Digenean Larvae Research Articles

Digenean infections in snails (cercariae stage) in Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Foodborne zoonotic trematodiasis is a public health problem in many countries. A study on digenean larvae (cercariae stage) obtained from snails in all ten main small canals and two rice fields was carried out in Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam to identify the snail composition and digenean prevalence in snails. The snails were sampled in the dry season (January 2022) and the wet season (June 2022). In the ten canals, 23 snail species belonging to 16 genera, 10 families from the samplings were found; however, there were no cercariae in these 23 snail species. In the two rice fields, 11 snail species in 11 genera and 7 families were collected. In which, Bithynia siamensis in Ly Nhon rice field and Thiara scabra in Binh Khanh rice field infected xiphidio cercariae. For Bithynia siamensis, the prevalence in the dry season (5.6%) was higher than in the wet season (4.6%) (P > 0.05). In Binh Khanh rice field, only one Thiara scabra infected cercariae in the wet season. Further research on digenean infection in different months and in other water bodies in Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve should be done to contribute to the control of digeneans and reserve the biodiversity.

Friends or enemies: multi-species interactions among biofoulers, endoparasites, and their gastropod hosts.

Parasites are a crucial factor that shapes the functioning of communities throughout the world, as are gregarious macrofoulers in aquatic ecosystems. However, little is known about the effects of 3-way interactions between macrofoulers, endoparasites, and their hosts. We predict that macrofouling and parasite infection may act (i) independently of each other, (ii) synergistically, increasing their final negative impact on the host, or (iii) antagonistically, the former weakening the negative impact of the latter. We investigated multi-way relationships between an invasive freshwater filter-feeding macrofouler (the zebra mussel), digenean endoparasite, and their gastropod host, Viviparus viviparus. Furthermore, we checked the recruitment of mussels in living gastropods vs. their empty shells. We sampled living V. viviparus and their empty shells with attached dreissenids from a Polish dam reservoir. We counted and weighed attached mussels and determined wet weight, shell height, and sex of gastropods. Then we dissected the molluscs to look for digenean larvae and gastropod embryos. We use these parameters to look for reciprocal associations between mussel fouling, parasitic infection, and gastropod size and fertility, as well as to infer the most likely mechanisms of the observed relationships. Dreissenid overgrowth was associated with reduced fertility and size of viviparids, but also with a lower prevalence of digenean metacercariae (Leucochloridiomorpha sp.). We did not observe a negative influence of these digeneans on their gastropod hosts. In addition, large living viviparids and their empty shells were equally used as substrates by dreissenids, but small living gastropods were more fouled than shells of the corresponding size. A trade-off exists in the studied system: filter-feeding macrofoulers may bring some profits for their host, reducing the pressure of waterborne parasites (which may be crucial in the case of pathogenic species/life stages), though at the cost of the reduced growth and fertility of the host. Furthermore, mussels attached to mollusc hosts can exert a cascading effect on the reduced prevalence of digeneans in their final hosts, including those of medical or veterinary importance.

Neglected symbionts and other metazoan invertebrates associated with molluscs from Africa's largest lake: Diversity, biotic interactions and bioindication

