A Faunistic Survey on the Cercariae of Bellamya (Viviparus) bengalensis Snails and Their Zoonotic Importance

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.