1
|
Bonacolta AM, Krause-Massaguer J, Smit NJ, Sikkel PC, Del Campo J. A new and widespread group of fish apicomplexan parasites. Curr Biol 2024; 34:2748-2755.e3. [PMID: 38821048 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.04.084] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Apicomplexans are obligate intracellular parasites that have evolved from a free-living, phototrophic ancestor. They have been reported from marine environmental samples in high numbers,1 with several clades of apicomplexan-related lineages (ARLs) having been described from environmental sequencing data (16S rRNA gene metabarcoding).2 The most notable of these are the corallicolids (previously ARL-V), which possess chlorophyll-biosynthesis genes in their relic chloroplast (apicoplast) and are geographically widespread and abundant symbionts of anthozoans.3 Corallicolids are related to the Eimeriorina, a suborder of apicomplexan coccidians that include other notable members such as Toxoplasma gondii.4Ophioblennius macclurei, the redlip blenny, along with other tropical reef fishes, is known to be infected by Haemogregarina-like and Haemohormidium-like parasites5 supposedly belonging to the Adeleorina; however, phylogenetics shows that these parasites are instead related to the Eimeriorina.6,7 Hybrid genomic sequencing of apicomplexan-infected O. macclurei blood recovered the entire rRNA operon of this apicomplexan parasite along with the complete mitochondrion and apicoplast genomes. Phylogenetic analyses using this new genomic information consistently place these fish-infecting apicomplexans, hereby informally named ichthyocolids, sister to the corallicolids within Coccidia. The apicoplast genome did not contain chlorophyll biosynthesis genes, providing evidence for another independent loss of this pathway within Apicomplexa. Based on the 16S rRNA gene found in the apicoplast, this group corresponds to the previously described ARL-VI. Screening of fish microbiome studies using the plastid 16S rRNA gene shows these parasites to be geographically and taxonomically widespread in fish species across the globe with implications for commercial fisheries and oceanic food webs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M Bonacolta
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA; Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joana Krause-Massaguer
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Nico J Smit
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA; Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Paul C Sikkel
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA; Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Javier Del Campo
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA; Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Saraiva A, Eiras JC, Cruz C, Xavier R. Synopsis of the Species of Coccidians Reported in Marine Fish. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2119. [PMID: 37443917 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132119] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Eimeriid coccidians represent one of the largest groups of parasitic unicellular organisms and comprise many species of veterinary and medical importance. The aim of this work is to provide information, as complete as possible, concerning the oocyst phase of the species of coccidians (Apicomplexa: Eimeriorina) with four sporocysts, which were reported in marine fish. For each species, the accepted scientific name and respective authorities, its synonyms, reported hosts, site of infection (organ), and geographic distribution have been assembled. Available information on morphology (oocyst, sporocyst, and sporozoite) and GenBank accession numbers were also compiled. A total of 100 species of coccidians were described and reported from 60 families of marine fishes. Most species have been described from marine teleosts, with only 14 of the species described from marine elasmobranchs. Most of the species reported in marine fish belong to the genera Eimeria and Goussia, and only a handful belong to the genera Epieimeria, Calyptospora, and Crystallospora. Although marine coccidians have began to be described for more than one century, the collection of genetic data on marine fish coccidians only started in the 2010s and remains largely disconnected from the morphological analysis of specimens, which is available for only six formally described species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélia Saraiva
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Jorge C Eiras
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Cristina Cruz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Raquel Xavier
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO, Laboratório Associado, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vila do Conde, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661 Vila do Conde, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jowers MJ, Xavier R, Lasso-Alcalá OM, Quintero-T E, Nunes JLS, Giarrizzo T, Machado FS, Gómez J, Cabezas MP. First Molecular Identification of a Goussia Parasite from a New World Invasive Blenny. Acta Parasitol 2023:10.1007/s11686-023-00675-0. [PMID: 37103766 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00675-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Introduced or invasive fish are susceptible to new parasites but can simultaneously carry infectious parasites from their native range towards new hosts. Screening these parasites is key to address the health of fish populations and spread of diseases. METHODS In this study, we sequenced a Coccidia parasite, for the first time from the blenny Omobranchus sewalli, introduced in the northern coast of Brazil with an Indo-Pacific origin. RESULTS Only one individual was infected, its genetic sequence matched (over 99%) with two lineages of undetermined species, belonging to the genus Goussia, sequenced from three marine fish species (Mulloidichthys flavolineatus, Lutjanus kasmira, and Selar crumenophthalmus) in Hawaii. CONCLUSIONS Phylogenetic analysis suggests considerable differentiation between the Goussia detected and other Goussia spp. sequenced from North Atlantic marine fish, thus we cannot exclude the possibly that this parasite was carried by O. sewalli from its native Indo-Pacific range.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Jowers
- CIBIO/InBIO (Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos), Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrario De Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain.
| | - Raquel Xavier
- CIBIO/InBIO (Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos), Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrario De Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Oscar M Lasso-Alcalá
- Museo de Historia Natural La Salle, Fundación La Salle de Ciencias Naturales, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Elena Quintero-T
- Museo de Historia Natural La Salle, Fundación La Salle de Ciencias Naturales, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Jorge L S Nunes
- Laboratório de Organismos Aquáticos, Departamento de Oceanografia e Limnologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Instituto de Ciências do Mar (LABOMAR), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Avenida da Abolição, 3207, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia (NEAP), Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Fabiola S Machado
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia (NEAP), Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Jesús Gómez
- Universidad Metropolitana, Caracas, 1073, Venezuela
| | - M Pilar Cabezas
- Department of Biogeographical Ecology and Evolution, Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Suyapoh W, Sornying P, Thanomsub C, Kraonual K, Jantana K, Tangkawattana S. Distinctive location of piscine intestinal coccidiosis in Asian seabass fingerlings. Vet World 2022; 15:2164-2171. [PMID: 36341050 PMCID: PMC9631385 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2164-2171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Coccidian infection (coccidiosis) is one of the most important causes of illness and death in the fish population, including Asian sea bass. The fingerling developmental stage is sensitive to various infectious agents. Economic losses are sustained by the sea bass aquaculture industry due to coccidiosis annually. However, the related pathological changes in the Asian sea bass fingerlings’ three-part intestine remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the Asian sea bass fingerlings’ infection rate, infection location and site, and specific pathological lesions in the small intestinal tissues in a marine cage farming operation. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 44 fingerling fishes. Major coccidia proportions were identified morphologically at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels. The infection number was determined based on coccidia presence at various intestinal locations and sites. All areas were assessed for pathological lesions using semi-quantitative grading. Analysis of variance was used to perform all data analyses using the SPSS software. Data were expressed as means ± standard deviation. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: All Asian sea bass fingerlings studied were infected with coccidia. Enteritis and mucosal necrosis were distinct lesions found in the anterior intestine, which had the highest infection rate (49.94%), followed by the mid intestine (35.63%), and the posterior intestine (22.43%). The most common coccidian infection site was extracellular (subepithelial), followed by intracytoplasmic, and epicellular sites. Histopathological lesion determination revealed that intestinal tissue inflammation and epithelial injuries were predominantly seen in the anterior gut (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There was a high coccidian infection rate in Asian sea bass fingerlings from marine cage farming operations. Infection and intestinal damage at the anterior intestine, a major site, led to fingerling death. Disease prevention in the nursery should be intensive from the fingerling period to decrease the fatality rate caused by coccidia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Watcharapol Suyapoh
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand; WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis (Southeast Asian Liver Fluke Disease), Tropical Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Peerapon Sornying
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Chanoknun Thanomsub
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Khemjira Kraonual
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Korsin Jantana
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Sirikachorn Tangkawattana
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis (Southeast Asian Liver Fluke Disease), Tropical Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hiillos A, Thonig A, Knott KE. Droplet digital PCR as a tool for investigating dynamics of cryptic symbionts. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:17381-17396. [PMID: 34938515 PMCID: PMC8668802 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions among symbiotic organisms and their hosts are major drivers of ecological and evolutionary processes. Monitoring the infection patterns among natural populations and identifying factors affecting these interactions are critical for understanding symbiont-host relationships. However, many of these interactions remain understudied since the knowledge about the symbiont species is lacking, which hinders the development of appropriate tools. In this study, we developed a digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) assay based on apicomplexan COX1 gene to detect an undescribed agamococcidian symbiont. We show that the method gives precise and reproducible results and enables detecting cryptic symbionts in low target concentration. We further exemplify the assay's use to survey seasonally sampled natural host (Pygospio elegans) populations for symbiont infection dynamics. We found that symbiont prevalence differs spatially but does not show seasonal changes. Infection load differed between populations and was low in spring and significantly increased towards fall in all populations. We also found that the symbiont prevalence is affected by host length and population density. Larger hosts were more likely to be infected, and high host densities were found to have a lower probability of infection. The observed variations could be due to characteristics of both symbiont and host biology, especially the seasonal variation in encounter rates. Our findings show that the developed ddPCR assay is a robust tool for detecting undescribed symbionts that are otherwise difficult to quantify, enabling further insight into the impact cryptic symbionts have on their hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna‐Lotta Hiillos
- Department of Biological and Environmental ScienceUniversity of JyväskyläJyväskyläFinland
| | - Anne Thonig
- Department of Biological and Environmental ScienceUniversity of JyväskyläJyväskyläFinland
- Department of Science and EnvironmentRoskilde UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Karelyn Emily Knott
- Department of Biological and Environmental ScienceUniversity of JyväskyläJyväskyläFinland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xavier R, Barroso R, Cardoso J, Cruz C, Pereira A, Saraiva A. Phylogenetic Affinities and Infection Patterns of Goussia Infecting Sardina pilchardus from the NE Atlantic. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:693-698. [PMID: 33389545 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00319-7] [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: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) is a highly valued fish in many European countries, particularly in Portugal. Despite current stock declines and the threats coccidia pose to European pilchards (e.g. castration), little is known about coccidian parasites infecting pilchards captured off the Portuguese coast. METHODS In this study, we analyzed the infection patterns, the morphology of oocysts and the phylogenetic relations of coccidian parasites from European pilchard captured in Northern Portugal. RESULTS Only Goussia oocysts were detected in infected tissues and prevalence of infection was 64% (n = 61). Oocysts were detected primarily in the liver with fewer infections in the stomach, intestine and gonads. No differences were found in the prevalence between seasons. Phylogenetic analysis showed these parasites are closely related to Goussia clupearum, placing them within a recently described group of Goussia, the clupearum type. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides more data on Goussia from the clupearum type with phylogenetic analysis indicating that these parasites cluster according to fish host taxonomy, thus suggesting some degree of co-evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Xavier
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
| | - Ricardo Barroso
- Faculty of Sciences, Biology Department, University of Porto, Rua Do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Cardoso
- Faculty of Sciences, Biology Department, University of Porto, Rua Do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Cruz
- Faculty of Sciences, Biology Department, University of Porto, Rua Do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Pereira
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Aurélia Saraiva
- Faculty of Sciences, Biology Department, University of Porto, Rua Do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Haemogregarines and Criteria for Identification. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010170. [PMID: 33445814 PMCID: PMC7828249 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Taxonomic classification of haemogregarines belonging to Apicomplexa can become difficult when the information about the life cycle stages is not available. Using a self-reporting, we record different haemogregarine species infecting various animal categories and exploring the most systematic features for each life cycle stage. The keystone in the classification of any species of haemogregarines is related to the sporogonic cycle more than other stages of schizogony and gamogony. Molecular approaches are excellent tools that enabled the identification of apicomplexan parasites by clarifying their evolutionary relationships. Abstract Apicomplexa is a phylum that includes all parasitic protozoa sharing unique ultrastructural features. Haemogregarines are sophisticated apicomplexan blood parasites with an obligatory heteroxenous life cycle and haplohomophasic alternation of generations. Haemogregarines are common blood parasites of fish, amphibians, lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, crocodilians, birds, and mammals. Haemogregarine ultrastructure has been so far examined only for stages from the vertebrate host. PCR-based assays and the sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene are helpful methods to further characterize this parasite group. The proper classification for the haemogregarine complex is available with the criteria of generic and unique diagnosis of these parasites.
Collapse
|
8
|
Xavier R, Cardoso J, Barroso R, Nogueira S, Cruz C, Pereira A, Saraiva A. Effects of Goussia infecting the blue whiting and phylogenetic placement of Goussia infecting marine fish off Northern Portugal. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2139-2147. [PMID: 32476061 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06727-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Coccidian parasites of fish have received considerably less attention than their terrestrial counterparts, and within piscine hosts, most studies have focused on freshwater fish. The present study aimed to describe oocyst morphology, phylogenetic affinities, and the impacts of coccidian parasites infecting the internal organs of a commercially valuable marine fish, the blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), captured off the Portuguese coast. As part of the phylogenetic analysis, sequences from coccidians infecting the pout (Trisopterus luscus) and the Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) were included, and the oocyst morphology of the coccidians infecting the former was also reported. Results showed that the prevalence of coccidiosis in the blue whiting was very high (> 82%), occurring in all analyzed organs, despite being more abundant in the liver. A significant negative correlation was found between the abundance of the parasites in the liver and host condition index (p < 0.05), which indicates a negative effect on the fitness of this host. Phylogenetic analyses of the parasites found in all three species examined identified three different species of Goussia, closely related to Goussia clupearum. Adding to previous research, we propose the existence of a fourth group of Goussia, the clupearum type, able to infect multiple organs and phylogenetic related with G. clupearum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Xavier
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
| | - João Cardoso
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Barroso
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Nogueira
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Cruz
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.,CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Pereira
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Aurélia Saraiva
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal. .,CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Minich JJ, Petrus S, Michael JD, Michael TP, Knight R, Allen EE. Temporal, Environmental, and Biological Drivers of the Mucosal Microbiome in a Wild Marine Fish, Scomber japonicus. mSphere 2020; 5:e00401-20. [PMID: 32434844 PMCID: PMC7380571 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00401-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Changing ocean conditions driven by anthropogenic activities may have a negative impact on fisheries by increasing stress and disease. To understand how environment and host biology drives mucosal microbiomes in a marine fish, we surveyed five body sites (gill, skin, digesta, gastrointestinal tract [GI], and pyloric ceca) from 229 Pacific chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus, collected across 38 time points spanning 1 year from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Pier (La Jolla, CA). Mucosal sites had unique microbial communities significantly different from the surrounding seawater and sediment communities with over 10 times more total diversity than seawater. The external surfaces of skin and gill were more similar to seawater, while digesta was more similar to sediment. Alpha and beta diversity of the skin and gill was explained by environmental and biological factors, specifically, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll a, and fish age, consistent with an exposure gradient relationship. We verified that seasonal microbial changes were not confounded by regional migration of chub mackerel subpopulations by nanopore sequencing a 14,769-bp region of the 16,568-bp mitochondria across all temporal fish specimens. A cosmopolitan pathogen, Photobacterium damselae, was prevalent across multiple body sites all year but highest in the skin, GI, and digesta between June and September, when the ocean is warmest. The longitudinal fish microbiome study evaluates the extent to which the environment and host biology drives mucosal microbial ecology and establishes a baseline for long-term surveys linking environment stressors to mucosal health of wild marine fish.IMPORTANCE Pacific chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus, are one of the largest and most economically important fisheries in the world. The fish is harvested for both human consumption and fish meal. Changing ocean conditions driven by anthropogenic stressors like climate change may negatively impact fisheries. One mechanism for this is through disease. As waters warm and chemistry changes, the microbial communities associated with fish may change. In this study, we performed a holistic analysis of all mucosal sites on the fish over a 1-year time series to explore seasonal variation and to understand the environmental drivers of the microbiome. Understanding seasonality in the fish microbiome is also applicable to aquaculture production for producers to better understand and predict when disease outbreaks may occur based on changing environmental conditions in the ocean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah J Minich
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Semar Petrus
- J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Todd P Michael
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rob Knight
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Eric E Allen
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sikkel PC, Pagan JA, Santos JL, Hendrick GC, Nicholson MD, Xavier R. Molecular detection of apicomplexan blood parasites of coral reef fishes from free-living stages of ectoparasitic gnathiid isopods. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:1975-1980. [PMID: 32333110 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06676-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Gnathiid isopods are marine ectoparasites that feed on the blood of fishes that have been implicated as vectors of blood parasites, with transmission possibly occurring through biting during their parasitic life-stages, or through ingestion by fishes. However, evidence for their role as vectors is limited, reflecting the small number of research groups working on them. Here, we used a molecular barcode approach to identify fish hosts and apicomplexan parasites in free-living gnathiids from the eastern Caribbean Sea, with the goal of further evaluating their potential role as reservoirs and/or vectors for these parasites. Apicomplexa were only identified in 8% of the Gnathia analyzed, and in four cases we could identify both Apicomplexa and fish host DNA. The results further suggest that Gnathia spp. in this region may serve as reservoirs for Apicomplexa, but whether they are vectors for this parasite remains uncertain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul C Sikkel
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences Program, Arkansas State University, PO Box 599, State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72467, USA. .,Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Potchefstroom Campus, North West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - J Andres Pagan
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Joana L Santos
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Gina C Hendrick
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences Program, Arkansas State University, PO Box 599, State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72467, USA
| | - Matthew D Nicholson
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences Program, Arkansas State University, PO Box 599, State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72467, USA
| | - Raquel Xavier
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
da Silva MF, de Araújo RS, da Silva DT, Sanches O, Hamoy I, Matos E. Gastric coccidiosis in Thoracocharax stellatus caused by Goussia guamaensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Amazon region. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2019; 42:905-912. [PMID: 30933363 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Ninety-seven specimens of spotfin hatchetfish, Thoracocharax stellatus, an ornamental freshwater species from the Amazon basin, were captured in the basin of the Guamá River in the municipality of Belém, in northern Brazil, and analysed for coccidiosis infection. Overall, 26 of the specimens were infected by apicomplexan parasites of the genus Goussia, with unsporulated forms being found in the gastric epithelium and sporulated forms in the intestinal lumen. The spheroid oocysts (mean diameter: 13.2 ± 1.7 μm) have four elliptical sporocysts. A partial sequence of the SSU rDNA of the new species was obtained, which contained 1,121 base pairs, with 43.8% guanine + cytosine (G + C), and the bases distributed as follows: A = 28.1%, C = 18.3%, G = 25.5% and T = 28.1%. The combined analysis of the morphometric and phylogenetic evidence confirmed that the specimens represented the genus Goussia and were allocated to a new species, Goussia guamaensis n. sp., which is described here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo F da Silva
- Graduate Program in the Biology of Infectious and Parasitological Agents, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Ecology and Limnology, Universidade Estadual da Região Tocantina do Maranhão, Imperatriz, Brazil
| | - Rebeca S de Araújo
- Laboratory of Ichthyology and Aquatic Ecology, Universidade Federal do Acre, Rio Branco, Brazil
| | - Diehgo T da Silva
- Graduate Program in the Biology of Infectious and Parasitological Agents, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Osimar Sanches
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Wellbeing, Universidade Santo Amaro - UNISA, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Igor Hamoy
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Belém, Brazil
| | - Edilson Matos
- Graduate Program in the Biology of Infectious and Parasitological Agents, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Carlos Azevedo Research Laboratory, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Belém, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Matsche MA, Blazer VS, Mazik PM. Seasonal development of the coccidian parasite Goussia bayae and hepatobiliary histopathology in white perch Morone americana from Chesapeake Bay. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2019; 134:113-135. [PMID: 31120039 DOI: 10.3354/dao03353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The coccidium Goussia bayae infects the gallbladder and bile ducts of white perch Morone americana from Chesapeake Bay, USA. Seasonal changes in coccidian infections were analyzed from bile specimens of 1588 fish from the Choptank River during 2016-2018 using wet mount preparations with a Sedgwick-Rafter counting chamber. Histopathology of the gallbladder and liver was analyzed from a subset (n = 480) of these fish. Maximum parasite prevalence (100%) and intensities in the gallbladder occurred during the fish spawning season in March and April. Asynchronous coccidian development and prevalence of infections in fish increased gradually during autumn and winter, but coccidian intensity increased sharply 2-4 wk prior to the onset of fish spawning activity and decreased after spawning activity concluded. Sporulation was internal, and the gallbladder was the primary reservoir for oocysts. Two previously undescribed species of coccidia were observed in the intestine. Lesions in the gallbladder were rare and included cholecystitis and epithelial necrosis. Intrahepatic bile duct lesions were more common and included distension, cholangitis, epithelial erosion and necrosis, cholestasis, hyperplasia, and neoplasia. Cholangitis and necrosis of intrahepatic bile ducts were significantly associated with coccidial infections, while plasmodia of a myxosporean (spore morphology consistent with the genera Myxidium and Zschokella) were significantly associated with bile duct hyperplasia. Biliary neoplasia included cholangiomas (5% prevalence) and cholangiocarcinomas (1% prevalence). No association was detected between G. bayae and biliary neoplasms, but an association may exist between these lesions and the myxosporean plasmodia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Matsche
- Cooperative Oxford Laboratory, Oxford, Maryland 21654, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Couso-Pérez S, Ares-Mazás E, Gómez-Couso H. First molecular data on Eimeria truttae from brown trout (Salmo trutta). Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2121-2127. [PMID: 31073829 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06320-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The genus Eimeria comprises obligate intracellular protozoan parasites belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. Members of this genus cause enteric disease in a wide range of vertebrate hosts, including fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. A total of 157 species of Eimeria that parasitize fish have been described; however, molecular information regarding these piscine parasites is scarce. In the present study, Eimeria oocysts were detected in 189 of 613 (30.8%) gastrointestinal tracts of brown trout (Salmo trutta) captured in several rivers in Galicia (NW Spain). Measurements of the sporulated oocysts, sporocysts, and other morphological characteristics enabled identification of the oocysts as Eimeria truttae. By molecular analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) gene, a single sequence of ~ 420 bp was obtained in 100 fish samples. After amplification of a ~ 1300-bp fragment of the same locus, two representative sequences that exhibited five nucleotide differences were obtained. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the samples within the piscine clade closest to Eimeria nemethi as they exhibited 96.7% similarity with this species. This study is the first to characterize E. truttae at the molecular level, thus helping to clarify the phylogenetic relationships between this and other Eimeria species isolated from fish and contributing further to the knowledge about this protozoan parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seila Couso-Pérez
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Elvira Ares-Mazás
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Hipólito Gómez-Couso
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain.
- Institute of Food Research and Analysis, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hayes PM, Smit NJ. Molecular insights into the identification and phylogenetics of the cosmopolitan marine fish blood parasite, Haemogregarina bigemina (Adeleorina: Haemogregarinidae). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 8:216-220. [PMID: 30891401 PMCID: PMC6404647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Haemogregarina bigemina is one of the most prevalent haemogregarines of marine fishes and has long been considered an enigmatic and cosmopolitan species. However, to determine whether H. bigemina truly represents a single global species, or whether it should be partitioned into several species or subspecies, and to confirm its taxonomic status among the Haemogregarina, molecular analysis is required. Here, we provide the first molecular characterisation of H. bigemina from one of its type hosts, Lipophrys pholis, in the UK using 18S rDNA sequences. Phylogenetic and p-distance comparisons of the newly generated H. bigemina sequences with those published from other haemogregarine taxa and related apicomplexans suggest that H. bigemina falls outside of the "Haemogregarina" clade as well as the Adeleorina altogether, forming a separate apicomplexan marine clade, and appears to be in fact more closely related to other non-haemogregarine Apicomplexa genera. Further work including sequences of H. bigemina and H. bigemina-like parasites observed from fishes in other localities is now needed to investigate this further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Polly M Hayes
- School of Life Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish St., London, W1W 6UW, UK.,Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Nico J Smit
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
da Silva MF, da Silva DT, Giese EG, Hamoy IG, Matos ER. Morphology and Phylogeny of Calyptospora paranaidji n. sp. (Eimeriorina: Calyptosporidae), an Apicomplexan Parasite of the Hepatic Tissue of Cichla piquiti Kullander & Ferreira, 2006, From a Reservoir in the Brazilian Amazon Region. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2019; 66:608-616. [PMID: 30548108 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The coccidians of the family Calyptosporidae are parasites of the tissue and organs of fish and aquatic invertebrates, in particular in the tropical region. In contrast with other apicomplexans of the suborder Eimeriorina, the diversity and ecology of the species of the genus Calyptospora have been poorly investigated, resulting in a lacuna that restricts the understanding of the distribution and prevalence of this group of eukaryote microparasites in the Amazon region. In the present study, the integrated comparative analysis of morphological characteristics, histological and structural traits, and the sequences of a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene, provides support for the identification of a new species of Calyptospora, found parasitizing the hepatic tissue of the piscivorous blue peacock bass, Cichla piquiti, captured in the reservoir of the Estreito hydroelectric dam on the middle Tocantins River in northern Brazil. This new species was named Calyptospora paranaidji n. sp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo F da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Federal University of Pará - PPgBAIP/UFPA, ICB, Rua Augusto Corrêa, 1, Guamá, Belém, CEP 66075-110, Pará, Brazil.,State University of the Tocantina Region of Maranhão - UEMASUL, Rua Godofredo Viana 1300, Centro, Imperatriz, CEP 65901-480, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Diehgo T da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Federal University of Pará - PPgBAIP/UFPA, ICB, Rua Augusto Corrêa, 1, Guamá, Belém, CEP 66075-110, Pará, Brazil
| | - Elane G Giese
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure, Federal Rural University of the Amazon - LU/UFRA, Avenida Presidente Tancredo Neves, n° 2501, Terra Firme, Belém, CEP 66.077-830, Pará, Brazil
| | - Igor G Hamoy
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics, Federal Rural University of Amazonia - LGA/UFRA, Avenida Presidente Tancredo Neves, n° 2501, Terra Firme, Belém, CEP 66.077-830, Pará, Brazil
| | - Edilson R Matos
- Postgraduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Federal University of Pará - PPgBAIP/UFPA, ICB, Rua Augusto Corrêa, 1, Guamá, Belém, CEP 66075-110, Pará, Brazil.,Research Laboratory Carlos Azevedo, Federal Rural University of the Amazon - LPCA/UFRA, Avenida Presidente Tancredo Neves, n° 2501, Terra Firme, Belém, CEP 66.077-830, Pará, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Matsche MA, Adams CR, Blazer VS. Newly Described Coccidia Goussia bayae from White Perch Morone americana: Morphology and Phylogenetics Support Emerging Taxonomy of Goussia within Piscine Hosts. J Parasitol 2019. [DOI: 10.1645/18-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cynthia R. Adams
- National Fish Health Research Laboratory, Leetown Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Kearneysvi
| | - Vicki S. Blazer
- National Fish Health Research Laboratory, Leetown Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Kearneysvi
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sikkel PC, Cook CA, Renoux LP, Bennett CL, Tuttle LJ, Smit NJ. The distribution and host-association of a haemoparasite of damselfishes (Pomacentridae) from the eastern Caribbean based on a combination of morphology and 18S rDNA sequences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2018; 7:213-220. [PMID: 29988386 PMCID: PMC6024192 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Coral reefs harbor the greatest biodiversity per unit area of any ecosystem on earth. While parasites constitute the majority of this biodiversity, they remain poorly studied due to the cryptic nature of many parasites and the lack of appropriate training among coral reef ecologists. Damselfishes (Pomacentridae) are among the most abundant and diverse fishes on coral reefs. In a recent study of blood parasites of Caribbean reef fishes, the first ever apicomplexan blood parasites discovered in damselfishes were reported for members of the genus Stegastes. While these blood parasites were characterized as “Haemohormidium-like”, they appear to be distinct from any other known apicomplexan. In this study, we examined host associations, geographic distributions, and provide further insights on the phylogenetic affiliation of this parasite. A combination of morphological characteristics and 18S rDNA sequences suggest that this parasite may be the same species at multiple sites and occurs from the southern to the northern extreme of the eastern Caribbean, although it appears rare in the north. At present it appears to be limited to members of the genus Stegastes and infects all life history stages. It is most common in benthophagous species that occur in high population densities and appears basal to a major monophyletic clade containing species of coccidia, distinct from the Piroplasmida, the order to which Haemohormidium spp. have been assigned. These findings suggest a possible fecal-oral mode of transmission. A new species of Haemorhormidium-like apicomplexan blood parasite has recently been discovered in Caribbean damselfishes. Morphological and molecular data indicate that it is widespread in the eastern Caribbean. This parasite is limited to damselfish species of the genus Stegastes and infects juveniles and adults. It is most common in benthophagous species that occur in high population densities. This parasite resembles coccidia but 18S rDNA show it to be distinct from known genera, as well as genera of piroplasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul C Sikkel
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences Program, Arkansas State University, State University, AR, USA.,Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Courtney A Cook
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Lance P Renoux
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences Program, Arkansas State University, State University, AR, USA
| | - Courtney L Bennett
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences Program, Arkansas State University, State University, AR, USA.,Sarasota High School, 2155 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA
| | - Lillian J Tuttle
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Nico J Smit
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Xavier R, Santos JL, Veríssimo A. Phylogenetic evidence for an ancestral coevolution between a major clade of coccidian parasites and elasmobranch hosts. Syst Parasitol 2018; 95:367-371. [PMID: 29549563 DOI: 10.1007/s11230-018-9790-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cartilaginous fishes are the oldest jawed vertebrates and are also reported to be the hosts of some of the most basal lineages of Cestoda and Aporocotylidae (Digenea) parasites. Recently a phylogenetic analysis of the coccidia (Apicomplexa) infecting marine vertebrates revealed that the lesser spotted dogfish harbours parasite lineages basal to Eimeria Schneider, 1875 and the group formed by Schellackia Reichenow, 1919, Lankesterella Ames, 1923, Caryospora Leger, 1904 and Isospora Schneider, 1881. In the present study we have found additional lineages of coccidian parasites infecting the cownose ray Rhinoptera bonasus Mitchill and the blue shark Prionace glauca Linnaeus. These lineages were also found as basal to species from the genera Lankesterella, Schellackia, Caryospora and Isospora infecting higher vertebrates. These results confirm previous phylogenetic assessments and suggest that these parasitic lineages first evolved in basal vertebrate hosts (i.e. Chondrichthyes), and that the more derived lineages infect higher vertebrates (e.g. birds and mammals) conforming to the evolution of their hosts. We hypothesise that elasmobranchs might host further ancestral parasite lineages harbouring unknown links of parasite evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Xavier
- CIBIO/INBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
| | - Joana L Santos
- CIBIO/INBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Ana Veríssimo
- CIBIO/INBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- College of William and Mary, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Route 1208, Greate Road, Gloucester Point, VA, 23062, USA
| |
Collapse
|