Biomphalaria tenagophila
is very important for schistosomiasis transmission in Brazil. However its mechanisms of interaction with
Schistosoma mansoni
are still scantly studied. Since this snail displays strains highly susceptible or completely resistant to the parasite infection, the knowledge of that would be a useful tool to understand the mechanism of snail resistance. Particularly, the Taim strain consistently shows absolute resistance against the trematode, and this resistance is a dominant character.
A multidisciplinary research group was created aiming at studying
B. tenagophila/
S. mansoni interaction. The possibility for applying the knowledge acquired to obtain a biological model for the control of
S. mansoni transmission in endemic areas is discussed.
