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Korycińska J, Bulantová J, Horák P, Dzika E. Molecular identification of Trichobilharzia species in recreational waters in North-Eastern Poland. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17598. [PMID: 39011383 PMCID: PMC11249002 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In Europe, avian schistosomes of the genus Trichobilharzia are the most common etiological agents involved in human cercarial dermatitis (swimmer's itch). Manifested by a skin rash, the condition is caused by an allergic reaction to cercariae of nonhuman schistosomes. Humans are an accidental host in this parasite's life cycle, while water snails are the intermediate, and waterfowl are the final hosts. The study aimed to conduct a molecular and phylogenetic analysis of Trichobilharzia species occurring in recreational waters in North-Eastern Poland. Methodology The study area covered three water bodies (Lake Skanda, Lake Ukiel, and Lake Tyrsko) over the summer of 2021. In total, 747 pulmonate freshwater snails (Radix spp., Lymnaea stagnalis) were collected. Each snail was subjected to 1-2 h of light stimulation to induce cercarial expulsion. The phylogenetic analyses of furcocercariae were based on the partial sequence of the ITS region (ITS1, 5.8S rDNA, ITS2 and 28SrDNA). For Radix spp. phylogenetic analyses were based on the ITS-2 region. Results The prevalence of the Trichobilharzia species infection in snails was 0.5%. Two out of 478 (0.4%) L. stagnaliswere found to be infected with Trichobilharzia szidati. Moreover, two out of 269 (0.7%) snails of the genus Radix were positive for schistosome cercariae. Both snails were identified as Radix auricularia. One of them was infected with Trichobilharzia franki and the other with Trichobilharzia sp. Conclusions Molecular identification of avian schistosome species, both at the intermediate and definitive hosts level, constitutes an important source of information on a potential threat and prognosis of local swimmer's itch occurrence, and helps to determine species diversity in a particular area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Korycińska
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jana Bulantová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ewa Dzika
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
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Oyarzún-Ruiz P, Thomas R, Santodomingo A, Zamorano-Uribe M, Moroni M, Moreno L, Muñoz-Leal S, Flores V, Brant S. Systematics and life cycles of four avian schistosomatids from Southern Cone of South America. J Helminthol 2024; 98:e47. [PMID: 38828707 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x2400035x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Relative to the numerous studies focused on mammalian schistosomes, fewer include avian schistosomatids particularly in the southern hemisphere. This is changing and current research emerging from the Neotropics shows a remarkable diversity of endemic taxa. To contribute to this effort, nine ducks (Spatula cyanoptera, S.versicolor, Netta peposaca), 12 swans (Cygnus melancoryphus) and 1,400 Physa spp. snails from Chile and Argentina were collected for adults and larval schistosomatids, respectively. Isolated schistosomatids were preserved for morphological and molecular analyses (28S and COI genes). Four different schistosomatid taxa were retrieved from birds: Trichobilharzia sp. in N. peposaca and S. cyanoptera that formed a clade; S.cyanoptera and S. versicolor hosted Trichobilharzia querquedulae; Cygnus melancoryphus hosted the nasal schistosomatid, Nasusbilharzia melancorhypha; and one visceral, Schistosomatidae gen. sp., which formed a clade with furcocercariae from Argentina and Chile from previous work. Of the physid snails, only one from Argentina had schistosomatid furcocercariae that based on molecular analyses grouped with T. querquedulae. This study represents the first description of adult schistosomatids from Chile as well as the elucidation of the life cycles of N.melancorhypha and T. querquedulae in Chile and Neotropics, respectively. Without well-preserved adults, the putative new genus Schistosomatidae gen. sp. could not be described, but its life cycle involves Chilina spp. and C. melancoryphus. Scanning electron microscopy of T. querquedulae revealed additional, undescribed morphological traits, highlighting its diagnostic importance. Authors stress the need for additional surveys of avian schistosomatids from the Neotropics to better understand their evolutionary history.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Oyarzún-Ruiz
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción4030000, Chile
| | - R Thomas
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán3780000, Chile
| | - A Santodomingo
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán3780000, Chile
| | - M Zamorano-Uribe
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán3780000, Chile
| | - M Moroni
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia5090000, Chile
| | - L Moreno
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción4030000, Chile
| | - S Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán3780000, Chile
| | - V Flores
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - S Brant
- Museum of Southwestern Biology Parasite Division, University of New Mexico, 167 Castetter MSCO3 2020, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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Bispo MT, Calado M, Maurício IL, Ferreira PM, Belo S. Zoonotic Threats: The (Re)emergence of Cercarial Dermatitis, Its Dynamics, and Impact in Europe. Pathogens 2024; 13:282. [PMID: 38668237 PMCID: PMC11053805 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cercarial dermatitis (CD), or "Swimmer's itch" as it is also known, is a waterborne illness caused by a blood fluke from the family Schistosomatidae. It occurs when cercariae of trematode species that do not have humans as their definitive host accidentally penetrate human skin (in an aquatic environment) and trigger allergic symptoms at the site of contact. It is an emerging zoonosis that occurs through water and is often overlooked during differential diagnosis. Some of the factors contributing to the emergence of diseases like CD are related to global warming, which brings about climate change, water eutrophication, the colonization of ponds by snails susceptible to the parasite, and sunlight exposure in the summer, associated with migratory bird routes. Therefore, with the increase in tourism, especially at fluvial beaches, it is relevant to analyze the current epidemiological scenario of CD in European countries and the potential regions at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Bispo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.C.); (I.L.M.); (P.M.F.)
| | | | | | | | - Silvana Belo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.C.); (I.L.M.); (P.M.F.)
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Schols R, Smitz N, Vanderheyden A, Huyse T. Expanding the swimmer's itch pool of the Benelux: a first record of the neurotropic Trichobilharzia regenti and potential link to human infection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:126. [PMID: 38481352 PMCID: PMC10938770 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06218-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Swimmer's itch, an allergic contact dermatitis caused by avian and mammalian blood flukes, is a parasitic infection affecting people worldwide. In particular, avian blood flukes of the genus Trichobilharzia are infamous for their role in swimmer's itch cases. These parasites infect waterfowl as a final host, but incidental infections by cercariae in humans are frequently reported. Upon accidental infections of humans, parasite larvae will be recognized by the immune system and destroyed, leading to painful itchy skin lesions. However, one species, Trichobilharzia regenti, can escape this response in experimental animals and reach the spinal cord, causing neuroinflammation. In the last few decades, there has been an increase in case reports across Europe, making it an emerging zoonosis. METHODS Following a reported case of swimmer's itch in Kampenhout in 2022 (Belgium), the transmission site consisting of a private pond and an adjacent creek was investigated through a malacological and parasitological survey. RESULTS Six snail species were collected, including the widespread Ampullaceana balthica, a well-known intermediate host for Trichobilharzia parasites. Shedding experiments followed by DNA barcoding revealed a single snail specimen to be infected with T. regenti, a new species record for Belgium and by extension the Benelux. Moreover, it is the most compelling case to date of the link between this neurotropic parasite and cercarial dermatitis. Additionally, an Echinostomatidae sp. and Notocotylus sp. were isolated from two other specimens of A. balthica. However, the lack of reference DNA sequences for these groups in the online repositories prevented genus- and species-level identification, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The presence of T. regenti in Belgium might have severe clinical implications and its finding highlights the need for increased vigilance and diagnostic awareness among medical professionals. The lack of species-level identification of the other two parasite species showcases the barcoding void for trematodes. Overall, these findings demonstrate the need for a Belgian framework to rapidly detect and monitor zoonotic outbreaks of trematode parasites within the One Health context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Schols
- Department of Biology & BopCo, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biology, KU Leuven, Campus Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium.
| | - Nathalie Smitz
- Department of Biology & BopCo, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Ann Vanderheyden
- BopCo, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tine Huyse
- Department of Biology & BopCo, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
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5
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DNA Barcoding of Trichobilharzia (Trematoda: Schistosomatidae) Species and Their Detection in eDNA Water Samples. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15010104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We designed and tested species-specific PCR primers to detect Trichobilharzia species via environmental DNA (eDNA) barcoding in selected Austrian water bodies. Tests were performed with eDNA samples from the field as well as with artificial samples from the lab, where snails releasing cercariae were kept in aquariums. From two localities, Trichobilharzia was documented based on the release of cercariae from snails, enabling morphological species identification. In both cases, the corresponding species were detected via eDNA: Trichobilharzia szidati and Trichobilharzia physellae. Nonetheless, the stochasticity was high in the replicates. PCR tests with aquarium water into which the cercariae had been released allowed eDNA detection even after 44 days. As in the PCRs with eDNA samples from the field, positive results of these experiments were not obtained for all samples and replicates. PCR sensitivity tests with dilution series of T. szidati genomic DNA as well as of PCR amplification products yielded successful amplification down to concentrations of 0.83 pg/µL and 0.008 pg/µL, respectively. Our results indicate that the presumed species specificity of PCR primers may not be guaranteed, even if primers were designed for specific species. This entails misidentification risks, particularly in areas with incomplete species inventories.
