Trematode diversity reflecting the community structure of Danish freshwater systems: molecular clues.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Digenean trematodes are parasitic platyhelminths that use several hosts in their life cycles and are thereby embedded in various ecosystems affected by local environmental conditions. Their presence in a habitat will reflect the presence of different host species and, as such, they can serve as ecological indicators. Only limited information on the occurrence of trematodes and their link to other trophic levels in the Danish freshwater ecosystems is currently available.Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to increase our knowledge in this field.

Methods

Snails were sampled from 21 freshwater lakes in Denmark, following which shedding procedures were performed, cercariae were recoved and the released parasites were identified using molecular tools (PCR

SUBMITTER: Duan Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7805065 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature