Abstract

Background:
Asian schistosomiasis is caused by Schistosoma japonicum and is prevalent in China, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The snail Oncomelania hupensis lindoensis serves as an intermediate host in endemic areas, such as the Napu region of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Aim:
This study analyzed the types, distribution, density, and prevalence of O. hupensis lindoensis snails for S. japonicum larvae.

Methods:
Snail sampling was performed at the site using the “man-per-minute” method, and snails were examined via crushing. Habitat locations were recorded using a global positioning system. The analysis included chi-square tests, and habitat data were linked to shapefiles in ArcGIS.

Results:
In the Napu region, 218 habitats were identified: 148 gardens (67%), 45 abandoned rice fields (21%), 22 grasslands (10%), one swamp (1%), one water seepage area (1%), and one fish pond (1%). Of these habitats, 56% tested positive for cercariae. Garden and rice field habitats are widespread across the region. Snail density ranged from 10 to 71 per minute, and 5.3% of O. hupensis lindoensis snails tested positive for S. japonicum. Densities varied across the area, being lower in North Lore to Lore Peore and higher in East Lore.

Conclusion:
Habitat types included gardens, abandoned rice fields, grasslands, swamps, water seepage, and fish ponds. The highest distribution was in East Lore, with densities ranging from 10 to 71 man-per-minute, and a prevalence of 5.3% of O. hupensis lindoensis snails were positive for S. japonicum cercariae.

Key words: Schistosomiasis; Schistosoma japonicum; Oncomelania hupensis lindoensis; Indonesia.