Observations on the trematode Parvatrema affinis, causative agent of crawling tracks of Macoma balthica
Swennen, C.; Ching, H.L. (1974). Observations on the trematode Parvatrema affinis, causative agent of crawling tracks of Macoma balthica. Neth. J. Sea Res. 8(1): 108-115
In: Netherlands Journal of Sea Research. Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ): Groningen; Den Burg. ISSN 0077-7579; e-ISSN 1873-1406, meer
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| Abstract |
Stages of the life cycle of Parvatrema affinis were studied and comparedwith previous descriptions by MARKOWSKI (1937) and SELIKMAN (1953). The cercariae quickly develop into metacercariae and remain within the sporocysts which heavily parasitize the intermediate host, Macoma balthica in the tidal zone of the Wadden and North Seas. The adult stage, recovered from experimental infections of Anas platyrhynchos is similar to that described by JAMESON & NICOLL (1913) and JAMES (1964). Older, larger clams in the upper littoral zones were most highly infected with P. affinis. These infected clams exhibited surfacing and crawling tracks on the sand, changes in the behaviour of the hosts which may increase risk of predation by birds, the definitive hosts. |
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