Molecular systematics of the avian schistosome genus Trichobilharzia (Trematoda: Schistosomatidae) in North America.

ABSTRACT: Trichobilharzia is a genus of threadlike schistosomes with a cosmopolitan distribution in birds. Species of Trichobilharzia achieve notoriety as major etiological agents of cercarial dermatitis, or swimmer's itch. There are 40 species described in the literature, for which the majority lacks molecular sequence information. To better understand the phylogenetic relationships, diversity, species boundaries, host use, and geographic distribution of this genus better, we surveyed 378 birds and over 10,000 snails from North America. The phylogenetic analysis was based on nuclear 18S, 28S rDNA, internal transcribed spacer region and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I sequence data. Specimens were recovered that could be related to 6 of the 14 described species of Trichobilharzia from North Ameri

SUBMITTER: Brant SV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2922959 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature