Investigation of the population diversity of intermediate host snails and crabs of Paragonimus along Jiulong River, Zhangjiang River and Dongxi River basins in southern Fujian Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the population distribution of intermediate host snails and crabs of Paragonimus along the Jiulongjiang River, Zhangjiang River, and Dongxi River basins in Bopingling Mountain, southern Fujian Province, so as to provide baseline data for researches on parasitic disease prevention and control and enlargement of samples in the parasitic resource bank. Methods A total of 23 villages in 8 counties (districts) along the Jiulong River, Zhangjiang River, and Dongxi River basins in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province were selected as survey sites during the period from November 2020 through March 2023, and snail and freshwater crabs were sampled from 1 to 3 streams and ditches neighboring residential areas in each village. Morphological identification of snails was performed according to the external morphological characteristics of collected snail shells, and the unidentified snail species sampled from the natural foci of paragonimiasis in Yunxiao County were subjected to se-quence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene. The crab species was identified by observing the morphological characteristics of the terminal segment of the first pleopod of male crabs, and Paragonimus cercariae and metacercariae were detected in collected snails. Results The shells of the unidentified snails sampled from the natural foci of paragonimiasis in Yunxiao County were approximately 50 mm in height and 18 mm in width, thick and solid, long tower cone-shaped, and had 8 to 10 whorls. CO1 gene sequence analysis identified the snail species as Sulcospira hainanensis. A total of 6 freshwater snail species belonging to 5 genera within 3 families, identified 23 survey sites, including Semisulcospira libertina, Paludomus zhangchouensis and S. hainanensis that belonged to the Family Pleurceridae, Tricula fujianensis and T. huaanensis that belonged to the subfamily Triculinae, Family Pomatiopsidae, and Melanoides tuberculata (Family Thiaridae), and 11 species of freshwater crabs belonging to 5 genera within 2 families were identified, including Sinopotamon genus of S. jianglense, S. pinheense, and S. zhangzhouense, Huananpotamon genus of H. planopodum and H. zhangzhouense, Nanhaipotamon genus of N. huaanense and N. longhaiense, and Minpotamon genus of M. nasicum and M. auritum that belonged to the Family Potamidae, and Somanniathelphusa genus of S. huaanensis and S. zhangpuensis (Family Parathelphusidae). In addition, the prevalence of P. westermani cercariae infections was 0.08% (2/2 317) in P. zhangchouensis from Danyan Village in Changtai District and 0.09% (1/1 039) in S. hainanensis from Jinkeng Village in Yunxiao County, and the prevalence of P. westermani metacercariae infections was 25.81% (8/31) in S. jianglense from Danyan Village in Changtai District, and 26.31% (5/19) in S. zhangzhouense from Jinkeng Village in Yunxiao County, respectively. Conclusions There is a population diversity in the intermediate host snails and crabs along the Jiulongjiang River, Zhangjiang River, and Dongxi River basins in Bopingling Mountain, southern Fujian Province, and P. zhangzhouensis and S. hainanensis are, for the first time, confirmed as the first intermediate hosts of P. westermani.

The introduction of Physa acuta (Gastropoda: Physidae) on Ilha Grande, Southeast Brazil, from initial stages to an established population / A introdução de Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805 (Gastropoda: Physidae) na Ilha Grande, Sudeste do Brasil, desde os estágios iniciais até uma população estabelecida

Abstract This study presents a four-year follow-up of an introduced population of Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, from initial stages to an established population. This introduction occurred on a small impacted stream of Vila do Abraão, the main village of Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The population size increased during the study, and presented a relationship to environmental factors, especially with rainfall. On the initial stages of introduction prevailed the smaller specimens, but on the overall, predominated the intermediate size classes. After less than a year, P. acuta becomes established on this stream and was possibly affecting the other species found on the stream. The information presented here is useful to understand the invasion process of invasive snails, as well as directing conservation efforts.

Resumo Neste estudo é apresentado um acompanhamento de quatro anos de uma população de Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, desde os estágios iniciais da introdução até seu pleno estabelecimento. Esta introdução ocorreu em um pequeno riacho impactado da Vila do Abraão, o principal vilarejo da Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil). A população cresceu durante o estudo, e apresentou uma relação com os fatores ambientais, especialmente a pluviosidade. Nos estágios iniciais de introdução prevaleceram os exemplares menores, contudo no panorama geral, predominaram as classes de tamanho intermediárias. Em menos de um ano de introdução, P. acuta se estabeleceu neste riacho, e possivelmente está afetando as demais espécies encontradas no rio. A informação apresentada aqui é importante para a compreensão do processo de invasão de moluscos invasores no Brasil, assim como no direcionamento de esforços de conservação.

The introduction of Physa acuta (Gastropoda: Physidae) on Ilha Grande, Southeast Brazil, from initial stages to an established population / A introdução de Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805 (Gastropoda: Physidae) na Ilha Grande, Sudeste do Brasil, desde os estágios iniciais até uma população estabelecida

This study presents a four-year follow-up of an introduced population of Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, from initial stages to an established population. This introduction occurred on a small impacted stream of Vila do Abraão, the main village of Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The population size increased during the study, and presented a relationship to environmental factors, especially with rainfall. On the initial stages of introduction prevailed the smaller specimens, but on the overall, predominated the intermediate size classes. After less than a year, P. acuta becomes established on this stream and was possibly affecting the other species found on the stream. The information presented here is useful to understand the invasion process of invasive snails, as well as directing conservation efforts.

Neste estudo é apresentado um acompanhamento de quatro anos de uma população de Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, desde os estágios iniciais da introdução até seu pleno estabelecimento. Esta introdução ocorreu em um pequeno riacho impactado da Vila do Abraão, o principal vilarejo da Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil). A população cresceu durante o estudo, e apresentou uma relação com os fatores ambientais, especialmente a pluviosidade. Nos estágios iniciais de introdução prevaleceram os exemplares menores, contudo no panorama geral, predominaram as classes de tamanho intermediárias. Em menos de um ano de introdução, P. acuta se estabeleceu neste riacho, e possivelmente está afetando as demais espécies encontradas no rio. A informação apresentada aqui é importante para a compreensão do processo de invasão de moluscos invasores no Brasil, assim como no direcionamento de esforços de conservação.

The introduction of Physa acuta (Gastropoda: Physidae) on Ilha Grande, Southeast Brazil, from initial stages to an established population

Abstract This study presents a four-year follow-up of an introduced population of Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, from initial stages to an established population. This introduction occurred on a small impacted stream of Vila do Abraão, the main village of Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The population size increased during the study, and presented a relationship to environmental factors, especially with rainfall. On the initial stages of introduction prevailed the smaller specimens, but on the overall, predominated the intermediate size classes. After less than a year, P. acuta becomes established on this stream and was possibly affecting the other species found on the stream. The information presented here is useful to understand the invasion process of invasive snails, as well as directing conservation efforts.

Resumo Neste estudo é apresentado um acompanhamento de quatro anos de uma população de Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, desde os estágios iniciais da introdução até seu pleno estabelecimento. Esta introdução ocorreu em um pequeno riacho impactado da Vila do Abraão, o principal vilarejo da Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil). A população cresceu durante o estudo, e apresentou uma relação com os fatores ambientais, especialmente a pluviosidade. Nos estágios iniciais de introdução prevaleceram os exemplares menores, contudo no panorama geral, predominaram as classes de tamanho intermediárias. Em menos de um ano de introdução, P. acuta se estabeleceu neste riacho, e possivelmente está afetando as demais espécies encontradas no rio. A informação apresentada aqui é importante para a compreensão do processo de invasão de moluscos invasores no Brasil, assim como no direcionamento de esforços de conservação.

Considering the role of the assassin snail Anentome helena as a biological control of Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos, the first intermediate host of Opisthorchis viverrini

This study aims to investigate whether the assassin snail Anentome helena may serve as a biological control agent of Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos, the 1st intermediate host of Opisthorchis viverrini. Experiments were carried out in the laboratory, and the results found that A. helena showed the variation and selection of mollusc prey. A. helena can consume B. siamensis goniomphalos, which is remarkable because this snail can compete with other snails and could be used as a biological control. The consumption rate of the predator was compared, and it was found that A. helena prefers to consume Indoplanorbis exustus, followed by Pomacea canaliculata, Melanoides tuberculata, Filopaludina sumatrensis speciosa, Lymnaea sp., and B. siamensis goniomphalos. This is the first report of an experimental study controlling B. siamensis goniomphalos using A. helena. Our data imply that A. helena can control the B. siamensis goniomphalos population with good results, especially in the absence of other snail species.

