Abstract

GRILLET, María Eugenia et al. Distribution of freshwater mollusks (Gastropoda) of medical importance in Venezuela. Bol Mal Salud Amb [online]. 2016, vol.56, n.2, pp.211-228. ISSN 1690-4648.

This study describes the current distribution patterns of the main species of freshwater mollusks incriminated as intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni (Biomphalaria, 4 species), Fasciola hepatica (Galba, 4 species and Pseudosuccinea columella), and Paragonimus sp. (Aroapyrgus vivens) in Venezuela. Additionally, the epidemiological status and the main aquatic habitats of each species are discussed in order to bring basic information to help the surveillance and control of these neglected tropical diseases in Venezuela.

Keywords : Mollusks; freshwater; distribution; hosts; esquistosomiasis; fasciolosis; paragonimiasis; helmintiasis; Venezuela.