First report of Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822) naturally infected with nematodes from the families Angiostrongylidae and Rhabditidae in the city of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

The giant African snail, Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822, is a non-native and invasive species with high dispersal capacity, found in almost all Brazilian territory. It has been frequently associated with the transmission of zoonoses, acting as an intermediate host for different nematodes of importance to public health and veterinary health. Considering these issues, the aim of this study was to identify nematode larvae in naturally infected A. fulica. The collections were carried out in the 2015-2017 period within the seven macro-regions in the urban area of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul. A total of 121 specimens were collected, which were digested and analyzed for nematode larvae. Seventy-four were parasitized by larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Railliet, 1898 - Angiostrongilydae) and Rhabditis sp. (Dujardin, 1844 - Rhabditidae). We verified that A. fulica is associated with parasitic diseases that affect domestic animals. Moreover, this is the first report of this relationship in the state. The present study demonstrates the snail acting as an intermediate host for nematodes of veterinary importance and its dispersion in the Midwest of Brazil. In addition, differences in their parasite composition in each studied area, suggest that environmental changes can influence the infection.

Keywords

• parasitosis
• snail
• urban environment