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Larval trematode infections in freshwater snails from the highveld and lowveld areas of Zimbabwe

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2024

G. Chingwena ,
S. Mukaratirwa ,
T.K. Kristensen  and
M. Chimbari
G. Chingwena*
Affiliation:
University of Zimbabwe, Department of Paraclinical Veterinary Studies, Box MP 167, Harare, Zimbabwe
S. Mukaratirwa
Affiliation:
University of Zimbabwe, Department of Paraclinical Veterinary Studies, Box MP 167, Harare, Zimbabwe
T.K. Kristensen
Affiliation:
Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory, Jaegersborg Alle 1D, 2920 Charlottenlund, Denmark
M. Chimbari
Affiliation:
University of Zimbabwe Lake Kariba Research Station, PO Box 48, Kariba, Zimbabwe
*
*Fax: 263 4 333 683 E-mail: gchingwena@yahoo.com
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Abstract

Between November 1998 and October 2000, freshwater snails were collected monthly from the highveld and lowveld areas of Zimbabwe to determine the occurrence of larval trematodes. A total of 13,789 snails, representing ten species, were collected from 21 sites and 916 (6.6%) harboured patent trematode infections. Eight morphologically distinguishable types of cercariae were identified. Bulinus tropicus had the highest overall prevalence of infection (13.1%). The echinostome was the most common type of cercaria recovered, contributing 38.2% of all infections. Schistosoma cercariae were recovered mainly from the highveld and comprised 8.0% of all infections. Amphistome cercariae contributed 37.6% of all infections and were recorded from both the highveld and lowveld areas with a peak prevalence occurring during the post-rainy period (March–May). The main intermediate host for amphistomes was B. tropicus. Infections in B. globosus, B. forskalii and Biomphalaria pfeifferi with amphistome cercariae are new records for Zimbabwe.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 76 , Issue 4 , December 2002 , pp. 283 - 293
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2002

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