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Juhász A, Majoros G, Cech G. Threat of cercarial dermatitis in Hungary: A first report of Trichobilharzia franki from the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and European ear snail (Radix auricularia) using molecular methods. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 18:92-100. [PMID: 35572039 PMCID: PMC9095669 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cercarial dermatitis in humans is a re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by infectious larvae of avian blood flukes within the Schistosomatidae family. Upon water contact, these avian schistosome larvae directly penetrate human skin and cause irritation. Between September 2018 and September 2020, carcasses of 94 mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), two green-winged teals (Anas crecca) along with one ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca) were examined. Birds were collected within 12 regions of Hungary, representative of 9 different counties. Inspecting both morphological characters and molecular data, the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) sequences, Bilharziella polonica and Dendritobilharzia pulverulenta were each identified. Most importantly, Trichobilharzia franki was found for the first time in Hungary and in 5 dispersed counties in conjunction with of 3 counties where other avian schistosomes were found. Of note, these avian blood flukes were predominately encountered in wild mallards (∼50%) and not in birds reared for hunting (∼1%). In total, 245 European ear snails (Radix auricularia), a known intermediate host of Trichobilharzia spp., were collected from an urban pond in Eger, Hungary. Five snails (∼2%) consistently shed numerous furcocercariae of T. franki that were confirmed by molecular methods. Our findings help to pinpoint a contemporary life cycle of this avian schistosome within an urban environment, a location regularly visited by various wild waterfowl and the possible species of avian schistosomes responsible for cercarial dermatitis in Hungary. Taken as a whole, we demonstrate the actual and potential risk zone for cercarial dermatitis, particularly with reference to R. auricularia distributions, within Hungary and across Central Europe. Molecular confirmed presence of three species of avian schistosomes in birds in Hungary. Molecularly confirmed Tricobilharzia franki invasion in Radix auricularia in Eger. Potential risk of swimmers itch related to the spread of R.auricularia.
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7
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Loker ES, DeJong RJ, Brant SV. Scratching the Itch: Updated Perspectives on the Schistosomes Responsible for Swimmer's Itch around the World. Pathogens 2022; 11:587. [PMID: 35631108 PMCID: PMC9144223 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although most studies of digenetic trematodes of the family Schistosomatidae dwell on representatives causing human schistosomiasis, the majority of the 130 identified species of schistosomes infect birds or non-human mammals. The cercariae of many of these species can cause swimmer's itch when they penetrate human skin. Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in our understanding of schistosome diversity, now encompassing 17 genera with eight more lineages awaiting description. Collectively, schistosomes exploit 16 families of caenogastropod or heterobranch gastropod intermediate hosts. Basal lineages today are found in marine gastropods and birds, but subsequent diversification has largely taken place in freshwater, with some reversions to marine habitats. It seems increasingly likely that schistosomes have on two separate occasions colonized mammals. Swimmer's itch is a complex zoonotic disease manifested through several different routes of transmission involving a diversity of different host species. Swimmer's itch also exemplifies the value of adopting the One Health perspective in understanding disease transmission and abundance because the schistosomes involved have complex life cycles that interface with numerous species and abiotic components of their aquatic environments. Given the progress made in revealing their diversity and biology, and the wealth of questions posed by itch-causing schistosomes, they provide excellent models for implementation of long-term interdisciplinary studies focused on issues pertinent to disease ecology, the One Health paradigm, and the impacts of climate change, biological invasions and other environmental perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S. Loker
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasites Division, Museum of Southwestern Biology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
| | - Randall J. DeJong
- Department of Biology, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA;
| | - Sara V. Brant
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasites Division, Museum of Southwestern Biology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
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8
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Helmer N, Blatterer H, Hörweg C, Reier S, Sattmann H, Schindelar J, Szucsich NU, Haring E. First Record of Trichobilharzia physellae (Talbot, 1936) in Europe, a Possible Causative Agent of Cercarial Dermatitis. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111473. [PMID: 34832628 PMCID: PMC8619437 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several species of avian schistosomes are known to cause dermatitis in humans worldwide. In Europe, this applies above all to species of the genus Trichobilharzia. For Austria, a lot of data are available on cercarial dermatitis and on the occurrence of Trichobilharzia, yet species identification of trematodes in most cases is doubtful due to the challenging morphological determination of cercariae. During a survey of trematodes in freshwater snails, we were able to detect a species in the snail Physella acuta (Draparnaud, 1805) hitherto unknown for Austria, Trichobilharzia physellae; this is also the first time this species has been reported in Europe. Species identification was performed by integrative taxonomy combining morphological investigations with molecular genetic analyses. The results show a very close relationship between the parasite found in Austria and North American specimens (similarity found in CO1 ≥99.57%). Therefore, a recent introduction of T. physellae into Europe can be assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Helmer
- Central Research Laboratories, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (S.R.); (J.S.); (N.U.S.); (E.H.)
