Changes in the reproductive biology of Biomphalaria glabrata experimentally infected with the nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

Abstract

This study showed for the first time changes in the reproductive biology of Biomphalaria glabrata experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. The values of all the parameters analyzed (total number of eggs, number of egg masses, number of eggs/mass, number of eggs/snail, percentage of viable eggs and galactogen content in albumen gland) changed with progressive infection. The results indicate the occurrence of partial parasitic castration of B. glabrata by A. cantonensis larvae, probably in response to the depletion of energy reserves, with no injuries to the gonadal tissues.

• Authors: Vinícius Menezes Tunholi-Alves, Victor Menezes Tunholi, Danilo Lustrino, Ludimila Santos Amaral, Silvana Carvalho Thiengo, Jairo Pinheiro
• Journal: Journal of invertebrate pathology (J Invertebr Pathol) Vol. 108 Issue 3 Pg. 220-3 (Nov 2011) ISSN: 1096-0805 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21925506 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Galactans
• galactogen

Topics

• Angiostrongylus cantonensis (physiology)
• Animals
• Biomphalaria (parasitology, physiology)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Galactans (metabolism)
• Parasite Egg Count
• Pest Control, Biological (methods)
• Reproduction (physiology)
• Strongylida Infections (physiopathology)