ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
Mollusca
;
Bulinus
;
freshwater snails
;
taxonomy
;
distribution
;
Africa
;
Namibia
;
Schistosoma haematobium
;
schistosomiasis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Freshwater snails collected in central Namibia, south-western Africa, from 15 populations belonging to the Bulinus truncatus/tropicus complex (Planorbidae) are characterised in respect of their chromosome number, morphology, egg proteins and enzymes. The population samples were all consistently diploid and euphallic. The findings are compared with observations on this group of snails in other areas of Africa. It is concluded that the Namibian populations belong to a single species, B. tropicus (Krauss, 1848), of which B. parietalis (Mousson, 1887) is probably a synonym. No evidence was found of any occurrence of the tetraploid species B. truncatus or of snails belonging to the B. africanus group; lack of a potential intermediate host therefore precludes transmission of Schistosoma haematobium in this area.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00018736
