Resumo: Achatina fulica está entre as 100 das piores espécies invasoras em todo o mundo, e no Brasil está presente em quase todos os estados, incluindo Sergipe. Este caracol exótico é conhecido por ter impactos negativos, não só no meio ambiente, devido principalmente ao rápido crescimento de suas populações, mas também na saúde pública, uma vez que é um hospedeiro intermediário de nematodeos causadores de doenças zoonóticas. No entanto, pouco se sabe a respeito do desenvolvimento dessa espécie, incluindo o fator de condição relativo. Investigamos a ocorrência de A. fulica em 24 municípios distribuídos nos oito territórios do estado de Sergipe no período seco e chuvoso. Além disso, apresentamos aqui um modelo preditivo para a ocorrência de A. fulica baseado na variação do clima e da química do solo. Esse caracol é mais frequente no solo com pH de 6,5 à 7,5, sendo esse padrão ideal para o crescimento isométrico. O crescimento alométrico de A. fulica apresentou correlação negativa com o pH do solo, quanto mais ácido for o solo, maior será o crescimento de A. fulica. O fator de condição de A. fulica, apresentou diferença no desenvolvimento nos oito Territórios. A influência da chuva na frequência de A. fulica apresentou correlação significativa. Além disso, temperaturas mais elevadas influenciaram no comportamento de repouso de A. fulica. O modelo matemático para identificar a possível presença de A. fulica apresentou uma concordância forte. Este é o primeiro estudo ecológico de A. fulica a verificar a associação entre a relação massa-comprimento e o fator de condição relativo, sendo possível evidenciar que essa espécie exótica em Sergipe sofre alterações no desenvolvimento, por fatores climáticos e principalmente pelo pH do solo. O modelo matemático preditivo fornece informações valiosas sobre os fatores bióticos e abióticos associados à presença de A. fulica e a influência de variáveis climáticas e dos parâmetros químicos do solo na ocorrência desta espécie. Esses achados fornecem importantes diretrizes para o desenvolvimento de medidas de controle de populações de A. fulica, que poderão contribuir para a saúde pública e ambiental.

Abstract: Achatina fulica is among the world’s 100 most impactive invasive species, and is now found in almost all Brazilian states, including Sergipe. This exotic snail is known to have negative impacts, not only on the environment, due primarily to the rapid growth of its populations, but also on public health, given that it is an intermediate host of nematodes that cause zoonotic diseases. However, relatively little is known of the development of this snail, including its relative condition factor. We investigated the occurrence of A. fulica in 24 municipalities distributed in the eight subregions of the state of Sergipe in the dry and rainy season. Furthermore, we present here a predictive model for the occurrence of A. fulica based on the variation in climate and soil chemistry. This snail was more frequent on soils with a pH of 6.5-7.5. A negative correlation was found between the growth of A. fulica and the soil pH, then, the more acidic the soil, the more allometric the growth of A. fulica. The relative condition factor indicated differences in the development pattern of A. fulica among the eight subregions. The influence of rain in increasing the frequency of A. fulica showed a significant correlation. As well, higher temperatures influenced the resting behavior of A. fulica. The mathematical model used to identify the potential presence of A. fulica presented a high degree of agreement. This is the first ecological study of A. fulica to verify the association between the body mass-length relationship and the relative condition factor, and the results indicate that the development of this exotic land snail in Sergipe is influenced by climatic factors and principally, the soil pH. The predictive mathematical model provides valuable insights into the biotic and abiotic factors associated with the presence of A. fulica, and the influence of climatic variables and the chemical parameters of the soil on the occurrence of this species. These findings provide important guidelines for the development of measures for the control of A. fulica populations, which will contribute to both public and environment health.

In January and February 2019, a malacological survey was conducted in the area surrounding the residence of a 12-year-old child that had contracted cerebral angiostrongyliasis in the municipality of Macapá, capital of the Amapá State, northern Brazil. The serological examination was positive for Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection, the principal etiological agent of this parasitosis. A sample of 54 molluscs was artificially and individually digested for parasitological analysis, containing 38 specimens of Achatina fulica, nine specimens of Bulimulus tenuissimus and seven specimens of Sarasinula linguaeformis. A. fulica was the most abundant mollusc, and the only species infected with A. cantonensis, as well as presenting co-infections with other nematodes. This is the first report of cerebral angiostrongyliasis in the Amazon Region, and the first record of A. fulica infected with A. cantonensis in Amapá. These findings highlight the potential risks of human angiostrongyliasis, and the need to implement public health measures to control the spread of the disease.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Biomphalaria glabrata is considered to be responsible for the incidence of schistosomiasis in Brazil. Therefore, surveillance of areas where schistosomiasis is prevalent is fundamental for public health planning. This study was aimed to evaluate B. glabrata populations in water bodies of the city of Salvador, determine their distribution, estimate the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infections, characterize shed cercariae, and identify transmission foci. METHODS: Malacological surveys were carried out in 17 water collections from Salvador. Snail species were identified based on shell and mantle characteristics. Snails were evaluated for S. mansoni infection by exposure to light and via real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using S. mansoni-18S rRNA subunit specific primers. RESULTS: 1,403 B. glabrata were collected. Classical cercarial shedding indicated that 5 snails (0.4%) were positive for S. mansoni. A higher prevalence of infections was found in Horta de Saramandaia (5.5%) and Lagoa do IAT (1.9%). Non-Schistosoma larvae, such as Xiphidiocercaria, Strigeidae, Spirorchiidae and Clinostomidae, were observed in 3.2% of the snails. S. mansoni DNA was detected in 6.2% snails via qPCR. CONCLUSIONS: B. glabrata is widely distributed in Salvador, as indicated by 7 water collections associated with a risk of schistosomiasis transmission. To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify B. glabrata eliminating cercariae of Clinostomidae, Strigeidae, and Spirorchiidae in Salvador. We propose that qPCR may be employed in combination with classical cercarial shedding. Estimating S. mansoni prevalence in snails by only considering the results of light exposure method classical into account may underestimate the problem.

Abstract INTRODUCTION This paper presents the results of an extensive survey of freshwater mollusks in the Simplício Queda Única Hydroelectric Development area, Southeast Brazil. METHODS Mollusks were collected between 2008 and 2013. All specimens were examined for the presence of larval trematodes. RESULTS In total, 12,507 specimens classified into 16 genera were obtained. Known snail vectors of schistosomiasis and fascioliasis and exotic species were identified, and new records are reported. CONCLUSIONS No specimens parasitized by larval trematodes of medical interest were detected. However, the results reinforce the importance of surveillance in study areas vulnerable to the occurrence of schistosomiasis transmission.

ABSTRACT Human neural angiostrongyliasis is an emerging infectious disease caused by nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis. The present study investigated the presence of Angiostrongylus spp. in terrestrial molluscs collected from the following areas in the Metropolitan Region of Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil: Barra dos Coqueiros, Nossa Senhora do Socorro, Sao Cristovao and Aracaju. In total, 703 specimens representing 13 mollusc species were screened for Angiostrongylus spp. Larvae of Angiostrongylus spp. were found in three species. Larvae recovered from Achatina fulica were used for experimental infection in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). For specific identification of nematodes, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was sequenced from both larvae and adults recovered from molluscs and rats, respectively. Infection with A. cantonensis was detected in all municipalities and in the following three host species: Bulimulus tenuissimus, Cyclodontina fasciata (Barra dos Coqueiros), and A. fulica (Aracaju, Nossa Senhora do Socorro and Sao Cristovao). Co-infections were also found with Caenorhabditis sp. and Strongyluris sp. larvae. This is the first study of the helminth fauna associated with the terrestrial malacofauna in Sergipe State, and confirms that these three snail species are involved in the transmission of A. cantonensis in the state. In addition, B. tenuissimus and C. fasciata are newly reported natural hosts of the parasite.

Resumo Objetivo: descrever a distribuição geográfica dos hospedeiros intermediários do Schistosoma mansoni em cinco estados brasileiros. Métodos: estudo transversal; foram selecionados municípios dos estados do Paraná (78), Minas Gerais (120), Bahia (82), Pernambuco (51) e Rio Grande do Norte (98), nos anos de 2012 a 2014; esses municípios foram escolhidos por não possuírem registros atualizados da presença de caramujos hospedeiros intermediários de S. mansoni; moluscos foram capturados, taxonomicamente identificados e examinados para verificação de cercárias de S. mansoni. Resultados: os trabalhos foram realizados em 427 municípios (99,5% dos 429 selecionados); foi registrada presença de moluscos em 300 (70,2%) municípios e a ocorrência de Biomphalaria glabrata em 62 (21%) municípios, B. straminea em 181 (60%), B. tenagophila em três (1%); associação de B. glabrata/B. straminea foi encontrada em 53 (18%), e de B. glabrata/B. tenagophila em um (0,3%). Conclusão: os registros de B. glabrata, B. straminea e B. tenagophila estão de acordo com a distribuição conhecida.

