Sequential Histological Changes in Biomphalaria glabrata during the Course of Schistosoma mansoni Infection

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2001, Volume 96, Number 5, pp. 719-721 Sequential Histological Changes in Biomphalaria glabrata during the Course of Schistosoma mansoni Infection Queli Teixeira Lemos, Zilton A Andrade Code Number: oc01114 ABSTRACT: Biomphalaria glabrata, highly susceptible to Schistosoma mansoni, were seen to shed less and less cercariae along the time of infection. Histological examination kept a close correlation with this changing pattern of cercarial shedding, turning an initial picture of no-reaction (tolerance) gradually into one of hemocyte proliferation with formation of focal encapsulating lesions around disintegrating sporocysts and cercariae, a change that became disseminated toward the 142nd day post miracidial exposure. Findings were suggestive of a gradual installation of acquired immunity in snails infected with S. mansoni. KEYWORDS: Biomphalaria glabrata, Schistosoma mansoni, histopathology Copyright 2001 Mem Inst Oswaldo Cru