GEOPOLITIC DISTRIBUITION OF HEPATIC FASCIOLOSIS ON SANTIAGO ISLAND, CAPE VERDE

ABSTRACT A survey was carried out in order to study the geopolitical distribution of fascioliasis on Santiago Island, Cape Verde. During the evaluation, conducted from May to June 2008, measurements were made and recorded regarding the size and infection rates of the snail, pH and water temperature and vertebrate infection rates. Snails and bovine feces samples were collected at random in all municipalities of Santiago Island, except Tarrafal, properly packed, and sent to the Laboratory of National Institute of Agricultural Research and Development (INIDA) where they were analyzed. The results showed positive results for stool examinations of cattle and the presence of an intermediate host (Lymnaea natalensis) in all localities visited. A positive correlation was also found between the vertebrate and invertebrate infection rate, with the highest rate recorded in Santa Cruz (72.72%) and the lowest in Praia (16.66%). The average infection rate observed for the snails and cattle was 51.51% and 37.15%, respectively.