Immunomodulation of Biomphalaria snails against Schistosoma mansoni infection using the parasite’s antigens as a novel method of Schistosomiasis control in Egypt

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Zoology department, faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

2 Zoology department, faculty of Science, Mansoura university, Mansoura, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract: Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease and affects over 200 million people worldwide. The snail Biomphalaria glabrata is one of the intermediate hosts of S. mansoni. This work aimed to verify the potential immunostimulatory effect of Schistosoma mansoni antigens on Biomphlaria snails and their capacity to decrease the snails’ susceptibility to infection with S. mansoni miracidia. Uninfected untreated snails were used as control -ve. All infected untreated and infected treated snails were challenged by Schistosoma mansoni miracidia (25 miracidia/ snail) after injection with the Schistosoma egg antigens (SEA) and the Schistosoma whole antigen product (SWAP). The tested antigens affected the snail’s immune response to S. mansoni as evidenced by a significant increase in the survival rate and a decrease in infection rate and cercariae production. In addition, an increase in total hemocyte count, and the phagocytic activity of infected snails treated with SEA and SWAP. In conclusion, it was confirmed that using the parasite’s antigens can act as an immunostimulant in the prevention and control of S. mansoni.

Keywords

Mansoura Journal of Biology
Volume 72, Issue 3
September 2025
Pages 62-68

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