INVESTIGADORES
SCHEIBLER Erica Elizabeth
congresos y reuniones científicas
Título:
Altitudinal distribution and water parameters related to the presence of the snail Lymnaea viator in Mendoza Province, Argentina
Autor/es:
CIOCCO, N., MASI C. & E. SCHEIBLER
Lugar:
Mendoza
Reunión:
Congreso; XXVI Reunión Científica Anual de la Sociedad de Biología de Cuyo; 2008
Institución organizadora:
Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza
Resumen:
Lymnaea viator is an intermediate host of the trematode Fasiola hepatica that causes fascioliasis, a parasitic desease endemic to Mendoza Province (MP) that affects many mammals, humans included. It has been suggested that altitude and associated water parameters are natural barriers for dispersal of this snail, conditioning endemic areas. An altitude range of 1526-2638 m and water parameters (e.g. conductivity range: 96-721 mS cm-1) were reported for “Lymnaeids” of MP, and their absence from suitable lowland biotopes was pointed out. Other authors cited L. viator for locaties of MP at around 700 m above sea level (a.s.l.). The goal is to present new data on the altitudinal distribution of this snail and on water parameters related to its presence in MP. Benthos and pleuston samples from 23 localities in Mendoza (11 sites), Llancanelo (10 sites) and Grande (2 sites) basins were studied. Considering all localities prospected, ranges of altitude (A), conductivity (C), water temperature (WT), oxygen saturation (OS) and pH were 630-2981 m a.s.l., 115-19520 mS cm-1, 2.9-30.8 oC, 3.87-100% and 6.5-9.7 respectively. L. viator (species identified by conchology) was found  at 12 sites (3 Llancanelo, 2 Grande, 7  Mendoza), including Laguna del Viborón (630 m a.s.l., Maipú), and Quebrada de Vacas (Aconcagua Park, 2700 m.). Ranges of C, WT, OS and pH where L. viator occurred were 151-2420 mS cm-1, 5.3-25.5 oC, 31.9-100% and 6.8-8.1, respectively. Our data enhance the altitudinal distribution and environmental tolerance ranges of L. viator in MP.