Biomphalaria is a genus of snail that serves as a natural host for the parasitic blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni. The fluke, which is found primarily in tropical areas, infects mammals (including humans) via contact with water containing schistosome larvae (cercariae) released from the snail. Infection occurs via penetration of cercariae through the skin. In humans this fluke causes the debilitating disease schistosomiasis.

Other flukes that parasitize snails include Schistosoma japonicum, which parasitizes snails in the genus Oncomelania, and Schistosoma mekongi, which parasitizes snails in the genus Tricula.

Gastropods | Parasitology