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Research Journal of Parasitology

Year: 2007 | Volume: 2 | Issue: 2 | Page No.: 82-86
DOI: 10.17311/jp.2007.82.86
Effect of Calcium Chloride on Growth and Survival of Biomphalaria pfeifferi-Intermediate Host of Schistosoma mansoni
G.I. Olasehinde and J.P.O. Oyerinde

Abstract: Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the snail intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni was cultured in the laboratory to show the effects of calcium chloride (CaCl2) on its growth rate and survival. Ten snails of approximately the same size and age were cultured in each of 4 tanks set up. In 3 of the tanks, CaCl2 was dissolved in 1000 mL of water in various concentrations. The 4th tank served as control experiment where snails were bred without any CaCl2 added. Highest growth rate was recorded in tank with highest concentration but percentage rate of survival was lowest here. Lowest growth was recorded in the control tank. Highest survival rate was recorded in tank 1 where calcium concentration was lowest. Significant increase in growth (p<0.05) was recorded in tank 1 with optimum concentration of calcium. Calcium chloride in optimal concentration was found to improve the growth and survival rates of B. pfeifferi.

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How to cite this article
G.I. Olasehinde and J.P.O. Oyerinde, 2007. Effect of Calcium Chloride on Growth and Survival of Biomphalaria pfeifferi-Intermediate Host of Schistosoma mansoni. Research Journal of Parasitology, 2: 82-86.

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