A Routine Method for the Maintenance of Schistosoma mansoni in vitro

Abstract

1. The method of maintaining schistosomes in vitro is described in detail.2. Observations made on cultured S. mansoni are given.3. Investigation of glycogen content shows that there is no significant difference between the reserve of glycogen in fresh and cultured worms. It is suggested that the worms do not rely on their reserve of glycogen but can take up carbohydrate from the medium.4. The method could be adapted for the culture of other helminths besides schistosomes.