Notes on the development of metacercaria and adult of Echinostoma porteri Fashuyi (Echinostomatidae)
Fashuyi, S.A.
Folia Parasitologica 31(2): 113-119
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-5683 PMID: 6745796 Document Number: 237214
The metacercariae of E. porteri remained viable for longer in Bulinus globosus than in B. forskalii and Lymnaea natalensis. They become infective in definitive hosts about 6 h after commencement of encystment and lose their viability after 14 days in the snail host. Development of adults occurred experimentally in chickens, pigeons and rats, but hosts showed age resistance to infection. Growth of adult worms was most rapid between the 4th and 6th days and declined after the 17th day. The proportionate increase in body length was higher than similar increases in size of other parts of the body.