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Er-Rguibi O, Harris DJ, Aglagane A, Laghzaoui EM, Kimdil L, Abbad A, El Mouden EH. Molecular Survey and Microscopic Examination of Haemoparasites Infecting Lizards from Morocco. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:593-603. [PMID: 37347450 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00688-9] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Understanding the factors influencing parasite diversification, their distribution and infection patterns among hosts provides valuable information on the impact of parasitism on natural populations and the dynamics and evolution of disease outbreaks. In this study, we investigated prevalence and intensity of infection by blood parasites, the diversity, distribution, host specificity and infection patterns of apicomplexan parasites in lizards of Morocco. METHODS Samples from lizard specimens were collected between 2019 and 2021 from different prospected localities in Morocco. In total, 1500 lizards were collected, and their blood and tail tips were screened for blood parasites. RESULTS Using a PCR approach, we detected two distinct apicomplexan parasite groups (haemogregarines and haemococcidians) and also Stramenopiles (Proteromonas). A significant difference was identified between hosts families, with no agamids or skinks infected and with particularly high infection rates in lacertids. Twenty-four samples were sequenced and included in a phylogenetic assessment. Two samples of Atlantolacerta andreanskyi were infected with unidentified species of Proteromonas. Three samples were infected with haemococcidians, including two samples with Schellackia and another sample with Lankesterella, more closely related to others isolated from bird hosts. These are the first reports of Lankesterella and Proteromonas in these lizards from Morocco. Nineteen different isolates of the complex of Hepatozoon/Karyolysus were identical or very similar to previously sequenced parasites from North Africa and Iberian Peninsula and included new host species. CONCLUSION Our results highlight the need for future research on the vectors involved in transmission that may influence the ecology and distribution patterns of these parasites. Given that Morocco is a hot spot of endemicity and reptile richness, our results are relevant not only in the context of their taxonomy, but can also have implications for conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Er-Rguibi
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco.
| | - David James Harris
- CIBIO-InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Abdessamad Aglagane
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - El-Mustapha Laghzaoui
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Latifa Kimdil
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Abdelaziz Abbad
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnologies, Agrosciences and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - El Hassan El Mouden
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Noll Louzada-Flores V, Lekouch N, Khouchfi I, Annoscia G, Zatelli A, Beugnet F, Walochnik J, Otranto D. Snakes and Souks: Zoonotic pathogens associated to reptiles in the Marrakech markets, Morocco. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011431. [PMID: 37467211 PMCID: PMC10355457 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The world-famous markets of Marrakech, also known in Arabic as souks, harbor a vast diversity of reptiles that are sold for medicinal/magic/pet purposes or used for snake charming. This unique epidemiological context has never been studied considering the interactions of humans, reptiles, and zoonotic pathogens. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the parasites and pathogens present in blood and feces associated with handled reptiles in the markets of Marrakech to assess the risk of zoonotic transmission within the reptile-human interface. Privately owned reptiles (n = 118), coming from vendors or snake charmers, were examined and blood and feces sampled. DNA was extracted and molecular screening (cPCR, nPCR, qPCR, dqPCR) was performed aiming to identify potentially zoonotic pathogens (i.e., Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, Babesia/Theileria spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Leishmania spp., Cestoda). Overall, 28.9% (34/118) of reptiles were positive for at least one pathogen. In blood, Anaplasma spp. were detected in four snakes, with two Montpellier snakes positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, while Rickettsia spp. were detected in one Mediterranean chameleon and four puff adders. Leishmania tarentolae was molecularly detected in a Mediterranean chameleon and a Montpellier snake. In feces, the cox1 gene generated a myriad of sequences for nematodes, cestodes, fungi and bacteria. Importantly, Proteus vulgaris was identified from a Mediterranean chameleon. Cryptosporidium spp. nPCR yielded a positive sample (i.e., Cryptosporidium sp. apodemus genotype I) from a Moroccan worm lizard, as well as for bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an Egyptian cobra, and Morganella morganii from a puff adder. Results from this study demonstrated the risk of zoonotic transmission of microorganisms and parasites present in blood and feces from reptiles that are brought to the souks in Marrakech, Morocco, to be sold for medicinal purposes or used for snake charming, being in direct and straight contact with humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Giada Annoscia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Andrea Zatelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Julia Walochnik
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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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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Abdel-Baki AAS, Abdel-Haleem HM, Abdel-Tawab H, Al-Quraishy S, Mansour L. Reassignment of Haemogregarina annularis from the Blood of Tarentola annularis to the Genus Hepatozoon Based on the Parasite Morphology and 18S rDNA Sequence Analysis. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:411-417. [PMID: 34652599 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00477-2] [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: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To date, two haemogregarines have been described from the white-spotted wall gecko, Tarentola annularis in Egypt. These species are Haemogregarina annularis and Haemogregarina tarentannulari. Although these two species initially were described as different species parasitizing T. annularis, both forms look identical due to their similar morphology and morphometric characteristics from the same host species. Here we will clarify, using traditional morphological description of the blood and tissue stages, combined with molecular analysis, the identity of the haemoparasites infecting T. annularis in Egypt. METHODS Thin blood smears were screened from 50 gecko, Tarentola annularis and merognic stages were identified in the lung of the infected geckos. Parasite DNA was extracted and PCR was carried out to amplify parasite 18S rDNA. RESULTS Morphological criteria of parasite stages, mature gamont stages and mergonic stages were similar to the two previously reported Haemogregarina species. In the phylogenetic tree, the present haemogregarine fell within a clade comprising most of Hepatozoon species infecting reptiles. CONCLUSION Our morphological comparison supported that the two previously described Haemogregarina species were the same and allowed us to consider Haemogregarina tarentannulari as a junior synonym of Haemogregarina annularis. Our phylogenetic analysis gave us the opportunity to reassign Haemogregarina annularis to the genus Hepatozoon and being identified as Hepatozoon annularis n. comb.
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Alabí AS, Monti G, Otth C, Sepulveda-García P, Perles L, Machado RZ, André MR, Bittencourt P, Müller A. Genetic diversity of Hepatozoon spp. in rodents from Chile. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:e012721. [PMID: 34755807 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of Hepatozoon spp. in rodents from Valdivia, Chile. A total of 74 rodents (synanthropic n=38; wild n=36) were trapped in Valdivia. We performed conventional PCR assays for Apicomplexa organisms targeting two overlapping 18S rDNA gene fragments (600 bp and 900 bp) followed by sequencing of selected amplicons. Hepatozoon spp. occurrence was 82.43% (61/74). Twelve sequences obtained from the 600 bp and ten from the 900 bp 18S rDNA fragments were identified as Hepatozoon sp. Six sequences obtained from 18S rDNA-based overlapping PCR protocols were used for concatenated (1,400 bp) phylogenetic, haplotype and distance analyses. Hepatozoon spp. 18S rDNA concatenated sequences from the present study were detected in Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, Rattus norvegicus, Mus musculus, and Abrothrix longipilis grouped with Hepatozoon species earlier described in rodents and reptiles from Chile and Brazil. Nucleotide polymorphism of the six 18S rDNA sequences (1,400 bp) from this study, and other Chilean sequences from rodents and rodent's ticks, showed high diversity with a total of nine Chilean haplotypes. Three haplotypes from Valdivia were identified for the first time in this study, suggesting the circulation of novel haplotypes in rodents from southern Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Salvador Alabí
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Gustavo Monti
- Insituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carola Otth
- Instituto de Microbiologia Clínica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Paulina Sepulveda-García
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Livia Perles
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinarias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinarias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinarias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Pedro Bittencourt
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies
| | - Ananda Müller
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies
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Tomé B, Maia J, Perera A, Carranza S, Vasconcelos R. Parasites in a hotspot: diversity and specificity patterns of apicomplexans infecting reptiles from the Socotra Archipelago. Parasitology 2021; 148:42-52. [PMID: 33070783 PMCID: PMC11010208 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020002000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Although parasites represent a major component of biodiversity, they remain poorly assessed, especially in remote regions. In this study, we screened 461 reptiles from Socotra, the largest and most biologically diverse archipelago in Arabia. Using 18S rRNA primers, we detected various apicomplexan parasites, namely haemogregarines, sarcocystids and eimeriids. Haemogregarines were the most common and genetically diverse, followed by sarcocystids (genus Sarcocystis) and eimeriids (genera Isospora and Lankesterella). All were related to parasites of other reptiles, including species from Arabia, Northern Africa and Asia. Like their 29 endemic reptile hosts, almost all Socotran parasites presented high genetic divergence and ecological differences from those found elsewhere, and probably represent undescribed endemic species. Among hosts, skinks were the most parasitized, which contrasted with similar studies from other areas, probably due to their more generalist diet and habitat use. As expected due to its high species richness, geckos harboured the highest parasite diversity in the archipelago. Parasite diversity also seemed to be correlated to island size, as the largest island harboured most haplotypes. This study emphasizes the importance of screening parasites in wild hosts from remote regions and of considering host ecology to understand disease transmission across taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Tomé
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, 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
| | - João Maia
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, 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
- IBE, Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Perera
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Salvador Carranza
- IBE, Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Vasconcelos
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- IBE, Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain
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Abdel-Baki AAS, Mansour L, Al-Malki ES, Al-Quraishy S, Abdel-Haleem HM. Morphometric and molecular characterisation of Hepatozoon bashtari n. sp. in painted saw-scaled viper, Echis coloratus (Ophidia, Viperidae). Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3793-3801. [PMID: 32979103 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06886-y] [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: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Hepatozoon species are the most widely known haemogregarines infecting a wide range of vertebrates, although predominately snakes. Herein, Hepatozoon bashtari n. sp., originally infecting the painted saw-scaled viper, Echis coloratus, in Saudi Arabia is described using both morphological features and molecular data from 18S rDNA sequences. The overall prevalence of infection was 60% (9/15) with parasitaemia ranging from 52 to 60%. Gamonts were entirely intraerythrocytic and were observed to cause considerable hypertrophy within the host cell. The mean size of mature gamonts was 15.4 × 3.3 μm. Merogonic stages were confined to the lung endothelial cells with monomorphic meronts. The average size of mature meronts was 32 × 12 μm and they were estimated to produce 13-16 merozoites each. The phylogenetic tree generated from SSU rDNA sequences revealed that Hepatozoon bashtari sp. n. clusters with the vast majority of other Hepatozoon species infecting snakes, lizards and geckos in various regions of the world, which would appear to support the hypothesis of prey-predator transmission of the genus Hepatozoon. Through a combination of morphological comparison with closely related Hepatozoon spp. and 18S rRNA gene sequence analysis, it is possible to confirm Hepatozoon bashtari sp. n. as a new species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lamjed Mansour
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.,Laboratory of Biodiversity and Parasitology of Aquatic Ecosystems (LR18ES05), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science of Tunis, University Campus, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, 2092, Tunisia
| | - Esam S Al-Malki
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, 11952, Riyadh Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Al-Quraishy
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heba M Abdel-Haleem
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
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Picelli AM, da Silva MRL, Ramires AC, da Silva TRR, Pessoa FAC, Viana LA, Kaefer IL. Redescription of Hepatozoon ameivae (Carini and Rudolph, 1912) from the lizard Ameiva ameiva (Linnaeus, 1758). Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2659-2666. [PMID: 32529297 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06760-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Blood samples from 72 Ameiva ameiva lizards from Central Amazonian upland forests were collected, and thin smears of 40 (55.5%) animals were positive for gamonts of Hepatozoon with a mean level of intensity of infection of 14 parasites/2000 blood erythrocytes (0.73%). The gametocytes were found attached with host cells' nuclei, and their dimensions were 14.28 ± 1.05 μm in length and 4.50 ± 0.80 μm in width. Phylogenetic analyses of the 18S rRNA gene showed that the new sequences obtained from A. ameiva constitute a monophyletic sister clade to the Hepatozoon spp. from Brazilian snakes. Based on morphological features and new molecular data, we redescribe this hemogregarine as Hepatozoon ameivae. This study also provides the first molecular characterization of a Hepatozoon species from a Brazilian lizard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Maria Picelli
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, 69067-005, Brazil.
| | - Maria Regina Lucas da Silva
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Estudos Morfofisiológicos e Parasitários, Universidade Federal do Amapá, Macapá, AP, 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Adriane Costa Ramires
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, 69067-005, Brazil
| | - Túllio Romão Ribeiro da Silva
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manaus, AM, 69067-005, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Felipe Arley Costa Pessoa
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manaus, AM, 69067-005, Brazil
| | - Lucio André Viana
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Estudos Morfofisiológicos e Parasitários, Universidade Federal do Amapá, Macapá, AP, 68903-419, Brazil
| | - Igor Luis Kaefer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, 69067-005, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, 69067-005, Brazil
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Mansour L, Abdel-Haleem HM, Al-Malki ES, Al-Quraishy S, Abdel-Baki AAS. Hepatozoon pyramidumi sp. n. (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) from the blood of Echis pyramidum: morphology and SSU rDNA sequence. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 29:e002420. [PMID: 32428179 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612020019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatozoon pyramidumi sp. n. is described from the blood of the Egyptian saw-scaled viper, Echis pyramidum, captured from Saudi Arabia. Five out of ten viper specimens examined (50%) were found infected with Hepatozoon pyramidumi sp. n. with parasitaemia level ranged from 20-30%. The infection was restricted only to the erythrocytes. Two morphologically different forms of intraerythrocytic stages were observed; small and mature gamonts. The small ganomt with average size of 10.7 × 3.5 μm. Mature gamont was sausage-shaped with recurved poles measuring 16.3 × 4.2 μm in average size. Infected erythrocytes were hypertrophied; their nuclei were deformed and sometimes displaced from their central position in the normal uninfected cell. Merogonic stages were observed in the lung endothelial cell and the liver parenchyma cells. Mature meront was 17.8 × 13.6 µm and contained banana-shaped merozoites with average size of ~15 × 2 µm. Phylogenetic analysis based on the SSU rDNA sequence clustered Hepatozoon pyramidumi sp. n with previously sequenced Hepatozoon spp., most of them infected reptilian hosts without geographic consideration. The morphological and molecular comparison with closely related species proved the taxonomic uniqueness and novelty of the present form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamjed Mansour
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Esam Sharf Al-Malki
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Al-Quraishy
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Diversity of Karyolysus and Schellackia from the Iberian lizard Lacerta schreiberi with sequence data from engorged ticks. Parasitology 2019; 146:1690-1698. [PMID: 31391126 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019001112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Apicomplexan haemoparasites of the genera Schellackia Reichenow, 1919, and Karyolysus Labbé, 1894, seem to be common in lizards and widespread across the world. For decades, their identification has been based on morphological descriptions and life cycle patterns, with molecular characterizations, applied only recently. We used molecular characterization to confirm the identification of haemoparasites detected by microscopy in blood smears of Lacerta schreiberi Bedriaga, 1878, a lizard of the Iberian Peninsula. Since blood samples other than blood smears were not available from the studied lizards, 264 engorged ticks Ixodes ricinus (Linneaus, 1758) collected from them were used as an alternative non-invasive source of haemoparasite DNA for molecular genetic analyses. Of the 48 blood smears microscopically examined, 31 were positive for blood parasites (64.6% prevalence). We identified trophozoites and gamonts similar to Karyolysus lacazei (Labbé, 1894) (24/48; 50%) and Schellackia-like sporozoites (20/48; 41.7%). Mixed infections with both species occurred in 13 blood smears (27.1%). Sequence data were obtained for both parasites from engorged ticks. Phylogenetic analyses placed our unique haemogregarine sequence within the Karyolysus clade, nevertheless, within substantial polytomy. Thus, according to its morphology and effect on the host cell, we refer to this haemogregarine as Karyolysus cf. lacazei. Besides the Schellackia sequences being identical to a previously identified haplotype, we also obtained sequences of three new closely related haplotypes.
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A paradise for parasites? Seven new haemogregarine species infecting lizards from the Canary Islands. Parasitology 2019; 146:728-739. [PMID: 30871644 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018002160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Oceanic islands are hotspots of biodiversity due to their high levels of endemism, with the Canary Islands being a notable example. A previous molecular study on the biogeography and host associations of haemogregarines (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) infecting lizards from this archipelago detected seven parasite haplogroups. These haplogroups exhibited high host-specificity and geographical structure, suggesting that they might correspond to distinct biological identities. In this study, along with sequencing a longer fragment of the 18S rRNA, we further explore the distinctiveness of these parasites by analysing their morphology, effects on host erythrocytes and parasitaemia levels. These lines of evidence together with their genetics, host associations, frequency of occurrence and geographical distribution support them as different biological entities. As such, we describe seven new species: Karyolysus canariensis sp. nov., Karyolysus galloti sp. nov., Karyolysus stehlini sp. nov., Karyolysus gomerensis sp. nov., Karyolysus atlanticus sp. nov., Karyolysus tinerfensis sp. nov. and Karyolysus makariogeckonis sp. nov. These new taxa are further examples of endemic diversity in the Canarian archipelago. They also contribute to clarify the taxonomy within the Apicomplexa, a phylum estimated to have one of the lowest percentages of described species.
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James Harris D, Halajian A, Santos JL, Swanepoel LH, Taylor PJ, Xavier R. Diversity of haemoprotozoan parasites infecting the wildlife of South Africa. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2018; 65. [PMID: 30348909 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2018.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tissue samples from wildlife from South Africa were opportunistically collected and screened for haemoprotozoan parasites using nonspecific PCR primers. Samples of 127 individuals were tested, comprising over 50 different species. Haemogregarines were the most commonly identified parasites, but sarcocystids and piroplasmids were also detected. Phylogenetic analyses estimated from the 18S rDNA marker highlighted the occurrence of several novel parasite forms and the detection of parasites in novel hosts. Phylogenetic relationships, which have been recently reviewed, appear to be much more complex than previously considered. Our study highlights the high diversity of parasites circulating in wildlife in this biodiverse region, and the need for further studies to resolve taxonomic issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- D James Harris
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigacao em Biodiversidade e Recursos Geneticos, Campus Agrario de Vairao, Vairao, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciencias da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ali Halajian
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, South Africa
| | - Joana L Santos
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigacao em Biodiversidade e Recursos Geneticos, Campus Agrario de Vairao, Vairao, Portugal
| | - Lourens H Swanepoel
- Department of Zoology, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - Peter John Taylor
- NRF/DET SARCHI Chair on Biodiversity Value and Change, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa.,Core Team Member, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Republic of South Africa.,Honorary Research Associate, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, Republic of South Africa
| | - Raquel Xavier
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigacao em Biodiversidade e Recursos Geneticos, Campus Agrario de Vairao, Vairao, Portugal
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Abdel-Haleem HM, Mansour L, Holal M, Qasem MAA, Al-Quraishy S, Abdel-Baki AAS. Molecular characterisation of Hepatozoon aegypti Bashtar, Boulos & Mehlhorn, 1984 parasitising the blood of Spalerosophis diadema (Serpentes: Colubridae). Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3119-3125. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6006-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Cook CA, Netherlands EC, As JV, Jacobus Smit N. Two new species of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) parasitising species of Philothamnus (Ophidia: Colubridae) from South Africa. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2018; 65. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2018.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Tomé B, Pereira A, Jorge F, Carretero MA, Harris DJ, Perera A. Along for the ride or missing it altogether: exploring the host specificity and diversity of haemogregarines in the Canary Islands. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:190. [PMID: 29554983 PMCID: PMC5859493 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2760-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Host-parasite relationships are expected to be strongly shaped by host specificity, a crucial factor in parasite adaptability and diversification. Because whole host communities have to be considered to assess host specificity, oceanic islands are ideal study systems given their simplified biotic assemblages. Previous studies on insular parasites suggest host range broadening during colonization. Here, we investigate the association between one parasite group (haemogregarines) and multiple sympatric hosts (of three lizard genera: Gallotia, Chalcides and Tarentola) in the Canary Islands. Given haemogregarine characteristics and insular conditions, we hypothesized low host specificity and/or occurrence of host-switching events. Methods A total of 825 samples were collected from the three host taxa inhabiting the seven main islands of the Canarian Archipelago, including locations where the different lizards occurred in sympatry. Blood slides were screened to assess prevalence and parasitaemia, while parasite genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships were inferred from 18S rRNA gene sequences. Results Infection levels and diversity of haplotypes varied geographically and across host groups. Infections were found in all species of Gallotia across the seven islands, in Tarentola from Tenerife, La Gomera and La Palma, and in Chalcides from Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro. Gallotia lizards presented the highest parasite prevalence, parasitaemia and diversity (seven haplotypes), while the other two host groups (Chalcides and Tarentola) harbored one haplotype each, with low prevalence and parasitaemia levels, and very restricted geographical ranges. Host-sharing of the same haemogregarine haplotype was only detected twice, but these rare instances likely represent occasional cross-infections. Conclusions Our results suggest that: (i) Canarian haemogregarine haplotypes are highly host-specific, which might have restricted parasite host expansion; (ii) haemogregarines most probably reached the Canary Islands in three colonization events with each host genus; and (iii) the high number of parasite haplotypes infecting Gallotia hosts and their restricted geographical distribution suggest co-diversification. These findings contrast with our expectations derived from results on other insular parasites, highlighting how host specificity depends on parasite characteristics and evolutionary history. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2760-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Tomé
- 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.
| | - Ana Pereira
- 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
| | - Fátima Jorge
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 340 Great King Street, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - 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
| | - D James Harris
- CIBIO, InBIO - Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - 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
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Genetic diversity of Hepatozoon spp. in Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris and Pecari tajacu from eastern Amazon. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:314-318. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Monophyly of the species of Hepatozoon (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) parasitizing (African) anurans, with the description of three new species from hyperoliid frogs in South Africa. Parasitology 2017; 145:1039-1050. [PMID: 29198245 PMCID: PMC6084435 DOI: 10.1017/s003118201700213x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Haemogregarines (Apicomplexa: Adeleiorina) are a diverse group of haemoparasites reported from almost all vertebrate classes. The most commonly recorded haemogregarines to parasitize anurans are species of Hepatozoon Miller, 1908. To date 16 Hepatozoon species have been described from anurans in Africa, with only a single species, Hepatozoon hyperolli (Hoare, 1932), infecting a member of the Hyperoliidae. Furthermore, only two Hepatozoon species are known from South African anurans, namely Hepatozoon theileri (Laveran, 1905) and Hepatozoon ixoxo Netherlands, Cook and Smit, 2014, from Amietia delalandii (syn. Amietia quecketti) and three Sclerophrys species, respectively. Blood samples were collected from a total of 225 individuals representing nine hyperoliid species from several localities throughout northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Twenty frogs from three species were found positive for haemogregarines, namely Afrixalus fornasinii (6/14), Hyperolius argus (2/39), and Hyperolius marmoratus (12/74). Based on morphological characteristics, morphometrics and molecular findings three new haemogregarine species, Hepatozoon involucrum Netherlands, Cook and Smit n. sp., Hepatozoon tenuis Netherlands, Cook and Smit n. sp. and Hepatozoon thori Netherlands, Cook and Smit n. sp., are described from hyperoliid hosts. Furthermore, molecular analyses show anuran Hepatozoon species to be a separate monophyletic group, with species isolated from African hosts forming a monophyletic clade within this cluster.
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Borges-Nojosa DM, Borges-Leite MJ, Maia JP, Zanchi-Silva D, da Rocha Braga R, Harris DJ. A new species of Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 (Apicomplexa: Adelerina) from the snake Philodryas nattereri Steindachner (Squamata: Dipsadidae) in northeastern Brazil. Syst Parasitol 2017; 94:65-72. [PMID: 28062992 DOI: 10.1007/s11230-016-9676-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Based on both unique morphological characteristics of the gamont, distinct changes caused to the host erythrocyte and analysis of partial 18S rRNA gene sequences, a new parasite of the genus Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 is described from the snake Philodryas nattereri Steindachner (Squamata: Dipsadidae) in northeastern Brazil. The new species, Hepatozoon musa n. sp., is characterized by large and curved mature gamonts (18.9 ± 0.9 μm in length and 3.8 ± 0.3 μm in width) that considerably engorge infected host erythrocytes and displace the nucleus laterally, which become longer and thinner. Phylogenetic estimates indicate the new species is more closely related to the recently described Hepatozoon cuestensis O'Dwyer, Moço, Paduan, Spenassatto, Silva & Ribolla, 2013, from Brazilian rattlesnakes. These recent findings highlight the need for further studies of Hepatozoon to better determine the biodiversity of this common but poorly-studied parasite group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diva M Borges-Nojosa
- Núcleo Regional de Ofiologia da Universidade Federal do Ceará (NUROF-UFC), Campus do Pici, Centro de Ciências, Bloco 905, Pici, Fortaleza, CE, CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - M Juliana Borges-Leite
- Núcleo Regional de Ofiologia da Universidade Federal do Ceará (NUROF-UFC), Campus do Pici, Centro de Ciências, Bloco 905, Pici, Fortaleza, CE, CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - João P Maia
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, No 7, 4485-661, Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Djan Zanchi-Silva
- Núcleo Regional de Ofiologia da Universidade Federal do Ceará (NUROF-UFC), Campus do Pici, Centro de Ciências, Bloco 905, Pici, Fortaleza, CE, CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - Roberta da Rocha Braga
- Núcleo Regional de Ofiologia da Universidade Federal do Ceará (NUROF-UFC), Campus do Pici, Centro de Ciências, Bloco 905, Pici, Fortaleza, CE, CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - D James Harris
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, No 7, 4485-661, Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal. .,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, R. Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.
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Assessing the diversity, host-specificity and infection patterns of apicomplexan parasites in reptiles from Oman, Arabia. Parasitology 2016; 143:1730-1747. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016001372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYUnderstanding the processes that shape parasite diversification, their distribution and abundance provides valuable information on the dynamics and evolution of disease. In this study, we assessed the diversity, distribution, host-specificity and infection patterns of apicomplexan parasites in amphibians and reptiles from Oman, Arabia. Using a quantitative PCR approach we detected three apicomplexan parasites (haemogregarines, lankesterellids and sarcocystids). A total of 13 haemogregarine haplotypes were identified, which fell into four main clades in a phylogenetic framework. Phylogenetic analysis of six new lankesterellid haplotypes revealed that these parasites were distinct from, but phylogenetically related to, knownLankesterellaspecies and might represent new taxa. The percentage of infected hosts (prevalence) and the number of haemogregarines in the blood (parasitaemia) varied significantly between gecko species. We also found significant differences in parasitaemia between haemogregarine parasite lineages (defined by phylogenetic clustering of haplotypes), suggesting differences in host–parasite compatibility between these lineages. ForPristurus rupestris, we found significant differences in haemogregarine prevalence between geographical areas. Our results suggest that host ecology and host relatedness may influence haemogregarine distributions and, more generally, highlight the importance of screening wild hosts from remote regions to provide new insights into parasite diversity.
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Maia JP, Carranza S, Harris DJ. Comments on the Systematic Revision of Adeleid Haemogregarines: Are More Data Needed? J Parasitol 2016; 102:549-552. [PMID: 27385057 DOI: 10.1645/15-930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemogregarines are a group of apicomplexan parasites composed of 3 families that infect a wide range of hosts. Many species within these families have been subjected to reclassifications and reassignments, especially because the use of molecular tools to estimate their phylogenetic relationships became more widespread. The 18S rRNA gene has been the only widely used gene for studying the diversity of haemogregarines and recent phylogenetic analyses of this gene have indicated incongruences with the current taxonomy, such that a new genus Bartazoon has recently been proposed. To investigate the current taxonomic situation further, we conducted an overview of all published 18S rRNA sequence data for haemogregarines. We highlight that our understanding of the real diversity and phylogenetic relationships of haemogregarines is still limited, which undermines the proposed systematic revision. Notably all the molecular evidence comes from a single gene, and many studies have shown that single-gene trees often do not reflect species trees. Combined with doubts over the relationships of Hemolivia, the recent identification of a new lineage that could also warrant creation of a new genus, and issues with the type species for Hepatozoon, we suggest that any taxonomic changes now would be premature. In our opinion, type species need to be assessed, sampling across hosts improved, and multiple genes employed prior to taxonomic alterations. Otherwise taxonomic instability will be likely.
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Affiliation(s)
- João P Maia
- * CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, No. 7, 4485-661 Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal. Correspondence should be sent to:
| | | | - D James Harris
- * CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, No. 7, 4485-661 Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal. Correspondence should be sent to:
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Cook CA, Netherlands EC, Smit NJ. Redescription, molecular characterisation and taxonomic re-evaluation of a unique African monitor lizard haemogregarine Karyolysus paradoxa (Dias, 1954) n. comb. (Karyolysidae). Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:347. [PMID: 27305899 PMCID: PMC4910240 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1600-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within the African monitor lizard family Varanidae, two haemogregarine genera have been reported. These comprise five species of Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 and a species of Haemogregarina Danilewsky, 1885. Even though other haemogregarine genera such as Hemolivia Petit, Landau, Baccam & Lainson, 1990 and Karyolysus Labbé, 1894 have been reported parasitising other lizard families, these have not been found infecting the Varanidae. The genus Karyolysus has to date been formally described and named only from lizards of the family Lacertidae and to the authors' knowledge, this includes only nine species. Molecular characterisation using fragments of the 18S gene has only recently been completed for but two of these species. To date, three Hepatozoon species are known from southern African varanids, one of these Hepatozoon paradoxa (Dias, 1954) shares morphological characteristics alike to species of the family Karyolysidae. Thus, this study aimed to morphologically redescribe and characterise H. paradoxa molecularly, so as to determine its taxonomic placement. METHODS Specimens of Varanus albigularis albigularis Daudin, 1802 (Rock monitor) and Varanus niloticus (Linnaeus in Hasselquist, 1762) (Nile monitor) were collected from the Ndumo Game Reserve, South Africa. Upon capture animals were examined for haematophagous arthropods. Blood was collected, thin blood smears prepared, stained with Giemsa, screened and micrographs of parasites captured. Haemogregarine morphometric data were compared with the data for named haemogregarines of African varanids. Primer set HepF300 and HepR900 was employed to target a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene and resulting sequences compared with other known haemogregarine sequences selected from the GenBank database. RESULTS Hepatozoon paradoxa was identified infecting two out of eight (25 %) V. a. albigularis and a single (100 %) V. niloticus examined. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that H. paradoxa clustered with the 'Karyolysus' clade, and not with those of reptilian Hepatozoon spp. CONCLUSIONS In addition to this being the first morphological and molecular characterisation of a haemogregarine within the African Varanidae, it is the first report of a species of Karyolysus infecting the monitor lizard family. Furthermore, this constitutes now only the third described and named Karyolysus species for which there is a nucleotide sequence available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A Cook
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Edward C Netherlands
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nico J Smit
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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