Prevalencia de Fasciola hepatica y Paramphistomidae en bovinos de doble propósito en una hacienda del trópico bajo andino colombiano / Prevalence of Fasciola hepatica and Paramphistomidae in dual purpose cattle in a farm in the Colombian low Andean tropic

RESUMEN En muchos países la fasciolosis y la paramfistomosis representan un grave problema para la salud del sector pecuario. En Colombia hay registros de ambas distomatosis en bovinos, la mayoría en el trópico alto andino, las cuales generan pérdidas econômicas anuales cercanas a 40 000 000 000 COP. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la prevalencia de fasciolosis y paramfistomosis en vacunos de la hacienda La Candelaria, Caucasia (Colombia), y la presencia de caracoles hospederos intermediarios. Para cumplirlo, se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. Se recolectaron heces de los animales y se hizo el diagnóstico mediante la técnica modificada de Dennis. Se establecieron las prevalencias de los digeneos de acuerdo con el sexo, peso, edad y raza. Se recolectaron caracoles dulciacuícolas en la zona estudiada y se identificaron por morfologia. Se analizaron 466 muestras fecales de 178 bovinos, de las razas Cebú (Bos indicus), BON (blanco orejinegro) y del cruce entre ellas. Se diagnosticaron F. hepatica y Paramphistomidae con prevalencias del 2,2% y 30,9%, respectivamente. En el 1,1% de los vacunos se diagnosticó coinfección. Ambas trematodosis prevalecieron en las hembras (p = 0,03). Se identificaron moluscos dulciacuícolas Ampullariidae, Physidae y Planorbidae sin estadios larvarios de digeneos. Se concluyó que los bovinos de doble propósito de la hacienda La Candelaria están expuestos a F. hepatica y Paramphistomidae, y, probablemente, se infectan en los predios de la hacienda. Paramphistomidae es más prevalente que F. hepatica, lo cual concuerda con lo descrito en algunos estudios realizados en hatos del trópico alto andino colombiano. Paramphistomidae se encontró en todos los grupos etarios.

ABSTRACT Fasciolosis and paramphistomosis are a major health problem for the livestock economy worldwide. In Colombia, both distomatosis are reported in cattle, particularly in high Andean tropics, with annual economic losses close to COP 40 billion. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of fasciolosis and paramphistomosis in cattle from La Candelaria farm, Caucasia (Colombia), and the presence of intermediate host snails. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with non-probability convenience sampling. Stool samples were collected from the animals and the diagnosis was made using the modified Dennis technique. Digenea prevalence were determined according to sex, weight, age, and race. Freshwater snails were collected in the studied area and were identified by morphology. 400 and 66 fecal samples from 178 bovines of the Zebu (Bos indicus), BON (white-eared white) breeds and the cross between them were analyzed. Fasciola hepatica and Paramphistomidae were diagnosed with a prevalence of 2,2% and 30,9%, respectively. Coinfection was diagnosed in 1,1% of the cattle. Both trematodosis were most frequent in females (p = 0,03). Freshwater molluscs Ampullariidae, Physidae and Planorbidae without digenea larval stages were identified. It was concluded that dual-purpose cattle from La Candelaria farm are exposed to F. hepatica and Paramphistomidae and are probably infected on the farm grounds. Paramphistomidae was more prevalent than F. hepatica, which agrees with other studies in herds from the Colombian high Andean tropics. Paramphistomidae was found in all age groups.

Detection of bloodworm larvae (Diptera: Chironomidae) in the golden apple snail Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1819) (Gastropoda: Ampullariidae) in Metro Manila

Background@#Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1819) is an invasive freshwater snail in the Philippines that damages crops but is consumed as food. It is known to harbor parasites, some of which are pathogenic to humans. @*Objectives@#The objective of this study is to examine P. canaliculata individuals present in Metro Manila for parasite infection and identify the parasites and other organisms associated with the snail using molecular identification. @*Methodology@#P. canaliculata were collected from rivers and marketplaces in Metro Manila. Individuals were crushed and digested in Ash's digestive fluid and observed under a microscope. Collected parasites were subjected to DNA barcoding of the COI gene for putative identification. @*Results@#A total of 462 snails were gathered from 15 sites, eight of which were market areas that sourced the snails from outside Metro Manila. No known parasites were found. Two snails were found to contain insect larvae in the mantle (0.43% infection). The closest BLAST matches for the two insect larvae were the chironomid fly Nilodorum tainanus (91.0% identity) from a snail in Sucat, Muntinlupa, and another chironomid Parachironomus sp. (92.8% identity) found in a snail originally from Cavite and brought to Calumpang, Marikina. @*Conclusion@#This study is the first report of the presence of chironomids in Philippine P. canaliculata. This could have an impact on the allergenic status of these mollusks if consumed while containing these chironomids. The absence of infection of other medically important parasites is possibly due to the patchy distribution of the snails and few interactions with the definitive hosts of known parasites.

New Insights into the Gametogenesis of Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Pulmonata): Implications for Histopathological Assessment

Abstract The reproductive system has a fundamental role in population dynamics and several reproduction strategies have been shaped by the environment over time. Many environmental pressures are generated by releasing pollutants, as endocrine disruptors, that can affect the reproductive system of individuals, among them invertebrates. The freshwater snails Biomphalaria spp. are used as biomonitor in several ecotoxicological studies; however, there are few studies about gametogenesis and morphology of reproductive snail cells, which could be used as a new biomarker. In this sense, the current study aims to characterize Biomphalaria glabrata gametogenesis, bringing new histomorphometric parameters for germinative cells. Results showed that the hermaphrodite tissue is formed by several acini with simple pavement epithelium with germinative and somatic cells. Oogenesis was classified into five developmental stages (OI to OV) according to diameter, nucleus area, total area, and follicular cell development, and then classified into previtellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes. The spermatogenesis was classified into spermatogonia (Spg), spermatocytes (Spc) and spermatids that were subdivided into five stages (Spt I to Spt V) according to cytoplasm losing, and nucleus spiralization along with Sertoli cells development. Thus, the present study highlights the gametogenesis of B. glabrata with new histomorphometric parameters, which can be an important tool for ecotoxicological and molluscicidal developmental further studies.

Investigation of cryptic diversity and occurrence of echinostome metacercariae infection in Anentome helena (von dem Busch, 1847)

Objective: To investigate the parasitic infection of Anentome helena (A. helena) and determine the validity of species boundaries for A. helena by combining molecular phylogeny and morphological approaches. Methods: A total of 325 individuals of A. helena were collected throughout northern Thailand. Shells were measured and compared by t-test. Radulae were investigated by using light and scanning electron microscope. Two partial mitochondrial DNA sequences of COI and 16S rRNA from 36 specimens of A. helena and related species were used to test the validity of the morphospecies. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using neighbour joining, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Infection of A. helena with trematode larva was examined and observed. Results: Morphological examination of A. helena revealed 2 distinct morphospecies. Genetic divergences supported the separation of the two morphotypes into two distinct groups. Both individual and combined analyses of the two nucleotide fragments revealed two phylogroups that corresponded with shell and radula characteristics. In addition, A. helena was found infected with 37-collar spined echinostome metacercariae. The prevalence and intensity of metacercariae was highest in the San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai province, with 7.5% and 1.670±0.577, respectively. Conclusions: These findings suggest that comprehensive taxonomic revision of this unrecognised species complex is needed. This study represents the preliminary step to reveal new data on the recent distribution of trematode infection in A. helena. This information may be useful for developing conservation management of the snail and the practice of targeted regimes to reduce anthelmintic resistance in the future.

Freshwater Snail Diversity in Mae Lao Agricultural Basin (Chiang Rai, Thailand) with a Focus on Larval Trematode Infections

The aim of this study was to conduct a freshwater snail survey in Mae Lao agricultural basin to assess the diversity with a focus on habitat types and their larval trematode infections. Snails were collected and examined in 14 sites of Mae Lao agricultural basin from August 2016 to October 2017. A total of 1,688 snail individuals were collected and classified into 7 families, 8 genera, and 12 species. Snail diversity and habitat types were higher in rice paddies than irrigation canals and streams. The most abundant species was Bithynia siamensis siamensis, representing 54.6% of the sample. Three species of snails act as first intermediate host were found with cercarial infections. They were Filopaludina sumatrensis polygramma, B. s. siamensis, and Melanoides tuberculata. The cercariae were categorized into 7 types; echinostome, monostome, gymnocephalous, virgulate, parapleurolophocercous, pleurolophocercous and megalurous cercariae. Parapleurolophocercous cercariae constituted the most common type of cercariae recovered, contributing 41.2% of all infections in snails. Echinostome metacercariae infections were found in 6 snail species with 7.6% prevalence. In addition, the metacercaria of avian trematode, Thapariella sp. were found in Filopaludina spp. snails and B. funiculata with a prevalence of 0.5%. This is the first report for Thapariella metacercariae in the snail host, B. funiculata, and also confirmed that viviparid and bithyniid snails act as the second intermediate hosts of this trematode. This work will provide new information on the distribution and intermediate host of trematode in this area.

Investigation of cryptic diversity and occurrence of echinostome metacercariae infection in Anentome helena (von dem Busch, 1847)

Objective:To investigate the parasitic infection of Anentome helena (A. helena) and determine the validity of species boundaries for A. helena by combining molecular phylogeny and morphological approaches.Methods:A total of 325 individuals of A. helena were collected throughout northern Thailand. Shells were measured and compared by t-test. Radulae were investigated by using light and scanning electron microscope. Two partial mitochondrial DNA sequences of COI and 16S rRNA from 36 specimens of A. helena and related species were used to test the validity of the morphospecies. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using neighbour joining, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Infection of A. helena with trematode larva was examined and observed.Results:Morphological examination of A. helena revealed 2 distinct morphospecies. Genetic divergences supported the separation of the two morphotypes into two distinct groups. Both individual and combined analyses of the two nucleotide fragments revealed two phylogroups that corresponded with shell and radula characteristics. In addition, A. helena was found infected with 37-collar spined echinostome metacercariae. The prevalence and intensity of metacercariae was highest in the San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai province, with 7.5% and 1.670±0.577, respectively.Conclusions:These findings suggest that comprehensive taxonomic revision of this unrecognised species complex is needed. This study represents the preliminary step to reveal new data on the recent distribution of trematode infection in A. helena. This information may be useful for developing conservation management of the snail and the practice of targeted regimes to reduce anthelmintic resistance in the future.

Fasciola hepatica: Infection Status of Freshwater Snails Collected from Gangwon-do (Province), Korea

Fasciola hepatica is a trematode that causes zoonosis, mainly in cattle and sheep, and occasionally in humans. Few recent studies have determined the infection status of this fluke in Korea. In August 2015, we collected 402 samples of freshwater snails at Hoenggye-ri (upper stream) and Suha-ri (lower stream) of Song-cheon (stream) in Daegwalnyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun in Gangwon-do (Province) near many large cattle or sheep farms. F. hepatica infection was determined using PCR on the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS-2). Among the 402 samples, F. hepatica 1TS-2 marker was detected in 6 freshwater snails; thus, the overall prevalence in freshwater snails was 1.5%. The prevalence varied between collection areas, ranging from 0.0% at Hoenggye-ri to 2.9% at Suha-ri. However, F. gigantica ITS-2 was not detected in the 6 F. hepatica-positive samples by PCR. The nucleotide sequences of the 6 F. hepatica ITS-2 PCR-positive samples were 99.4% identical to the F. hepatica ITS-2 sequences in GenBank, whereas they were 98.4% similar to F. gigantica ITS-2 sequences. These results indicated that the prevalence of F. hepatica in snail intermediate hosts was 1.5% in Gangwon-do, Korea; however the prevalence varied between collection areas. These results may help us to understand F. hepatica infection status in natural environments.

Karyological Studies of Biomphalaria tenagophila (d'Orbigny, 1835) (Gastropoda: Planobidae) from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The karyotypes of Biomphalaria tenagophila collected from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were studied using the air-drying method. Somatic cells of this species had 2n=36. The 18 chromosome pairs were identified and classified into 3 groups. The diploid cell has 7 pairs of metacentric, 8 pairs of submetacentric, and 3 pairs of subtelocentric chromosomes. Observed chromosomes ranged from 2.4 to 6.4 microm, and the total length was 122.3 microm. This is the first report on the chromosome of B. tenagophila.

Echinostoma revolutum: Freshwater Snails as the Second Intermediate Hosts in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The occurrence of 37-collar spined echinostome metacercariae in freshwater snails was investigated in 6 districts of Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, from October 2011 to April 2012. A total of 2,914 snails that belong to 12 species were examined, and 7 snail species (Clea helena, Eyriesia eyriesi, Bithynia funiculata, Bithynia siamensis siamensis, Filopaludina doliaris, Filopaludina sumatrensis polygramma, and Filopaludina martensi martensi) were found infected with echinostome metacercariae. The prevalence of metacercariae was the highest in Filopaludina spp. (38.5-58.7%) followed by B. funiculata (44.0%), E. eyriesi (12.5%), B. siamensis siamensis (8.2%), and C. helena (5.1%). Metacercariae were experimentally fed to hamsters and domestic chicks, and adult flukes were recovered from both hosts at days 15 and 20 post-infection. The adult flukes were identified based on morphological features, morphometrics, host-parasite relationships, and geographical distribution. They were compatible to Echinostoma revolutum or Echinostoma jurini, with only minor differences. As the adults were recovered from both hamsters and chicks, our specimens were more compatible to E. revolutum rather than E. jurini (reported only from mammals). This is the first report for metacercariae of E. revolutum in the snail host, C. helena, and also confirmed that Filopaludina spp., E. eryresi, and Bithynia spp. act as the second intermediate hosts of E. revolutum under natural conditions, which are indigenously distributed in Chiang Mai province.