Potential effect of Allium cepa and Allium sativum on haemolymph of Biomphalaria alexandria, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni

Biomphalaria alexandrina were fed on either Allium cepa or A. sativum to study their effects on some biochemical parameters such as total proteins, free amino acids and liver enzymes [ALT, ALP and AST] on egg laying activity of the snails. The results revealed that ALP was highly significantly reduced in haemolymph of snails that fed on their Allium cepa or A. sativum. Also, ALT and AST were highly significantly reduced in haemolymph of snails that were fed on A. cepa while those fed on A. sativum showed no change in ALT activity and a high significant increase in AST activity. Total proteins were significantly decreased in haemolymph of all treated snails whereas variations in free amino acids contents were also observed. The reproductive activity of snails fed on either Allium cepa or A. sativum was highly affected. In addition, growth rate of newly hatched snails fed on either A. cepa or A. sativum was affected. Exposure of snails to water containing either A. cepa or A. sativum caused snail toxicity which may result from alterations in the snails habitat

Bait formulations from freshwater algae containing a potent molluscicide for control of schistosomiasis

Since freshwater algae are considered as naturally occurring dietery requirement for Biomphalaria alexandrina snails in their habitat, their content of proteins, amino acids and fatty acids were determined to elucidate the role of these materials as essential diets for adult snails and for their reproduction. Algae were used for preparation of bait formulations containing different concentrations of a potent molluscicide [baylucide] and the behavioural responses of snails towards these formulations were studied using clear plastic container bioassay. Efficacy of the desired bait formulations for control of snails was discussed. The present results revealed that snails showed more efficiency in locating bait formulations with low concentrations of the molluscicide. Moreover, the results pointed out that bait concentrations of the formulations technique using naturally occurring materials represents an efficient means for snail control

Effect of the plants frenkania hirsuta and withania somnifera on biologiccal and physiological activities of biomphalaria Alexandria snails

The present study was designed to investigate Frenkania hirsuta and Withania somnifera as molluscicides of plant origin against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails. Bait formulations technique was used in this study in order to produce a considerable reduction of these molluscan hosts with minimal adverse effect on the environment. Efficacy of the prepared bait and behavioral responses of snails towards these formulations were studied by using clear plastic container bioassay. Their effect on fecundity and hatchability of snail's eggs were also investigated. Moreover, the effect of these bait formulations on some biochemical parameters [DNA, RNA, Proteins and Fatty acids] of snail's haemolymph was elucidated. The results revealed that both Frenkania hirsuta and Withania somnifera caused disturbances in the chemical structure of nucleic acids, proteins and fatty acids, besides being toxic to the snail hosts. This also, influenced the spread of these hosts as reflected by the changes in snail reproduction rates