Authors

Discussion

Echinostomes of the family Himasthlidae are common parasites in birds and mammals including humans world-wide. Advanced molecular techniques are required for the accurate and reliable identification of these parasites, for understanding its life cycle and host parasite interactions. Mitochondrial genome consists of many molecular markers making it an excellent candidate for trematode identification.  These molecular markers can be used for many diagnostic purposes as well as phylogenetic studies. This study is the first molecular study done on whole mitochondrial genome of Acanthoparyphium sp. isolated from Kuwait Bay using Next generation Sequencing technique. It employs phylogenetic analysis on the whole mitochondrial genome for the accurate identification and comparison of the Acanthoparyphium sp. isolated from Kuwait Bay with members of the superfamily Echinostomatidea found in the world. The phylogenetic analyses confirmed its position within the Himasthlidae family and within the genus Acanthoparyphium.