Genetic Factors in the Susceptibility of Juvenile Biomphalaria Glabrata to Schistosoma Mansoni Infection

Abstract

Susceptibility to infection with Schistosoma mansoni was studied in juvenile Biomphalaria glabrata by isolated selfing and by crosses. True-breeding snail stocks were derived testing 100% or 0% juvenile susceptible. Crosses suggested that juvenile susceptibility was regulated by a complex of four or more genetic factors. Genes for insusceptibility could be transmitted by susceptible snails and genes for susceptibility by refractory snails.