Of the approximately 34 identified Biomphalaria
species,Biomphalaria alexandrina represents the
intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni in Egypt. Using
parasitological and SOD1 enzyme assay, this study aimed to elucidate the impact of
the age of B. alexandrina snails on their genetic variability and
internal defence against S. mansoni infection. Susceptible and
resistant snails were reared individually for self-reproduction; four subgroups of
their progeny were used in experiment. The young susceptible subgroup showed the
highest infection rate, the shortest pre-patent period, the highest total cercarial
production, the highest mortality rate and the lowest SOD1 activity. Among the young
and adult susceptible subgroups, 8% and 26% were found to be resistant, indicating
the inheritance of resistance alleles from parents. The adult resistant subgroup,
however, contained only resistant snails and showed the highest enzyme activity. The
complex interaction between snail age, genetic background and internal defence
resulted in great variability in compatibility patterns, with the highest significant
difference between young susceptible and adult resistant snails. The results
demonstrate that resistance alleles function to a greater degree in adults, with
higher SOD1 activity and provide potential implications for Biomphalaria
control. The identification of the most susceptible snail age enables
determination of the best timing for applying molluscicides. Moreover, adult
resistant snails could be beneficial in biological snail control.
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