In vitro Studies on the Effects of Cercariae Shedding (Schistosoma Parasitosis) on Fecundity, Hatchability and Longevity of Bulinus globosus

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is considered the second most prevalent worldwide parasitic disease ranked next to malaria. Bulinus globosus is one of the intermediate hosts for Schistosoma haematobium. Aim: This research work investigated the effects of cercariae shedding (schistosoma parasitosis) on fecundity, hatchability, and longevity of Bulinus globosus in vitro. Study Design/Methodology: One hundred snail eggs were hatched and grown in vitro. Fifty (50) were infected with miracidia while fifty (50) were treated as control. Observations were made on cercariae shedding, fecundity, hatchability and longevity of the snails. Results: The result shows significance difference in the longevity rate between infected and control snails in their offspring’s P<0.05. There was also high fecundity rate in control snails (84%). Hatchability rate was recorded higher in infected snails (97.2%). Conclusion: The mortality rate of infected snails was observed to increase with shedding of cercariae. It is therefore recommended that prospective control programmes should aim at incorporating the control of snails and associated cercariae shedding to help sustain the gains made through chemotherapy. Greater efforts should also be placed on reducing environmental contamination by improvement of local water sanitation and hygiene.