Environmental determinants of distribution of freshwater snails and trematode infection in the Omo Gibe River Basin, southwest Ethiopia

Human activities such as open field defecation, livestock grazing, farming, and swimming significantly influence the distribution and infection rates of freshwater snails with trematodes in the Omo-Gibe River Basin. The study found that Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the most abundant snail species, accounted for 85% of trematode infections, with eight distinct cercarial types identified, including Echinostoma and brevifurcate apharyngeate distome cercariae being the most prevalent. Environmental factors like water conductivity and biological oxygen demand, along with sanitation practices, were also critical predictors of snail-borne disease transmission. The research highlights the need for awareness campaigns to mitigate disease spread by reducing human and animal contact with contaminated waters.

Mereta, S. T., Bedewi, J., Yewhalaw, D., Mandefro, B., Abdie, Y., Tegegne, D., Birke, W., Mulat, W. L., & Kloos, H. (2019). Environmental determinants of distribution of freshwater snails and trematode infection in the Omo Gibe River Basin, southwest Ethiopia. Infectious Diseases of Poverty, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40249-019-0604-y