Experimental evaluation of Odonata nymph in the biocontrol of schistosomiasis intermediate hosts

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: Younes A.; El-Sherief H.; Gawish F.; Mahmoud M.

Journal: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine

Publisher: Hainan Medical University

Publication Date: December 2016

Volume / Issue: Volume 6 / Issue 12

Pages: 995–1000

ISSN: 22211691

DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtb.2016.10.006

Scopus: View on Scopus

Document Type: Article

Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access


Authors and Affiliations

Younes A., Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; El-Sherief H., Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; Gawish F., Department of Medical Malacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Mahmoud M., Department of Medical Malacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt


Abstract

Objective To evaluate the predatory potential of the Odonata nymph on freshwater snails that serve as intermediate hosts for Schistosoma species (Bulinus truncatus and Biomphalaria alexandrina). Methods Observations on the searching, attacking and devouring of the two snail types with series of laboratory-based predation experiments, whose aims were to determine daily predation rate, differential predation, prey preference considering small-, medium- and large-sized snails were conducted. Results Laboratory evaluation revealed that, the Odonata nymph could kill and consume the two intermediate hosts. The number of snails consumed differed according to the snail type, size and density. The times taken for searching and handling times were dependent on the snail size, type and satiation of the predator. The predation rate varied also with respect to snail type, size and density. This study also evaluated that Odonata nymphs consumed more Bulinus truncatus than Biomphalaria alexandrina per unit time, and that there may be a preference for smaller than larger snails. Conclusions According to our observation, the predator, Hemianax ephippiger nymph may be a suitable biocontrol agent in connection with Schistosoma intermediate hosts. © 2016 Hainan Medical University


Keywords

Biological control; Intermediate hosts; Schistosoma; Snails


Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 5


For comprehensive information about the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), its institutional activities, scientific and research achievements, clinical and hospital services, and the diverse expertise offered through its 22 specialized research and clinical departments, as well as opportunities for professional training, specialized workshops, and scientific conferences, readers are invited to visit the Institute’s official website.

The website provides regularly updated information on the Institute’s latest news, research activities, scientific initiatives, clinical services, institutional programs, and academic and professional opportunities.

English Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/en/

Arabic Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/ar/

Prepared and Uploaded by:

Abdalla F. Abdalla

Electronic Portal Unit

Electronic Portal Unit

Popular Posts

A cost-performance index for nano-optical biosensor evaluation: Systematic evaluation of europium–salicylate luminescent platforms for GPC3-targeted early HCC diagnosis

Interpretation of liver stiffness measurement in patients with mixed liver disease etiologies

Variable clinical presentations of pulmonary hydatid cysts: a four-case series from a single center in United Arab Emirates, non-endemic region

Holothuria arenicola Extract-Loaded Polycaprolactone Nanocapsules Attenuate Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Acute Liver Injury

Mytilus edulis-mediated green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles with antimicrobial and molluscicidal applications

Corrigendum to ‘Eco-friendly approach for the removal and simultaneous detection of cyanide toxins from drinking and wastewater sources’ [Environ. Pollut. 385 (2025) 127094]

Multifunctional polycaprolactone-based composite fibers with icariin and glutathione for effective repair of critical-sized bone defects