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The influence of physical factors on the behaviour and infectivity of miracidia of Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium II. Effect of light and depth*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2009

S. K. Prah  and
C. James
S. K. Prah
Affiliation:
Dept. of Medical Helminthology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Winches Farm Field Station, St. Albans, Herts
C. James
Affiliation:
Dept. of Medical Helminthology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Winches Farm Field Station, St. Albans, Herts
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Abstract

A striking was difference was found in the responses of Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium miracidia to the intensity and direction of light and to gravity. S. mansoni miracidia were found to be positively phototactic and sensitive to small changes in light intensities. They were indifferent to gravity. S. haematobium miracidia however were negatively phototactic and unable to distinguish low light intensities from darkness. They showed a strong positive geotaxis.

Both S. mansoni and S. haematobium miracidia could successfully find and infect snails to a depth of 2 metres of water: the significance of these findings in relation to transmission of schistosomiasis in the field is discussed.

Type
Research Papers
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 52 , Issue 2 , June 1978 , pp. 115 - 120
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

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References

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