1
|
Dumendiak S, Halajian A, Mekonnen Y, Aschenborn O, Camacho G, Schuster R, Mackenstedt U, Romig T, Wassermann M. Hidden diversity of cestodes in wild African carnivores: I. Non-taeniid cyclophyllideans. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 24:100929. [PMID: 38601058 PMCID: PMC11002657 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Our knowledge of parasites in wildlife remains limited, primarily due to restricted access to samples, especially of parasites from protected species. This present study contributes to the comprehension of the enigmatic world of helminths of African wild mammals and cestode biodiversity by combining both molecular and morphological analysis. Cestode samples were opportunistically collected from 77 individual definitive hosts in South Africa, Namibia and Ethiopia, encompassing 15 different species of wild African carnivores and additionally domestic cats. The analysis revealed 32 different cyclophyllidean species of which 21 (65.6 %) represent previously unknown genetic entities. They belong to the families Mesocestoididae, Hymenolepididae, Dipylidiidae and Taeniidae. Here we cover the non-taeniid cestodes, while the taeniids will be addressed in a separate publication. Three of the non-taeniid species uncovered in this study could be assigned to the genus Mesocestoides and were isolated from servals and domestic cats. The white-tailed mongoose was found to be a suitable host for a species belonging to the Hymenolepididae, which was identified as Pseudandrya cf. mkuzii. Both feline and canine genotypes of Dipylidium caninum were detected in domestic cats, the canine genotype also in an African wolf. In addition to these, a novel species of Dipylidium was discovered in an aardwolf. Lastly, four distinct species of Joyeuxiella were found in this study, revealing a cryptic species complex and emphasizing the need for a taxonomic reassessment of this genus. Despite the limited scope of our study in terms of geography and sample size, the results highlight that biodiversity of cestodes in African wild mammals is grossly under-researched and follow-up studies are urgently required, in particular linking morphology to gene sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Dumendiak
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Parasitology, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - A. Halajian
- Research Administration and Development, and 2-DSI-NRF SARChI Chair (Ecosystem health), Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, South Africa
| | - Y.T. Mekonnen
- Haramaya University, College of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
- Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - O. Aschenborn
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Berlin, Germany
| | - G.J. Camacho
- Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency, Nelspruit, South Africa
| | - R.K. Schuster
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, PO Box 597, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - U. Mackenstedt
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Parasitology, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - T. Romig
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Parasitology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Hohenheim, Center of Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - M. Wassermann
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Parasitology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Hohenheim, Center of Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy, Stuttgart, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kornienko SA, Dokuchaev NE. Cestode diversity in shrews from islands in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. J Helminthol 2024; 98:e46. [PMID: 38828715 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x24000324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
A comparative analysis of taxonomic diversity on shrew cestodes among four islands in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk (Sakhalin, Kunashir, Hokkaido, and Moneron) was performed. Cestode species shared among the islands were identified and their host specificity was investigated. On Sakhalin Island, 33 species of the families Hymenolepididae, Dilepididae and Mesocestoididae were recorded in four shrew species (Sorex caecutiens, S. gracillimus, S. minutissimus and S. unguiculatus). In S. caecutiens, S. gracillimus, and S. unguiculatus on Kunashir Island, 22 species of the same families were found and, on Hokkaido Island, 23 species of the families Hymenolepididae and Dilepididae were recorded. On Moneron Island, three species of cestodes were registered in S. tundrensis. The Sakhalin-Hokkaido-Kunashir complex of shrew cestodes includes eastern-Palearctic, trans-Palearctic and endemic species. High endemism (~22%) of shrew tapeworms in the Sakhalin-Kunashir-Hokkaido Islands was noted as compared to continental territories. The different numbers of cestode species in S. unguiculatus (31), S. caecutiens (29), S. gracillimus (19) and S. minutissimus (1) were found. It was concluded that the cestodes species diversity of shrews of Sakhalin-Kunashir-Hokkaido depended primarily on the history of island formation, their modern physical and geographical features, the abundance of definitive and intermediate cestodes hosts and, to a lesser extent, on the size and remoteness of the islands from the mainland and the diversity of host species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S A Kornienko
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Frunze Str. 11, Novosibirsk630091, Russia
| | - N E Dokuchaev
- Institute of Biological Problems of the North, Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Portovaya Str. 18, Magadan685000, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Redón S, Quiroz M, Lukić D, Green AJ, Gajardo G. Phylogenetic Relationships of Avian Cestodes from Brine Shrimp and Congruence with Larval Morphology. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:397. [PMID: 38338040 PMCID: PMC10854740 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Determining molecular markers for parasites provides a useful tool for their identification, particularly for larval stages with few distinguishable diagnostic characters. Avian cestodes play a key role in the food webs and biodiversity of hypersaline wetlands, yet they remain understudied. Using naturally infected Artemia, we identified cestode larvae (cysticercoids), assessed their genetic diversity, and explored phylogenetic relationships in relation to larval morphology and waterbird final hosts. We obtained partial 18S rDNA sequences for 60 cysticercoids of the family Hymenolepidae infecting Artemia spp. from seven localities and three countries (Spain, the USA, and Chile). We present the first DNA sequences for six taxa: Confluaria podicipina, Fimbriarioides sp., Flamingolepis liguloides, Flamingolepis sp. 1, Flamingolepis sp. 2, and Hymenolepis californicus. Intraspecific sequence variation (0.00-0.19% diversity) was lower than intergroup genetic distance (0.7-14.75%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed three main clades: 1-Flamingolepis, 2-Fimbriarioides, 3-Confluaria and Hymenolepis, all of which separated from hymenolepidids from mammals and terrestrial birds. This clear separation among taxa is congruent with previous morphological identification, validating the 18S gene as a useful marker to discriminate at generic/species level. Working with intermediate hosts allows the expansion of knowledge of taxonomic and genetic diversity of cestodes in wildlife, as well as elucidation of their life cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stella Redón
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Av. Reina Mercedes, 41012 Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Av. Fuchslocher 1305, Osorno 5290000, Chile; (M.Q.); (G.G.)
