Abstract

VAZQUEZ PERERA, Antonio A et al. First report on Galba cubensis (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae) naturally infected with larvae of Paramphistomidae (Trematoda: Digenea) in Cuba. Rev Cubana Med Trop [online]. 2013, vol.65, n.3, pp.394-397. ISSN 0375-0760.

Introduction: studies on digenean trematode species living in Cuba are scarce and mainly focused on species causing major parasitic diseases in humans. Moreover, the intermediary host for many of the trematodes has not been found. Eight species of Paramphistomatidae have been reported in Cuba, but the mollusk species involved in transmission of this parasite family are still unknown. Objective: report natural infection of the mollusk Galba cubensis with trematode larvae. Methods: fluvial mollusks were collected manually under natural conditions in the area of La Coca. Individuals were kept in malacology laboratories until cercariae were issued. Identification of larval forms was based on morphological keys for trematodes. Results: in this report the snail Galba cubensis is reported for the first time in Cuba as naturally infected with paramphistomids. Conclusions: the ecological characteristics of Galba cubensis, as well as its habitat preferences in Cuba could contribute to the transmission of paramphistomids on the island.

Keywords : trematode; Paramphistomatidae; Galba cubensis; Cuba.

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