GLUCOSE-UPTAKE RATES BY SCHISTOSOMA-MANSONI, SCHISTOSOMA-HAEMATOBIUM,AND SCHISTOSOMA-BOVIS ADULTS USING A FLOW IN-VITRO CULTURE SYSTEM

A Simple flow culture apparatus was designed for the shortterm in vitr o culture of adult schistosomes. The use of this system allowed sensit ive estimation of relative rates of glucose uptake by different specie s of schistosome. These data suggest that in parasites maintained care fully in conditions within the physiological range of glucose concentr ation, uptake of glucose is entirely carrier mediated. The rates of gl ucose uptake by Schistosoma haematobium and its close relative Schisto soma bovis were more than twice that recorded for Schistosoma mansoni. The relationship between reproductive output, glucose requirements, a nd susceptibility to immune attrition as adults is considered.