engleski

DENTITRUNCUS TRUTTAE (ACANTHOCEPHALA) FROM BROWN TROUT (SALMO TRUTTA) AND RAINBOW TROUT (ONCORHYNCHUS MYKISS) IN KRKA RIVER, CROATIA

Dentitruncus truttae is an acanthocephalan parasite with anteriorly spined trunk that penetrates deep into the intestinal wall causing extensive damage to digestive tract of fish. It is the only representative of the poorly investigated Illiosentidae family from salmonids in Europe. Due to a very restricted worldwide distribution, only a few studies of this parasite have been made. In this study, distribution, seasonal variation and genetic variability of D. truttae from Krka River salmonids were investigated. Parasite species were collected during three years at four localities of Krka River from brown and rainbow trouts. Basic quantitative parameters and morphometric data were measured. For molecular characterization, three markers were analysed: cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI), ITS region (internal transcribed spacer) and 18S rRNA. High degree of trouts infection by D. truttae was found throughout the year, with prevalences of 100% during three seasons at one locality. Parasite mean intensity was the highest during the autumn. Sequence analysis of 18S rRNA, COI and ITS region have revealed low genetic variation among D. truttae individuals in Krka River and placed this species in the same lineage with other members of Illiosentidae family.

Acantocephala; brown trout; Krka River; Croatia

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