Effects of double infection with Echinostoma liei and Schistosoma mansoni on hemoglobin content and circulating hemocytes in the hemolymph of the host snail Biomphalaria Alexandria

ABSTRACT

Three groups of hemocyte cells were identified in the hemolymph of B. alexandrina snails. These are granulocytes, hyalinocytes and undifferentiated [round] cells. Granulocytes are most common. Exposure of B. alexandrina to S. mansoni and E. Liei miracidia significantly increased the number of circulating hemocytes in one-week post miracidial exposure. Meanwhile, the increase in cell number counted at two and three weeks post exposure was not statistically significant. The percentage of hemocyte categories were changed in the exposed groups of snails one week and two-weeks post exposure. In one week post exposure group, snails had significantly higher percentages of undifferentiated cells than controls. While, in two weeks post miracidial exposure group, the percentage of granulocytes significantly increased. Infection of B. alexandrina with S. mansoni and E. liei significantly reduced the hemoglobin content in their hemolymph during first-, second and third weeks post miracidial exposure