Presence of Trichobilharzia szidati in Lymnaea stagnalis and T. franki in Radix auricularia in northeastern France: molecular evidence

A molecular approach was used to analyse a focus of cercarial dermatitis in northeastern France (Lake Der-Chantecoq), including both cercariae and snails,by sequencing the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 for ocellate furcocercariae and ITS2 for snails). Lymnaea stagnalis were found infected with the furcocercariae of Trichobilharzia szidati, and T. franki furcocercariae were found in Radix auricularia. The record of these two visceral parasites of birds in northern France confirms strong host-parasite relationships. The use of these standardised markers will be of the highest significance for our understanding of the epidemiology of cercarial dermatitis in this recreational lake.