A checklist of trematodes (Platyhelminthes) transmitted by Melanoides tuberculata (Mollusca: Thiaridae)

Abstract

A list of species of Trematoda (flukes) transmitted by Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774) is presented based on 136 articles published between 1896 and 2010. This snail species has been reported as an intermediate host for flukes belonging to 17 families, 25 genera and 37 species, including 11 trematodes reported as adults from man. The greatest proportion of the associations between M. tuberculata and flukes has been recorded in Asia and Africa; three species are considered to be invasive in the Americas. In addition, another 81 larval trematodes found in M. tuberculata have been described under generic collective group Cercaria Müller, 1773, but have not yet been associated with the respective adult parasites. Studies in which the larvae found in M. tuberculata have only been grouped into eight cercarian groups are also listed.