A study on the bio-responses of a freshwater snail (Biomphalaria alexandrina) to fungal derived compounds.

BACKGROUND Biomphalaria alexandrina snails, as transitional hosts of schistosomiasis, plays an essential part in spread of the illness. Control of these snails by the substance molluscicides antagonistically influences the oceanic climate, causing poisonous and cancer-causing consequences for non-target life forms. OBJECTIVE Looking for new naturally safe substances can be used for treatment of schistosomiasis disease with minimal side effects on environment and plants, fish wealth and did not affect on human vital functions. METHODS Fifty fungal species were used to evaluate their activity against Biomphalaria alexandrina. Study the effect of fungal extract on vital functions of Biomphalaria alexandrina and fish wealth. Purification of active substances and identification of their chemical structures. Results Cladosporium nigrellum and Penicillium aurantiogresium metabolites were effective against B. alexandrina snails, the effects of promising fungal extracts sub-lethal concentrations (IC10 & IC25) on the levels of steroid sex hormones, liver enzymes, total protein, lipids, albumin and glucose were determined. Chemical analyses of this filtrate resulted in the separation of a compound effective against snails; it was identified. Protein electrophoresis showed that fungal filtrate affects the protein pattern of snails' haemolymph. Little or no mortality of Daphnia pulex individuals was observed after their exposure to sub lethal concentrations of each treatment. CONCLUSION Certain compounds from fungal cultures could be safely used for biological control of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails.