Molecular identification of Trichobilharzia species in recreational waters in North-Eastern Poland

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.

Zoonotic Threats: The (Re)emergence of Cercarial Dermatitis, Its Dynamics, and Impact in Europe

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.

Expanding the swimmer's itch pool of the Benelux: a first record of the neurotropic Trichobilharzia regenti and potential link to human infection

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.

Phylogenetic analysis of avian schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti (Schistosomatidae, Digenea) from naturally infected hosts in northern Iran

BACKGROUND

Trichobilharzia regenti (T. regenti) is an avian schistosomatid fluke species that causes human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) in areas of aquaculture in northern Iran. Understanding the phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of this thread-like fluke will deepen our thoughtful of avian schistosomiasis epidemiology and lead to more effective HCD control in the region.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the life cycle of nasal Trichobilharzia in aquatic birds as well as aquatic snails and also identify the haplotype diversity of the isolates in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran.

METHODS

In the present study, adult or egg of Trichobilharzia isolated from aquatic birds as well as schistosomes cercariae isolated from aquatic snails in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, belonged to the authors' previous research, were examined. Molecular studies and phylogenetic analysis were carried out on these schistosomes samples.

RESULTS

The phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1 and COX1 genes in isolated schistosomes revealed that all samples belong to the T. regenti clade. Remarkably, based on phylogenetic results, these schistosomes samples from Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, A. platyrhynchos, Spatula clypeata and Lymnaea stagnalis grouped together with previously sequenced samples from Iran (Trichobilharzia cf. regenti). Unlike the phylogenetic tree and haplotype network of COX1 gene, ITS1 did not show distinct clusters.

CONCLUSION

This study completed the puzzle of the disease in Mazandaran Province by isolating and genotyping furkocercariae from L. stagnalis that was consistent with the isolated new genotype from ducks. For the first time in Iran, this confirmed the potential role of L. stagnalis snails in the transmission of the disease.

Two new genera and species of avian schistosomes from Argentina with proposed recommendations and discussion of the polyphyletic genus Gigantobilharzia (Trematoda, Schistosomatidae)

Gigantobilharzia Odhner, 1910 (Schistosomatidae) includes species that parasitize several orders of birds and families of gastropods from both freshwater and marine environments worldwide. Due to their delicate bodies, most of the species descriptions are incomplete, and lumped in the genus Gigantobilharzia, in some cases despite major morphological variability. Only three of those species have molecular sequence data but then lack a robust morphological description, making species differentiation very difficult. For this reason, several authors consider that many of the species of Gigantobilharzia should be reassigned to new genera. The aim of this paper is to describe two new genera and two new species of schistosomes using morphological and molecular characterization. We described Marinabilharzia patagonense n. g., n. sp. parasitizing Larus dominicanus from north Patagonian coast, and Riverabilharzia ensenadense n. g., n. sp. parasitizing L. dominicanus, Chroicocephalus maculipennis and Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus from freshwater Río de La Plata, in South America, Argentina. We then analysed and discussed the combinations of characters defining species of Gigantobilharzia and, based on that and on the available molecular data, we propose at least four possible new genera.

Avian schistosome species in Danish freshwater lakes: relation to biotic and abiotic factors

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.

Association between human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) and the occurrence of Trichibilarizia in duck and snail in main wetlands from Mazandaran Province, northern Iran

Background

Avian schistosomes are considered as main causative agents of human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) in Iran. The study was conducted to determine bird schistosomes in their final and intermediate hosts, in main wetlands of Mazandaran.

Methods

A total of 255 domestic and wild ducks were collected and the infection of nasal tissues of five (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, Aythya ferina, Cairina moschata, Anas platyrhynchos and Spatula clypeata) species were analyzed using morphological techniques. Also, 1687 freshwater snails were collected and surveyed by cercarial shedding and crushing tests. Detection of HCD was performed for the presence of clinical symptoms of itching and maculopapular rashs by physical examination.

Results

Of 255 ducks, in 41 (16%) infection with nasal Trichibilarizia spp. were recognized by observing eggs and/or adult worms. The most infected ducks were Anas clypeata and Anas platyrhynchos domesticus. Overall, 0.17% of snails were infected with avian schistosomes. Also, clinical examination of 951 rice farmers revealed that 588 (61.82%) of them were suffered from HCD.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that domestic ducks could play a prominent role as a reservoir host for establishing life cycle of Trichobilharzia in the area. Also, existence of domestic reservoir ducks and suitable snail hosts in ponds and paddy fields of this area, climate conditions of the wetlands in Mazandaran leads to a high incidence of HCD.

