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Na I, Campos C, Lax G, Kwong WK, Keeling PJ. Phylogenomics reveals Adeleorina are an ancient and distinct subgroup of Apicomplexa. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2024; 195:108060. [PMID: 38485105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2024.108060] [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] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Apicomplexans are a diverse phylum of unicellular eukaryotes that share obligate relationships with terrestrial and aquatic animal hosts. Many well-studied apicomplexans are responsible for several deadly zoonotic and human diseases, most notably malaria caused by Plasmodium. Interest in the evolutionary origin of apicomplexans has also spurred recent work on other more deeply-branching lineages, especially gregarines and sister groups like squirmids and chrompodellids. But a full picture of apicomplexan evolution is still lacking several lineages, and one major, diverse lineage that is notably absent is the adeleorinids. Adeleorina apicomplexans comprises hundreds of described species that infect invertebrate and vertebrate hosts across the globe. Although historically considered coccidians, phylogenetic trees based on limited data have shown conflicting branch positions for this subgroup, leaving this question unresolved. Phylogenomic trees and large-scale analyses comparing cellular functions and metabolism between major subgroups of apicomplexans have not incorporated Adeleorina because only a handful of molecular markers and a couple organellar genomes are available, ultimately excluding this group from contributing to our understanding of apicomplexan evolution and biology. To address this gap, we have generated complete genomes from mitochondria and plastids, as well as multiple deep-coverage single-cell transcriptomes of nuclear genes from two Adeleorina species, Klossia helicina and Legerella nova, and inferred a 206-protein phylogenomic tree of Apicomplexa. We observed distinct structures reported in species descriptions as remnant host structures surrounding adeleorinid oocysts. Klossia helicina and L. nova branched, as expected, with monoxenous adeleorinids within the Adeleorina and their mitochondrial and plastid genomes exhibited similarity to published organellar adeleorinid genomes. We show with a phylogeneomic tree and subsequent phylogenomic analyses that Adeleorina are not closely related to any of the currently sampled apicomplexan subgroups, and instead fall as a sister to a large clade encompassing Coccidia, Protococcidia, Hematozoa, and Nephromycida, collectively. This resolves Adeleorina as a key independently-branching group, separate from coccidians, on the tree of Apicomplexa, which now has all known major lineages sampled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Na
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Claudia Campos
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande, 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Gordon Lax
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Waldan K Kwong
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande, 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Patrick J Keeling
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Thomas R, Santodomingo A, Saboya-Acosta L, Quintero-Galvis JF, Moreno L, Uribe JE, Muñoz-Leal S. Hepatozoon (Eucoccidiorida: Hepatozoidae) in wild mammals of the Americas: a systematic review. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:108. [PMID: 38444020 PMCID: PMC10916324 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06154-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of parasites provides insight into intricate ecological relationships in ecosystem dynamics, food web structures, and evolution on multiple scales. Hepatozoon Eucoccidiorida: Hepatozoidae) is a genus of protozoan hemoparasites with heteroxenous life cycles that switch infections between vertebrates and blood-feeding invertebrates. The most comprehensive review of the genus was published 26 years ago, and currently there are no harmonized data on the epizootiology, diagnostics, genotyping methods, evolutionary relationships, and genetic diversity of Hepatozoon in the Americas. METHODS Here, we provide a comprehensive review based on the PRISMA method regarding Hepatozoon in wild mammals within the American continent, in order to generate a framework for future research. RESULTS 11 out of the 35 countries of the Americas (31.4%) had data on Hepatozoon, with Carnivora and Rodentia orders having the most characterizations. Bats, ungulates, and shrews were the least affected groups. While Hepatozoon americanum, H. americanum-like, H. canis, H. didelphydis, H. felis, H. milleri, H. griseisciuri, and H. procyonis correspond to the identified species, a plethora of genospecies is pending for a formal description combining morphology and genetics. Most of the vectors of Hepatozoon in the Americas are unknown, but some flea, mite, and tick species have been confirmed. The detection of Hepatozoon has relied mostly on conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the implementation of specific real time PCR for the genus needs to be employed to improve its diagnosis in wild animals in the future. From a genetic perspective, the V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene has been widely sequenced for the identification of Hepatozoon in wild animals. However, mitochondrial and apicoplast markers should also be targeted to truly determine different species in the genus. A phylogenetic analysis of herein retrieved 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences showed two main clades of Hepatozoon: Clade I associated with small mammals, birds, and herpetozoa, and Clade II associated with Carnivora. The topology of the tree is also reflected in the haplotype network. CONCLUSIONS Finally, our review emphasizes Hepatozoon as a potential disease agent in threatened wild mammals and the role of wild canids as spreaders of Hepatozoon infections in the Americas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Thomas
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Adriana Santodomingo
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Liliana Saboya-Acosta
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Facultad de Estudios Ambientales y Rurales, Doctorado en Estudios Ambientales y Rurales, Carrera 7 N 40-62, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Julian F Quintero-Galvis
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Millenium Nucleus of Patagonian Limit of Life (LiLi), Valdivia, Chile
| | - Lucila Moreno
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Juan E Uribe
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile.
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Tila H, Khan M, Almutairi MM, Alouffi A, Ahmed H, Tanaka T, Tsai KH, Ali A. First report on detection of Hepatozoon ayorgbor in Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides and Hepatozoon colubri in Haemaphysalis sulcata and Hyalomma anatolicum: risks of spillover of Hepatozoon spp. from wildlife to domestic animals. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1255482. [PMID: 37789871 PMCID: PMC10544907 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1255482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to detect Hepatozoon spp. in ticks infesting asymptomatic domestic animals and to provide insight into their potential spillover from wild to domestic animals. In total, 537 tick specimens were collected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and morphologically identified. The most prevalent tick species was Haemaphysalis cornupunctata (69; 12.8%), followed by Haemaphysalis kashmirensis (62; 11.5%), Rhipicephalus microplus (58; 10.8%), Haemaphysalis montgomeryi (51; 9.5%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (49; 9.1%), each Haemaphysalis bispinosa and Haemaphysalis sulcata (43; 8.0%), each Hyalomma anatolicum and Rhipicephalus turanicus (37; 6.9%), Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (33; 6.1%) Hyalomma scupense (30; 5.6%), and Hyalomma isaaci (25; 4.7%). The extracted DNA from a subset of each tick species was subjected to PCR to amplify 18S rRNA fragments of Hepatozoon spp. By BLAST analysis, the Hepatozoon sp. detected in Hy. anatolicum infesting cows and in Ha. sulcata infesting sheep showed 99.7% maximum identity with Hepatozoon colubri. Similarly, the Hepatozoon sp. detected in R. haemaphysaloides infesting goats shared 99.49% maximum identity with Hepatozoon ayorgbor, and the Hepatozoon sp. detected in R. sanguineus infesting dogs exhibited 99.7% identity with Hepatozoon canis. Having an overall infection rate (9.3%; 16/172), the highest infection rate was recorded for each H. canis, and H. colubri (3.5%; 6/172), followed by H. ayorgbor (2.3%; 4/172). In the phylogenetic tree, H. colubri clustered with corresponding species from Iran, H. ayorgbor clustered with the same species from Croatia, Ghana, and Portugal, and H. canis clustered with the conspecifics from Iran, Israel, Romania, and Zambia. Regarding the potential spillover of Hepatozoon spp. from wildlife through ticks, free ranging animals was at higher risk compared to confined animals (RR = 3.05), animals consuming food from wildlife habitats were at higher risk compared to those consuming domestic food (RR = 3.06), and animals residing in farm buildings located in wildlife habitats were at higher risk compared to those residing in farm buildings located in villages (RR = 3.28). In addition to the first report on H. canis in R. sanguineus in Pakistan, this is the earliest data showing H. ayorgbor in R. haemaphysaloides and H. colubri in Ha. sulcata and Hy. anatolicum. These preliminary findings suggest a potential spillover of Hepatozoon spp. from wild to domestic animals via ticks under certain risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadia Tila
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mehran Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- Department of Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haroon Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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Picelli AM, Silva MRL, Correa JKC, Paiva GR, Paula FR, Hernández-Ruz EJ, Oliveira EA, Viana LA. Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 parasites in the Colubridae snakes Clelia clelia (Daudin, 1803) and Drymarchon corais (Boie, 1827) from the Eastern Amazonia. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2023; 95:e20220115. [PMID: 37255167 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202320220115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on the genetic, morphological, and morphometric data of blood gamonts, we identified Hepatozoon parasites in colubrid snakes sampled in the Eastern Amazon region. Hepatozoon trigeminum was detected in the mussurana snake Clelia clelia and exhibited wide and elongated gamonts (mean dimensions: 14.25±0.65 × 4.31±0.43 μm) with an evident parasitophorous vacuole. Hepatozoon odwyerae sp. nov. was described in the indigo snake Drymarchon corais, whose gamonts have elongated and thin bodies (mean dimensions: 13.41±0.79 × 3.72±0.35 μm) with one end more tapered than the other. Phylogenetic analyses, based on the amplification of a 441 bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene, revealed that the novel sequences of Hepatozoon spp. from our study were closely related to hemogregarine lineages found in lizards and snakes from Brazil, forming a well-supported monophyletic clade with them. The present study provides the first species description of Hepatoozon in D. corais and a new record of a host species for C. clelia using the integrated taxonomic data. We also highlight the importance of further investigations into the diversity of Hepatozoon in snakes, a rich but underestimated group of parasites, especially in the Amazonian biome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Maria Picelli
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Avenida Pres. Dutra, 2965, 76801-058 Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia, Rua da Beira, 7671, 76812-245 Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Maria Regina L Silva
- Universidade Federal do Amapá, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Estudos Morfofisiológicos e Parasitários, Rodovia Josmar Chaves Pinto, Km 02, 68903-419 Macapá, AP, Brazil
| | - Jamille Karina C Correa
- Universidade Federal do Amapá, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Estudos Morfofisiológicos e Parasitários, Rodovia Josmar Chaves Pinto, Km 02, 68903-419 Macapá, AP, Brazil
| | - Gleicierle R Paiva
- Universidade Federal do Pará, Laboratório de Zoologia, Rua Coronel José Porfírio 2515, 68372-040 Altamira, PA, Brazil
| | - Fabiane R Paula
- Universidade Federal do Amapá, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Estudos Morfofisiológicos e Parasitários, Rodovia Josmar Chaves Pinto, Km 02, 68903-419 Macapá, AP, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Saúde, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-IOC/Fiocruz, Avenida Brasil, 4365, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Emil José Hernández-Ruz
- Universidade Federal do Pará, Laboratório de Zoologia, Rua Coronel José Porfírio 2515, 68372-040 Altamira, PA, Brazil
| | - Elciomar A Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Rede BIONORTE, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Avenida General Rodrigo Octavio Jordão Ramos, 1200, 69067-005 Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Lúcio André Viana
- Universidade Federal do Amapá, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Estudos Morfofisiológicos e Parasitários, Rodovia Josmar Chaves Pinto, Km 02, 68903-419 Macapá, AP, Brazil
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Panait LC, Ionică AM, Cazan CD, Coroian M, Diacu AM, Boncea AM, Mateescu C, Mihalca AD. Apicomplexan haemoparasites in domestic cats in Romania. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:56. [PMID: 36747203 PMCID: PMC9903616 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05683-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apicomplexan haemoparasites are protozoans that infect a variety of domestic and wild animal species, as well as humans. Data regarding haemoprotozoans in domestic cats are limited; therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of Babesia spp., Cytauxzoon spp., and Hepatozoon spp. in domestic cats in Romania using molecular tools. METHODS Blood samples from 371 domestic cats were screened for the presence of piroplasmids. All samples that yielded a visible band in agarose gels were subsequently tested by specific assays targeting the 18S rDNA of Babesia spp., Cytauxzoon spp., and Hepatozoon spp. Moreover, nested PCR assays targeting mitochondrial genes of Babesia spp. were used for screening of all Babesia spp. 18S rDNA-positive samples. RESULTS From the total number of sampled cats, 19.4% were positive in the PCR assay targeting piroplasmids. Babesia spp. were identified in 15.1% of cats, while 0.5% were positive for Hepatozoon spp. Molecular analyses confirmed the presence of Babesia canis. No samples were positive for Cytauxzoon spp. CONCLUSIONS The high infection rates of domestic cats with Babesia spp. and the need for species differentiation highlight the importance of mitochondrial genes as targets for molecular protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Cătălina Panait
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- grid.413013.40000 0001 1012 5390CDS‑9: Molecular Biology and Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania ,Microbiology Laboratory, Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 23 Iuliu Moldovan, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Daniela Cazan
- grid.413013.40000 0001 1012 5390Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania ,grid.413013.40000 0001 1012 5390CDS‑9: Molecular Biology and Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mircea Coroian
- grid.413013.40000 0001 1012 5390Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Diacu
- grid.413013.40000 0001 1012 5390Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania ,CSV Lunca Bradului, 547380 Mureș, Romania
| | | | - Cosmin Mateescu
- Agervet Targoviște Veterinary Private Clinic, 130120 Dâmbovița, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- grid.413013.40000 0001 1012 5390Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania ,Parasitology Consultancy Group, 407056 Corușu, Cluj Romania
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Genetic diversity, phylogenetic position, and co-phylogenetic relationships of Karyolysus, a common blood parasite of lizards in the western Mediterranean. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:185-196. [PMID: 36736608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The genus Karyolysus was originally proposed to accommodate blood parasites of lacertid lizards in Western Europe. However, recent phylogenetic analyses suggested an inconclusive taxonomic position of these parasites of the order Adeleorina based on the available genetic information. Inconsistencies between molecular phylogeny, morphology, and/or life cycles can reflect lack of enough genetic information of the target group. We therefore surveyed 28 localities and collected blood samples from 828 lizards of 23 species including lacertids, skinks, and geckoes in the western Mediterranean, North Africa, and Macaronesia, where species of Karyolysus and other adeleorine parasites have been described. We combined molecular and microscopic methods to analyze the samples, including those from the host type species and the type locality of Karyolysus bicapsulatus. The phylogenetic relationship of these parasites was analyzed based on the 18S rRNA gene and the co-phylogenetic relationship with their vertebrate hosts was reconstructed. We molecularly detected adeleorine parasites in 37.9% of the blood samples and found 22 new parasite haplotypes. A phylogenetic reconstruction with 132 sequences indicated that 20 of the newly detected haplotypes clustered in a well-supported clade with another 18 sequences that included Karyolysus galloti and Karyolysus lacazei. Morphological evidence also supported that K. bicapsulatus clustered in this monophyletic clade. These results supported the taxonomic validity of the genus. In addition, we found some parasite haplotypes that infected different lizard host genera with ancient diverging histories, which suggested that Karyolysus is less host-specific than other blood parasites of lizards in the region. A co-phylogenetic analysis supported this interpretation because no significant co-speciation signal was shown between Karyolysus and lizard hosts.
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Dajčman U, Carretero MA, Megía-Palma R, Perera A, Kostanjšek R, Žagar A. Shared haemogregarine infections in competing lacertids. Parasitology 2022; 149:193-202. [PMID: 35234602 PMCID: PMC11010482 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In parasite–host interactions host species may differ in their ability to fight parasitic infections, while other ecological interactions, including competition, may differentially alter their physiological state, making them even more susceptible to parasites. In this study, we analyse the haemogregarine blood parasites infecting two competing lizard species, Iberolacerta horvathi and Podarcis muralis, and explore host–parasite relationships under different host competition scenarios. Both species were infected with haemogregarine parasites belonging to the genus Karyolysus. Using the 18S rRNA gene, six new Karyolysus haplotypes were identified clustering with other Central and Eastern European samples, and widely shared between both lizard hosts. Haemogregarine infections were detected at all sampled sites with over 50% of individuals parasitized. Overall, I. horvathi was more frequently and also more intensely parasitized than P. muralis, with higher infection rates observed in syntopy. Males of both species tended to be more frequently infected and showed a higher infection intensity than conspecific females. The results suggest that parasitisation by haemogregarines may be relevant in the dynamics of the competitive relationship between these lizard species. More studies, including immunological response analysis, and the identification of the vectors are needed to better understand host–parasite relationships and competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urban Dajčman
- Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miguel A. Carretero
- CIBIO, InBIO – Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Megía-Palma
- CIBIO, InBIO – Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Universidad de Alcalá, Parasitology Area, School of Pharmacy, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Ana Perera
- CIBIO, InBIO – Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Rok Kostanjšek
- Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anamarija Žagar
- CIBIO, InBIO – Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Department of Organisms and Ecosystem Research, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Phylogenetic analysis of chelonian hemogregarines reveals shared species among the Amazonian freshwater turtle Podocnemis spp. and provides a description of two new species of Haemogregarina. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:691-701. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07405-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Damas-Moreira I, Maia JP, Tomé B, Salvi D, Perera A, Harris DJ. Blood parasites in sympatric lizards: what is their impact on hosts’ immune system? AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1163/15685381-bja10078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Assessment of parasites and their pathogenicity is essential for studying the ecology of populations and understanding their dynamics. In this study, we investigate the prevalence and intensity of infection of haemogregarines (phylum Apicomplexa) in two sympatric lizard species, Podarcis vaucheri and Scelarcis perspicillata, across three localities in Morocco, and their effect on host immune response. We used the Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) skin testing technique to relate the level of immune response with parasite infection. Prevalence and intensity levels were estimated with microscopy, and 18S rRNA gene sequences were used to confirm parasite identity. All parasites belong to the haemogregarine lineage found in other North African reptiles. There were differences in prevalence between localities and sexes. Overall, infected lizards were larger than uninfected ones, although we did not detect differences in parasitaemia across species, sex or locality. The swelling response was not related to the presence or number of haemogregarines, or to host body size, body condition, sex or species. We found no evidence of impact for these parasites on the circulating blood cells or the hosts’ immune system, but more data is needed to assess the potential impact of mixed infections, and the possibility of cryptic parasite species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Damas-Moreira
- Department of Behavioural Ecology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - João P. Maia
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, N° 7, 4485-661 Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre FC4, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- Institut de Biología Evolutiva (CSIC - Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Tomé
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, N° 7, 4485-661 Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre FC4, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniele Salvi
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, N° 7, 4485-661 Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal
- Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 Coppito, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Ana Perera
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, N° 7, 4485-661 Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - D. James Harris
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, N° 7, 4485-661 Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal
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Hepatozoon cevapii (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) in the Thamnodynastes lanei snake (Colubridae, Tachymenini) from the Eastern Amazon, Brazil. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2981-2987. [PMID: 34259937 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07218-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to verify the occurrence of hemogregarines in the colubrid snake Thamnodynastes lanei from the eastern Amazon region of Brazil. Intraerythrocytic gamonts with mean dimensions of 14.8 ± 1.8 × 4.0 ± 0.7 μm and encapsulated gamonts with mean dimensions of 15.3 ± 1.1 × 4.8 ± 0.5 μm were observed. Through morphological and molecular data based on the partial 18S rDNA gene, the parasite was identified as Hepatozoon cevapii, originally described in the viperid snake Crotalus durissus terrificus from the southeast region of Brazil. Thus, the findings of the present study extend the geographic range of H. cevapii and provide novel Hepatozoon-snake associations.
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11
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Egan SL, Taylor CL, Austen JM, Banks PB, Northover AS, Ahlstrom LA, Ryan UM, Irwin PJ, Oskam CL. Haemoprotozoan surveillance in peri-urban native and introduced wildlife from Australia. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 1:100052. [PMID: 35284862 PMCID: PMC8906138 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon L. Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Casey L. Taylor
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Camperdown, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Jill M. Austen
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Peter B. Banks
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Camperdown, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Amy S. Northover
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Liisa A. Ahlstrom
- Elanco Animal Health, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, 2113, Australia
| | - Una M. Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Peter J. Irwin
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
- Corresponding author.
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