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

ABSTRACT

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