Evaluation of the Beneficial Nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita in the control of Biomphalaria pfeifferi

Schistosomiasis has, for many decades, been among the top ten causes of hospital admissions in endemic areas, an indication of its public health importance. The use of alternative biological methods targeting the vector snail offers an opportunity and avenue in a situation where the only safe efficacious drug praziquantel, may one day be compromised by parasite resistance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of the naturally occurring beneficial nematodes (EPNs) Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita trade name Slugtechr r in the control of fresh water snails Biomphalaria pfeifferi and to determine its efficacy in-vitro. This was done by exposing the snails to Slugtechr and assessing the mortality within 28 days of application.The number of dead snails after this period was analyzed and the efficacy of Slugtechr determined. Data obtained showed a mean mortality rate of up to 70% with the Slugtechr treatment. Emergence of the EPN from the dead snails was noted 16 days after infection. B. pfeifferi showed susceptibility to P. hermaphrodita. There is a potential for these EPNs to be used as a biological control agent in a schistosomiaisis control programme. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]