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Alaria alata mesocercariae prevalence and predilection sites in amphibians in Latvia

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Abstract

Alaria alata is known as a trematode with a complex life cycle. The trematode Alaria alata infects amphibians as second intermediate hosts. In the present study, we examined 390 amphibians—European water frogs Pelophylax esculentus complex (n = 335), common frogs Rana temporaria (n = 19), moor frogs Rana arvalis (n = 3), and common toads Bufo bufo (n = 30) collected from randomly selected wetland habitats in Latvia. Out of all examined specimens, 80 were tadpoles and 310 were adult amphibians. Mesocercariae of A. alata was detected in 108 specimens from all examined amphibian species, except the common toad, reaching the overall prevalence of 27.7%. Tadpoles were found to be more frequently infected with A. alata, when compared with adults, 58.8% and 22.4%, respectively. The results showed that mesocercariae accumulate in visceral membranes, different internal organs, and muscles in the head area. This is a comprehensive study to identify A. alata mesocercariae predilection sites in amphibians.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Daina Pūle for her valuable work in preparing maps for this study. This study was conducted under the auspices of the project: “The biological and ecological triggers causing the expansion of the invasive fish: the Chinese Sleeper (Perccottus glenii), in Eastern Europe” (Latvian – Ukrainian project Nr. LV-UA/2018/6).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Food Safety Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, Lejupes Street 3, Riga, LV-1076, Latvia

    Zanda Ozoliņa & Gunita Deksne

  2. Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 1, Riga, LV-1004, Latvia

    Gunita Deksne

  3. Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Parādes Street 1A, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia

    Mihails Pupins, Evita Gravele, Inese Gavarane & Muza Kirjušina

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  1. Zanda Ozoliņa
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  2. Gunita Deksne
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Correspondence to Zanda Ozoliņa.

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Ozoliņa, Z., Deksne, G., Pupins, M. et al. Alaria alata mesocercariae prevalence and predilection sites in amphibians in Latvia. Parasitol Res 120, 145–152 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-020-06951-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-020-06951-6

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