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The effect of variations in host and parasite density on the level of parasitization of Lymnaea truncatula by Fasciola hepatica

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

R. A. Wilson  and
Susan L. Taylor
R. A. Wilson
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO1 5DD
Susan L. Taylor
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO1 5DD
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Summary

Groups of the snail Lymnaea truncatula, maintained at a range of spatial densities, were exposed to different densities of miracidia of Fasciola hepatica. The resulting degree of parasitization was measured 3–4 weeks after infection. The relationship between parasite densities and parasitization appeared to be curvilinear. The lower than expected parasitization at high parasite densities could be explained by the multiple infection of some snails by two or more miracidia.

The level of parasitization was not related exponentially to the temperature at which infection was carried out. This was thought to be due to the inverse relationship between miracidial longevity and swimming speed, with respect to temperature. A depth of free water overlying a mud surface was an absolute requirement for miracidia to successfully infect snails.

Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 76 , Issue 1 , February 1978 , pp. 91 - 98
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

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