Morphological and Molecular Study on Trematodes of Storks (Ciconia ciconia and C. nigra) from Turkey

This study aims to investigate the trematode species of white (Ciconia ciconia) and black storks (Ciconia nigra) in Turkey by morphological and molecular methods. This study aims to present new molecular characterizations of species, previously described only morphologically, and to enhance knowledge of the parasitic fauna of storks, which have an important place among migratory birds.

A total of nine stork cadavers (eight white and one black) were parasitologically examined. The trematodes obtained were washed in physiological saline, preserved in 70% ethanol, and then followed by morphological analyses. DNA extraction was performed from selected individuals, and phylogenetic analyses used partial 28S rDNA and cox1 gene regions. Species identification was supported by both morphometric and molecular data.

A total of four trematode species were identified using morphological and molecular methods, namely Cathaemasia longivitellata (Plagiorchiidae), Chaunocephalus ferox (Echinostomatidae), Georduboisia syriaca (Cyathocotylidae), and Stomylotrema pictum (Stomylotrematidae). Partial cox1 gene region (for Ch. ferox and G. syriaca), and partial 28S rDNA gene region (for Ca. longivitellata, G. syriaca, and S. pictum) were successfully sequenced. This study provides the first molecular data for G. syriaca and S. pictum and the first cox1 gene data for Ch. ferox and.

The findings extend the existing knowledge on the trematode fauna of storks and reveal the importance of using morphological methods in combination with molecular approaches. This study provides preliminary information for future ecological and epidemiological studies on bird trematodes.