Molecular confirmation of Dicrocoelium dendriticum in the Himalayan ranges of Pakistan

Lancet liver flukes of the genus Dicrocoelium (Trematoda: Digenea) are recognised parasites domestic and wild herbivores. The aim present study was to confirm species identity Dicrocoeliid collected from Chitral valley in Himalayan ranges Pakistan. morphology 48 belonging eight host populations examined; but overlapping traits prevented accurate designation. Phylogenetic comparison published D. dendriticum ribosomal cistron DNA, cytochrome oxidase-1 (COX-1) mitochondrial DNA sequences with those chinensis performed assess within between variation re-affirm use species-specific single nucleotide polymorphism markers. PCR sequencing 34 corresponding fragments 14 flukes, revealed 10 4 unique haplotypes, respectively. These confirmed for first time molecular Pakistani lancet as dendriticum. This work provides a preliminary illustration phylogenetic approach that could be developed ecology, biological diversity, epidemiology when they identified new settings.