Global prevalence status of avian schistosomes: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Objectives

Human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) is a water-borne zoonotic parasitic disease. Cercariae of the avian schistosomes of several genera are frequently recognized as the causative agent of HCD. Various studies have been performed regarding prevalence of bird schistosomes in different regions of the world. So far, no study has gathered and analyzed this data systematically. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis study was to determine the prevalence of avian schistosomes worldwide.

Methods

Data were extracted from six available databases for studies published from 1937 to 2017. Generally, 41 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were used for data extraction in this systematic review. Most of studies have been conducted on the family Anatidae.

Results

The overall prevalence of avian schistosomes was estimated to be 34.0% (95%CI, 28%-41%) around the world. Furthermore, results displayed that, Allobilharzia visceralis and Trichobilharzia spp. had the highest frequency and their prevalence in the birds was 50.0% (95% CI, 3.0%-97.0%) and 32.0% (95% CI, 21.0%-0.36%), respectively. The results showed that the prevalence of avian schistosomes was 43.0% (95% CI, 29% - 56%) in the US and 38.0% (27.0% -50.0%) in Europe, which were higher than other continents, respectively.

Conclusions

The prevalence of 34% shows that the bird schistosomes are very common zoonotic worms among aquatic birds in the world. Also, this study shows the importance of avian schistosome research when facing animal and human health of the future.

Genetic diversity of an avian nasal schistosome causing cercarial dermatitis in the Black Sea-Mediterranean migratory route

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.

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

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.

Having bird schistosomes in mind-the first detection of Bilharziella polonica (Kowalewski 1895) in the bird neural system

Nasal bird schistosomes can cause bilharziosis in birds and have the potential to cause swimmer's itch in humans. We determined the prevalence of bird schistosomes in 106 mallards (Anas plathyrhynchos) from 11 water sources in Germany from 2014. Dissections were performed focusing on parasitic infections of the neural system. Infections with Trichobilharzia regenti (Horák et al. 1998) were found in 21% of the birds (n = 22), whereas Bilharziella polonica (Kowalewski 1895) were found between the brain membranes (meninges) and the brain, in the spinal cord or in the intestine of 12% of the mallards (n = 13). No significant influence of sex, age, and body condition between infected and non-infected animals was observed. Our study provides the first description of B. polonica from the neural system of birds and provides an epidemiological understanding of a parasite of human health concern.

Phylogenetic analysis of nasal avian schistosomes (Trichobilharzia) from aquatic birds in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran

Nasal schistosomes are trematodes in the family Schistosomatidae, many members of which are causative agents of human cercarial dermatitis (HCD). Little is known about the species diversity and distribution of nasal dwelling schistosomes of water birds, particularly in countries outside of Europe; even less is known in countries like Iran. Nasal schistosomes are of particular interest since these species migrate via the central nervous system to the nasal cavity once they penetrate their host. Thus, there must be efforts to determine the incidence of HCD due to nasal schistosomes. HCD outbreaks are reported seasonally in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, an area well known for rice cultivation leading to increased person contact with water and infected snails. Such places include favorable habitat for both domestic ducks year round, and wild migratory ducks in the winter through spring. Recent reports have detected the presence of both nasal and visceral schistosomes in ducks in this area but with little species characterization. In this study, we examine a diversity of aquatic birds to determine the distribution, prevalence and bird host use of nasal schistosomes. We apply for the first time a molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of these schistosomes. From 2012 to 2014, the nasal cavity of 508 aquatic birds from Mazandaran Province were examined that included species in Anseriformes, Gruiformes, Charadriiformes and Phoenicopteriformes. Nasal schistosomes were found in 45 (8.9%) birds belonging to Anseriformes (Anas platyrhynchos and Anas clypeata). Phylogenetic analysis of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 1 rDNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase1 gene of isolated eggs revealed that all samples grouped in a sister clade to the European Trichobilharzia regenti. However, Trichobilharzia from this study were more similar to a unique haplotype of Trichobilharzia, isolated from the nasals of an A. clypeata in France. The genetic and phenotypic differences between the species found herein and T. regenti from Europe, may prove with additional data to be a distinct species of Trichobilharzia.

