Interaction between the Intermediate Host of Schistosomiasis in Brazil Biomphalaria glabrata (Planorbidae) and a Possible Competitor Melanoides tuberculata (Thiaridae): I. Laboratory Experiments

Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz

Alexandre Giovanelli²  Marcus Vinícius Vieira¹  Cesar Luiz Pinto Ayres Coelho Da Silva² 

[1] ,Fiocruz Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Departamento de BiologiaRio de Janeiro RJ ,Brasil

关键词: Biomphalaria glabrata;    Melanoides tuberculata;    competition;    schistosomiasis;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S0074-02762002000300016

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

The biological control of Biomphalaria glabrata, intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, is one the accepted options to fight schistosomiasis. One of the most promising candidates to control B. glabrata is the snail Melanoides tuberculata, a potential competitor. However, the mechanisms of interaction between the two species are not clear. Our objective is to determine if M. tuberculata indeed compete with B. glabrata, using two laboratory experiments. In Experiment 1, we tested the effect of the presence of M. tuberculata on the fecundity and mortality rates of B. glabrata. In Experiment 2, we tested if there was a direct or indirect interaction between the two species. In Experiment 1, M. tuberculata was eliminated after the peak in reproductive activity of B. glabrata. In Experiment 2, B. glabrata produced more egg masses when raised with M. tuberculata. The conditions leading to this unexpected positive effect of M. tuberculata on the fecundity of B. glabrata need further clarification, but emphasize that detailed studies of the interaction between these species in the conditions of the local environment should be considered.

【 授权许可】

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