Demographics of the semi-slug Parmarion martensi, an intermediate host for Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Hawai’i, during laboratory rearing

Authors: Hamilton, Lindsey; TAGAMI, Y - University Of Hawaii; KALUNA, L - University Of Hawaii; JACOB, J - University Of Hawaii; JARVI, S - University Of Hawaii; Follett, Peter

Submitted to: Parasitology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/17/2020
Publication Date: 10/21/2020
Citation: Hamilton, L.J., Tagami, Y., Kaluna, L., Jacob, J., Jarvi, S., Follett, P.A. 2020. Demographics of the semi-slug Parmarion martensi, an intermediate host for Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Hawai’i, during laboratory rearing. Parasitology. 148(2):153-158. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182020001353.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182020001353

Interpretive Summary: The yellow shelled semi-slug, Parmarion martensi, is an intermediate host of the zoonotic nematode, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the etiological agent of angiostrongyliasis or rat lungworm disease in humans. East Hawaii is a recent hot spot for cases of rat lungworm disease, probably due to the accidental consumption of the semi-slug in unwashed, uncooked fresh produce. Rearing methods are described for P. martensi which will facilitate studies on nematode transmission and control.

Technical Abstract: The yellow shelled semi-slug, Parmarion martensi, is an intermediate host of the zoonotic nematode, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the etiological agent of angiostrongyliasis or rat lungworm disease in humans. Rearing methods were developed for P. martensi to facilitate studies on nematode transmission and control. Parmarion martensi exhibited high survivorship when reared on a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables in temperature-controlled cabinets at 21.4 C, 98% relative humidity, and 12:12 L:D cycle. Moist paper towels were provided as the floor substrate and plastic pots were provided for hiding/resting and egg-laying. Under these conditions, time to first reproduction was 165.3 ± 12.3 (mean + SE) days, fecundity was approximately 36.2 ± 8.9 eggs per female, and hatch rate was 52.7 ± 3.2 %. Survivorship post egg hatch was 86.2 ± 2.9 % at 30 days (neonates had a mortality rate of about 14%) and 99% thereafter for up to a year. The demographics of laboratory-reared and wild-caught P. martensi were similar except for the weight of reproductive adults, which was significantly higher in laboratory-reared reproductive adults (3.96 ± 0.2 g) than in reproducing field-collected adults (1.53 ± 0.1 g).