Schistosomes in South African penguins

During the years 2009-2012, faeces of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus L.) from South African rehabilitation centres were examined for helminths. In total, 46 out 555 samples (8.29 %), mostly belonging to adult birds, were found to contain oval schistosome eggs with a spine on one pole. Their dimensions were 153.21 ± 9.07 × 87.14 ± 8.67 μm. Selected DNA fragments (18S, 28S and ITS rDNA) were sequenced and compared to other schistosome isolates deposited in GenBank. The shape of the eggs suggests that they belong to the genus Gigantobilharzia; however, due to the insufficient stage of knowledge of the genus and limited number of species available for comparison, we were not able to assign the isolate unambiguously to this genus based on either the egg morphology or the results of molecular analysis.

Physa marmorata (Mollusca: Physidae) as a natural intermediate host of Trichobilharzia (Trematoda: Schistosomatidae), a potential causative agent of avian cercarial dermatitis in Brazil

Species of Trichobilharzia are the main etiological agents of cercarial dermatitis in humans, which is considered a re-emerging disease. Despite the diversity and global distribution of species of this genus, studies of Trichobilharzia are scarce in South America. The goal of our investigations is better understand the diversity, distribution and life cycle of avian schistosomes and their likely role in causing dermatitis in Brazil. As part of this effort, cercariae found in naturally infected Physa marmorata were identified by morphological and molecular (mitochondrial cox1, nuclear ITS1 and 28S gene regions) methods as Trichobilharzia sp. These cercariae are similar morphologically to T. jequitibaensis described previously from Brazil and similar genetically to the North American physid transmitted species T. querquedulae and T. physellae. This is the first report of a potential agent of cercarial dermatitis from naturally infected snails from Brazil and first molecular characterization of a South American species of Trichobilharzia. A discussion follows concerning the potential role of this species has in outbreaks of dermatitis in Brazil.

Parasites in a man-made landscape: contrasting patterns of trematode flow in a fishpond area in Central Europe

We have explored a large body of novel data focusing on small-scale temporal and spatial patterns in the composition and structure of larval trematode communities in Lymnaea stagnalis (L.) from a typical Central European agricultural landscape. The 5 eutrophic fishponds studied provide excellent environments for the development of species-rich and abundant trematode communities. Nine prevalent species were consistently present in component communities, but had differential contribution to the parasite flow in the 5 ponds resulting in significant contrasting patterns of community similarity and the prevalence of the 3 major transmission guilds driving this similarity. Component communities split into 2 groups: (i) those from the large pond dominated by anatid and larid generalists with active miracidial transmission; and (ii) those from the smaller ponds dominated by 2 plagiorchioideans infecting snails via egg ingestion. We put forward 3 hypotheses for the remarkable differences in larval trematode flow in the similar and closely located eutrophic ponds: (i) species-specific differences in parasite colonization potential displayed by an 'active-passive' dichotomy in miracidial transmission strategies of the species; (ii) top-down effects of pond context on transmission pathways of the trematodes; and (iii) competition as an important mechanism in eutrophic environments with a bottom-up effect on component community structure.

Gigantobilharzia melanoidis n.sp. (Trematoda: Schistosomatidae) from Melanoides tuberculata (Gastropoda: Thiaridae) in the United Arab Emirates

Delicate filamentous schistosomatids detected in the intestinal veins of experimentally infected chickens are here described as a new parasite species, Gigantobilharzia melanoidis, and details of its life cycle are given. It is the first complete description of a schistosome species that uses Melanoides tuberculata as an intermediate host. Apharyngeate ocellate brevifurcate cercariae found in 65 out of 950 M. tuberculata collected in a pond in Al Aweer, United Arab Emirates were used as infection material. The new species can be distinguished from the other species of the genus by the following combination of characters: caecal reunion in males situated anterior to seminal vesicle, a very short gynecophoric canal (gynecophoric canal length/body length ratio lower than 0.05) supported by 12-14 thickened bands. Cercariae of G. melanoidis can be distinguished from other Gigantobilharzia cercariae described in the literature based on the combination of these characters: flame cell formula 2[3 + 3 + (1)] = 14 and relatively longer tail stem in relation to body (tail stem length/body length ratio = 2). Under laboratory conditions at a temperature between 24 and 26 °C, M. tuberculata started to shed cercariae 7 weeks after exposure to miracidia. The prepatent period of G. melanoidis in experimentally infected chicken lasted between 43 and 49 days. The parasite inhabits the blood vessels mainly of the small intestine. Sections of adult worms and eggs were also found in histocuts of parenchymatous organs. Results of phylogenetic analysis corroborated that G. melanoidis is a distinct species; however, they also confirmed that the genus Gigantobilharzia is in need of revision and in future might be split into several genera.

Avian schistosomes and human cercarial dermatitis in a wildlife refuge in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran

Each year, hundreds of aquatic migratory birds migrate from northern hemisphere to the Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. Little information is available on prevalence and density of schistosomes in water birds in Iran and around the world. The objectives of this study were to determine definitive and intermediate hosts of avian schistosomes as well as to assess human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) in a wildlife refuge in Mazandaran Province. Of 1106 examined people, 589 (53.2%) had maculopapular rashes mainly on feet but also on hand. The majority of cases were adults and local residents. Of 260 ducks, 41 (15.8%) were found to be infected with Trichobilharzia spp. eggs or adult worms. Prevalence was highest in Anas clypeata and Anas platyrhynchos, 79% and 18.9%, respectively. A total of 1.2% snails, examined by both shedding and crushing methods, were infected with furcocercariae belonging to avian schistosomes. The most frequently infected snail was Lymnaea gedrosiana (5.9%). Our results showed that cercarial dermatitis and avian schistosomiasis is a common and yet neglected disease in this area. Anas clypeata played the most important role in exposing snails to miracidia in ponds and paddy fields. Moreover, because of the high prevalence in ducks and high prevalence of HCD in the region, it is considered as a new endemic focus in Iran.

Pathogenicity of Trichobilharzia spp. for Vertebrates

Bird schistosomes, besides being responsible for bird schistosomiasis, are known as causative agents of cercarial dermatitis. Cercarial dermatitis develops after repeated contact with cercariae, mainly of the genus Trichobilharzia, and was described as a type I, immediate hypersensitivity response, followed by a late phase reaction. The immune response is Th2 polarized. Primary infection leads to an inflammatory reaction that is insufficient to eliminate the schistosomes and schistosomula may continue its migration through the body of avian as well as mammalian hosts. However, reinfections of experimental mice revealed an immune reaction leading to destruction of the majority of schistosomula in the skin. Infection with the nasal schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti probably represents a higher health risk than infections with visceral schistosomes. After the skin penetration by the cercariae, parasites migrate via the peripheral nerves, spinal cord to the brain, and terminate their life cycle in the nasal mucosa of waterfowl where they lay eggs. T. regenti can also get over skin barrier and migrate to CNS of experimental mice. During heavy infections, neuroinfections of both birds and mammals lead to the development of a cellular immune response and axonal damage in the vicinity of the schistosomulum. Such infections are manifest by neuromotor disorders.

Morphological features of the nasal blood fluke Trichobilharzia regenti (Schistosomatidae, Digenea) from naturally infected hosts

The first author detected the nasal bird schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti in Iceland in Anas platyrhynchos in Landmannalaugar in autumn of 2003. Since then, measurements and morphological studies have been performed on fresh worms (fragments) obtained in the area from naturally infected ducks, A. platyrhynchos and Aythya marila. In the present study, we compare our findings to the original description of T. regenti by Horák et al. (Parasite 5:349-357, 1998) that relies upon worms obtained by experimental infections of A. platyrhynchos f. domestica and Cairina moschata f. domestica ducklings. Fragments obtained from naturally infected birds are markedly larger than those obtained in the experimental infection. Also, indistinct sex-related size difference was confirmed; males were more abundant in the material than females. Previously unknown morphological features detected in the present study include, e.g. subterminal spines on the oral sucker directed to the oral opening, spine pattern on the apical part of acetabulum and long tegumental spines (up to 16 μm) in the gonad and tail regions of both sexes. In males, we evaluated for the first time the morphology of the cirrus sac enclosing ejaculatory duct, prostata and the entire prostatic region, the course of vas deferens and the position of genital papilla. In females, the posterior part of the reproductive system was studied for the first time. The presence of the Laurer's canal was confirmed and its course from the oviduct to the surface, where spermatozoa were noticed to leave the canal, was described.

Genetic differentiation of cercariae infrapopulations of the avian schistosome Trichobilharzia szidati based on RAPD markers and mitochondrial cox1 gene

Avian schistosome Trichobilharzia szidati is a member of the largest genus within the family Schistosomatidae (Trematoda). Population genetic structure of Trichobilharzia spp. schistosomes, causative agents of cercarial dermatitis in humans, has not been studied yet. The knowledge of the genetic structure of trichobilharzian populations is essential for understanding the host-parasite coevolutionary dynamics and epidemiology strategies. Here we examined genetic diversity in three geographically isolated local populations of T. szidati cercariae inhabiting Russia based on nuclear (randomly amplified polymorphic DNA, RAPD) and mt (cox1) markers. We analyzed T. szidati cercariae shed from seven naturally infected snails of Lymnaea stagnalis. Using three random primers, we demonstrated genetic variation among populations, thus posing genetic structure across geographic sites. Moreover, T. szidati cercariae have been genetically structured among hosts (infrapopulations). Molecular variance analysis was performed to test the significance of genetic differentiation within and between local populations. Of total parasitic diversity, 18.8% was partitioned between populations, whereas the higher contribution (48.9%) corresponds to the differences among individual cercariae within infrapopulations. In contrast to RAPD markers, a 1,125-bp fragment of cox1 mt gene failed to provide any significant within-species structure. The lack of geographic structuring was detected using unique haplotypes which were determined in the current work for Moscow and Western Siberian local populations as well as obtained previously for European isolates (Czech Republic and Germany). All T. szidati/Trichobilharzia ocellata haplotypes were found to be mixed across their geographical origin.

The neuro-muscular system in fresh-water furcocercaria from Belarus. I Schistosomatidae

The neuro-muscular system (NMS) in cercariae of the family Schistosomatidae from Belarus was studied with immunocytochemical methods and confocal scanning laser microscopy. The specimens of Bilharziella polonica were compared with Trichobilharzia szidati and Trichobilharzia franki. The patterns of F-actin in the musculature, 5-HT-immunoreactive (IR), FMRFamide-IR neuronal elements and α-tubulin-IR in sensory receptors and nerves were investigated. No indications of structural differences in the musculature, the 5-HT-IR, FMRF-IR neuronal elements and the general distribution of sensory receptors were noticed between cercariae of Trichobilharzia spp. The number of 5-HT-IR neurons in the cercarial bodies is 16. In cercaria B. polonica, the tail musculature is weaker than in Trichobilharzia spp. A detailed schematic picture of the NMS in the tail of Trichobilharzia spp. cercaria is given. The function of NMS elements in the tail is discussed.

Final hosts and variability of Trichobilharzia regenti under natural conditions

In Europe, despite of intensive work on avian schistosomes in the past, only one representative of nasal schistosomes has been detected so far, Trichobilharzia regenti, a species that remained undescribed to the scientific community until 1998. Since then, however, T. regenti has gained a considerable attention, not only due to the induction of serious lesions concomitant with the migration of the schistosomulae through the central nervous system of their natural hosts (birds) but also due to their implication in cercarial dermatitis and their neurotrophic behaviour in mammals (mice, experimental) where the parasite migrate to the CNS. From 2001 to 2010, by a parasitic control of various potential final hosts (aquatic birds) living in natural condition in France and in Iceland, we detected T. regenti in six species: Anas platyrhynchos, Cygnus olor, Aythya fuligula, Aythya ferina, Mergus merganser and Anser anser. Although morphological features, mainly of eggs, showed some variations with the original description of the parasite, molecular analysis confirmed their membership to the T. regenti species. Nevertheless, specific molecular and morphological variations were especially observed for nasal parasite isolated from Anas clypeata. For this species, we discuss the possibility for this nasal schistosome to belong to a nasal Trichobilharzia species already described in Africa or even an undescribed nasal species.

