Trematodes in Danish freshwater systems
Digenean trematodes belong to the phylum Platyhelminthes. They have a complex life cycle and require at least two hosts, one of which is usually a mollusc. Other invertebrates and vertebrates may serve as second and/or definitive hosts. The free-living stage (termed cercariae), which is released from the mollusk, to the aquatic system becomes exposed to a range of abiotic and biotic factors.
The aims of this project is firstly, to provide an overview of digenean trematode occurrence in Danish freshwater systems. Secondly, to investigate the trematode invasion in freshwater fish in a freshwater ecosystem and analyze the transmission between snail and fish host and thirdly, to explore the effect of eye fluke (Diplostomum pseudospathaceum) invasion on freshwater fish by using zebrafish as a model.