Objective:

To investigate the endemic characteristics of Metorchis orientalis (M. orientalis) in the Huainan area, Anhui province, China.

Methods:

The first-intermediate host, second-intermediate host and reservoir hosts were collected, and the endemic characteristics of M. orientalis were examined through field investigation and artificial infection.

Results:

Investigation was completed in 89 domestic ducks, 156 domestic chicken, 41 domestic geese, 20 domestic cats and 19 dogs. The infection rate of M. orientalis was 18.0% (16/89) in ducks, 12.2% (19/156) in chicken, 9. 8% (4/41) in geese, 5.0% (1/20) in cats and 5.3% (1/19) in dogs. Sixty-seven cercariae of M. orientalis were identified in 1,000 Parafossarulus striatulus, with a natural infection rate of 6.7%, and 19 cercariae occurred in 300 Pseudorasbora parva, with a natural infection rate of 6.33%. The activity of the cercariae of M. orientalis was associated with light intensity and temperature. The full life cycle of M. orientalis ranged from 120 to 140 days; it occurred approximately in 89 days in snails, 28 days in fish and 20 days in ducks.

Conclusion:

M. orientalis is prevalent in the Huainan area, and it may complete its life cycle in Parafossarulus striatulus, Pseudorasbora parva and natively raised ducks.

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