021 - 2022) and examined for the presence of larval helminths. In all, 12 gastropod species from different families were collected: Ampullariidae, Assimineidae, Burnupidae, Lymnaeidae, Physidae, Planorbidae, Succineidae, and Thiaridae. The parasitological examination revealed cercaria of three types in five snail species, with the Pleurolophocerca cercariae type in Melanoides tuberculata (the most abundant species), Echinostoma cercariae in Physella acuta and Pomacea maculata, and Virgulate cercariae, in Pomacea sp. and Pomacea maculata. None of the Biomphalaria tenagophila and Pseudosuccinea columella (the most frequent species) specimens were parasitized by Schistosoma mansoni or Fasciola hepatica, respectively. Even so, some parks may represent a considerable potential risk for transmission of both Schistosoma mansoni and Fasciola hepatica, given the presence of these gastropod vectors and the frequent contact of visitors with the waterbodies.

Identification and characterization of microRNAs in Biomphalaria tenagophila and comparative analysis of their expression in Schistosoma mansoni-resistant and -susceptible snail populations

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma and affects over 240 million people worldwide. One of the most prominent causative agents is Schistosoma mansoni, which develops inside the intermediate host. Biomphalaria tenagophila is the second most important vector of schistosomiasis in Brazil and the Taim population is completely resistant to infection by S. mansoni. ObjectiveThis study aims to identify and characterize B. tenagophila microRNAs (miRNAs) and evaluate their differential expression in S. mansoni-susceptible and -resistant populations of B. tenagophila. MethodsTwo populations of B. tenagophila snails, susceptible and resistant to S. mansoni infection, were used to investigate the small RNA response of these snails after being infected with the parasite. Small RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR were employed to identify and validate differentially expressed miRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis were performed to identify miRNA precursors and mature and evaluate their differential expression. FindingsThe study predicted 173 mature miRNAs and 123 precursors. Among them were six Lophotrochozoa-specific miRNAs, three mollusk-specific miRNAs, and six pre-miRNAs in a cluster. The small RNA sequencing and RT-PCR of B. tenagophila samples allowed assessing the expression patterns of miRNAs. Main conclusionsThe results obtained may support future studies in Biomphalaria spp., generating a global impact on disease control.

Integrative taxonomy and revision of the Neotropical Biomphalaria tenagophila (Mollusca: Planorbidae) complex taxa

ABSTRACT Morphological and molecular studies of the taxa of the Biomphalaria tenagophila complex were conducted on specimens from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. The morphological analysis included aspects of the shell, mantle, excretory organs and reproductive system. DNA barcode, ABGD and mPTP were used to group specimens into Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) and in attempt to solve species boundary delimitation problems within the Biomphalaria tenagophila complex. Population analyzes were also performed based on the cytochrome C oxidase I (COI) and 16S genes. The seminal vesicle, extension of the oviduct in relation to the distal ovispermioduct, vaginal pouch, aspect of the penial complex, aspect of the prepuce diaphragm, diaphragm papilla, extension of the penial sheath in relation to the prepuce and prepuce dimensions are essential for the determination of the taxa of the Biomphalaria tenagophila complex. An updated molecular phylogeny for Biomphalaria based on COI, 16S and ITS2 genes is presented and recover Biomphalaria tenagophila complex as monophyletic. The morphological, population and phylogenetic data observed in an integrated way define taxonomic questions, such as the proposition of a new status for B. guaibensis, which integrates into the Biomphalaria tenagophila complex. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:478145E5-D4A5-4128-AA80-DB6A69164E1E

Schistosomiasis mansoni and hydrographical conditions in São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil.

In Brazil, schistosomiasis mansoni cases still occur, even in non-endemic areas. This study aimed to evaluate schistosomiasis mansoni cases and to delimit water collections investigated for infested planorbidae in São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil. A cross-sectional descriptive study and spatial analysis of schistosomiasis mansoni cases notified in the city from January 2005 to December 2017 was conducted. The study used geographical information system software to map residential and leisure exposures to water courses and bodies and related them to planorbidae surveys of São Paulo state. During the study period, 32 cases were notified. The main forms were intestinal and hepatosplenic. Twenty-eight cases were allochthonous, two autochthonous and two indeterminate. Eleven patients (33.3%) had contact with water collections in São Carlos, mainly the 29 and Broa reservoirs. Three of them had contact only with water collections in the region. A third of cases lived in the Água Fria and Água Quente microbasins, highly impacted by the presence of domestic sewage, and the whole region seems to be colonized by Biomphalaria tenagophila. The resolution of anthropogenic contamination of water bodies is crucial for controlling schistosomiasis mansoni autochthony in São Carlos.

Susceptibility of embryos of Biomphalaria tenagophila (Mollusca: Gastropoda) to infection by Pochonia chlamydosporia (Ascomycota: Sordariomycetes).

Schistosoma mansoni is a heteroxenous parasite, meaning that during its life cycle needs the participation of obligatory intermediate and definitive hosts. The larval development occurs in aquatic molluscs belonging to the Biomphalaria genus, leading to the formation of cercariae, which emerge to infect the final vertebrate host. For this reason, studies for control of the diseases caused by digenetic trematodes often focus on combating the snail hosts. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of Biomphalaria tenagophila embryos to the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia (isolate Pc-10). The entire experiment was conducted in duplicate, with five replicates for each repetition (five egg masses/replicate), utilizing a total of 100 egg masses, with 20-30 eggs/egg mass. At the end of 15days, the egg masses were evaluated under a stereomicroscope to analyze the hatching of B. tenagophila embryos in both experimental groups. After days of interaction, the exposure to the fungal hyphae bodies significantly impaired the viability of the B. tenagophila eggs, inhibiting the embryogenesis process by 83.7% in relation to the control group. Transmission and scanning electron microscopic images revealed relevant structural alterations in the egg masses exposed to the hyphae action of the fungus, interfering in the development and hatching of the young snails under analysis. These results indicate the susceptibility of B. tenagophila embryos to the fungus P. chlamydosporia (isolate Pc-10) and suggest the potential of Pc-10 to be used in the control of intermediate host, for its ovicidal capacity and for being an ecologically viable option, but in vivo experiments become necessary.

Histological aspects of the penial complex and vagina of taxa of the Biomphalaria tenagophila complex (Mollusca: Planorbidae)

Histological studies were carried out with 49 specimens; 18 Biomphalaria tenagophila guaibensis, 19 B. t. tenagophila and 12 B. occidentalis, collected in 10 municipalities in the states of São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The study considered histological aspects of the vagina, vaginal pouch and penial complex. In this study, we describe, for the first time, the histological features of the vagina, vaginal pouch and penial complex of B. t. tenagophila, B. t. guaibensis and B. occidentalis. The lining epithelial tissue and muscular tissue of the vagina, vaginal pouch and penial complex show a similar pattern in B. t. tenagophila, B. t. guaibensis and B. occidentalis, except for the intermediate muscular layer of the prepuce, which distinguishes B. t. guaibensis from the other two taxa. Histological studies on the penial complex and vagina region of other Biomphalaria species are necessary to confirm the taxonomic value of these two regions, in order to contribute to the group’s systematics.

Biomphalaria tenagophila

This datasheet on Biomphalaria tenagophila covers Identity, Distribution.

Spatial analysis of areas at risk for schistosomiasis in the Alto Tietê Basin, São Paulo, Brazil

The present study identified locations with the presence of Biomphalaria and the areas at risk for Schistosoma mansoni, the etiological agent of schistosomiasis, in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo (MRSP), located in the Alto Tietê Basin (ATB), São Paulo, Brazil. The study area comprises floodplains of the Tietê River from its source, in Salesópolis, to Rasgão Dam, in Pirapora do Bom Jesus, covering 39 municipalities. Data from the planorbidic chart of the malacology laboratory of the Endemic Control Superintendence for 2008–2016 were used, as well as data from the notification forms of cases of human schistosomiasis in 2006–2015 made available by the Epidemiological Surveillance Groups of Mogi das Cruzes and Osasco, and by the Health and Surveillance Coordination of São Paulo. These data were used to generate maps of the distribution of Biomphalaria, of the scanning analysis, of the Gi statistics of the autochthonous and imported schistosomiasis cases, and of the flow of cases imported from other Brazilian states and municipalities in the state of São Paulo to the study area. A total of 21,618 specimens of the genus Biomphalaria were captured and six species were identified. Biomphalaria tenagophila was the predominant species in the region and of greatest epidemiological importance as it is the main responsible for the transmission of the disease in the state of São Paulo. A total of 3,623 cases of schistosomiasis were reported in the study area, and São Paulo and Guarulhos were the municipalities with the highest number of autochthonous and imported cases during the study period. The imported cases originated from 21 Brazilian states plus the Federal District and from 51 municipalities in São Paulo state located outside the study area. Autochthonous clusters with high risk for the occurrence of schistosomiasis were identified in the municipalities of São Paulo, Guarulhos, Santa Isabel/Mogi das Cruzes/Arujá, and Cotia/Itapevi. Clusters of imported cases were also identified in Itaquaquecetuba, at the border of Cotia/Itapevi and Suzano/São Paulo/Mogi das Cruzes. The presence of B. tenagophila in the ATB and in the clusters of autochthonous cases herein identified, although not carrying schistosome larvae, represents a risk for the transmission of infectious agents. The human population in the MRSP mainly occupies the lowlands of the Tietê River, which are locations with poor coverage of basic sanitation. Therefore, measures for the control and surveillance of schistosomiasis such as educational actions, improvements in basic sanitation, and the malacological and epidemiological monitoring of these areas are extremely important.

Risk clusters of Schistosoma mansoni infection in an endemic state of Brazil: space-time modelling and association with socio-economic and environmental factors.

We analysed the spatial distribution and the socio-economic and environmental factors (SEFs) associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection in the state of Alagoas, an important tourist area in northeastern Brazil. We conducted an ecological time-series study (2007-2016) on schistosomiasis cases and SEFs. We evaluated the temporal trends of schistosomiasis cases (annual percentage change [APC]) and their correlation with SEFs. Spatial analysis maps were built using QGIS and TerraView software. We observed that 4.9% of the municipalities had a high prevalence of S. mansoni infection and were located mainly in the coastal strip of Alagoas state. The positivity rate for schistosomiasis decreased during the period (8.1% in 2007 to 4.9% in 2016; APC=-5.71). There was a reduction in the number of tests performed (APC=-5.05). There was a negative correlation between S. mansoni infection and the municipal human development index (ρ=-0.34) and schooling rate (ρ=-0.24). The main species of snail was Biomphalaria glabrata (94.79%), but Biomphalaria straminea showed a higher percentage of S. mansoni detection (10.11%). Lastly, Biomphalaria tenagophila specimens were identified for the first time in Alagoas (n=28). Despite a reduction in the number of cases, intestinal schistosomiasis still represents a serious public health concern in Alagoas. It urgently requires planning and improvements in diagnosis, prevention programs and the state's socio-economic indicators.

Trematódeos emergentes de moluscos dulciaquícolas coletados em valas, no município de Peruíbe, estado de São Paulo, Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: Identify freshwater mollusks and trematode larvae from drainage ditches in the Municipality of Peruibe, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, and describe the morphology of emerged larvae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mollusks were collected from 53 ditches. In the laboratory, the specimens were morphologically identified, and parasitological analysis was carried out to determine and describe the larvae. RESULTS: 5,969 mollusks belonging to the families Planorbidae, Lymnaeidae, Physidae, Thiaridae, and Ampullariidae were collected. The parasitological analysis of the mollusks revealed nine different larvae corresponding to the following seven types of cercariae: xiphidio cercariae, echinostome cercariae, strigea cercariae, brevifurcate pharyngeate distome cercariae, brevifurcate apharyngeate distome cercariae, pleurolophocercous cercariae, and amphistome cercariae. Biomphalaria tenagophila (d'Orbigny, 1835) was susceptible to eight of the nine cercariae found, and six specimens of mollusks were parasitized by Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907. CONCLUSION: It is fundamental to establish malacological control and surveillance programs in vulnerable areas when mollusks, intermediate host of parasites of medical and veterinary importance, colonize these environments, especially when infected with S. mansoni larvae.

Field Application of NIR Spectroscopy for the Discrimination of the Biomphalaria Species That Are Intermediate Hosts of Schistosoma mansoni in Brazil.

Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a spectroscopic technique that evaluates the vibrational energy levels of the chemical bonds of molecules within a wavelength range of 750–2,500 nm. This simple method acquires spectra that provide qualitative and quantitative data on the chemical components of the biomass of living organisms through the interaction between the electromagnetic waves and the sample. NIRS is an innovative, rapid, and non-destructive technique that can contribute to the differentiation of species based on their chemical phenotypes. Chemical profiles were obtained by NIRS from three snail species (Biomphalaria glabrata, Biomphalaria straminea, and Biomphalaria tenagophila) that are intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni in Brazil. The correct identification of these species is important from an epidemiological viewpoint, given that each species has distinct biological and physiological characteristics. The present study aimed to develop a chemometric model for the interspecific and intra-specific classification of the three species, focusing on laboratory and field populations. The data were obtained from 271 live animals, including 150 snails recently collected from the field, with the remainder being raised in the laboratory. Populations were sampled at three localities in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, in the municipalities of Sumidouro (B. glabrata) and Paracambi (B. straminea), and the borough of Jacarepaguá in the Rio de Janeiro city (B. tenagophila). The chemometric analysis was run in the Unscrambler® software. The intra-specific classification of the field and laboratory populations obtained accuracy rates of 72.5% (B. tenagophila), 77.5% (B. straminea), and 85.0% (B. glabrata). The interspecific differentiation had a hit rate of 75% for the field populations and 80% for the laboratory populations. The results indicate chemical and metabolic differences between populations of the same species from the field and the laboratory. The chemical phenotype, which is closely related to the metabolic profile of the snails, varied between environments. Overall, the NIRS technique proved to be a potentially valuable tool for medical malacology, enabling the systematic discrimination of the Biomphalaria snails that are the intermediate hosts of S. mansoni in Brazil.

Invasion and Dispersal of Biomphalaria Species: Increased Vigilance Needed to Prevent the Introduction and Spread of Schistosomiasis.

Biological invasion is a matter of great concern from both public health and biodiversity perspectives. Some invasive snail species may trigger disease emergence by acting as intermediate hosts. The geographic distribution of Schistosoma mansoni depends on the presence of susceptible species of Biomphalaria freshwater snails that support the parasite's transformation into infective stages. Biomphalaria spp. have shown strong local and global dispersal capacities that may increase due to the global warming phenomenon and increases in the development of agricultural and water projects. Should intermediate hosts become established in new areas then this will create potential transmission foci. Examples of snail invasions that have had an impact on schistosomiasis transmission include the introduction of Biomphalaria tenagophila to Congo and B. glabrata to Egypt. The current spread of B. straminea in China is causing concern and needs to be monitored closely. An understanding of the mode of invasion and distribution of these snails as well as their experimental susceptibility to S. mansoni will predict the potential spread of schistosomiasis. Here we review the invasion patterns of Biomphalaria snails and factors that control their distribution and the impact that invasion may have on intestinal schistosomiasis transmission. In addition, we propose some possible surveillance responses for optimum control strategies and interventions. Whenever possible, swift action should be taken to contain any new occurrence of these intermediate snail hosts.

The life cycle of Magnivitellinum saltaensis n. sp. (Digenea: Alloglossidiidae) in Salta Province, Argentina.

