Effect of UV-irradiation, gamma irradiation and praziquantel on infected biomphalaria alexandrina snails

ABSTRACT

Schistosomiasis control represent the main target of many research programs allover the world. Effect of physical [UV- and gamma irradiation] as well as chemical [PZQ] treatments on infected laboratory bred Biomphalaria alexandrina snails was studied. Gamma irradiation and PZQ treatment induced high rate of mortality than UV-irradiated and non treated control snails. The cercarial production was severely reduced as a result of UV-, gamma-irradiation and PZQ treatment. Pre-patent period was significantly increased in gamma-irradiated and PZQ-treated groups than UV-irradiated and control groups. Gamma irradiation and PZQ treatment showed severe effects on hermaphrodite gland and cercariae. Trials of experimental infection in Swiss albino mice revealed that low rate of infection [9.7% and 1.3%] was induced by cercarial shedding from UV-irradiated and PZQ- treated snails, respectively. Whereas, cercarial production of gamma- irradiated snails failed to induce infection in Swiss mice