Prevalence of Snail-Transmitted Parasites and the Role Of Snails in Parasite Transmission to Humans in Mwea East

Abstract

Snails are a diverse group of mollusks that occupy terrestrial, fresh water and marine environments. Snails act as a host of different parasites leading to snail-borne parasitic diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of snail-transmitted parasites and their role in parasite transmission to humans in Mwea. 34 samples were collected randomly from 6 different locations in the Mwea irrigation scheme for identification and classification of the parasites found in the snail. The results showed clonorchis sinesis parasites were present as eggs and rediae in the body of the snail. The eggs were mostly found in the internal organs of the snail after dissection of the snail though a few were on the shell of the snail. Schistosoma mansoni and Diphylobothrium latum were also found hosted by the snails. The study showed that most of the parasites hosted by the snail are found in the internal organs of the snail making them serve as the transmitting vector and intermediate host.