ISSN 2169-3048
International Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology ISSN 2169-3048 Vol. 9 (9), pp. 001-003, September, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Short Communication
Interaction between Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the snail intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, and indoplanobis exustus, a possible competitor snail
Okere, P .U.1* and Odaibo, A. B.2
1Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
2Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Accepted 13 May, 2020
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.
Key words: Indoplanobis exustus, Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Schistosoma mansoni, fecundity, growth rate.