Cryptic intermediate snail host of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica in Africa

Microsatellites in the hermaphroditic snail, Lymnaea truncatula, intermediate host of the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica.

Distribution and habitats of the snail Lymnaea truncatula, intermediate host of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica, in South Africa.

This paper focuses on the geographical distribution and habitats of Lymnaea truncatula, the intermediate, snail host of the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, as reflected by the 723 samples in the database of the National Freshwater Snail Collection, Potchefstroom, South Africa. The 221 different loci (1/16-degree squares) on record reflect an extensive but discontinuous distribution, except in L...

Understanding genetic diversity of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica.

Economical breeding is important to obtain maximum gain from the breeding in the animal sector. The economic loss has to be eliminated or should be minimized. The liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, present mostly in sheep and dairy cattle affect the yield of animals and even cause their death. To eliminate or minimize the impact of these parasites on the animals, it is important to understand the ...

Dynamics of host-parasite interactions: the example of population biology of the liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica).

Knowledge of the population dynamics of parasites and their hosts is essential to build veterinary and health programs. The example chosen is that of Fasciola hepatica, a food-borne trematode responsible for severe human and animal infections on the five continents. In this paper, we review the relationships between the liver fluke and its intermediate (mollusc) and definitive (vertebrate) hosts.

Observations on the mechanism of eggshell formation in the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica.

A mechanism for eggshell production in Schistosoma mansoni has been proposed (Wells & Cordingley, 1991), and suggests that the release of eggshell protein globules from the vitelline cells occurs under alkaline conditions within the ootype followed by their subsequent fusion to form the eggshell. Fusion and tanning of these components produces eggshell which autofluoresces. The present study wa...