Current status of -omics research in platyhelminth parasites of teleost fish.

Abstract

Parasitic platyhelminths (Trematoda, Monogenea, and Cestoda) are responsible for widespread disease in wild and cultured fish in both freshwater and marine environments globally, impacting both human health and the sustainability of aquaculture industries. Research into these parasites primarily aims to understand the impact of infections on host species, as well as developing management strategies to reduce or eliminate disease. -Omics-based research can assist in uncovering the biology of these parasites across a range of key areas, including understanding host-pathogen interactions, identifying novel drug and vaccine targets, and recognizing the overall diversity of parasite species. To date, the application of -omics technologies to piscivorous platyhelminths has been limited. This Chapter focuses on the current availability of -omics research in fish platyhelminths, with a primary focus on parasites with definitive fish hosts, and argues that the application of these technologies may provide unprecedented opportunities for the development of novel sustainable strategies for infection and disease management and control.