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

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.04.009
• Publication Date: 2022-04-28T06:09:18Z
• Authors: Alexandra Juhász; Gábor Majoros; Gábor Cech
• Keywords: Anas; Aythya; Auricularia

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 schistosome directly penetrate human skin and cause irritation. Between September 2018 2020, carcasses 94 mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), two green-winged teals crecca) along with one ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca) were examined. Birds collected 12 regions Hungary, representative 9 different counties. Inspecting both morphological characters molecular data, cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) large ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) sequences, Bilharziella polonica Dendritobilharzia pulverulenta each identified. Most importantly, Trichobilharzia franki was found for first time Hungary 5 dispersed counties conjunction 3 where other schistosomes found. Of note, predominately encountered wild (∼50%) not birds reared hunting (∼1%). In total, 245 European ear snails (Radix auricularia), known intermediate host spp., from an urban pond Eger, Hungary. Five (∼2%) consistently shed numerous furcocercariae T. that confirmed methods. Our findings help to pinpoint contemporary life cycle this environment, location regularly visited various waterfowl possible species responsible cercarial Taken as whole, we demonstrate actual potential risk zone dermatitis, particularly reference R. auricularia distributions, across Central Europe.