Methodical approaches in the identification of areas with a potential risk of infection by bird schistosomes causing cercarial dermatitis

Larval stages (cercariae) of schistosomatid flukes represent the causative agents of swimmer's itch (cercarial dermatitis), a waterborne allergic disease. Cercariae of bird schistosomes are the most frequently reported agent. Recent studies on parasite behaviour in mammals showed that infections by cercariae can be linked to more than skin syndromes. Despite the failure of complete development in mammals, bird schistosomes can escape from the skin and migrate transitorily in the hosts. These findings brought novel insights into the fate and potential pathogenic effect of the parasites in non-compatible hosts, including humans. Cercarial dermatitis occurs globally and recently is considered to be re-emerging; however, there are no data on the number of afflicted persons per year. This might be explained by a relatively low interest in human skin infections arising after bathing in fresh water. In addition, the real occurrence of bird schistosomes in the field is known only for a few areas. The paucity of epidemiological/biogeographical data is probably caused by difficulties associated with detection of the parasites in intermediate and definitive hosts. Therefore, based on personal experience and data available in the literature, we have summarized methodological approaches enabling the detection of bird schistosomes in various hosts and environments.

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

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 America (Trichobilharzia physellae, Trichobilharzia querquedulae, Trichobilharzia szidati, Trichobilharzia stagnicolae, Trichobilharzia franki, and Trichobilharzia brantae). An additional 5 lineages were found that could not be related directly to previously described species. Trichobilharzia brantae, transmitted by Gyraulus parvus, grouped outside the clade containing the recognized species of Trichobilharzia. A subgroup of the Trichobilharzia clade designated Clade Q was comprised of closely related species whose adults and eggs are similar, yet the European species use lymnaeids whereas the North American species use physids as snail hosts. This molecular phylogeny provides a useful framework (1) to facilitate identification of worms, including those involved in dermatitis outbreaks; (2) to test hypotheses about the evolution, diversification, host-parasite interactions and character evolution of Trichobilharzia; and (3) to guide future taxonomic revision of Trichobilharzia.

Avian schistosomes in French aquatic birds: a molecular approach

The prevalence of human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) caused by bird schistosomes appears to be increasing in France, in light of the impact of tourism combined with high densities of wild aquatic hosts in freshwater areas. The present work expands our knowledge of schistosome systematics by including samples of bird schistosomes collected from their natural hosts in France. Heads (318) and viscera (81) of aquatic birds belonging to 16 species from five orders, collecting during the hunting seasons or found dead, were autopsied for nasal and visceral schistosomes. Eggs and/or adults were analysed by molecular methods using the D2 domain and the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) region of rDNA to determine species. Even if nasal eggs were polymorphic according to the host, all haplotypes were similar to that of Trichobilharzia regenti. Marked diversity of visceral species was observed. Final hosts under natural conditions were reported. For the first time, Trichobilharzia franki is reported in its natural bird hosts, Anas platyrhynchos, Anas crecca, Aythya fuligula and Cygnus olor. We also identified T. szidati in A. crecca and Anas clypeata. Bilharziella polonica was found in six species of aquatic birds, including Grus grus. This finding is the first record of bird schistosomes in this aquatic bird. Three new taxa of visceral schistosomes in Anser anser are strongly suspected according to their haplotypes. Futhermore, a new haplotype of visceral schistosomes isolated in Cygnus olor and similar to Allobilharzia visceralis was identified.

Trichobilharzia spp. in natural conditions in Annecy Lake, France

Annecy Lake is a well-known focus of human cercarial dermatitis in France. Identification of the parasites, however, was not performed in the past. Previous studies suspected two species, Trichobilharzia franki and Trichobilharzia regenti, based on the presence of parasites in mallards and/or morphological identification of snails emitting ocellate furcocercariae. Following a standardized molecular approach, we studied snails and furcocercariae and compared their haplotypes with those deposited in GenBank. The selected markers were the second internal transcribed spacer ITS-2 for the snails and ITS-2 and D2 domain of the ribosomal DNA for the parasites. Our results confirm the presence of T. franki and T. regenti and two probable new species that could be potential agents of cercarial dermatitis. All the snails emitting the ocellate furcocercariae belong to the same species identified as Radix peregra (=Radix ovata = Radix balthica). Parasite-host relationships between species of the genus Trichobilharzia and snails of the genus Radix do not seem to be as specific as supposed previously.