Identification of Medically Important Snails of Miangran Lake in Izeh, Khuzestan Province of Iran

Background: Some freshwater snails are acting as intermediate hosts for digenetic trematodes. Studies on distribution of freshwater snails are important to determine the transmission patterns of the trematoda. Objectives: The current study aimed to identify medically important snails of Miangran Lake in Izeh, Khuzestan province, Iran. Materials and Methods: Sampling was conducted in fourteen sites around Miangran Lake in ۲۰۱۴. The collected samples were placed in plastic containers containing ۷۰% ethyl alcohol, prior to consideration. The identification was carried out according to shell characteristics. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: All sampling sites were positive for medically important snails. Overall, nine genera and thirteen species were identified. The most diversity in genus was found in Melanopsis. Five genera of snails detected in the study with known medical importance include: Bithynia spp., Bulinus spp., Lymnaea spp., Melanoides spp. and Melanopsis spp. Melanoides spp. was observed in thirteen and Bellamya spp. was identified in two sites. Also, in this study Melanoides spp., Bulinus spp., and Lymnaea spp. were widespread snails around Miangran Lake. Conclusions: The reason for difference in the detected snail genera in sampling sites may be due to various physicochemical factors. According to the current study, medically important snails exist in Miangran Lake and they could be a source of trematode infections for the local people. Controlling measures after comprehensive studies should be applied.