We describe the alloglossiid trematode Magnivitellinum saltaensis n. sp., a parasite of the characiform fish Psalidodon endy, and its life cycle from Salta, northwest of Argentina. This is the first life cycle described for a species belonging to the genus Magnivitellinum. Cercariae emerged naturally from Biomphalaria tenagophila snails and infected experimentally exposed larvae of Diptera and Ephemeroptera as second intermediate hosts. These larvae in turn were exposed to commercially raised fish, and adults were recovered from characiform albino fish Gymnocorymbus ternetzi. Molecular analysis of natural and experimental adults showed the same genetic sequence for the partial region of 28S rDNA, thus confirming conspecificity. Comparison of these sequences with those published for M. simplex from Mexico showed 1.45% divergence, indicating that the specimens found in Salta belong to a different species, the third described of Magnivitellinum, in agreement with morphological data, geographical location, and host species composition. The new species is distinguished by its small body, vitelline follicles extending from the mid-level of the ventral sucker, Y-shaped excretory vesicle, and presence of papillae around the mouth.

Diversity of non-marine gastropods of the Fiocruz Atlantic Forest Biological Station and adjacents urban areas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.

Our main objective was to perform a preliminary survey of the non-marine gastropods at the Estação Biológica Fiocruz Mata Atlântica (EFMA) and its adjacent urban areas, also considering samples from other localities of the Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca received as donation, in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Infection by larval helminths of medical and veterinary importance was also investigated in 348 specimens of five freshwater species and two specimens of the terrestrial species Achatina fulica. In all, 584 samples of molluscs from 34 collection sites were obtained. They represented 31 species classified in 16 families. Fifteen species were exclusive to the EFMA area. In the urban area mainly exotic and/or synanthropic species were found. Some of them were found in the forest border as well. The freshwater Biomphalaria tenagophila, an intermediate host of the trematode that causes schistosomiasis mansoni, was found parasitized by Xiphidiocercarie cercariae and the Afro-asiatic Melanoides tuberculata by Pleurolophocercus cercaria. The finding of endemic and exotic species, including transmitters of parasites, demonstrate the importance of fast surveys such as the present study. However, considering the great diversity of endemic molluscs found in a relatively small part of the EFMA, we highlight the necessity of further additional studies.

Taxonomic diversity of Biomphalaria (Planorbidae) in São Paulo state, Brazil

Abstract: Morphological and molecular identifications were carried out for Biomphalaria occidentalis, Biomphalaria oligoza, Biomphalaria peregrina, Biomphalaria schrammi, Biomphalaria straminea and Biomphalaria tenagophila collected from 55 sites located along the upper basin of Tietê River in the Southeast Region of Brazil. Morphological analysis considered aspects of the shell, mantle, excretory organs and reproductive system. Molecular data included 122 sequences of Cytochrome C Oxidase I gene (COI). Our results showed that some shell characters, as well as other characters related to the mantle and the reproductive system, are fundamental for the identification of the six Biomphalaria species included in this study. The use of DNA barcoding together with morphological taxonomy generated more reliable results, proving to be a very useful approach, even for malacological surveillance services.

O Cálcio exógeno como biomarcador do uso de via metabólica alternativa por Biomphalaria spp (Mollusca, Planorbidae)


 
 
 
 Caramujos do gênero Biomphalaria são hospedeiros do parasito Schsitosoma mansoni, bem como, bioindicadores de qualidade ambiental. Esses caramujos usam carboidratos como fonte primária de energia e aminoácidos na síntese de “novo” de glicose, pela gliconeogênese. A concentração do Ca2+ exógeno afeta o metabolismo energético dos caramujos. Este estudo avaliou o uso de uma via metabólica alternativa por Biomphalaria tenagophila e B. glabrata expostas a 20, 40, 60, 80 e 100 mg/L de CaCO3, por 30 dias, a partir das concentrações de proteína totais, ureia, ácido úrico e creatinina, obtidas utilizando espectrofotômetro. Para cada grupo, foram utilizados quinze caramujos, dos quais foram obtidos amostras compostas de hemolinfa. De maneira geral, houve aumento de proteínas totais e redução de ureia, em ambas as espécies, expostas às maiores concentrações de CaCO3, comparado ao controle. O ácido úrico também aumentou para as duas espécies nas maiores concentrações de CaCO3. Maiores valores de creatinina foram observados em B. tenagophila e B. glabrata expostas, respectivamente, a 20 e 40 mg CaCO3. O uso de proteínas como substrato energético foi observado principalmente na exposição a 20 mg de CaCO3, além de particularidades na regulação de mecanismos fisiológicos pelas espécies como hospedeiras de S. mansoni.
 
