Morphological and Ecological Observations on Freshwater Snail Pseudosuccinea columella (Say, 1817) in Baghdad, Iraq
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30526/39.3.4297Keywords:
Pseudosuccinea columella, Baghdad, Fascioliasis, First reportAbstract
This study presents morphological observations on the freshwater snail Pseudosuccinea columella collected from an urban freshwater habitat in Baghdad, Iraq. A total of 30specimens were collected from a home garden in the Al-Karkh district and preserved in 70% alcohol for morphological identification. The snails were examined with a dissecting microscope, and the measurements of shell height and Width, number of whorls, and size of apertures were recorded. The shells were fragile, translucent, and horn-colored, with three convex whorls and an ovoid aperture. These results are consistent with previous descriptions, although Slight variations in measurements were observed, possibly due to local environmental conditions. The detection of P. columella, a known intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica, raises concern about the possible transmission of fascioliasis in Baghdad. The presence of this species in an urban environment suggests its ability to adapt to diverse ecological conditions and human-modified habitats. Moreover, the introduction of this snail may be associated with the movement of aquatic plants or irrigation water. This discovery highlights the need for further molecular and epidemiological studies to assess infection rates and distribution patterns, as well as to develop targeted strategies to control this invasive species.
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