Van Bourgonie, Y R.,  Lange, M.,  Penagos-Tabares, F.,  Hirzmann, J.,  Failing, K.,  Schaper, R.,  Dimzas, D.,  Diakou, A.,  Hermosilla, C.,  Taubert, A.,  Di Cesare, A.,  Morelli, S.,  Gombeer, S.,  Smitz, N.,  Meganck, K.,  De Meyer, M. & Backeljau, T. 2019. ‘DNA barcoding and identification of intermediate slug hosts in the framework of an epidemiological survey in Germany’. 8th International Barcode of Life Conference. Book of abstracts.

Conference abstract

Background - Recently, metastrongyloid lungworms that infect canids and felids, have gained special attention due to their increasing prevalence in domestic and wildlife populations. There is evidence that infections of Angiostrongylus vasorum, the canid lungworm that can cause severe bleeding disorders or breathing distress, are spreading beyond endemic areas by means of terrestrial gastropods. A total of 2701 slugs was collected throughout one year in four areas (two in Hesse and two in Rhineland - Palatinate) that were previously shown as hyperendemic for A. vasorum infections in foxes. Slugs were identified based on morphological characteristics, yet 16 identifications required validation by DNA barcoding through the Barcoding Facility for Organisms and Tissues of Policy Concern (BopCo). Results - DNA sequences were generated for the standard mitochondrial COI barcode, as well as for 16S ribosomal RNA. Using BLAST, the sequences were compared to the reference sequences available in GenBank and BOLD to identify the slugs. They were positively identified by both COI and 16S as belonging to either Arion vulgaris (= Arion lusitanicus Auct.) (n = 14) or Deroceras reticulatum (n = 2). Significance – This epidemiological study suggests that in the surveyed areas, the prevalence of A. vasorum is significantly higher in Arion vulgaris than in D. reticulatum. The current data also imply that in these areas dogs are at permanent risk for A. vasorum infections throughout the year. Currently, BopCo is collaborating with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki to apply DNA barcoding for the identification of Greek snails and slugs in another epidemiological study.