INFLUENCE OF NON-TARGET MOLLUSCS ON THE GROWTH OF BIOMPHALARIA GLABRATA INFECTED WITH SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI: CORRELATION BETWEEN GROWTH AND CERCARIAL PRODUCTION

Abstract

The presence of non-target molluscs (nine species tested) resulted in a significant enhancement of the growth of Biomphalaria glabrata infected with Schistosoma mansoni. A positive significant correlation was found between the mean final shell diameter of B. glabrata and the total cercarial production of S. mansoni. Two hypotheses on the mechanisms implied in these interactions are proposed.