Assessing the diversity, host-specificity and infection patterns of apicomplexan parasites in reptiles from Oman, Arabia

Parasitology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 143 (13) ◽  
pp. 1730-1747 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOÃO P. MAIA ◽  
D. JAMES HARRIS ◽  
SALVADOR CARRANZA ◽  
ELENA GOMÉZ-DÍAZ
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Host Specificity ◽  
Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Parasite Diversity ◽  
Phylogenetic Clustering ◽  
Apicomplexan Parasites ◽  
Host Ecology ◽  
Phylogenetic Framework ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Wild Hosts

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.

scholarly journals Diversity, Distribution, and Drivers of Polychromophilus Infection in Malagasy Bats

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mercia Rasoanoro ◽  
Steven M. Goodman ◽  
Milijaona Randrianarivelojosia ◽  
Mbola Rakotondratsimba ◽  
Koussay Dellagi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Specificity ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Single Individual ◽  
Apicomplexan Parasites ◽  
New Information ◽  
Comprehensive Picture ◽  
Host Parasite

Abstract Background: Numerous studies have been undertaken to improve knowledge on apicomplexan parasites infecting vertebrates, including humans. Of these parasites, the genus Plasmodium has been most extensively studied because of its socio-economic and public health impacts. In non-human vertebrates, studies on malaria or malaria-like groups have been conducted but information is far from complete. On Madagascar, recent studies on bat blood parasites indicate that three families, namely Miniopteridae, Rhinonycteridae, and Vespertilionidae, are infected by the genus Polychromophilus with pronounced host specificity: Miniopterus spp. harbor P. melanipherus, while Myotis goudoti is infected by P. murinus. However, most of the individuals analyzed in these previous studies were sampled on the western and central portions of the island. The aims of this study are 1) to add new information on bat blood parasites in eastern Madagascar and 2) highlight biotic and abiotic variables driving prevalence across the island. Results: In total, 222 individuals belonging to 17 bat species were analyzed. Polychromophilus infections were identified in two families: Miniopteridae and Vespertilionidae. Molecular data showed that Polychromophilus spp. parasitizing Malagasy bats form a monophyletic group composed of three distinct clades displaying marked host specificity. In addition to P. melanipherus and P. murinus, hosted by Miniopterus spp. and Myotis goudoti, respectively, we report a novel Polychromophilus lineage detected from a single individual of S. robustus. Based on the present study and the literature, different biotic and abiotic factors are shown to influence Polychromophilus infection in bats, which is correlated based on MaxEnt modeling. Conclusion: The present study improves our knowledge on Polychromophilus infecting Malagasy bats and highlights the existence of a novel Polychromophilus lineage. Additional studies are needed to get additional representatives of this novel lineage to resolve its taxonomic relationship with known members of the genus. Further, the transmission mode of Polychromophilus in bats as well as its potential effect on bat populations should be investigated to complement the results provided by our modeling and eventually provide a comprehensive picture of the biology of these host-parasite interactions.

scholarly journals The diversity, distribution and host-parasite associations of trypanosomes in Western Australian wildlife

Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 136 (11) ◽  
pp. 1269-1279 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. AVERIS ◽  
R. C. A. THOMPSON ◽  
A. J. LYMBERY ◽  
A. F. WAYNE ◽  
K. D. MORRIS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Host Species ◽  
18S Rrna ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Parasite Diversity ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Western Australian ◽  
Geographical Locations

SUMMARYLittle is known regarding the diversity, distribution or host-parasite associations of Trypanosoma spp. in Australian wildlife. Here we report on an investigation based on divergence of the 18S rRNA gene of trypanosomes isolated from a range of hosts and varied geographical locations. A total of 371 individuals representing 19 species of native animals from 14 different locations were screened. In total, 32 individuals from 9 different species tested positive for the parasite. Phylogenetic analysis revealed considerable parasite diversity with no clear geographical distribution and no evidence of host specificity. In general, it appears that Australian Trypanosoma spp. are widespread, with several genotypes appearing in multiple host species and in varied locations including both mainland areas and offshore islands. Some host species were found to be susceptible to multiple genotypes, but no individuals were infected with more than a single isolate.

scholarly journals Wide Distribution and Diversity of Malaria-Related Haemosporidian Parasites (Polychromophilus spp.) in Bats and Their Ectoparasites in Eastern Europe

