Chemosensitivity of the Miracidium of Schistosoma mansoni to Australorbis glabratus and Other Snails

Abstract

Under described experimental conditions, miracidia of Schistosoma mansoni show moderate, but definite, attraction toward Australorbis glabratus, but not Helisoma anceps or Bulinus spp. Statistical evaluation of these data indicates a high degree of confidence may be placed in the results but should not be taken to indicate either the strength of the chemical stimulus or response involved or show the importance of such chemical perception in the location of hosts under natural conditions. There is no doubt that both light and gravity are far more powerful stimuli in determining the orientation of S. mansoni miracidia than the chemical ones produced by their molluscan host.