Infectivity of Himasthla spp. (Trematoda) in cockle (Cerastoderma edule) spat

The common cockle Cerastoderma edule is intermediate host to several species of digenean trematodes. However, little is known about the factors influencing the settlement of trematode larvae in cockles as well as their effects on the host. Aspects of the transmission ecology, behaviour and effects on juvenile host specimens of trematode larvae belonging to the genus Himasthla and utilizing mudsnails Hydrobia ulvae as their first intermediate host and various waterbirds as their definitive host have been studied. Cercariae of Himasthla spp. (more than 90% of the metacercariae were identified as H. continua post-experimentally) exhibited a host size-dependent selection within the host size range from 2 to 6 mm. Infection efficiency was reduced by the presence of substratum allowing cockles to burrow, suggesting that the foot and visceral region may be attacked by cercariae. No increased mortality due to parasite infections could be demonstrated within 5d after infestation. The metacercariae within experimentally infected cockles were primarily located in the connective tissue within the foot and visceral region. Although some cockles were completely filled with metacercariae only small functional effects were detected, such as a slightly prolonged burrowing time of infected specimens.