Genetic diversity of <i>Dioctophyme renale</i> in Southern South America.

ABSTRACT: Dioctophyme renale, the giant kidney worm, is a nematode related to Trichuris sp and is distributed worldwide. These parasites locate in the kidney of their definitive hosts (mainly belonging to the order Carnivora) and have an indirect life cycle with an annelid as the main intermediate host. Humans are rarely affected, but in those that are, 1 or both kidneys are destroyed. In South America, D. renale is widespread in riparian regions where changing climatic conditions, environmental degradation, and compromised sanitation are increasing the risk of distribution of this parasite, including humans. Here, we provide the descriptions of the genetic diversity of the parasite in the region by analysing 73 adult D. renale samples collected from domestic and wild car

SUBMITTER: Arce LF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12644968 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature