Effects of infection by larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Nematoda, Metastrongylidae) on the lipid metabolism of the experimental intermediate host Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

Experimental infection of Biomphalaria glabrata by Angiostrongylus cantonensis induces significant changes in the concentrations of triacylglycerol and cholesterol in the hemolymph and of neutral lipids in the digestive gonad-gland (DGG) complex of the host snail. In this study, snails were dissected after 1, 2, and 3 weeks of infection to collect the hemolymph and DGG and to measure the levels of cholesterol and triacylglycerol in the hemolymph and neutral lipid fractions in the tissues. The results show that infection by this nematode resulted in a significant decrease in the concentrations of both cholesterol and triacylglycerol in the hemolymph of B. glabrata during the parasite's initial ontogenic development period. This reduction indicates the possible use of these molecules by both parasite and host not only as energy substrates but also as structural factors required during development of the parasite's larval stages. In parallel, changes in the neutral lipid profile in the DGG and lipase activity of the infected snails were observed, indicating the importance of these molecules for successful infection.