Abstract Freshwater molluscs are hosts for diverse metazoan symbionts. However, apart from the digenean helminths, symbionts of molluscs are underreported worldwide. Therefore, this study focused on the diversity of oligochaetes, leeches, mites, insect larvae and nematodes associated with gastropods and bivalves from Lake Victoria, East Africa. Overall, 1,633 mollusc specimens representing 14 species were sampled from the Kenyan part of the lake. Each host specimen was examined to determine co‐occurrence of symbionts (including digeneans) and other metazoan invertebrates, and their microhabitat preferences on/in the hosts. In addition, prevalence and abundance of symbionts were compared for molluscs obtained from an unpolluted site, and sites that are eutrophic and polluted with heavy metals. In total, 33 species were recovered from the molluscs: six oligochaetes, four insects, two mites, two nematodes, one leech and 18 digeneans. The nematode Daubaylia potomaca, mite Unionicola macani, leech Batracobdelloides sp., oligochaetes Chaetogaster limnaei, Dero digitata, Aulophorus africanus, Allonais paraguayensis and Ophidonais serpentina, and gorgoderid digenean larvae are new records for Lake Victoria. Moreover, the genus Bratislavia (Oligochaeta) is reported for the first time in Africa. Our results show that parasitic mites and leeches were absent from mollusc specimens that harboured chironomids. Likewise, there was no co‐occurrence of C. limnaei, D. potomaca and digeneans, suggesting that antagonistic interactions occur between the symbionts. Although co‐occurrence of mites and digeneans in individual mollusc hosts was common, the symbionts occupied different microhabitats. This study shows that prevalence and intensities of U. macani and C. limnaei, were significantly higher in hosts from the unpolluted site, compared with the polluted sites. What is more, D. potomaca and trichopteran larvae, were recorded only from the unpolluted site. The distribution of the chironomid Kiefferulus chloronatus suggests their preference for sites that are rich in organic matter and their ability to tolerate pollution. Information on antagonistic interactions between symbionts might be applicable in biocontrol, especially of digenean species that have veterinary or medical importance. Finally, this study shows a potential for the use of U. macani, C. limnaei, D. potomaca and insect larvae as discriminators of the quality of aquatic habitats.

Unwanted ‘hitchhikers’ of ornamental snails: a case report of digeneans transported via the international pet trade

In the European Union, aquarium pets are organisms intended for closed places (e.g., pet shops, garden ponds, home aquariums). Until April 2021, regulations did not require veterinary inspection of these animals within the EU, although there is a potential risk of such organisms being released into the environment along with their symbiotes or parasites. Currently, a “disease-free” declaration is required, but no aquarium snail pathogen that needs attention in international trade has been included in the list of potential hazards. Here, we intended to check whether molluscs from the pet trade could be a source of parasites. We answered this question by using Anentome helena, a popular commodity in the ornamental pet industry, as a research model. Snail specimens were randomly collected from aquarium pet stocks imported from Bangkok (Thailand) to Warsaw (Poland) in March 2020. In total, three specimens were subjected to histological examination and 27 specimens were autopsied. Histological analysis revealed that one snail was infected with rediae (and the cercariae inside them). Our study is the first to show the presence of digenean larvae in A. helena originating from the ornamental pet industry. The spread of such “hitchhikers” in non-native areas will likely be associated with threats to environmental and public health. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly draw public attention to the possible consequences of releasing ornamental pets into the non-native environment.

Diversity of digenean trematode larvae in snails from Lake Victoria, Kenya: First reports and bioindicative aspects

This study investigated the occurrence of digenean trematode larvae in snails from the Kenyan part of Lake Victoria. The survey included caenogastropod snails that have received less focus in parasitological studies in Africa: their trematodes are largely unknown. Out of 1145 snail specimens, 149 (13.0%) were infected with Digenea. The highest prevalence (P) was recorded in Melanoides tuberculata (64.5%), followed by Pila ovata (15.4%), Radix natalensis (9.5%), Bulinus ugandae (9.1%), Bellamya unicolor (8.9%), Biomphalaria pfeifferi (7.3%) and Biomphalaria sudanica (4.4%). Morphological and molecular analyses revealed 17 digenean species. Contrary to reports of low diversity of Digenea in caenogastropods, P. ovata harboured 8 species – at least twice as many as in each of the pulmonates. The following taxa are reported for the first time in the Lake Victoria region: Haplorchis pumilio, Thapariella prudhoei, Nudacotyle sp., Renicola sp. and Bolbophorus sp. An unknown cercaria belonging to the genus Haematoloechus is reported from P. ovata: a xiphidiocercaria possessing a long sword-shaped stylet (47–71 µm) which does not match any available literature records. From this study, H. pumilio from M. tuberculata (P = 69.4%), Fasciola gigantica from R. natalensis (P = 1.9%) and Bolbophorus sp. from Bu. ugandae (P = 4.6%) are species of veterinary or medical importance. Snails from the study site with little direct anthropogenic influence had the highest prevalence and diversity of digenean larvae, indicating that environmental conditions influence trematode occurrence.

Different thermal conditions of lakes affect host–parasite systems: A case study of Viviparus contectus (Millet, 1813) and digenean trematodes

Abstract Thermal disturbance of aquatic ecosystems directly and/or indirectly affects interspecific interactions, including parasitism. Both hosts and parasites respond differently to environmental changes, thus, predicting how host–parasite systems behave under the influence of disturbance remains a challenge. The aim of the study was to check how the differences in thermal conditions of lakes affect life‐history traits of hosts and the level of parasitism, using a Viviparus contectus–digenean trematodes model. Overall, we examined 480 individuals of V. contectus collected from a thermally polluted lake (TPL) and a natural lake (NL). Host features, including body size and fecundity, as well as the prevalence and species richness of digenean trematodes in snail populations were investigated. We found that V. contectus from the TPL were significantly larger, heavier, and females were more fertile than snails collected from the NL. A total of 20.4% of the collected snails were infected with digenean larvae. The species richness of parasites was twice as high in the NL compared to the TPL (six and three species, respectively). A significant difference in the percentage of snails infected with parasites was identified between both types of lakes, with a higher prevalence of V. contectus in the NL (31.3%) compared to the TPL (7.3%). These results indicate that host–parasite systems follow the environmental changes in lakes due to thermal pollution by increasing fertility and metabolism rate of viviparid hosts and by decreasing the prevalence and diversity of digenean trematodes.

Identification assisted by molecular markers of larval parasites in two limpet species (Patellogastropoda: Nacella) inhabiting Antarctic and Magellan coastal systems

In the Southern Ocean, many parasites of vertebrates (mainly helminth groups) have been recognized as endemic species, but parasites of marine invertebrates remain almost unknown. It is reasonable to assume that digenean larvae will parasitize gastropods, bivalves, amphipods, and annelids, the usual first and second intermediate hosts for those parasites. Here, using an identification assisted by molecular markers, we report the Digenea species parasitizing the most abundant limpet species inhabiting ice-free rocky intertidal and subtidal zones of the Southern Ocean, viz. Nacella concinna from the Antarctic and Nacella deaurata from the Magellan region. The limpets harbored larval Digenea (two metacercariae and one sporocyst). Phylogenetic analysis based on the multilocus tree supported the hypothesis that N. concinna is parasitized by a species of Gymnophallidae, whereas the limpet N. deaurata is parasitized by Gymnophalloides nacellae and a species of Renicolidae. In addition, differences in prevalence and intensity were also recorded between the two compared host species and also from other congeneric species. This new knowledge in parasite species in marine invertebrates from the Southern Ocean reveals the presence of a particular parasite fauna and confirms the utility of molecular tools to identify biodiversity still scarcely known.

Atypical lesions and infection sites of larval trematodes in marine gastropods from Argentina

This study documents the lesions caused by 9 digenean larvae parasitizing 6 marine gastropod species from Patagonia, Argentina. Most digeneans produce a lesion where the parthenitae replace the gonadal tissues and also occupy part of the digestive gland. Three atypical lesions and tropism were observed in (1) Trophon geversianus (Muricidae) infected by Renicolidae gen. et sp. 1, where the sporocysts occur inside the gonad acini which retain their general structure due to the persistence of the acinus wall, (2) Nacella magellanica (Nacellidae) infected by Renicolidae gen. et sp. 2, where the gonad is not affected and the sporocysts are located only among the digestive gland tubules, and (3) Siphonaria lessonii (Siphonariidae) infected by Schistosomatidae gen. et sp., where fully developed cercariae occur inside the digestive tubules. At high infection intensities or in double infections, larvae can invade other organs (mantle, foot or gill) and, on occasion, may elicit hemocytic encapsulation.

Identification and functional characterization of thioredoxin-related protein of 14 kDa in Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum

Oncomelania hupensis is the unique intermediate host of the blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum, which causes schistosomiasis. In snails, highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be continually generated by hemocytes in response to foreign particles or pathogens, and may be involved in damaging and eliminating digenean larvae. Thioredoxin-related protein of 14 kDa (TRP14) is a member of the Trx superfamily, and plays an important role in the scavenging of ROS. This study was designed to identify and characterize TRP14 from O. hupensis (OhTRP14), and investigate the involvement of OhTRP14 in the scavenging of ROS in snail host immune response to the parasite S. japonicum. Here we expressed and purified the recombinant OhTRP14 and its mutant, and rOhTRP14 displayed oxidoreductase activity dependent on the CPDC motif. OhTRP14 protein was ubiquitously present in all the tested snail tissues, and especially immunolocalized in the cytoplasm of immune cell types (hemocytes). Both the expression of OhTRP14 and ROS level increased significantly in snails following challenge with S. japonicum. The dsRNA-mediated knockdown of OhTRP14 was successfully conducted by oral feeding, and ROS production was increased by OhTRP14 knockdown, implying that OhTRP14 was involved in the scavenging of ROS in O. hupensis circulating hemocytes. Therefore, we conclude that OhTRP14 may be involved in the scavenging of ROS in snail host immune response to the parasite S. japonicum. The results expand our understanding of the interaction between this parasite and host, and lay a foundation for the establishment of Oncomelania-schistosome infection models.

Association of Aquatic worms and infected snails with Digenean larvae

Six species of aquatic snails were sorted from three sites, the irrigation canal of Baghdad University campus (S1), River Tigris at Al-Za'afaraniah district / Baghdad(S2) , and River Euphrates at Al-Haideriah district Al-Najaf province(S2). The species included Melanopsis nodosa ;Melanoides tuberculata ; Thaiodaxsas jordani ; Lymnaea auricularia ; Physa acuta and Bellamya bengalensis. The first specis recorded the highest total number and was found in high density in the R. Euphrates site (S3), while the last species was the most widely distributed species, and found in all study sites. The last three species were found in Tigris river (S2) , while the first and last species were collected from the irrigation canal (S1).The result revealed that the species M. nodosa, M. tuberculata and L. auricularia were infected with Digenean larval stages, and the first species recorded the highest infection percentage of 60.04%, and the lowest percentage of 5.70% was recorded in L. auriculari , while M. tuberculata recorded a percentage of 38.98%.The oligochaetes Chaetogaster limnaei was sorted from the mantle cavity of L. auriculari and P. acuta, and it was noted that the first species accommodated more worms numbers than the second species. Twelve Species of family Naididae worms (subfamily Naidinae and subfamily Pristininae) , in addition to Aeolosoma leidyi of family Aeolosomatidae were sorted from the specific aquarium of each snail species. The leech Glossiphonia heteroclite was also recorded. The Nematodes worms were recorded the highest number sorted from the aquarium of L.auricularia, which are the most associate species, and 10 species of 49 individuals of worms were sorted from its aquarium, specially Dero ( Dero)digitata. In general, the infected snails, M. nodusa, M. tuberculata, and L. auricularia showed the highest association with worms, and from their aquaria 48, 37 , and 49 individuals of worms . with a number of 8,3, and 18 species respectively.

Association of Aquatic worms and infected snails with Digenean larvae

Six species of aquatic snails were sorted from three sites, the irrigation canal of Baghdad University campus (S1), River Tigris at Al-Za'afaraniah district / Baghdad(S2) , and River Euphrates at Al-Haideriah district Al-Najaf province(S2). The species included Melanopsis nodosa ;Melanoides tuberculata ; Thaiodaxsas jordani ; Lymnaea auricularia ; Physa acuta and Bellamya bengalensis. The first specis recorded the highest total number and was found in high density in the R. Euphrates site (S3), while the last species was the most widely distributed species, and found in all study sites. The last three species were found in Tigris river (S2) , while the first and last species were collected from the irrigation canal (S1).The result revealed that the species M. nodosa, M. tuberculata and L. auricularia were infected with Digenean larval stages, and the first species recorded the highest infection percentage of 60.04%, and the lowest percentage of 5.70% was recorded in L. auriculari , while M. tuberculata recorded a percentage of 38.98%.The oligochaetes Chaetogaster limnaei was sorted from the mantle cavity of L. auriculari and P. acuta, and it was noted that the first species accommodated more worms numbers than the second species. Twelve Species of family Naididae worms (subfamily Naidinae and subfamily Pristininae) , in addition to Aeolosoma leidyi of family Aeolosomatidae were sorted from the specific aquarium of each snail species. The leech Glossiphonia heteroclite was also recorded. The Nematodes worms were recorded the highest number sorted from the aquarium of L.auricularia, which are the most associate species, and 10 species of 49 individuals of worms were sorted from its aquarium, specially Dero ( Dero)digitata. In general, the infected snails, M. nodusa, M. tuberculata, and L. auricularia showed the highest association with worms, and from their aquaria 48, 37 , and 49 individuals of worms . with a number of 8,3, and 18 species respectively.

Digenean larvae parasitizing Ruditapes decussatus (Bivalvia) from Tunisianan coasts

Summary Eleven species of trematode larvae (sporocysts and cercariae of Bucephalus labracis Paggi et Orecchia, 1965 and Cercaria lata Lespes, 1857 and metacercariae of Acanthoparyphium sp. Dietz , 1909, Caecincola parvulus Marshall et Gilbert, 1905, Curtuteria australis Allison, 1979, Gymnophallus fossarum Bartoli, 1965, Gymnophallus rebecqui Bartoli, 1983, Lepocreadium pegorchis Stossich, 1901, Parazoogonus sp. Looss, 1901, Psilostomum brevicolle Creplin, 1829 and Robphildollfusium fractum Rudolphi, 1819) were found in the clam (Ruditapes decussatus) from Tunisian coasts. A part from B. labracis and Cercaria lata, the other trematode species were recorded for the first time in Tunisia. The examination of the frequency of recorded parasites reveals some monthly variation. This variation is statistically significant by comparing the sampling sites. These results indicate that more frequent parasites (G. fossarum, Cercaria lata, Curtuteria australis and Acanthoparyphium sp.) could be considered as biological indicators making it possible to predict the capture localities of the clams.

Digenean larvae--the cause and beneficiaries of the changes in host snails' thermal behavior.

Parasite-induced changes in host’s thermal preferences not only can be interpreted as a physiological defense response of the host but also can represent a pathological manifestation of the parasite. Both may become established in host-parasite relationships if they are beneficial for at least one of the counterparts. This study investigates parasite-induced changes in the thermoregulatory behavior of first intermediate hosts of Digenea (i.e. Lymnaea stagnalis and Planorbarius corneus), infected with Notocotylidae or Echinostomatidae larvae. The investigated parasite species developed different transmission strategies outside the body of a snail, which may imply a different effect on the behavior of their hosts. Notocotylus attenuatus in L. stagnalis and Notocotylus ephemera in P. corneus produce symptoms of anapyrexia, prolonging the lifespan of their hosts. By contrast, Echinoparyphium aconiatum in L. stagnalis and Echinostoma spiniferum in P. corneus interfere with defensive thermoregulatory behavior of host snails, causing their accelerated death. The results of laboratory research indicate that thermal preferences of the snails infected with all investigated trematodes facilitate the transmission of the parasites in environment.

Total protein and carbohydrate content and protease and disaccharidase activities in the hemolymph of Lymnaea stagnalis naturally infected with digenean larvae

Lymnaea stagnalis is an intermediate host of many Digenea. The infestation affects host metabolism. The aim of the work was to investigate hemolymph biochemical indicators of L. stagnalis infected with four species of trematodes: Diplostomum pseudospathaceum, Paryphostomum radiatum, Plagiorchis elegans or Opisthioglyphe ranae. The protein profiles and proteinase activity in the hemolymph of sexually mature individuals of Lymnaea stagnalis maintained at 19°C were tested. As the carbohydrates are main substrates for energetic metabolism of the great pond snail their content and disaccharidase activity were also studied. Hemolymph samples were collected during weeks 3 and 4 of rearing. No significant differences in the total protein content between uninfected individuals and snails infected with the first three trematode species were detected. In the snails infected with O. ranae the quantity of total proteins was near twice higher than in those uninfected. A higher share of 70 kDa proteins in infected than in uninfected snails as well as reduction of the low molecular weight fractions of proteins for snails infected with D. pseudospathaceum and P. radiatum were detected. During week 3, carbohydrate content in the infected snails did not differ from that in the controls while during week 4 it was significantly lower in snails infected with P. elegans or O. ranae. The content of the major soluble carbohydrate in the hemolymph - saccharose — changed in a similar way. No activity of trypsin or pepsin in the hemolymph sample was detected while the activity of chymotrypsin was lower in infected snails vs. controls. On the other hand, saccharase and maltase activities were higher in infected than in uninfected snails. The biochemical hemolymph indicators in naturally infected host-snails show some differences depending on the parasite species but they are not sufficiently species-specific to offer the basis for establishing the model unique for a particular parasitosis. Our results from the field did not always coincide with those from the laboratory.

Histopathological study for evaluation of trematode larval infection in the carpet shell clam, Tapes decussatus, from three Egyptian clam fisheries

A histopathological evaluation of the carpet shell clam, Tapes decussatus collected from three Egyptian clam fisheries [El-Max (Alexandria), Timsah Lake (Ismailia) and Ezbet El-Borg (Damietta)] was conducted over a twelve months period (December 2010–November 2011). Total of 2160 clams (shell length=17–51.5mm) were examined for infection with trematode larvae. Smear preparations and histopathological examination (n=30 and 30/site/month, respectively) showed maximum prevalence (% clams infected) of 81% and 65% in Timsah Lake in May and April, respectively. Maximum infection intensity (% area of transverse tissue section occupied by parasites, n=60 slides examined per site) was observed in the May samples of Timsah (78%), followed by El-Max (45%). Infection prevalence and intensity differences among sites were insignificant but differed significantly with season (P<0.05) with maximum value in spring. Infection prevalence and intensity were significantly higher in females than in males (31.4% and 16.9%, respectively) and were synchronized with the spawning season. Digenean larvae caused a wide range of damage to clam gonads. Castration occurred in 15.1% of clams due to heavy infection and led to reproductive failure during spawning trials. Infection intensity increased with clam size (more in clams ⩾31.9mm SL with ripe gonads).

Testing the enemy release hypothesis: trematode parasites in the non-indigenous Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum

The present study tested the ‘Enemy Release Hypothesis’ (ERH) which states that the success of an introduced species is related to the scarcity of natural enemies in the introduced range compared with the native range. Digeneans are dominant macroparasites of molluscs; therefore, the interaction between R. philippinarum and these parasites was ideal for investigation. A two-year monitoring in Arcachon Bay (SW France) was performed to estimate digenean loads in R. philippinarum and in three infaunal native bivalves (R. decussatus, Paphia aurea, Cerastoderma edule). A laboratory experiment allowed comparison of infection success among these bivalves (except P. aurea) by generalist digenean larvae (Himasthla elongata cercariae). R. philippinarum digenean abundance in Arcachon Bay was much lower than in native bivalves, with values depending on species, sites and time. Similarly, mean digenean species richness per host individual was always lower in R. philippinarum than in sympatric bivalves. A comparison of digenean metacercariae abundance between R. decussatus and C. edule in Mundaka Estuary (Spain) showed that both species had similar digenean loads but that R. decussatus was depleted in digenean species encysting in host tissues (the non-gymnophallid species). Experimental infection confirmed that the two species of the genus Ruditapes (and not R. philippinarum only) were resistant to encysting digeneans, with an infection success 3–5 times lower than that of C. edule. The lack of infection that was observed in the field would therefore be the consequence of a tissue barrier, R. philippinarum epithelium being too tough for cercariae penetration. Concordantly, according to the literature, digenean infection in the native range of R. philippinarum is also low. Consequently, the ERH, as an explanation for R. philippinarum success in Europe, is not totally consistent in the case of digenean trematodes as enemies, R. philippinarum hosting low load of digeneans in its native as well as colonized range.

