The strategy for the control of schistosomiasis has shifted from one directed towards the interruption of transmission to one of reducing morbidity. As a consequence of this change, it appears prudent to reassess the role of the malacologist and malacology and identify the future direction to be taken by the discipline. The present paper addresses these concerns; first, by reviewing the role of the snail-hosts in the epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis, and, secondly, by suggesting areas for future study. The possible application of newer methods in biotechnology for the resolution of malacological problems are discussed.

É descrito um método simples e rápido para distinguir as espécies crípticas Biomphalaria tenagophila e B. occidentalis por eletroforese em gel de agarose. A prova é feita com hemolinfa do molusco, permitindo a cor vermelha da fração hemoglobina visualizar os padrões de migração sem necessidade de recorrer a colorações específicas. Além disso, as amostras de hemolinfa podem ser obtidas sem sacrificar o molusco, que poderá ser usado para outros estudos ou para criação.

A simple and rapid method for differentialing the sibling species Biomphalaria tenagophila and Biomphalaria occidentalis by agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) is described. Snail hemolymph is used as the test sample and the red colaration of the hemoglobin fraction permits visualization of the migration patterns without resorting to specific stains. Moreover, hemolymph samples may be obtained without killing the snail, thus permitting its use for other studies for breeding.