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Hubert Blatterer
- Department of Water Management, Office of the State Government of Upper Austria, 4020 Linz, Austria;
| | - Christoph Hörweg
- 3rd Zoological Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (C.H.); (H.S.)
| | - Susanne Reier
- Central Research Laboratories, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (S.R.); (J.S.); (N.U.S.); (E.H.)
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- 1st Zoological Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Sattmann
- 3rd Zoological Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (C.H.); (H.S.)
| | - Julia Schindelar
- Central Research Laboratories, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (S.R.); (J.S.); (N.U.S.); (E.H.)
| | - Nikolaus U. Szucsich
- Central Research Laboratories, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (S.R.); (J.S.); (N.U.S.); (E.H.)
| | - Elisabeth Haring
- Central Research Laboratories, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (S.R.); (J.S.); (N.U.S.); (E.H.)
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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Duan Y, von Gersdorff Jørgensen L, Kania PW, Karami AM, Al‐Jubury A, Buchmann K. Eye fluke effects on Danish freshwater fish: Field and experimental investigations. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2021; 44:1785-1798. [PMID: 34289126 PMCID: PMC9292478 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Eye flukes in fish are common in freshwater lakes. Fish become infected by the penetration of cercariae released from freshwater snails, and high infection pressures may be associated with mortalities in a Danish lake. Examination of two other freshwater lakes, combined with laboratory study, supported the notion. We investigated 77 freshwater fish from two lakes and the infection level suggested the occurrence of a high cercarial infection pressure in the Danish lakes. Dominant genera were Tylodelphys and Diplostomum covering a range of species identified by PCR and sequencing of the 18S (partial)-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-28S (partial) of the rDNA. Cercariae of the prevalent species Diplostomum pseudospathaceum were used to infect zebrafish Danio rerio for the elucidation of short-term effects on the fish host. Zebrafish did not display abnormal behaviour when exposed to 200-400 cercariae, but a dosage of 600 and 1,000 cercariae/fish proved lethal. When fish were exposed to sublethal dosages, 19 out of 27 immune genes were significantly regulated and three genes encoding cytokine (IL 4/13B, IL-6 and IL-8) were upregulated at 3 hr post-infection (hpi), whereas others were downregulated especially at a later time point. We suggest that direct massive cercarial penetration of fish surfaces may be detrimental and may represent a threat to fish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajiao Duan
- Laboratory of Aquatic PathobiologyDepartment of Veterinary and Animal SciencesFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksberg CDenmark
| | - Louise von Gersdorff Jørgensen
- Laboratory of Aquatic PathobiologyDepartment of Veterinary and Animal SciencesFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksberg CDenmark
| | - Per Walter Kania
- Laboratory of Aquatic PathobiologyDepartment of Veterinary and Animal SciencesFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksberg CDenmark
| | - Asma M. Karami
- Laboratory of Aquatic PathobiologyDepartment of Veterinary and Animal SciencesFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksberg CDenmark
| | - Azmi Al‐Jubury
- Laboratory of Aquatic PathobiologyDepartment of Veterinary and Animal SciencesFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksberg CDenmark
| | - Kurt Buchmann
- Laboratory of Aquatic PathobiologyDepartment of Veterinary and Animal SciencesFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksberg CDenmark
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10
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Abstract
Due to the increased prevalence of human infections with bird schistosome larvae (cercarial dermatitis) associated with bathing in Danish lakes, a nationwide survey of infected intermediate host snails was conducted in 2018-2020. Pulmonate snails (10,225 specimens) were collected from 39 freshwater lakes (in the four major geographic regions in Denmark) and subjected to shedding. Released schistosome cercariae were isolated and identified by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing whereby Trichobilharzia regenti, Trichobilharzia franki, Trichobilharzia szidati and Trichobilharzia anseri were recorded. Infections were primarily determined by biotic factors such as the presence of final host birds and intermediate host snails and water temperature was noted as an important abiotic parameter associated with the infection. No clear connection with other abiotic factors (conductivity, alkalinity, pH, nitrogen, phosphorous) was seen. The widespread occurrence of infected snails, when compared to previous investigations, suggests that climate changes at northern latitudes could be responsible for the increased risk of contracting cercarial dermatitis.
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11
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Korycińska J, Rybak-d'Obyrn J, Kubiak D, Kubiak K, Dzika E. Dermatological and Molecular Evidence of Human Cercarial Dermatitis in North-Eastern Poland. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:269-274. [PMID: 33566721 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Swimmer's itch or human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to larval (cercariae) flatworm parasites of the family Schistosomatidae. In our study, two cases of HCD were analyzed; both of them were reported in people swimming in Lake Pluszne. In the summer of 2018, a sample of 397 snails was collected at swimming sites in that area. Five Lymnaea stagnalis (1.9%) were found to host cercariae of bird schistosomes. Positive samples were selected by amplification of the Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITS) gene region. Sequence analysis confirmed that they were homologous with European isolates of Trichobilharzia szidati. The cases reported in this article are the first confirmed cases of HCD in this lake. This study demonstrates that there is a rationale for conducting screening studies of regions with a high recreational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Korycińska
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Rybak-d'Obyrn
- Department and Clinic of Dermatology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Clinical Immunology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dariusz Kubiak
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kubiak
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewa Dzika
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
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12
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Duan Y, Al-Jubury A, Kania PW, Buchmann K. Trematode diversity reflecting the community structure of Danish freshwater systems: molecular clues. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:43. [PMID: 33436070 PMCID: PMC7805065 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04536-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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 and sequencing). Results A total of 5657 snail hosts belonging to ten species were identified, revealing a highly diverse parasite fauna comprising 22 trematode species. The overall trematode prevalence was 12.6%, but large variations occurred between host species. The snail host Lymnaea stagnalis showed the highest prevalence and also exhibited the highest diversity, accounting for 47.6% of the species richness. Conclusions This survey contributes updated information on parasite–host relations and compatibility and may assist in describing the ecological structure of the investigated Danish freshwater ecosystems. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajiao Duan
- Laboratory of Aquatic Pathobiology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Via Stigbøjlen 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Azmi Al-Jubury
- Laboratory of Aquatic Pathobiology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Via Stigbøjlen 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Walter Kania
- Laboratory of Aquatic Pathobiology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Via Stigbøjlen 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kurt Buchmann
- Laboratory of Aquatic Pathobiology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Via Stigbøjlen 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Ashrafi K, Sharifdini M, Darjani A, Brant SV. Migratory routes, domesticated birds and cercarial dermatitis: the distribution of Trichobilharzia franki in Northern Iran. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:4. [PMID: 33433322 PMCID: PMC7802520 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: One of the major migration routes for birds going between Europe and Asia is the Black Sea-Mediterranean route that converges on the Volga Delta, continuing into the area of the Caspian Sea. Cercarial dermatitis is a disorder in humans caused by schistosome trematodes that use aquatic birds and snails as hosts and is prevalent in areas of aquaculture in Northern Iran. Before the disorder can be addressed, it is necessary to determine the etiological agents and their host species. This study aimed to document whether domestic mallards are reservoir hosts and if so, to characterize the species of schistosomes. Previous work has shown that domestic mallards are reservoir hosts for a nasal schistosome. Results: In 32 of 45 domestic mallards (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) (71.1%), the schistosome Trichobilharzia franki, previously reported only from Europe, was found in visceral veins. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis confirmed the species designation. These findings extend the range of T. franki from Europe to Eurasia. Conclusion: The occurrence of cercarial dermatitis in Iran is high in areas of aquaculture. Previous studies in the area have shown that domestic mallards are reservoir hosts of T. regenti, a nasal schistosome and T. franki, as shown in this study. The genetic results support the conclusion that populations of T. franki from Iran are not differentiated from populations in Europe. Therefore, the schistosomes are distributed with their migratory duck hosts, maintaining the gene flow across populations with compatible snail hosts in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyhan Ashrafi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht 41996-13776, Iran
| | - Meysam Sharifdini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht 41996-13776, Iran
| | - Abbas Darjani
- Skin Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht 41996-13776, Iran
| | - Sara V Brant
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, Division of Parasites, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico MSC03 2020, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
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First confirmed record of Trichobilharzia franki Müller & Kimmig, 1994, from Radix auricularia (Linnaeus, 1758) for Austria. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:4135-4141. [PMID: 33150513 PMCID: PMC7704445 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06938-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Avian schistosomes are of medical and veterinary importance as they are responsible for the annually occurring cercarial dermatitis outbreaks. For Austria, so far, only Trichobilharzia szidati Neuhaus 1952 was confirmed on species level as causative agent of cercarial dermatitis. Here we present the first record of Trichobilharzia franki Müller & Kimmig 1994 in Austria. The species was detected during a survey of digenean trematodes in Upper Austrian water bodies. Furthermore, we provide DNA barcodes of T. franki as well as measurements of several parasite individuals to indicate the intraspecific diversity. We also recommend the usage of an alternative primer pair, since the “standard COI primer pair” previously used for Schistosomatidae amplified an aberrant fragment in the sequence of T. franki. Overall, our study shows how limited our knowledge about occurrence and distribution of avian schistosomes in Austria is and how important it is to acquire such a knowledge to estimate ecological and epidemiological risks in the future.
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Al-Jubury A, Kania P, Bygum A, Buchmann K. Temperature and light effects on Trichobilharzia szidati cercariae with implications for a risk analysis. Acta Vet Scand 2020; 62:54. [PMID: 32933558 PMCID: PMC7493345 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-020-00553-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cercarial dermatitis (swimmer’s itch) caused by bird schistosome cercariae, released from intermediate host snails, is a common disorder also at higher latitudes. Several cases were observed in the artificial Danish freshwater Ringen Lake frequently used by the public for recreational purposes. The lake may serve as a model system when establishing a risk analysis for this zoonotic disease. In order to explain high risk periods we determined infection levels of intermediate host snails from early spring to late summer (March, June and August) and elucidated the effect of temperature and light on parasite shedding, behavior and life span. Results Field studies revealed no shedding snails in March and June but in late summer the prevalence of Trichobilharzia szidati infection (in a sample of 226 pulmonate Lymnaea stagnalis snails) reached 10%. When investigated under laboratory conditions the cercarial shedding rate (number of cercariae shed per snail per day) was positively correlated to temperature raising from a mean of 3000 (SD 4000) at 7 °C to a mean of 44,000 (SD 30,000) at 27 °C). The cercarial life span was inversely correlated to temperature but the parasites remained active for up to 60 h at 20 °C indicating accumulation of cercariae in the lake during summer periods. Cercariae exhibited positive phototaxy suggesting a higher pathogen concentration in surface water of the lake during daytime when the public visits the lake. Conclusion The only causative agent of cercarial dermatitis in Ringen Lake detected was T. szidati. The infection risk associated with aquatic activities is low during spring and early summer (March-June). In late summer the risk of infection is high since the release, behavior and life span of the infective parasite larvae have optimal conditions.
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Ashrafi K, Nouroosta A, Sharifdini M, Mahmoudi MR, Rahmati B, Brant SV. Genetic diversity of an avian nasal schistosome causing cercarial dermatitis in the Black Sea-Mediterranean migratory route. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3821-3833. [PMID: 30343420 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6087-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study is part of an effort to document the diversity of avian schistosomes in ducks and snails in Northern Iran, a major flyway (Black Sea/Mediterranean) for migratory birds and where cercarial dermatitis (CD) is prevalent in rice growing areas. CD is an allergic skin reaction from schistosome trematodes that emerge from aquatic snails. Most CD cases are reported from recreational swimmers or aquaculture farmers. Much of the work on the epidemiology of CD has focused in recreational waters in the Americas and Europe, with fewer studies in aquaculture, particularly in Iran. The artificial environment at aquaculture sites support dense populations of snails that are hosts to schistosomes, as well as domestic ducks. Thus, are domestic ducks reservoir hosts of species of Trichobilharzia, one of the main etiological agents of CD in Northern Iran? This study focused on a survey of domestic ducks for the presence of the nasal schistosome, T. regenti, that has been reported widely in Europe. Trichobilharzia regenti were found in domestic ducks in the Guilan Province of Iran based on morphological and molecular analyses. The presence of this species in Northern Iran indicates that the domestic duck can serve as a reservoir host for this species and that one of the local snail species is likely the intermediate host. The continued study and surveillance of this species is important because it is a neuropathic schistosome that can use a diversity of bird definitive hosts and Radix snails that are widespread across Eurasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyhan Ashrafi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Alireza Nouroosta
- Student Research Committee, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Meysam Sharifdini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Behnaz Rahmati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Sara V Brant
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, Division of Parasites, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico MSC03 2020, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, USA.
