Integrating eDNA, molecular cercariometry, and snail surveys enhances characterization of digenetic trematode diversity.

ABSTRACT: Traditional methods for studying digenetic trematode populations involve collecting the snail first intermediate hosts and either shedding larval cercariae or dissecting the snails. Because larval trematodes can be difficult to identify based on morphology alone, these methods are often supplemented with DNA sequencing. This approach can be labour-intensive, and environmentally disruptive. Metabarcoding of environmental DNA (eDNA) or cercariometry (counting of cercariae in water) samples offers an alternative method to simplify this process without negatively affecting the trematode community through the removal of parasites and hosts from the environment. Through ongoing trematode research in central Alberta, Canada, we have documented 102 trematode species infecting multiple snail specie

SUBMITTER: McPhail BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12799684 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature