The susceptibility of Planorbidae from the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, MG (Brazil) to Angiostrongylus costaricensis (Nematoda, Angiostrongylidae)

Abstract

Biomphalaria glabrata (control), B. tenagophila and B. straminea from our laboratory colonies iniciated with molluscs collected in the municipality of Belo Horizonte, MG (Brasil), were experimentally infected with first-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus costaricensis. The number of molluscs of each species exposed was 139, 77 and 149. About 25 days later, surviving molluscs were individually examined by artificial digestion. Of 87 B. glabrata examined, 62 (71.3%) were positive and between one and 61 third-stage larvae were found; of 42 B. tenagophila, 21 (50.0%) contained between one five third-stage larvae; and of 89 B. straminea, 69 (77.5%) presented between one and 72 third-stage larvae. The three molluscan species are susceptible to A. costaricensis infection, but B. glabrata and B. straminea are most suitable for maintaining the nematode cycle in laboratory.