Abstract Objective: to describe the geographical distribution of intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni in five Brazilian states. Methods: this was a descriptive cross-sectional study; municipalities were selected in the states of Paraná (78), Minas Gerais (120), Bahia (82), Pernambuco (51) , and Rio Grande do Norte (98), for the period 2012 to 2014; these municipalities were chosen because they did not have current records of the presence of snails vectores de S. mansoni. The molluscs were captured and taxonomically identified and examined for S. mansoni cercariae. Results: the work was carried out in 427 municipalities (99.5% of the 429 selected); the presence of mollusks was registered in 300 (70.2%) municipalities; Biomphalaria glabrata were found in 62 (21%) municipalities, B. straminea in 181 (60%), B. tenagophila in three (1%); B. glabrata/B. straminea association was found in 53 municipalities (18%) and B. glabrata/B. tenagophila association in one (0.3%) municipality. Conclusion: B. glabrata, B. straminea and B. tenagophila distribution records obtained in this study are consistent with previously known distribution.

Resumen Objetivo: describir la distribución geográfica de los hospedadores intermediarios de Schistosoma mansoni en cinco estados brasileños. Métodos: estudio epidemiológico transversal; el estudio fue realizado en municipios de los estados de Paraná (78), Minas Gerais (120), Bahia (82), Pernambuco (51) y Rio Grande do Norte (98), entre 2012 y 2014; estos municipios fueron elegidos por no poseer registros actualizados de la presencia de caracoles vectores de S. mansoni; los moluscos fueron capturados, taxonómicamente identificados y examinados para la verificación de cercarias de S. mansoni. Resultados: los trabajos fueron realizados en 427 municipios (99,5% de 429 municipios seleccionados); fue registrada presencia de moluscos en 300 (70,2%) municípios; la presencia de Biomphalaria glabrata fue registrada en 62 (21%) municipios, B. straminea en 181 (60%) y B. tenagophila en três (1%); se observó asociación de B. glabrata con B. straminea en 53 (18%) y de B. glabrata con B. tenagophila en uno (0,3%). Conclusión: los registros de Biomphalaria están de acuerdo con la distribución conocida.

Resumo Objetivo: descrever a distribuição geográfica dos hospedeiros intermediários do Schistosoma mansoni em cinco estados brasileiros. Métodos: estudo transversal; foram selecionados municípios dos estados do Paraná (78), Minas Gerais (120), Bahia (82), Pernambuco (51) e Rio Grande do Norte (98), nos anos de 2012 a 2014; esses municípios foram escolhidos por não possuírem registros atualizados da presença de caramujos hospedeiros intermediários de S. mansoni; moluscos foram capturados, taxonomicamente identificados e examinados para verificação de cercárias de S. mansoni. Resultados: os trabalhos foram realizados em 427 municípios (99,5% dos 429 selecionados); foi registrada presença de moluscos em 300 (70,2%) municípios e a ocorrência de Biomphalaria glabrata em 62 (21%) municípios, B. straminea em 181 (60%), B. tenagophila em três (1%); associação de B. glabrata/B. straminea foi encontrada em 53 (18%), e de B. glabrata/B. tenagophila em um (0,3%). Conclusão: os registros de B. glabrata, B. straminea e B. tenagophila estão de acordo com a distribuição conhecida.

Abstract Objective: to describe the geographical distribution of intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni in five Brazilian states. Methods: this was a descriptive cross-sectional study; municipalities were selected in the states of Paraná (78), Minas Gerais (120), Bahia (82), Pernambuco (51) , and Rio Grande do Norte (98), for the period 2012 to 2014; these municipalities were chosen because they did not have current records of the presence of snails vectores de S. mansoni. The molluscs were captured and taxonomically identified and examined for S. mansoni cercariae. Results: the work was carried out in 427 municipalities (99.5% of the 429 selected); the presence of mollusks was registered in 300 (70.2%) municipalities; Biomphalaria glabrata were found in 62 (21%) municipalities, B. straminea in 181 (60%), B. tenagophila in three (1%); B. glabrata/B. straminea association was found in 53 municipalities (18%) and B. glabrata/B. tenagophila association in one (0.3%) municipality. Conclusion: B. glabrata, B. straminea and B. tenagophila distribution records obtained in this study are consistent with previously known distribution.

