The cultivation in vitro of cells derived from adult Schistosoma mansoni. I. Methodology; criteria for evaluation of cultures; and development of media.

We describe media and a cultural system that routinely supports development in vitro plaques of several types of cells derived from adult Schistosoma mansoni. The results permit description of several types of cells observed in cultures and of criteria developed for the comparative evaluation of the supportive capacity of different media. Methods for the harvesting of worms, of their preparation for culture, and of the maintenance of cultures are detailed. The evolutionary development of the supportive media is summarized with comments on selected variables.