Distribution of the Snail Pirenella conica in Sinai and Israel and its Infection by Heterophyidae and Other Trematodes

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Abstract
Occurrence of P. conica (Prosobranchia) [vector of human heterophyiasis] along the coasts of Sinai and Israel is confined to marine lagoons and bays (Red Sea) and to hypersaline landlocked lagoon (Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea). The upper salinity tolerance limit lies between 80-90.permill. S. Trematode infection of snails > 5 mm in length varies between 83-0% in different biotopes, without showing seasonal fluctuation. Trematode infection is affected by physical conditions, size, location and faunal diversity of the habitat. The recorded types of larval trematodes belong to Heterophyidae, Echinostomatidae, Microphallidae, Notocotylidae, Haploporidae, Haplosplanchnidae and, apparently, Cyathocotylidae and Strigeidae. Through experimental infestation of grey mullets and mice, 3 types of heterophyids were identified: Heterophyes heterophyes, H. aequalis and Stictodora sawakinensis. Transmission of these heterophyids takes place in sea-linked lagoons of the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, where all the hosts co-occur. Unlike in the Nile Delta region, along the scarcely populated arid coasts of Sinai, they should have sylvatic cycles where wild piscivorous birds and mammals serve as definitive hosts.