Article
Biological implications of the phenotypic plasticity in the Schistosoma mansoni-Nectomys squamipes model
Implicações biológicas da plasticidade fenotípica no modelo Schistosoma mansoni - Nectomys squamipes
Registro en:
MARTINEZ, Elaine Machado et al. Biological implications of the phenotypic plasticity in the Schistosoma mansoni-Nectomys squamipes model. Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, São Paulo, v. 30, n. 4, p. 229-232, July/Aug. 2008.
1678-9946
10.1590/s0036-46652008000400008
Autor
Martinez, Elaine Machado
Silva, Michele
Neves, Renata Heisler
Oliveira, Regina Maria Figueiredo de
Silva, José Roberto Machado
Resumen
The water-rat Nectomys squamipes is mostly important non-human host in schistosomiasis mansoni transmission in Brazil, due to its susceptibility, high abundance and water-contact pattern. During experimental infection of N. squamipes with Schistosoma mansoni, adult worms show phenotypic plasticity. This finding led us to investigate whether biological behavior is also affected. This was assessed comparing the biological characteristics of four S. mansoni strains: BE (State of Belém do Pará), CE (State of Pernambuco), CMO (State of Rio Grande do Norte) and SJ (State of São Paulo) using laboratory-bred N. squamipes. The infection was monitored by determination of the pre-patent period, fecal egg output, egg viability, intestinal egg count and, infectivity rate. No biological modification was observed in these parameters. Overall results highlight that N. squamipes was susceptible to several S. mansoni strains, suggesting that it might contribute to the maintenance of schistosomiasis mansoni in Brazil.