Prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in snails in Barangay Tapel, Gonzaga, Cagayan

The study on the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in snails identified as Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi was conducted in the town of Gonzaga, Cagayan. A total of 480 snails were collected on the rice field of Gonzaga, Cagayan, specifically in Barangay Tapel and 200 of which were utilized in the study. Snails were handpicked from four selected areas. Two methods were employed in the study namely, cercarial emergence and identification of life stages of Schistosoma japonicum. In cercarial emergence, the snails were isolated individually and water samples were observed for the presence of cercariae. On the other hand, identification of life stages of the parasite involved crushing the snails and observing snail tissues. A total of 16 out of 200 snails were recorded positive for Schistosoma japonicum infection, having an 8.0% prevalence. The two methods showed presence of the parasite in snails specifically in water samples and sporocysts in snail tissues. While schistosomiasis was initially reported in the area few years ago, the result of the present study can serve as baseline data for continues surveillance of infection in the area. These findings should also help researchers and policy makers to address the problem and propose ways on how to control the disease. Lastly, biological control for the intermediate host of the parasite is highly recommended, like the introduction of snail predators, to control the population of O. h. quadrasi