First report of larval stages of Fasciola hepatica in a wild population of Pseudosuccinea columella from Cuba and the Caribbean

J Helminthol. 2011 Mar;85(1):109-11. doi: 10.1017/S0022149X10000350. Epub 2010 Jul 19.

Abstract

A wild population of the lymnaeid snail Pseudosuccinea columella infected by larval stages of Fasciola hepatica was discovered in the Pinar del Río Province, Cuba. One of 100 snails was infected in a rice culture field. This is the first time this species has been found acting as intermediate host of F. hepatica under natural conditions, not only for Cuba but also for the Caribbean area.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild / parasitology*
  • Caribbean Region
  • Cuba
  • Fasciola hepatica / growth & development*
  • Fasciola hepatica / isolation & purification*
  • Host-Parasite Interactions
  • Larva / growth & development
  • Snails / parasitology*