18S rRNA gene metabarcoding for investigation of gastrointestinal parasite diversity in great cormorants.

ABSTRACT: The great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) is a migratory, fish-eating bird that may act as a carrier for various pathogens, raising potential ecological and public health concerns. This study investigated the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in great cormorants from the Republic of Korea using 18S rRNA gene metabarcoding and conventional diagnostic methods. Fecal samples were collected from 10 great cormorants in Korea, and DNA was extracted for metabarcoding targeting the V4 and V9 regions of the 18S rRNA gene using the MiSeq platform. Conventional PCR and microscopic examination were used for validation. The V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene revealed the presence of Baruscapillaria spiculata, Contracaecum sp., and Isospora lugensae. The V9 region analysis identified the following par

SUBMITTER: Lee S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12081857 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature