Use of molecular markers to investigate epidemiology of and host manipulation by the invasive parasite Dicrocoelium dendriticum

Abstract

Parasite distributions are rapidly expanding, in large part due to human mediated translocations of hosts. Thus, instances of parasite-spread to new hosts are common. Management of these emerging parasites depends on understanding the host-shifts occurring within invasive areas and the pathway of invasion; both of which can be investigated using molecular markers. Dicrocoelium dendriticum is one such emerging parasite, which has invaded Alberta. Here, I use molecular markers to identify two local Albertan hosts colonized by D. dendriticum; the snail Oreohelix subrudis and the ant Formica aserva. I also developed a panel of nine microsatellite markers that showed two separate introductions of the parasite into Canada. Furthermore, the markers also identified “clumped clonal transmission” throughout the life-cycle, which has implications for the potential evolution of cooperation via kin selection, in this behaviour altering parasite.