Organ and hemolym microbiomes of Biomphalaria snails

We characterized microbiomes associated to organs and hemolymph (blood) of two Biomphalaria snails, B. alexandrina and B. glabrata. Biomphalaria snails are vector of schistosome blood fluke parasites. Our previous characterization of hemolymph microbiomes revealed diverse microbiomes. As hemolymph bathes snail organs, we investigated the heterogeneity of the microbiomes of these organs (stomach, gut, hepatopancreas (e.g., liver) and ovotestis) using 5 snails of each species. We also characterized the microbiomes of whole snails to test if these are true composite microbiomes. We included tank and tray samples to compare snail microbiomes to their environments. Characterization of these microbiomes will help better understand microbiome diversity and snail biology. This could ultimately pave the way for innovative approaches in controlling parasite transmission by interfering with snail microbiomes.