On the distribution of schistosome infections among host snails

Int J Parasitol. 1990 May;20(3):325-7. doi: 10.1016/0020-7519(90)90147-f.

Abstract

The distribution of Schistosoma haematobium infections in a population of Bulinus globosus snails collected from a field site in Zimbabwe is described. Cercariae of both sexes emerged from a proportion of patent infected snails, as was demonstrated by the detection of paired schistosomes in hamsters each exposed to cercariae from a single snail. These snails must have been infected by two or more miracidia. Analysis showed that the proportion of mixed-sex infections was higher than expected if infections were distributed at random among snails. An index of overdispersion was calculated. Overdispersion of infections results from heterogeneities in the exposure and/or susceptibility of snails to infection. The implications for the epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis haematobium are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bulinus / parasitology*
  • Disease Vectors*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Schistosoma haematobium / physiology*
  • Zimbabwe