Observations on Lymnaea gedrosiana, the intermediate host of Ornithobilharzia turkestanicum in Khuzestan, Iran

Abstract

AbstractA study of the distribution and population of Lymnaea gedrosiana in relation to the transmission of Ornithobilharzia turkestanicum in various habitats was carried out in Khuzestan.Populations were higher in canals and swamps than in ponds, with peaks in spring and autumn and low densities in summer and winter.The reproductive capacity of L. gedrosiana was higher in running water than in stagnant water. The peak reproduction rates occurred in spring and autumn and reproduction continued at a low level in summer but was nil in winter.Infection with O. turkestanicum was higher in large than in small snails (0.1 %, 0.5% and 1.1% in snails measuring 0.6 mm, 6–10 mm and 10–14 mm respectively). In canals and swamps transmission occurred throughout the year, with a peak in late summer in the former and early summer in the latter. In ponds, most transmission probably occurred in spring and autumn. Drains played a very minor role in transmission.