| | - Mauricio Quiroz
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Av. Fuchslocher 1305, Osorno 5290000, Chile; (M.Q.); (G.G.)
| | - Dunja Lukić
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana, EBD-CSIC, C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain; (D.L.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Andy J. Green
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana, EBD-CSIC, C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain; (D.L.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Gonzalo Gajardo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Av. Fuchslocher 1305, Osorno 5290000, Chile; (M.Q.); (G.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tran Thi G, Azzena I, Scarpa F, Cossu P, Danh Le C, Ton Nu PA, Chau Ngo TM, Sanna D, Casu M. Molecular Identification and Appraisal of the Genetic Variation of Taenia saginata in Central Regions of Vietnam. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:70. [PMID: 35054461 PMCID: PMC8781798 DOI: 10.3390/life12010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Taenia saginata is a globally distributed tapeworm responsible for human taeniasis due to the ingestion of raw or undercooked beef. T. saginata is present in several Asian countries, including China, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Vietnam, but little is known about its genetic variation. Studying the tapeworm's phylogeographic patterns is crucial to better understanding their association with the geographic distribution of taeniasis/cysticercosis in human populations. In the present study, 38 specimens of this putative species were collected in central regions of Vietnam and analysed using the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COI) as a molecular marker to assess the correct species identification and investigate the level of genetic variation at different geographic scales. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses were carried out on a dataset that included COI sequences from Vietnamese specimens and from all conspecifics available in GenBank to date. The results showed that the collected Vietnamese specimens belonged to the species T. saginata. In Southeast Asia, signs of a possible founder effect were discovered, with the most common haplotypes frequent and present in many countries, except Lao PDR, which shares its most common haplotype only with individuals from Thailand. Remarkably, a unique taxonomic entity was found worldwide, even though the available COI sequences of T. saginata belonging to non-Asiatic countries are, at present, limited. Therefore, future studies including more COI sequences from a higher number of countries and the use of a combined molecular approach with multiple genetic markers would be useful to provide deeper insight into the global genetic variation of this species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giang Tran Thi
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue City 4200, Vietnam; (G.T.T.); (P.A.T.N.); (T.M.C.N.)
| | - Ilenia Azzena
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.A.); (F.S.); (P.C.); (M.C.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Fabio Scarpa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.A.); (F.S.); (P.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Piero Cossu
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.A.); (F.S.); (P.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Cong Danh Le
- Traditional Medicine Hospital of Thua Thien Hue Province, Hue City 4200, Vietnam;
| | - Phuong Anh Ton Nu
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue City 4200, Vietnam; (G.T.T.); (P.A.T.N.); (T.M.C.N.)
| | - Thi Minh Chau Ngo
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue City 4200, Vietnam; (G.T.T.); (P.A.T.N.); (T.M.C.N.)
| | - Daria Sanna
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Marco Casu
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.A.); (F.S.); (P.C.); (M.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
New cestode species of the genus Neoskrjabinolepis Spassky, 1947 (Cyclophyllidea: Hymenolepididae) from the Common Shrew (Sorex araneus L.) in Europe. Syst Parasitol 2021; 99:13-21. [PMID: 34782952 DOI: 10.1007/s11230-021-10012-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Neoskrjabinolepis (Neoskrjabinolepis) yanchevi n. sp. is described from common shrews Sorex araneus L. (Eulipotyphla: Soricidae) from Pirin Mts., Bulgaria (type-locality) and Russia (Arkhangelskaya Oblast'). The new species is characterised by ten rostellar hooks 37-40 μm long and possessing claw-like blades with crooked middle parts and well-developed epiphyseal thickenings of handles; a whip-shaped cirrus, 80-100 μm long, consisting of basal region with numerous small, rosethorn-shaped spines, and middle and distal regions armed with fine, needle-shaped spines; vagina provided with sphincter close to its orifice, with copulatory and conductive part not clearly distinct from one another; 40-50 eggs per gravid uterus. The species is differentiated from the remaining 4 species of the nominotypical subgenus of the genus Neoskrjabinolepis, which are parasites of the Palaearctic shrews of the genus Sorex.
Collapse
|