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Hidden hosts: Limpets as key players in trematode transmission
C-H Li1, J Bennett1, R Poulin1
1Department of Zoology, https://ror.org/01jmxt844University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Journal of Helminthology
|February 23, 2026
Summary
Limpets are significant hosts in trematode transmission, harboring diverse parasites like avian schistosomes. This study reveals their overlooked role in marine ecosystems, with implications for public health and parasite ecology.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Parasitology
- Ecology
Background:
- Limpets are ecologically important in intertidal zones but understudied as hosts for trematode transmission.
- Trematodes are parasites with complex life cycles often involving intermediate hosts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate trematode infections in intertidal limpets from Otago Harbour, New Zealand.
- To synthesize existing literature on limpet roles in trematode transmission.
Main Methods:
- Molecular identification of trematode species in limpets.
- Prevalence assessment across five sampling sites.
- Haplotype network analysis of the cox1 gene.
- Literature synthesis of limpet-trematode interactions.
Main Results:
- Identified avian schistosome Gigantobilharzia cf. patagonensis and Acanthoparyphium sp. metacercariae.
- Gigantobilharzia cf. patagonensis found at all sites, with high prevalence (2.6%–100%).
- Haplotype analysis indicated recent population expansion of Gigantobilharzia.
- Literature synthesis confirmed limpets host trematodes across 12 superfamilies and 23 families.
Conclusions:
- Limpets are significant, overlooked hosts in trematode ecology, impacting both marine and freshwater systems.
- Findings highlight potential public health risks, such as cercarial dermatitis.
- Further surveys and definitive host screening are needed to understand epidemiological risks.
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