Interaction between Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the snail intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, and indoplanobis exustus, a possible competitor snail

Abstract

Biological control of snail intermediate host of human schistosome parasites has been suggested. In this study, the effect of Indoplanobis exustus a planorbid snail and possible competitor snail of Biomphalaria pfeifferi on the fecundity and growth rate of the later was evaluated. The results showed a significant difference in the growth rates and fecundity of I. exustus and B. pfeifferi. Maintaining the snails together, the fecundity and growth rate of B pfeifferi were greatly reduced. There was direct relationship between fecundity and growth rate. I. exustus could therefore be a control agent of B. pfeifferi under similar prevailing condition. © 2005 Academic Journals.