The research project developed here aims to detect the presence of viruses in Galba truncatula (a freshwater snail), based on the viruses already identified in Fasciola hepatica (trimatode parasitizing G. truncatula). The G. truncatula snail plays a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems as a vector for F. hepatica, responsible for fasciolosis affecting animals and humans. The main objective is to examine the possibility of a viral transfer between the host and the trematode, or vice versa. To do this, we will use high-throughput sequencing techniques, in collaboration with the Pasteur Institute in Paris, to identify and characterise viruses present in G. truncatula. The project will provide a better understanding of the dynamics of viral transmission between hosts and parasites, as well as an assessment of the potential implications for ecosystem health and the management of parasitic diseases. For example, the identification of specific viruses in G. truncatula or F. hepatica could lead to the development of targeted biological control strategies, thereby reducing dependence on traditional chemical treatments and minimising negative environmental impacts. This project is pioneering the exploration of viral interactions between hosts and parasites in trematodes, offering new perspectives for the sustainable management of parasitic populations.
Related team publications: