SEX-MANIPULATED ASCARIS-SUUM INFECTIONS IN PIGS - IMPLICATIONS FOR REPRODUCTION

In spite of the vast distribution and considerable impact on human and animal health of Ascaris suum and A. lumbricoides, little is known of the sexual biology and reproductive capacity of these intestinal nema todes. By oral transfer of adult female worms to previously parasite-n aive pigs we show that in the absence of males the egg production ceas es after 2-3 weeks. Such females readily resume egg production a few d ays after oral transfer of male worms. These observations throw light on an important aspect of Ascaris biology, but also pave the way for p ossible experimental interbreeding between the human and pig Ascaris s pecies.