Effect of Ecological Factors on Snails Infection by Schistosoma japonicum in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

In Central Sulawesi, Napu valley and Lindu Lake (Indonesia), Schistosoma are spread in the host snails (Oncomelania hupensis lindoensis).  In the present work, the influence of ecological factors on the spreading of Schistosoma japonicum cercariae infection in the snails were analyzed. The Oncomelania hupensis lindoensis snails were collected and analyzed by ring method in the form of graphs and matrices. The results showed that, the ecological environment and such as temperature, pH, humidity, light  intensity, dissolved oxygen, and salinity, as well as food, have significant effect on the increase of cercariae infected snails. These results also reflect that Schistosomiasis  is still a health problem that could potentially be re-emerging diseases, especially in those areas and therefore much interesting must considered to break their cycle in nature.