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Free keywords:
bird schistosomes; Trichobilharzia; swimmer’s itch; Lymnaeidae;
ecological factors; risk factors; Europe
Abstract:
This review summarizes current knowledge about the
occurrence and distribution of swimmer’s itch, with a
focus on Europe. Although recent publications have
reviewed the biology and systematics of bird schistosomes
and their complex host–parasite interactions, the
underlying ecological factors that create favorable conditions
for the parasites and the way humans interact
with infested water bodies require further attention.
Relevant studies from the past decade were analyzed
to reveal an almost complete set of ecological factors as
a prerequisite for establishing the life cycle of bird schistosomes.
Based on both records of the occurrence of the
parasite infective agents, and epidemiological studies
that investigate outbreaks of swimmer’s itch, this review
concentrates on the risk factors for humans engaged
in recreational water activities
