Molecular tools for the detection and identification of Ichthyobodo spp. (Kinetoplastida), important fish parasites

► We demonstrate PCR methods for detection and identification of Ichthyobodo spp. ► Real-time PCR assay has been calibrated for absolute quantification of I. salmonis. ► Copies of SSU rRNA genes per I. salmonis cell have been estimated. ► New species within genus Ichthyobodo have been detected and identified.