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¹ General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies Directorate of Fisheries Research Institute, Eğirdir, Türkiye, Genetic, ISPARTA, Türkiye
² Afyon Kocatepe University, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Afyonkocatepe, Türkiye DOI : 10.4194/GA996 Viewed : 103 - Downloaded : 145 DNA-based species identification methods enable the reliable determination of species and a more accurate elucidation of evolutionary relationships. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA regions are used as a reliable molecular marker in species discrimination. This study investigated the zoonotic nematode Eustrongylides excisus in Neogobius fluviatilis population of Lake Uluabat, Türkiye, contributing to the understanding of its genetic diversity, taxonomic status, and zoonotic risk. Sequencing of the ITS region identified a single, distinct haplotype from the Lake Uluabat isolates. Comparative genetic analysis revealed low-to-moderate intraspecific variation (pairwise distances: 0.000–0.0404) among global isolates. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the monophyly of E. excisus and revealed geographically correlated clustering. Turkish isolates formed a distinct, well-supported clade most closely related to a homogeneous Italian clade. Chinese and Australian isolates showed greater internal diversity and grouped separately. The genetic data provide new insights into the structure of E. excisus, demonstrating both widespread, conserved lineages and region-specific diversification. The close phylogenetic relationship between Turkish and Italian isolates points to historical connectivity within the Mediterranean basin. These findings are crucial for monitoring the parasite's spread, understanding its evolutionary history, and developing targeted risk assessments for human infection. Keywords : Eustrongylides excisus ITS Neogobius fluviatilis Lake Uluabat