Population genetic analysis of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica in German dairy cattle reveals high genetic diversity and associations with fluke size.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The liver fluke Fasciola hepatica is one of the most important endoparasites in domestic ruminants worldwide and can cause considerable economic losses. This study presents the first population genetic analysis of F. hepatica in Germany and aims at providing new insights into genetic diversity and population structure.

Methods

A total of 774 liver flukes, collected from 60 cows of 17 herds and 13 cows of unknown herd origin, were subjected to comparative analysis of two mitochondrial genes (cox1 and nad1), one nuclear region (internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-1) and eight nuclear microsatellite markers. In addition, individual fluke measurements allowed comparison of morphometric differences between genotypes.

Results

The nuclear ITS-1 region showed minimal

SUBMITTER: Hecker AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11827327 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature