The studied species of mollusks: Lymnaea cubensis (Mexico, left) and Lymnaea truncatula (Russia, right)

Joint research paper, written by the scientists of the Kazan Federal University and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), was published in December in Revista FACMED journal, issued by Medical School, UNAM. “Study of Lymnaea truncatula and Lymnaea cubensis mollusk tissues infected by Fasciola hepatica miracidia” article was selected № 1 by the editors in the category of “Original Research” in the annual contest between the research papers published in the journal during the year. Being published in the New Year’s issue and being a winner in this nomination marks a significant achievement of both Russian and Mexcican scientists. It’s should be noted that the Revista FACMED journal is reviewed by SCOPUS database with the impact factor equal to 2,5.

The present work investigated the penetration pathways of Fasciola hepática into the hepatopancreas of Lymnaea truncatula and Lymnaea cubensis, two mollusks obtained from Fasciolosis endemic areas in Russia and Mexico, respectively. The larval trajectory showed dissolution of intercellular substance and deformation of epithelial cells of mollusk’s tissues. Cytological changes in the ductal epithelium of the digestive gland and in the connective tissue of hepatopancreas were found. Some differences in the penetration and damage pathways in the two species of mollusks studied were observed; thus highlighting the differences in the environmental conditions prevailing in each geographic area.

The group of scientists who conducted the study included Prof. F.M. Sokolina (Department of Invertebrate zoology and functional histology), G.A. Ignatyev (Department of Bioecology, Postgraduate ), and E.A. Cabrera Fuentes (Kazan Federal and Giessen Universities postgraduate). Research group was led by Prof., MD. Jose Trinidad Sanchez Vega (UNAM), the author of the “Fundamentals of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology” book, published in Mexico, in 2011. The book was written in co-authorship with Hector Cabrera Fuentes.

Congratulations to our scientists with a high assessment of their research work and we wish them every success!

Those interested are welcome to read the online version of the journal following the link (in Spanish).