<i>Physella acuta</i> Confirmed as Intermediate Host of <i>Posthodiplostomum</i> sp. from Lake Alqueva, Portugal.

ABSTRACT: Physella acuta is an invasive freshwater snail with a global distribution and a recognized role as an intermediate host for various trematodes, including Echinostoma spp. and Trichobilharzia physellae. In Portugal, P. acuta is commonly found in freshwater bodies such as Lake Alqueva, the largest artificial reservoir in Europe. The lake's creation has altered local ecosystems, influencing freshwater snail populations and migratory bird activity, which may contribute to the dispersal of trematode parasites. While P. acuta is present in the region, its role in trematode transmission remains unclear. This study investigated P. acuta as a potential intermediate host for trematodes in Lake Alqueva. Freshwater snails were collected from 18 sites, with cer

SUBMITTER: Bispo MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12030160 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature