Journal of Helminthology

Table of Contents - 2003 - Volume 77, Issue 01  

Cambridge Journals Online - CUP Full-Text Page

Review Article

Population dynamics of Lymnaea columella and its natural infection by Fasciola hepatica in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

L.H.L. Coelhoa1 and W.S. Limaa1 c1



a1 Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Caixa Postal 486, CEP 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Article author query

Coelho LH [PubMed]  [Google Scholar]
Lima WS [PubMed]  [Google Scholar]

Abstract

Studies on the population dynamics and natural infection of Lymnaea columella by Fasciola hepatica were carried out from September 1999 to December 2000 in a low-lying area near Itajubá in the Brazilian State of Minas Gerais. A total of 626 snails were collected monthly at nine different sites, counted, and dissected to search for larvae of F. hepatica. The highest populations of L. columella were reached in October of 1999 and August of 2000, and the highest natural infection rates of snails by F. hepatica were reached in September 1999 (5.2%) and July 2000 (3.9%). The removal by farmers of aquatic plants from the drainage furrows caused a drastic reduction in this snail population.

(Accepted August 30 2001)

Correspondence:

c1 Author for correspondence Fax: +31 3499 2829 Email: wlima@icb.ufmg.br