Exploring a low-compatibility population of Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca: Gastropoda) as a model for studying host-parasite interactions with Schistosoma mansoni (Trematoda: Digenea).

Abstract

Most populations of Biomphalaria glabrata are highly compatible with Schistosoma mansoni strains, making it challenging to identify low-compatibility models to host-parasite interaction research. This study evaluated a B. glabrata population with low compatibility with the LE strain (SmLE) as a model. First, pigmented low susceptibility (LS) and albino susceptible (S) snails were paired to produce three progeny groups: Crossings (CR) between LS × S, LS (LS × LS), and S (S × S). F1 snails were individually challenged with SmLE, and compatibility and reproductive parameters were analyzed. Second, mass crossbreeding (150LS + 150S) produced F1 snails, later challenged with SmLE. Unchallenged F1 snails were then used for new mass crossbreeding, either without (CR1) or with (CR2) the introduction of LS snails (1:1 ratio). The F2 snails were challenged, and compatibility was assessed. In the pairings, the CR snails were predominantly pigmented (CRp). At 8 miracidia/snail challenge, F1 snails compatibility following the pattern S > CRp > LS, consistent in both pairings and mass crossbreeding. In F2, CR1 resembled S, while CR2 showed intermediate compatibility (S=CR1 > CR2 > LS). Although crossings led to a reduction in the compatibility of the progeny F1 compared to the S group, the results suggest that resistance transfer between LS and S B. glabrata populations is less effective than previously demonstrated for susceptible/compatible and resistant/incompatible populations of the Biomphalaria tenagophila. Traditional snail control measures (e.g., environmental modifications) are inadvisable in transmission foci maintained by B. glabrata. This study demonstrates that the population tested is not suitable for snail control strategies, although it may serve as a valuable experimental model for investigating host-parasite interactions.