Mapping freshwater snails in north-western Angola: distribution, identity and molecular diversity of medically important taxa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study was designed to determine the distribution and identity of potential intermediate snail hosts of Schistosoma spp. in Bengo, Luanda, Kwanza Norte and Malanje Provinces in north-western Angola. This is an area where infection with Schistosoma haematobium, causing urogenital schistosomiasis, is common but little is yet known about transmission of the disease. Angola has had a varied past with regard to disease control and is revitalising efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases.

Methods

Snails were sampled from 60 water-contact points. Specimens of the genera Bulinus, Biomphalaria or Lymnaea were screened for trematode infections by inducing cercarial shedding. Snails were initially identified using shell morphology; subsequently a cytochrome c oxidas

SUBMITTER: Allan F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5634851 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature