Biomphalaria alexandrina

About: Biomphalaria alexandrina is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 413 publications have been published within this topic receiving 3781 citations.

Prevalence of Schistosomiasis and dynamics of its distribution in some villages in Qalyoubia Governorate.

Abstract: A total of 1535 persons of different age, sex and occupation from 5 villages (Tanan, El-Sad, Sandiun, Kalama and Taha-nob) in Qalyoubia Governorate in Nile Delta were subjected to clinical, stool, urine and intradermal tests accompanied by a questionnaire for 500 of them Snail vectors of Schistosome parasites were collected from 2 villages (El-Sad and Taha-nob) and snail densities in the waterways as well as the prevalence rate of infection with schistosomal cercariae were recorded The results revealed that the average prevalence rate of Schistosoma haematobium in the 5 cillages was 49% (range 23% - 71%) and that of S mansoni was 133% (range 114-144%) The overall prevalence of both types was 182% (range 137-214%) The average density of Biomphalaria alexandrina in the 2 village was 1647% and that of Bulinus truncatus was 75%, the ratio was 2:1 The infectivity with schistosomal cercariae was very low with an average of 25% in B Alexandrina and 15% in B truncatus Factors responsible for the decreased rates of schistosomiasis and snail infectivity were discussed

Inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme associated with anaerobic respiration in schistosomiasis intermediate host snails.

Abstract: Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme (LD5) which is associated with anaerobic respiration was inhibited to a certain degree in Biomphalaria alexandrina snails, the intermediate host for Schistosoma mansoni. Urea and thiourea were used as inhibitors. The effect of LD5 inhibition on the mortality rate of infected Biomphalaria alexandrina snails and on the susceptibility of the snails to the trematode infection was also studied.

Laboratory study on the molluscicidal effect of Earth Tec: an environmentally responsible copper sulfate product.

Abstract: Studies were carried out, under laboratory conditions to evaluate the molluscicidal activity of Earth Tec on Biomphalaria alexandrina snails, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni. Earth Tec is an environmentally responsible copper sulfate product manufactured and marketed as an algicide/bactericide with an active ingredient form of copper ion (Cu++). A single application, of 1 ppm of copper equivalent, for 24 hours caused 100% mortality rate of the snails. Exposure for 48 hours to 1 ppm and 2 weeks to 0.25 ppm caused mortality rates of 84% and 100% respectively. It was concluded that this chemical compound is a promising molluscicide. Field studies are ongoing and will be published in due time.

Potential Correlation between Carboxylic Acid Metabolites in Biomphalaria alexandrina Snails after Exposure to Schistosoma mansoni Infection

Abstract: Carboxylic acids play an important role in both aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways of both the snail and the parasite. Monitoring the effects of infection by schistosome on Biomphalaria alexandrina carboxylic acids metabolic profiles represents a promising additional source of information about the state of metabolic system. We separated and quantified pyruvic, fumaric, malic, oxalic, and acetic acids using ion-suppression reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to detect correlations between these acids in both hemolymph and digestive gland gonad complex (DGG's) samples in a total of 300 B. alexandrina snails (150 infected and 150 controls) at different stages of infection. The results showed that the majority of metabolite pairs did not show significant correlations. However, some high correlations were found between the studied acids within the control group but not in other groups. More striking was the existence of reversed correlations between the same acids at different stages of infection. Some possible explanations of the underlying mechanisms were discussed. Ultimately, however, further data are required for resolving the responsible regulatory events. These findings highlight the potential of metabolomics as a novel approach for fundamental investigations of host-pathogen interactions as well as disease surveillance and control.