SCHISTOSOMIASIS: AGE OF SNAILS AND SUSCEPTIBILITY TO X-IRRADIATION

Abstract

Studies on sensitivity of Australorbis glabratus to x-rays have defined the chronological and physiological age at which the snail is most sensitive to radiation damage. Results showed that the dose producing 50percent mortality at 30 days after irradiation increased with age but that at 90 days it was practically constant from 2 to 210 days of age. In view of the available data on recovery from radiation damage caused by doses from 6000 to 9000 roentgens it is suggested that doses above those causing 50 percent lethality at 60 days but below those causing 50 percent lethality for 30 days should be considered in setting up "radiation barriers" to control snails in water-distribution systems.