Occurrence of digenean larvae in freshwater snails in the Ruvu basin, Tanzania

A survey was carried out on digenean larvae infecting freshwater snails in five habitats in Dar es Salaam, Ruvu and Morogoro. 9424 snails belonging to 12 species from five families were examined for digenean infection from July 1996 – June 1997. 20 morphologically distinguishable cercariae were recovered. Multiple infections were not recorded. While the general prevalence of digeneans in snails was low (3.5%), variations occurred between seasons, among habitats and snail host species. Prevalence was high during the dry season but low in the rain season. Among habitats, highest prevalence was recorded at Kinondoni pond and lowest at Ruvu ponds, and was highest in Lymnaea natalensis followed by Bulinus tropicus but was lowest in Bulinus nasutus. Tanzania Journal of Science Vol. 31 (2) 2005: pp. 23-30

DIFFERENCES IN SHELL SHAPE OF NATURALLY INFECTED LYMNAEA STAGNALIS (L.) INDIVIDUALS AS THE EFFECT OF THE ACTIVITY OF DIGENETIC TREMATODE LARVAE

The shells of Lymnaea stagnalis show great morphological variability. This phenomenon has been described as the result of an environmental influence. The main object of the present study was to compare some biometric data from shells of naturally infected and uninfected snails from 25 different lakes in the central part of Poland. The height of the shell, the height of the spiral, and the width of the shell were measured. Some inter- and intrapopulation differences among individuals were found. Greater variability of shell shape was observed among snails parasitized with digenean larvae than in nonparasitized ones. Snails infected with Echinoparyphium aconiatum, Echinostoma revolutum, Diplostomum pseudospathaceum, and Opisthioglyphe ranae differed in shell shape compared with uninfected individuals. Snails infected with Plagiorchis elegans did not differ from uninfected individuals. The same was true of snails in which the commensal oligochaete, Chaetogaster limnei, was found. The results of the present study support the assumption that the deformation of shells of the snails under study was in some way influenced by the presence of certain species of digenetic trematodes.

The occurrence of digenean larvae in freshwater snails at Mbezi-Temboni pond, Dar es Salaam.

The abundance of digenean larvae in snails at a pond in Mbezi-Temboni, Dar es Salaam, was investigated from July 1996 to June 1997. A total of 2,112 snails belonging to three species, Bulinus globosus Morelet 1866, Bulinus forskalii Ehrenberg 1869, and Melanoides tuberculata Muller 1774 were examined, and 28 (1.3%) were found infected by four species of digenean trematodes. Trematodes were recovered only from Bulinus species; none of the examined M. tuberculata was infected. B. globosus was infected by Schistosoma haematobium Bilharz 1852 (1.14%), unidentified furcocercous cercariae (0.4%), and echinostome cercariae (0.76%). B. forskalii was infected by echinostome cercariae (0.25%) only, Generally, prevalence of digenean larvae in their host snails was very low and varied with the seasons. Variation of prevalence with the seasons was probably influenced by factors such as rainfall, population dynamics of host, and temporal availability of definitive hosts. Furthermore, S. haematobium and echinostome cercariae from B. globosus occurred alternately but not concurrently, suggesting a possible presence of intramolluscan competition. Tanzania Journal of Science Volume 27A (Special Issue) 2001, pp. 57-64

A Comparative Study of Mechanisms Underlying Digenean-Snail Specificity: In vitro Interactions between Hemocytes and Digenean Larvae

A Comparative Study of Mechanisms Underlying Digenean-Snail Specificity: In vitro Interactions between Hemocytes and Digenean Larvae