A Study on the Bio-responses of a Freshwater Snail (Biomphalaria alexandrina) to Fungal-derived Compounds

Abstract

Background: Biomphalaria alexandrina snails, as transitional hosts of schistosomiasis, plays an essential part in the 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 that can treat schistosomiasis disease with minimal side effects on the environment and plants, fish wealth and do not affect vital human functions.

Methods: Fifty fungal species were used to evaluate their activity against Biomphalaria alexandrina. Study the effect of the 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, and the effects of promising fungal extracts sublethal 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 separated 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 sublethal concentrations of each treatment.

Conclusion: Certain compounds from fungal cultures could be safely used for biological control of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails.

Keywords: Biomphalaria alexandrina; Daphnia pulex; bioactive compounds; biological control; fungal derived compoung; fungi.