Molecular epidemiology of Brazilian Biomphalaria: a review of the identification of species and the detection of infected snails.

The three vector species of Schistosoma mansoni in Brazil, Biomphalaria glabrata, B. tenagophila and B. straminea show different susceptibility levels to the trematode besides a wide geographical distribution. The identification of such molluscs is important to further understand the disease epidemiology. Considering the fact that morphological identification may become difficult or even impossible under particular circumstances, the use of molecular-based methods have permitted the generation of more consistent information concerning the population structure of Biomphalaria furthering knowledge on taxonomy and diagnosis of infection. We have developed methodologies in order to provide simultaneous species identification of the intermediate host and diagnosis of infection with S. mansoni.