Resumen Objetivo: describir la distribución geográfica de los hospedadores intermediarios de Schistosoma mansoni en cinco estados brasileños. Métodos: estudio epidemiológico transversal; el estudio fue realizado en municipios de los estados de Paraná (78), Minas Gerais (120), Bahia (82), Pernambuco (51) y Rio Grande do Norte (98), entre 2012 y 2014; estos municipios fueron elegidos por no poseer registros actualizados de la presencia de caracoles vectores de S. mansoni; los moluscos fueron capturados, taxonómicamente identificados y examinados para la verificación de cercarias de S. mansoni. Resultados: los trabajos fueron realizados en 427 municipios (99,5% de 429 municipios seleccionados); fue registrada presencia de moluscos en 300 (70,2%) municípios; la presencia de Biomphalaria glabrata fue registrada en 62 (21%) municipios, B. straminea en 181 (60%) y B. tenagophila en três (1%); se observó asociación de B. glabrata con B. straminea en 53 (18%) y de B. glabrata con B. tenagophila en uno (0,3%). Conclusión: los registros de Biomphalaria están de acuerdo con la distribución conocida.

Introduction Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease of public health concern in Brazil, and the construction of hydroelectric dams, in addition to increasing permanent human settlement and tourism, has created conditions suitable for the establishment of mollusks that can transmit schistosomiasis. Such areas require a number of actions to prevent the establishment of schistosomiasis. This paper reports on a freshwater malacological survey carried out in the geographical area of the Manso Power Plant. Methods Mollusks were collected in 18 municipalities in the State of Mato Grosso between February 2002 and February 2004 (qualitative study) and from April 2009 to February 2011 (quantitative study). Results Thirty-one species of mollusks were collected, including newly recorded species (Antillorbis nordestensis and Burnupia ingae). In addition, the geographic distributions of known species, including Biomphalaria straminea, a snail vector of Schistosoma mansoni, were expanded. A total of 4,507 specimens were collected in the APM Manso reservoir (Usina Hidrelétrica de Aproveitamento Múltiplo de Manso) during the quantitative study, and Biomphalaria amazonica was found in six of the 10 localities analyzed. The Afroasiatic species Melanoides tuberculata, introduced after February 2009, was the dominant species (relative abundance 94.96%). Conclusions The study area is epidemiologically important due to the occurrence of B. straminea and B. amazonica, which are vectors of schistosomiasis, and M. tuberculata, a snail host of Centrocestus formosanus, which is responsible for centrocestiasis transmission. Observations of M. tuberculata and the exotic freshwater clams Corbicula fluminea and Corbicula largillierti raise concerns about biodiversity.

Eosinophilic meningitis (EoM) is an acute disease that affects the central nervous system. It is primarily caused by infection with the nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis. This infection was previously restricted to certain Asian countries and the Pacific Islands, but it was first reported in Brazil in 2007. Since then, intermediate and definitive hosts infected with A. cantonensis have been identified within the urban areas of many states in Brazil, including those in the northern, northeastern, southeastern and southern regions. The goals of this review are to draw the attention of the medical community and health centres to the emergence of EoM in Brazil, to compile information about several aspects of the human infection and mode of transmission and to provide a short protocol of procedures for the diagnosis of this disease.

Introduction: The Baixada Maranhense Microregion currently has the highest prevalence of schistosomiasis in the State of Maranhão, likely because this parasitosis is characterized as an occupational disease, and increased contact with water increases the risk of infection by Schistosoma mansoni. This paper reports the results of the first comprehensive freshwater malacological survey performed in the Baixada Maranhense Microregion. Methods: Freshwater mollusks were collected from the twenty-one municipalities of the Baixada Maranhense Microregion and from Bacurituba and Cajapió and were evaluated for infection by trematodes. Results: A total of 9,129 mollusks were collected (sixteen species), which included the first records of six species in the State of Maranhão: Gundlachia radiata, G. ticaga, Hebetancylus moricandi, Plesiophysa guadeloupensis, Pomacea bridgesii diffusa and Omalonyx sp. Biomphalaria glabrata was found in five municipalities, whereas B. straminea was found in nine. Biomphalaria glabrata and B. straminea were observed in syntopy in Pinheiro and São Bento. Of the 990 specimens of B. glabrata and the 2,109 specimens of B. straminea that were exposed to and/or analyzed for the presence of larval trematodes, only a single specimen of B. glabrata (0.1%) from São Bento shed S. mansoni. Other larval trematodes were first observed in mollusks from the State of Maranhão. Conclusions: These results indicate that the study area is epidemiologically important due to the presence of two natural vectors of schistosomiasis and the active transmission of schistosomiasis, which was confirmed in the infected specimen that was collected in this study.

