Schistosomiasis research at the Blair Research Institute - Annual report - 1991

ABSTRACT

Genetic studies on some schistosome intermediate host snails in Zimbabwe were carried out. The variation in enzyme; electrophoresis patterns and chromosome numbers of snails from different geographical areas were examined. From the data collected and partial analysis of the electrophoresis data; there was no evidence suggesting the existence of more than one species (Balinus globosus) in the studied areas. The chromosome preparations observed did not show any variations in chromosome numbers (n = 18); although eliminating the existence of polyploidy it does not clarify which members of the B. tropicus/truncatus exists in Matabeleland (B. tropicus and/or B. tropicus) hence further research is needed; possibly using Biotechnological techniques