Paramphistomum daubneyi and Fasciola hepatica: influence of temperature changes on the shedding of cercariae from dually infected Lymnaea truncatula

Dual infections of Lymnaea truncatula with Paramphistomum daubneyi and Fasciola hepatica were performed to determine whether temperature changes in snails (daily water change with spring water at 6 degrees-8 degrees C, which subsequently increased to room temperature at 20 degrees C) would influence snail infection and the production of cercariae by both trematodes. At day 30 post-exposure the surviving snails were individually placed in petri dishes to constitute two groups. Snails from the first group were maintained at a temperature of 20 degrees C, and the water in the petri dishes was changed daily. The protocol was identical for the second group of snails except that the water temperature was 6 degrees-8 degrees C when changed. The interval between exposure and the first shedding of cercariae in snails immersed in cold water for a short period was longer (67-69 days instead of 48-50 days in the 20 degrees C group). In both groups, snails infected only with F. hepatica or P. daubneyi or with both trematodes were detected. In snails infected only with F. hepatica the frequency of cercaria-shedding snails and the total number of metacercariae were significantly greater in the 20 degrees C group. Inversely, in snails infected only with P. daubneyi the frequency of cercaria-shedding snails and the number of metacercariae were significantly greater in the 6 degrees-8 degrees C group. In snails harboring both trematode larval forms, no significant difference in the frequencies of cercaria-shedding snails between the two groups was noted. Metacercariae of both trematodes were obtained from these snails. In the 20 degrees C group, F. hepatica metacercariae were more numerous, whereas in the 6 degrees-8 degrees C group the number of P. daubneyi metacercariae was greater. From these results it appears that greater activity of P. daubneyi cercariae occurs in snails subjected to daily temperature changes (from 6 degrees to 20 degrees C).