Large scale patterns of trematode parasite communities infecting Cerastoderma edule along the Atlantic coast from Portugal to Morocco

Abstract

In this study, spatial sampling was performed from north Portugal to south Morocco to analyse trematode communities of the widespread bivalve Cerastoderma edule, host of several trematode species. From the twelve trematode species found in this study, nine were present in multiple aquatic systems demonstrating high trematode dispersal ability, driven by the presence of all hosts. Multivariate analysis related to trematode communities in cockles clustered: 1) Portuguese aquatic systems influenced by cold waters, leading to low trematode abundance; 2) coastal systems characterized by dominance of trematode Parvatrema minutum and muddy sediments; 3) lagoons (or bays) with high oceanic influence and high trematode diversity. These findings suggested that, besides host species presence, temperature is an important trigger for parasite infection, with coastal upwelling operating as a shield against trematode infection in Portugal and masking latitudinal gradients. Results highlighted the possible consequences of thermal modification mediated by oceanographic global circulation change on cockle populations.