Transfer of Schistosoma mansoni into the mesenteric veins of hamsters

Abstract A simple and rapid procedure for the transfer of schistosomes into the mesenteric veins of hamsters is described. Recovery of worms was equally high (67%) for schistosomes grown in the hamster and for those grown in the mouse, while it was only slightly lower for rat worms (63%). Survival of recipient hamsters was 80%. The transfer procedure did not seem to affect the normal development of worms and led to a rapid recovery of rat worms with resumption of their egg-laying capacity. The potential usefulness of the method is outlined, with special emphasis on its recommended use for schistosome genetics.