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Macháček T, Turjanicová L, Bulantová J, Hrdý J, Horák P, Mikeš L. Cercarial dermatitis: a systematic follow-up study of human cases with implications for diagnostics. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3881-3895. [PMID: 30302587 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6095-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cercarial dermatitis (CD) is an allergic skin disease that rises in consequence of infection by invasive stages (cercariae) of trematodes of the family Schistosomatidae. CD has been considered a re-emerging disease, human cases have been reported from all continents, and tourism-threatening outbreaks occur even in frequented recreational areas. Although the symptoms of CD are generally known, the data on immune response in human patients are sporadic and incomprehensive. In the present study, we attempted to correlate the symptoms, personal history, and time course of CD in human patients with differential cell counts, dynamics of selected cytokines, and dynamics and quality of antibody response. By a systematic follow-up, we obtained a uniquely complex dataset from ten persons accidentally and concurrently infected by the same parasite species in the same locality. The onset of CD was significantly faster, and the symptoms were heavier in participants with a history of CD if compared to naive ones, who, however, also developed some of the symptoms. The repeatedly infected persons had elevated proportion of eosinophils 1 week post exposure (p.e.) and a stronger specific IgG but not IgM response, whereas specific IgE response was not observed. Increased serum levels of IL-4 occurred 1 and 3 week(s) p.e. in all participants. There was high variability in individual immunoblot patterns of IgG response, and no antigen with a universal diagnostic potential was confirmed. The presented analyses suggested that a complex approach can improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of CD, but component data should be interpreted carefully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Macháček
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Libuše Turjanicová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Bulantová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Hrdý
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Studničkova 7, 12800, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Mikeš
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Agents of swimmer's itch-dangerous minority in the Digenea invasion of Lymnaeidae in water bodies and the first report of Trichobilharzia regenti in Poland. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3695-3704. [PMID: 30215139 PMCID: PMC6224017 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6068-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Trichobilharzia spp. have been identified as a causative agent of swimmers’ itch, a skin disease provoked by contact with these digenean trematodes in water. These parasites have developed a number of strategies to invade vertebrates. Since we have little understanding of the behavior of these parasites inside the human body, the monitoring of their invasion in snail host populations is highly recommended. In our research, lymnaeid snails were collected from several Polish lakes for two vegetation seasons. The prevalence of bird schistosomes in snail host populations was significantly lower than that of other digenean species. We were the first to detect the presence of the snails emitted Trichobilharzia regenti (potentially the most dangerous nasal schistosome) in Poland. In addition, by sequencing partial rDNA genes, we confirmed the presence of the snails positive with Trichobilharzia szidati in Polish water bodies, showing that swimmer’s itch is more frequent during summer months and that large snails are more often infected with bird schistosomes than small ones.
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Molecular analyses reveal high species diversity of trematodes in a sub-Arctic lake. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:327-345. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Nitric oxide and cytokine production by glial cells exposed in vitro to neuropathogenic schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:579. [PMID: 27842570 PMCID: PMC5109812 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1869-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Helminth neuroinfections represent a serious health problem, but host immune mechanisms in the nervous tissue often remain undiscovered. This study aims at in vitro characterization of the response of murine astrocytes and microglia exposed to Trichobilharzia regenti which is a neuropathogenic schistosome migrating through the central nervous system of vertebrate hosts. Trichobilharzia regenti infects birds and mammals in which it may cause severe neuromotor impairment. This study was focused on astrocytes and microglia as these are immunocompetent cells of the nervous tissue and their activation was recently observed in T. regenti-infected mice. Results Primary astrocytes and microglia were exposed to several stimulants of T. regenti origin. Living schistosomulum-like stages caused increased secretion of IL-6 in astrocyte cultures, but no changes in nitric oxide (NO) production were noticed. Nevertheless, elevated parasite mortality was observed in these cultures. Soluble fraction of the homogenate from schistosomulum-like stages stimulated NO production by both astrocytes and microglia, and IL-6 and TNF-α secretion in astrocyte cultures. Similarly, recombinant cathepsins B1.1 and B2 triggered IL-6 and TNF-α release in astrocyte and microglia cultures, and NO production in astrocyte cultures. Stimulants had no effect on production of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 or TGF-β1. Conclusions Both astrocytes and microglia are capable of production of NO and proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α following in vitro exposure to various stimulants of T. regenti origin. Astrocytes might be involved in triggering the tissue inflammation in the early phase of T. regenti infection and are proposed to participate in destruction of migrating schistosomula. However, NO is not the major factor responsible for parasite damage. Both astrocytes and microglia can be responsible for the nervous tissue pathology and maintaining the ongoing inflammation since they are a source of NO and proinflammatory cytokines which are released after exposure to parasite antigens. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1869-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Marszewska A, Cichy A, Heese T, Żbikowska E. The real threat of swimmers' itch in anthropogenic recreational water body of the Polish Lowland. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3049-56. [PMID: 27083184 PMCID: PMC4958134 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
After numerous reports the local press about the “stinging water” in created on the Dzierżęcinka River—Water Valley reservoir and recognizing in bathers the symptoms of swimmers’ itch, environmental study on the presence of bird schistosome larvae in snail hosts was conducted. Snails belonging to Lymnaeidae and Planorbidae were collected at two sites: (i) part of anthropogenic reservoir (192 individuals) and (ii) the river part (37 individuals). Higher prevalence of Digenea was observed in snail populations living in Water Valley (29.8 %) compared to Dzierżęcinka River (21.3 %). The larvae of bird schistosomes were recorded in both localities in 1.8 % of collected snails. The prevalence of bird schistosomes reached 2.9 % in Planorbarius corneus, 2.8 % in Radix auricularia, and 5.9 % in Radix balthica/labiata. Laboratory tests have shown that at 19 °C the number of bird schistosome cercariae released from snail hosts significantly exceeded the number of cercariae of other identified Digenea species. It is worth underlining that despite the low prevalence of bird schistosomes, the high number of released cercariae was sufficient to create a real threat of swimmers’ itch in bathers. As indicated by the example presented, anthropogenic reservoirs create excellent conditions for Digenea species including bird schistosomes. In view of the real risk of people using the waters, tests on presence of the parasites in snail hosts should be included to the standard procedure of security control in bathing places.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Marszewska
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolas Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Anna Cichy
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolas Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Tomasz Heese
- Department of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Environmental and Geodetic Sciences, Koszalin University of Technology, Koszalin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Żbikowska
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolas Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland.
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Lawton SP, Lim RM, Dukes JP, Kett SM, Cook RT, Walker AJ, Kirk RS. Unravelling the riddle of Radix: DNA barcoding for species identification of freshwater snail intermediate hosts of zoonotic digeneans and estimating their inter-population evolutionary relationships. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015. [PMID: 26196736 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Radix spp. are intermediate host snails for digenean parasites of medical and veterinary importance. Within this genus, species differentiation using shell and internal organ morphology can result in erroneous species identification, causing problems when trying to understand the population biology of Radix. In the present study, DNA barcoding, using cox1 and ITS2 sequences, identified populations of Radix auricularia and Radix balthica from specimens originally morphologically identified as Radix peregra from the UK. Assessment of cox1 and ITS2 as species identification markers showed that, although both markers differentiated species, cox1 possessed greater molecular diversity and higher phylogenetic resolution. Cox1 also proved useful for gaining insights into the evolutionary relationships of Radix species populations. Phylogenetic analysis and haplotype networks of cox1 indicated that R. auricularia appeared to have invaded the UK several times; some haplotypes forming a distinct UK specific clade, whilst others are more akin to those found on mainland Europe. This was in contrast to relationships between R. balthica populations, which had low molecular diversity and no distinct UK specific haplotypes, suggesting recent and multiple invasions from mainland Europe. Molecular techniques therefore appear to be crucial for distinguishing Radix spp., particularly using cox1. This barcoding marker also enables the population biology of Radix spp. to be explored, and is invaluable for monitoring the epidemiology of fluke diseases especially in the light of emerging diseases and food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott P Lawton
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK.
| | - Rivka M Lim
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Juliet P Dukes
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Stephen M Kett
- School of Life Sciences, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, London NW4 4BT, UK.
| | - Richard T Cook
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK.
| | - Anthony J Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK.
| | - Ruth S Kirk
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK.
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