Comparison of historic and novel data reveals higher contemporary diversity of trematode metacercariae in freshwater fish.

ABSTRACT: Trematode metacercariae are the most abundant and frequently encountered helminths in freshwater fish. Yet, accurate species identification remains challenging, potentially leading to an underestimation of trematode diversity. Using data from parasitological examinations of 1,030 fish (47 species) collected from diverse freshwater habitats in Lithuania (2022-2024), we assessed the contemporary diversity of trematode metacercariae, host associations, microhabitat preferences, and changes in diversity patterns and transmission dynamics. Through integrated morphological and molecular techniques, we identified metacercariae belonging to 51 species from eight families, more than doubling previously reported diversity (25 species). While trematode family composition remained largely unchanged -

SUBMITTER: Kudlai O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12779263 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature