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

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
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