Objective: To make imitation snails by using substances with chemotaxis to Schistosoma japonicum miracidia.
Methods: The imitation snails were made by using Fe3+, gelatin and agar. The modified comparison method of Roberts was used to observe the chemotaxis of imitation snails and snail conditioned water (SCW) to Schistosoma japonicum miracidia.
Results: The mixture consisting of 0.1 or 0.5 mol/L Fe3+, 9% or 10% gelatin, and that consisting of 0.5 mol/L Fe3+, 9% gelatin, 2% or 1% agar could be used to make the imitation snails. The chemotaxis of imitation snails made by the mixtures above was stronger than that of SCW.
Conclusion: The mixtures made by certain proportion of Fe3+, gelatin or gelatin and agar can be used to make imitation snails.