Foi realizado um levantamento de trematódeos em gastrópodes límnicos provenientes da área da Usina Hidrelétrica de Manso e das proximidades com potencial turístico, como a região do Pantanal. Moluscos parasitados foram encontrados em doze dos dezoito municípios investigados e quarenta e uma interações cercária-gastrópode límnico foram observadas, entre elas Biomphalaria amazônica Paraense, 1966, Biomphalaria occidentalis Paraense, 1981, Marisa planogyra Pilsbry, 1933, Pomacea maculata Perry, 1830, Pomacea scalaris (d'Orbigny, 1835) and Gundlachia radiata (Guilding, 1828) atuando pela primeira vez no Brasil como hospedeiros intermediários de trematódeos. Echinostomatidae e Strigeidae foram as famílias de maior ocorrência (ca. 47%) e a maior variedade de tipos cercarianos foi encontrada em Drepanotrema lucidum (Pfeiffer, 1839). Paramphistomatidae, Schistosomatidae or Spirorchiidae and Notocotylidae or Pronocephalidae foram reportadas pela primeira vez em D. lucidum ampliando o número de famílias que utilizam esse gastrópode como hospedeiro intermediário. Embora nenhum espécime tenha sido encontrado com formas larvais de Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907, outros trematódeos foram observados, como Brevifurcate apharingeate cercaria da família Schistosomatidae que pode causar dermatite no homem. Estudos sobre a taxonomia e a biologia de trematódeos são essenciais para melhor compreender a biodiversidade desses parasitos, assim como os aspectos epidemiológicos para o controle de parasitoses associadas.

A survey for freshwater gastropods carrying trematodes parasites was conducted in Manso Dam and the surrounding areas frequented by tourist, focusing particularly on the Pantanal region. Infected snails were recovered from twelve of the eighteen investigated municipalities and forty-one cercaria-snail pairings were recorded. Among these pairings were several first records of snails serving as intermediate hosts for trematodes in Brazil including Biomphalaria amazônica Paraense, 1966, Biomphalaria occidentalis Paraense, 1981, Marisa planogyra Pilsbry, 1933, Pomacea maculata Perry, 1830, Pomacea scalaris (d'Orbigny, 1835) and Gundlachia radiata (Guilding, 1828). Echinostomatidae and Strigeidae were the most common trematode families (ca. 47%) and the greatest diversity of larvae were obtained from Drepanotrema lucidum (Pfeiffer, 1839). Paramphistomatidae, Schistosomatidae or Spirorchiidae and Notocotylidae or Pronocephalidae were recovered in D. lucidum for the first time extending the number of families which use this gastropod as intermediate host. Although no specimens were found harboring larval stages of Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 other trematode larvae were discovered, including the Schistosomatidae Brevifurcate apharingeate cercaria that can cause dermatitis in humans. Continued studies on the taxonomy and biology of trematodes are essential to better understand the biodiversity of these parasites as well as the epidemiological aspects for control of associated zoonosis.

O trabalho investiga as percepções de alunos do Ensino Fundamental sobre a espécie Achatinafulica (caramujo africano) e os riscos que esse molusco oferece para a população no município de Barra do Piraí (RJ). A pesquisa envolveu a aplicação de questionários, grupos focais e observações de campo, além do estudo parasitológico de exemplares do molusco na localidade. Foi identificada a presença de caramujos infectados com nematódeos de interesse médico-veterinário e evidenciado que os alunos têm uma percepção negativa em relação ao caramujo, havendo predomínio de divergências entre suas percepções e o conhecimento científico. Com base nas contribuições do estudo das percepções e da Teoria da Aprendizagem Significativa, são propostas orientações para o planejamento de estratégias de ensino em contexto escolar.

The study investigates elementary students' perception of the species Achatina fulica (African snail) and the risks this mollusc may pose to the population of Barra do Pirai - in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The research involved questionnaires, focus groups and field observations, besides A. fulica specimens parasitological analysis. The results indicated the presence of snails infected with nematodes of medical and veterinary interest in the locality. The students have a negative perception of the snail, and there is great difference between their perceptions and scientific knowledge. Based on the contributions of the perceptions study and of Meaningful Learning Theory, guidelines are suggested so that strategies for teaching the content regarding the African snail at school environment can be developed.

The rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a worldwide-distributed zoonotic nematode that can cause human eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. Here, for the first time, we report the isolation of A. cantonensis from Achatina fulica from two Brazilian states: Rio de Janeiro (specifically the municipalities of Barra do Piraí, situated at the Paraiba River Valley region and São Gonçalo, situated at the edge of Guanabara Bay) and Santa Catarina (in municipality of Joinville). The lungworms were identified by comparing morphological and morphometrical data obtained from adult worms to values obtained from experimental infections of A. cantonensis from Pernambuco, Brazil, and Akita, Japan. Only a few minor morphological differences that were determined to represent intra-specific variation were observed. This report of A. cantonensis in South and Southeast Brazil, together with the recent report of the zoonosis and parasite-infected molluscs in Northeast Brazil, provide evidence of the wide distribution of A. cantonensis in the country. The need for efforts to better understand the role of A. fulica in the transmission of meningoencephalitis in Brazil and the surveillance of molluscs and rodents, particularly in ports, is emphasized.

O caramujo africano invasor Achatina fulica foi introduzido no Brasil a partir de Estados do Sul e Sudeste em pelo menos três ocasiões. Atualmente sua distribuição já abrange 24 dos 26 estados e o Distrito Federal. Populações densas dessa espécie vêm causando incômodos à populações humanas, danos à jardins e pequenas plantações, além de atuarem como transmissoras de duas zoonoses (angiostrongilíase abdominal e meningoencefalite eosinofílica) e outras parasitoses de interesse veterinário. No presente estudo, apresentamos novas ocorrências de A. fulica no Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Brasil) assim como dados sobre as larvas de nematódeos de interesse médico e veterinário encontradas em exemplares dessa espécie coletados neste estado. A. fulica está presente em 26 municípios adicionais em relação aos dados obtidos em 2006, ano do último levantamento, representando um aumento de 50% no número de municípios infestados. Apenas nove dos 92 municípios do estado ainda não registram a presença dessa espécie. Larvas dos nematódeos Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Rhabditis sp. e Strongyluris-like, todas com importância veterinária, foram encontradas em exemplares de A. fulica de onze municípios. A rápida dispersão de A. fulica evidencia a necessidade de planos de manejo contínuos e eficientes em todo o país visando o controle efetivo dessa invasão. A erradicação de A. fulica é pouco provável devido ao nível atual de infestação.

The invasive African snail Achatina fulica was introduced in Brazil through South and Southeast States in at least three separate occasions. A. fulica is currently present in 24 out of 26 Brazilian States and in the Federal District. Dense populations of A. fulica are nuisance to human populations and pest to gardens and small crops. Such populations also act in the transmission of two zoonosis (abdominal angiostrongyliasis and eosinophilic meningitis) as well as other parasitosis of veterinary importance. Here, we report new records of A. fulica and of nematode larvae of medical and veterinary importance found in this snail in the state of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). A. fulica is present in 26 additional municipalities of the state when compared to the information obtained in 2006, year of the last census. This result represents an increase of 50% in the number of municipalities infested. Only nine out of the 92 municipalities of the state have not yet registered the presence of this invasive species. Nematode larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Rhabditis sp. e Strongyluris-like, all of veterinary importance, have been registered in A. fulica individuals from eleven municipalities of the state. The rapid range expansion of A. fulica calls attention for the need of a general and continuous management plan throughout the country in order to effectively control the invasion. The current level of infestation makes a full eradication unlikely.

Environmental changes from water resource developmental projects affect the epidemiology of water-associated diseases, as well as malaria and schistosomiasis. Aiming to investigate the occurrence and distribution of freshwater snails of medical and veterinary importance in the area of influence of the Peixe Angical hydroelectric dam, a survey has been conducted over four years (2004-2008). The study has revealed the occurrence of populations of Biomphalaria straminea (Dunker) in all municipalities surrounding the lake. Studies on parasite-mollusc compatibility were undertaken using 35 populations of B. straminea, descendants of specimens obtained from that area and three strains of Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon) (BH, CM and CMO). The main results are as follows: (i) among the 1,314 specimens used, eight had been infected (infection index of 0.6%) with only the BH strain, (ii) for B. straminea populations, the mortality index was 6.8% and, depending on the strain used, the indexes were 4.6%, 8.49% and 19% with BH, CM and CMO strains, respectively, (iii) the infection indexes varied according to the B. straminea populations, ranging from 0-12.5% and (iv) the duration of the precercarial period varied from 25-49 days. These results, in addition to environmental and social changes that took place in the Peixe Angical dam region, indicate the possibility of B. straminea emerging as a schistosomiasis vector in this area.