DefinePK

Abstract

Golden apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822)) and giant African snails (Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822)) are among the most harmful invasive species that have spread across Thailand and numerous other countries. This study investigated the biochemical changes in these snails after infection by indigenous Thai entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). Five indigenous EPN isolates were used: Heterorhabditis indica (eAUT13.2_TH), H. bacteriophora (eALN18.2_TH), Steinernema lamjungense (eALN11.5_TH), S. siamkayai (eAPL10.3_TH), and S. surkhetense (eALN6.3_TH). Two-, three-, and four-month-old golden apple snails and three- and five-month-old giant African snails were infected with the EPNs at a density of 300 IJs/1.0 ml per snail. Biochemical analyses was conducted at 12 hours, 24 hours, and ten days after infection to assess the impact of EPNs on the snails’ biochemistry. The results revealed significant changes in biochemical parameters after infection. After 12 and 24 hours, the average concentrations of total protein and uric acid decreased, while AST (Aspartate Transaminase) and ALT (Alanine Transaminase) levels increased. Furthermore, after ten days, AST and ALT concentrations continued to increase, while total protein and uric acid levels further declined. All tests indicated statistically significant differences between the control and infected groups. These findings demonstrate that EPN infections can significantly affect biochemical parameters in non-primary host snails, ultimately leading to the death of the infected snails.