Planorbidae snails are the intermediate host for the trematode

parasite of the Schistosoma genus, which is responsible for schistosomiasis, a disease that affects both humans and cattle.

What is the vector for Schistosoma transmission?

Schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia) is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. Freshwater snails act as the vector, releasing larval forms of the parasite into water. These larvae subsequently penetrate the skin of people who are in that water (e.g. fishermen).

How is schistosomiasis spread?

Infection occurs when your skin comes in contact with contaminated freshwater in which certain types of snails that carry schistosomes are living. Freshwater becomes contaminated by Schistosoma eggs when infected people urinate or defecate in the water.