Experimental infection with Schistosoma mansoni from Belém, Pará, Brazil: Strains newly isolated vs. laboratory maintained.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that occurs in locations with inadequate sanitation conditions. The geographic distribution of Schistosoma mansoni trematode depends directly on the presence of its intermediate host, Biomphalaria mollusks. Studies involving recently isolated and laboratory strains are not common due to the difficulty in cycle maintenance. This study evaluated the susceptibility and infectivity responses in intermediate and definitive hosts with strains of S. mansoni, one isolated and kept in laboratory environment for 34 years (BE) and the other recently collected (BE-I) METHODS: For experimental infection, a total of 400 B. glabrata mollusks were divided in four infection groups. Thirty mice were divided in two groups for infection with the two strains.

RESULTS: It was possible to notice differences about S. mansoni infection in both strains. The laboratory strain was more harmful to freshly collected mollusks. Differences in the patterns of infection in mice could be observed.

CONCLUSION: Particularities occurred in each group of infection by S. mansoni strains, despite having the same geographic origin. Effects from the parasite-host interaction are visible in terms of infection in definitive and intermediate hosts.