Evaluating the Ecology and Distribution of Snail Hosts of Schistosoma at the Water Bodies in Ihitte-Uboma Area of Imo State

Abstract

Intermediate snail host of Schistosoma species are known to exist and constitute public health problems in Imo state. Effects on this study were devoted to evaluate the ecology and distribution of the snail hosts of Schistosoma species at the water bodies of Ihitte Uboma local Government area and this was researched during the months of June and September, 2015. A total of 600 pulmonate or lunged snails were collected using scoop net technique from different water bodies in five villages, out of these, 345 (57.5%) were dissected and screened for cercariae of human Schistosomes 67 (19.4%) tested positive. The snail infected were Bulinus  species 55 (82.1%) and Biomphalaria Pfeifferi (17.9%), out of the Bulinus species, Bulinus globosus recorded the widest ecological range, highest  distribution and infection rate of 44.8% followed by Bulinus truncatus (22.4%). The other two genera Lymnaea spp and Melanoides spp encountered in the study did not test positive for cercariae. Environmental modifications such as water resources development schemes in the area are some of the ecological and epidemiological risk factor promoting the spread of the snails. Statistically, presence of urinary and intestinal Schistosomiasis becomes indicated in Ihitte Uboma L.G.A. Regular and timing mollusciciding, malacological and public health education are therefore recommended and imperative.