Stages in the Development of Larval Echinostomes recovered from Schistosome Transmitting Molluscs in Central Africa

Abstract

The schistosome transmitting molluscs, Physopsis africana and Biomphalaria tanganikanus, from the Belgian Congo, carried the metacercaria of Echinoparyphium recurvatum and of Echinostoma revolutum, which have been recorded for the first time from the Southern half of the African Continent. Further research may indicate their wider distribution in this Continent.Development of the larval stages and heavy encystment of the metacercaria of these echinostomes in the schistosome transmitting molluscs led to death of the snails. The use of other trematode species, particularly echinostomes may offer great prospects in the field control of schistosome transmitting molluscs.