Schistosoma mansoni: in vitro conversion of cercariae to schistosomula

Abstract

Schistosoma mansoni cercariae were incubated for 3–5 h at 37°C in various test solutions, and the rate and extent of conversion of th ecercariae to schistosomula were determined. Criteria used to identify schistosomula included: (1) loss of cercariai tail, (2) viability of organisms in saline but not in water, (3) pre-acetabular gland evacuation and (4) ability to survive in culture.