Bilharzia risk in Lichtenburg, Tvl.
The discovery of Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, in the RSA in the recreational area of Lichtenburg prompted an investigation to assess the bilharzia risk posed by their presence. Localized populations of B. pfeifferi were found in the recreational area and in the adjoining game breeding farm. The population of downstream areas by the snails appears to be prevented by the water quality. It is proposed that the large populations of aquatic birds in the game breeding farm be lured to the snail-infested areas as a possible means of eradication. The susceptibility of these snails to S. mansoni was experimentally confirmed.
Wolmarans
C T
CT
Joubert
P H
PH
Van Eeden
J A
JA
Pretorius
S J
SJ
De Kock
K N
KN
D000818:Animals; D001700:Biomphalaria / Q000469:parasitology*; D006801:Humans; D011998:Recreation; D012306:Risk; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000254:growth & development; D012555:Schistosomiasis mansoni / Q000635:transmission*; D013696:Temperature; D014881:Water Supply