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Cercarial Transformation and in vitro Cultivation of Schistosoma mansoni Schistosomules
Published on: August 16, 2011
A chemokinetic response in Schistosoma mansoni cercariae
1Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, School of Hygiene and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.
Abstract:
Schistosoma mansoni cercariae have been shown to aggregate in the presence of glass slides treated with clear nail varnish and linoleic acid. In choice chambers cercariae move toward the stimulant, but this behavior is not seen when linoleic acid is omitted. After 30-45 min, the cercariae were concentrated near the end of the choice-chamber containing the linoleic acid slide. When the cercariae were added in the center of the choice chamber, they formed a diffuse cloud that dispersed slowly in both directions in the absence of linoleic acid. Cercariae aggregating in the vicinity of a stimulant surface are not immediately stimulated to commence penetration; this appears to be time and dose related.

