Browsing by Author "Azeez KOLAWOLE"

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    Ecology and Molecular Characterization of Snail Intermediate Hosts of Schistosomiasis in the Endemic Area of Ibadan, Southwestern, Nigeria
    (Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Azeez KOLAWOLE
    Freshwater snails are critical intermediate hosts for schistosomes, the parasitic trematodes of schistosomiasis. This study investigated the ecology, infection prevalence, and molecular identification of snail vectors in three rivers within Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, a known schistosomiasis-endemic region. This study was conducted in nine-month period covering both dry and wet seasons, 2,284 snails were collected and identified. Bulinus globosus was the most abundant species (41.8%, n=956), followed by Biomphalaria pfeifferi (22.2%, n=509), Melanoides tuberculata (18.6%, n=425), and Physa acuta. (17.2%, n=395).A key finding was the strikingly high prevalence of schistosome infection in the primary vector species. Among B. globosus, 26.8% (256/956) were shedding cercariae, with a mean intensity of 1.19. For B. pfeifferi, 16.5% (84/509) were infected, with a mean intensity of 1.21. Melanoides tuberculata showed no infection (0%), but the highest mean intensity of 2.08 cercariae per infected snail. Snail abundance exhibited strong seasonal variation, with significantly higher densities recorded in the dry season (n=1,282) compared to the wet season (n=938), attributed to habitat concentration and stability. Water physicochemical analysis revealed that several parameters, including pH, chloride concentration, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), were negatively correlated with snail diversity and richness, highlighting the role of environmental factors in shaping vector populations. Molecular characterization using mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the identity of key species, including B. globosus and B. pfeifferi, with 99-100% identity matches on NCBI BLAST. This molecular validation is crucial for accurate vector surveillance. The study therefore emphasize high-risk transmission hotspots for both urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis, driven by the high abundance and infection rates of B. globosus and B. pfeifferi. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated, seasonally-tailored control strategies combining mollusciciding, environmental management, improved sanitation, and community education to disrupt transmission and reduce the schistosomiasis burden in these communities. Keywords: Freshwater snails, Schistosomiasis, physico-chemical, Cercariae, Molecular Word count: 298 words