Résumé
Limited studies have been made on the cercariae from freshwater snails in Iran. This study was conducted to determine the cercariae fauna of Bellamya [Viviparus] bengalensis and evaluation of their zoonotic importance in Khuzestan province, south-west of Iran. For this purpose, 1143 Bellamya snails were collected from Ahoudasht region in central areas of the province during 2002-2003. Bellamya snails were examined for cercariae with shedding or crushing methods, and identified by systematic key references. Findings showed that 5 [0.4%] Bellamya snails were infected with Xiphidiocercariae belonging to Plagiorchiidae helminth parasites. The zoonotic importance of these cercariae and life cycle of Plagiorchiidae helminth [Trematode] parasites are discussed