Gastropods potential intermediate hosts of parasites in the region of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park/Brazil, an international tourist destination

A study conducted between June 2016 and November 2019 identified 3,244 specimens of freshwater gastropods across the Microregion of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, highlighting a significant presence of potential intermediate hosts for parasites. The most abundant species was Biomphalaria straminea, accounting for 73.45% of the specimens, followed by Pomacea sp. (57.15%), which showed constant frequency across lentic and lotic ecosystems. The research also noted the occurrence of other gastropod species, including Biomphalaria schrammi and Drepanotrema lucidum, with varying abundances. Forecast maps suggest these snails could establish themselves throughout the region, posing a risk to human health due to their role as parasite hosts. The study underscores the importance of monitoring limnic gastropods for both conservation purposes and public health, particularly in a tourist destination like Lençóis Maranhenses.

Carvalho, M. C. M., Abreu, A. S., Silva, M. S., Cantanhede, S. P. D., Monroe, T. G. R., Araújo, L. S., & Tchaicka, L. (2024). Gastropods potential intermediate hosts of parasites in the region of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park/Brazil, an international tourist destination. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 84. https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.283163