Indoplanorbis exustus: A Systematic Review on an Intermediate Host for Trematode, Its Cercarial Infection and Identification of Its Cercariae

Abstract This systematic review examines Indoplanorbis exustus as an intermediate host for trematodes, with a particular focus on cercarial infections and the identification of its cercariae. Trematode parasites, which rely on various intermediate hosts to complete their life cycle, commonly utilize freshwater snails such as Indoplanorbis exustus as hosts for their larval stages. These snails become infected with trematode larvae, which subsequently develop into cercariae that are released into the surrounding environment, where they can infect definitive hosts. Understanding the dynamics of cercarial infections in Indoplanorbis exustus is crucial for unraveling the transmission patterns of these parasites, which is essential for both public health and ecological management. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of existing literature on Indoplanorbis exustus as a host for trematode species, with a particular emphasis on the prevalence, morphological characteristics, and genetic markers of the cercariae produced by this snail species. The review synthesizes key findings related to the distribution of cercarial infections in various geographical regions and ecological contexts, offering insights into how environmental factors such as water quality, temperature, and host density influence the prevalence and survival of cercariae. Moreover, the morphological and genetic identification of Indoplanorbis exustus cercariae is explored, providing a foundation for more accurate diagnosis and monitoring of trematode infections. This knowledge is invaluable in improving our understanding of trematode epidemiology and in designing more effective control strategies to reduce the transmission of these parasitic infections in human and animal populations.