De Novo transcriptome of a Baltic parasitic nematode as a tool for monitoring marine trophic web stability

Marine metazoan parasites play pivotal roles in marine biodiversity, influencing various aspects of host biology and serving as ecological indicators of ecosystem health. Among these, the Baltic nematode parasite Contracaecum osculatum (s.s.) exhibits complex life cycles involving grey seals and fish species, particularly cod, making it a potential indicator of Baltic marine trophic web stability.