Differentiation of the sibling species Biomphalaria occidentalis and Biomphalaria tenagophila by the electrophoretic patterns of their hemoglobin

Abstract

A simple and rapid method for differentiating the sibling species Biomphalaria tenagophila and Biomphalaria occidentalis by agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) is described. Snail hemolymph is used as the test sample and the red coloration of the hemoglobin fraction permits visualization of the migration patterns without resorting to specific stains. Moreover, hemolymph samples may be obtained without killing the snail, thus permitting its use for other studies or for breeding.

Specific Identification of Biomphalaria tenagophila and Biomphalaria occidentalis Populations by the Low Stringency Polymerase Chain Reaction

“…Thus, alternative approaches are required. Bailey et al (1986), used hemolymph analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis in an attempt to separate these species but this approach demonstrated that B. glabrata and B. straminea could not be separated. Mascara and Morgante (1995) demonstrated that isoenzyme analysis may contribute to the identification of these two species of snails.…”

“…B. occidentalis has never been successfully infected by the trematode Schistosoma mansoni (Paraense & Côrrea 1982, Coimbra & Engel 1982, and the identification of these species is important for the epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis mansoni. Bailey et al (1986) used electrophoresis of the hemolymphs of these snails in agarose gel in order to differentiate them. Mascara and Morgante (1995) proposed isoenzyme patterns that might contribute to the identification of these molluscs.…”

Radular myoglobin and protein variation within and among some littorinid species (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

“…O'Gower & Nicol, 1968), basommatophoran gastropods (e.g. Bailey et al, 1986;Mulvey et al, 1988;Woodruff & Mulvey, 1997) and other animal groups (e.g. Basaglia & Callegarini, 1987;Lavrenchenko et al, 1992;Alexandrino et al, 1996;Das & Handique, 1996;Macaranas et al, 1996), prompted us to initiate an electrophoretic survey of littorinid Mbs.…”