 
 

The complete mitochondrial genome of invasive species Biomphalaria straminea (Planorbidae: Biomphalaria) and phylogenetic analysis

Biomphalaria straminea is an invasive species in China and is one of the intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni which results in the spread of schistosomiasis. Herein, we firstly report the complete mitochondrial genome of B. straminea. The full length of the mitochondrial genome is 13,652 bp. It consists of 37 typical animal mitochondrial genes, comprising 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes. The contents of each base in the complete mitochondrial genome are 33.28% A, 42.01% T, 10.85% C, and 13.87% G, with a high A + T content of 75.29%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the relationship of B. straminea and Biomphalaria tenagophila was more closed.

Genetic diversity of the freshwater snail Biomphalaria tenagophila (d’Orbigny, 1835) (Gastropoda: Hygrophila: Planorbidae) across two coastal areas of southeast Brazil

Genetic diversity of the freshwater snail Biomphalaria tenagophila (d’Orbigny, 1835) (Gastropoda: Hygrophila: Planorbidae) across two coastal areas of southeast Brazil

A survey of freshwater and terrestrial snails in a predominantly urban municipality of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, with emphasis on human parasites vectors.

ABSTRACTMany snail species act as intermediate hosts of helminths that transmit diseases to humans and animals, such as schistosomiasis and angiostrongyliasis. São Gonçalo, a mostly urban municipality in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, has undergone fundamental environmental impacts, which favor the establishment of a range of diseases, for which snails act as the intermediate hosts of the etiological agents. In the present study, freshwater and terrestrial snail populations were surveyed in different environments within five city districts, and the presence of helminths was determined in the collected specimens. A total of 287 individuals were collected, six species from freshwater environment, Pomacea sp. (Ampullariidae), Melanoides tuberculata (Thiaridae), Biomphalaria tenagophila (Planorbidae), Dysopeas muibum (Subulinidae), Physa marmorata, and Physa acuta (Physidae), and two from terrestrial environment, Achatina fulica (Achatinidae) and Bradybaena similaris (Bradybaenidae). Snails were found in only two districts, Centro, an urban area, and Ipiiba, a rural area. Thirteen percent of the specimens of A. fulica eliminated larvae of the nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis. None of the analyzed freshwater snails contained helminths.The most abundant and frequent snails were B. tenagophila, M. tuberculataand A. fulica, and the latter two species are exotic. The disturbance and degradation of natural areas adjacent to residential zones favor the proliferation of helminths, jeopardizing the local residents health. The abundance of A. fulica and B. tenagophila in the study area reinforces the need for a continuous and systematic monitoring of the snail fauna in this region.

Radula and Mandible of Biomphalaria (Planorbidae) of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: The radular apparatus of Biomphalaria occidentalis Paraense, 1981, Biomphalaria oligoza Paraense, 1971, Biomphalaria peregrina (d'Orbigny, 1835), Biomphalaria schrammi (Crosse, 1864) and Biomphalaria tenagophila (d'Orbigny, 1835) from the Metropolitan Region of Sao Paulo, Brazil were analyzed from Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs. The data support the usage of characters of central, lateral and intermediate teeth in the species identification of Biomphalaria. The use of SEM provided additional quantitative and structural details to radula descriptions, which are extremely important for elucidating the taxonomy of Biomphalaria species.