Abstract

VAZQUEZ CAPOTE, Raisa et al. Pseudosuccinea columella (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae) in Camagüey. Rev Cubana Med Trop [online]. 2013, vol.65, n.3, pp. 388-393. ISSN 0375-0760.

Introduction: fascioliasis is an emerging disease worldwide. In Cuba its occurrence is sporadic, seriously affecting cattle. Objective: report the presence and distribution of Pseudosuccinea columella in the province of Camagüey, Cuba. Methods: a survey was conducted of 455 actual or potential freshwater mollusk breeding sites in the province of Camagüey, using a 1-mm-mesh bronze sieve 15 cm in diameter for 30 min. Both the muddy substratum and the adjoining vegetation were removed without replacing the specimens captured. Results: the species was found in 23 of the water bodies surveyed (5.05 %), namely 15 inland lagoons (65.21 %), 4 streams (17.39 %), 3 rivers (13.04 %) and 1 micro-dam (4.36 %). The municipality with the highest positivity rate was Camagüey with 16 (69.56 %). Pseudosuccinea columella was found to be related only to Physa acuta in 5 of the positive water bodies (21.73 %), and in all cases its density was low. Conclusions: the limited distribution of Pseudosuccinea columella lowers its relevance in comparison with Galba cubensis, which is considered to be the main intermediary host of Fasciola hepatica in Cuba. Research is currently in progress into the role of the various abiotic variables as probable factors limiting or dispersing Pseudosuccinea columella in Camagüey water bodies.

Keywords : fascioliasis; control; Pseudosuccinea columella; intermediary hosts; Fasciola hepatica.

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