Schistosoma mansoni: continuous variation in susceptibility of the vector snail of schistosomiasis, Biomphalaria tenagophila I. Self-fertilization-lineage

Multi-parasite host susceptibility and multi-host parasite infectivity: a new approach of the Biomphalaria glabrata/Schistosoma mansoni compatibility polymorphism

In this study, we analyze the degree of susceptibility/un-susceptibility of five strains of Biomphalaria glabrata from different geographical origins successively challenged with a panel of 4 Schistosoma mansoni strains. A total of 20 homopatric and heteropatric host-parasite combinations were tested with exposure doses of 1, 10, 20, 30 and 50 miracidia per individual host. By doing this, we characterized each B. glabrata strain by its "multi-parasite susceptibility phenotype" that reflects better the efficiency of their defense mechanism against not only one, but a diversity of schistosome stocks. In the same time, all the S. mansoni strains used were characterized, by their "multi-host infectivity phenotype" that reflects the level of infectivity they display when confronted to diverse snail populations. Based on these results it is possible to select different homogenous stocks of snails with different spectrum of susceptibility/un-susceptibility for several parasite strains. This will be a useful tool for future functional studies conducted to understand the genetics and molecular basis of the compatibility polymorphism in this host/parasite model.

Genetic variation between Biomphalaria alexandrina snails susceptible and resistant to Schistosoma mansoni infection

Much effort has been made to control schistosomiasis infection in Egypt. However, enduring effects from such strategies have not yet been achieved. In this study, we sought to determine the genetic variability related to the interaction between Biomphalaria alexandrina snails and Schistosoma mansoni. Using RAPD-PCR with eight (10 mers) random primers, we were able to determine the polymorphic markers that differed between snails susceptible and resistant to Schistosoma mansoni infection using five primers out of the eight. Our results suggest that the RAPD-PCR technique is an efficient means by which to compare genomes and to detect genetic variations between schistosomiasis intermediate hosts. The RAPD technique with the above-noted primers can identify genomic markers that are specifically related to the Biomphalaria alexandrina/Schistosoma mansoni relationship in the absence of specific nucleotide sequence information. This approach could be used in epidemiologic surveys to investigate genetic diversity among Biomphalaria alexandrina snails. The ability to determine resistant markers in Biomphalaria alexandrina snails could potentially lead to further studies that use refractory snails as agents to control the spread of schistosomiasis.

Differences in the number of hemocytes in the snail host Biomphalaria tenagophila, resistant and susceptible to Schistosoma mansoni infection

The relationships between schistosomiasis and its intermediate host, mollusks of the genus Biomphalaria, have been a concern for decades. It is known that the vector mollusk shows different susceptibility against parasite infection, whose occurrence depends on the interaction between the forms of trematode larvae and the host defense cells. These cells are called amebocytes or hemocytes and are responsible for the recognition of foreign bodies and for phagocytosis and cytotoxic reactions. The defense cells mediate the modulation of the resistant and susceptible phenotypes of the mollusk. Two main types of hemocytes are found in the Biomphalaria hemolymph: the granulocytes and the hyalinocytes. We studied the variation in the number (kinetics) of hemocytes for 24 h after exposing the parasite to genetically selected and non-selected strains of Biomphalaria tenagophila, susceptible or not to infection by Schistosoma mansoni. The differences were analyzed referred to the variations in the number of hemocytes in mollusks susceptible or not to infection by S. mansoni. The hemolymph of the selected and non-selected snails was collected, and hemocytes were counted using a Neubauer chamber at six designated periods: 0 h (control, non-exposed individuals), 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h and, 24 h after parasite exposure. Samples of hemolymph of five selected mollusks and five non-selected mollusks were separately used at each counting time. There was a significant variation in the number of hemocytes between the strains, which indicates that defense cells have different behaviors in resistant and susceptible mollusks.

[Genetic selection of Biomphalaria glabrata and Biomphalaria tenagophila seeking the alteration of the susceptibility and resistance to Schistosoma mansoni]

Generations of Biomphalaria glabrata and Biomphalaria tenagophila selected genetically for resistance and susceptibility to Schistosoma mansoni of strains BH and SJ were used in a study of the trematode adaptation to the intermediate host. Descendants of the planorbids were obtained by self-fertilization of the mollusks that became susceptible or resistant after exposure to the miracidia of Schistosoma mansoni. For Biomphalaria glabrata they were obtained from the following generations: Parental, F1S (Susceptible), F1R (Resistant), F2S and F2R. For Biomphalaria tenagophila the studied generations were: Parental, F1S, F1R and F50S. The comparison of the infection rates presented by the different generations showed that the increase in susceptibility was more easily obtained in both species. The difficulty in increasing the resistance of the mollusks to Schistosoma mansoni has important epidemiologic implications.

Involvement of nitric oxide in killing of Schistosoma mansoni sporocysts by hemocytes from resistant Biomphalaria glabrata

In strains of the snail Biomphalaria glabrata (Gastropoda) that are resistant to the parasite Schistosoma mansoni (Trematoda), hemocytes in the hemolymph are responsible for elimination of S. mansoni sporocysts. The defensive role of reactive nitrogen species was investigated in in vitro interactions between hemocytes derived from the resistant 13-16-R1 strain of B. glabrata and the parasite. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) and the nitric oxide (NO) scavenger 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide reduced cell-mediated killing of S. mansoni sporocysts. To determine if peroxynitrite (ONOO-) is involved in killing, assays were run in the presence of the ONOO- scavengers uric acid and deferoxamine. These did not influence the rate of parasite killing, indicating that NO is directly responsible for mediating cytotoxicity, but ONOO- is not. The combination of the NOS inhibitor L-NAME and catalase, an enzyme that detoxifies hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), reduced average sporocyst mortality to a greater extent than L-NAME alone. Killing of the sporocysts was, however, not totally inhibited. It is suggested that NO and H2O2 are both involved in hemocyte-mediated toxicity of 13-16-R1 B. glabrata against S. mansoni sporocysts.

Developments in schistosomiasis research and management

Schistosomiasis is a worldwide problem because it is so widely distributed, and few places on earth are now too remote. Some of the most important new research examines how parasite and host biology are integrated, how any level of infection contributes to the overall burden of disease, and the long-term and short-term outcomes of control programs.