New intermediate host records for the avian schistosomes Dendritobilharzia pulverulenta, Gigantobilharzia huronensis, and Trichobilharzia querquedulae from North America.

Abstract

Here we provide the first North American report of a naturally infected snail, Gyraulus parvus, harboring the larval stages of the cosmopolitan, arterial schistosome, Dendritobilharzia pulverulenta. The relatively small cercariae of this species are shed in the early morning, are sticky, and adhere to the water's surface film. We also provide a report of the snail host, Physa gyrina, of the widespread North American passerine schistosome, Gigantobilharzia huronensis. Finally, we provide unambiguous documentation that Physa gyrina is a natural snail host for Trichobilharzia querquedulae, a schistosome primarily of dabbling ducks.