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 230
Author(s):  
Attila D. Sándor ◽  
Áron Péter ◽  
Alexandra Corduneanu ◽  
Levente Barti ◽  
István Csősz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Europe ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Parasite Diversity ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasite ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Host Ecology ◽  
Wildlife Populations ◽  
Pcr Targeting

Malaria is responsible for major diseases of humans, while associated haemosporidians are important factors in regulating wildlife populations. Polychromophilus, a haemosporidian parasite of bats, is phylogenetically close to human-pathogenic Plasmodium species, and their study may provide further clues for understanding the evolutionary relationships between vertebrates and malarial parasites. Our aim was to investigate the distribution of Polychromophilus spp. in Eastern Europe and test the importance of host ecology and roost site on haemosporidian parasite infection of bats. We sampled bats and their ectoparasites at eight locations in Romania and Bulgaria. DNA was extracted from blood samples and ectoparasites and tested individually for the presence of DNA of Polychromophilus spp. using a nested PCR targeting a 705 bp fragment of cytB. Two species of Polychromophilus were identified: Po. melanipherus in Miniopterus schreibersii and associated ectoparasites and Po. murinus in rhinolophid and vespertilionid bats (6 species) and their ticks and nycteribiid flies. Only cave-dwelling bat species (and their ectoparasites) showed infections, and we found a strong correlation between infections with Polychromophilus parasites and Nycteribiidae prevalence. We report the high genetic diversity of Polychromophilus spp. in Eastern Europe, suggesting that the simultaneous presence of varied host and vector assemblages enhances bat haemosporidian parasite diversity.

scholarly journals Possible Implications of Chytrid Parasitism for Population Subdivision in Freshwater Cyanobacteria of the GenusPlanktothrix

2010 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 1344-1351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jørn Henrik Sønstebø ◽  
Thomas Rohrlack
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Genetic Analysis ◽  
Driving Force ◽  
Selective Pressure ◽  
Population Subdivision ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Filamentous Cyanobacteria ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Host Parasite

ABSTRACTPopulations of the cyanobacteriumPlanktothrixcomprise multiple coexisting oligopeptide chemotypes that can behave differently in nature. We tested whether this population subdivision can, in principle, be driven by parasitic chytrid fungi, which are almost neglected agents ofPlanktothrixmortality. Two chytrid strains, Chy-Lys2009 and Chy-Kol2008, were isolated fromPlanktothrix-dominated lakes in Norway. The two strains shared 98.2% and 86.2% of their 28S and internal transcribe spacer rRNA gene sequences, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis placed them in the order Rhizophydiales family Angulomycetaceae. Chy-Lys2009 and Chy-Kol2008 could completely lysePlanktothrixcultures within days, while they failed to infect other filamentous cyanobacteria. The effect onPlanktothrixwas chemotype dependent, and both chytrid strains showed distinct chemotype preferences. These findings identify chytrid fungi infectingPlanktothrixas highly potent and specialized parasites which may exert strong selective pressure on their hosts. According to established hypotheses on host-parasite coevolution, parasitism with the above properties may result in subdivision ofPlanktothrixpopulations into coexisting chemotypes and periodic shifts in the relativePlanktothrixchemotype composition. These predictions are in agreement with field observations. Moreover, a genetic analysis verified the co-occurrence of Chy-Lys2009 and Chy-Kol2008 or related chytrid strains along with distinctPlanktothrixchemotypes in at least one water body. Our findings are consistent with a scenario where chytrid parasitism is one driving force ofPlanktothrixpopulation subdivision, which in turn leads to polymorphism in parasitic chytrid fungi. Future studies should test the validity of this scenario under field conditions.

scholarly journals Comparing phylogenetics and linear morphometrics to solve the generic assignment ofParabolinella?triarthroidesHarrington (Trilobita, Olenidae)

2017 ◽  
Vol 91 (5) ◽  
pp. 919-932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela S. Monti ◽  
Viviana A. Confalonieri
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Good Description ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Original Matrix ◽  
Quantitative Characters ◽  
Phylogenetic Framework ◽  
Methodological Approaches ◽  
Source Of Information

AbstractThe use of different methodological approaches together with an exhaustive qualitative study has helped to recognize important morphological traits to distinguish species in a systematic and phylogenetic framework.Parabolinella triarthroidesHarrington, 1938 was described based on two cranidia from the Quebrada de Coquena, Purmamarca, Jujuy province. The generic assignment ofP. triarthroideshas been questioned by a phylogenetic analysis, which resolves this species as the sister group ofBienvilliaClark, 1924. To explore the generic assignment of this species, a revision of the type material, plus a morphometric analysis including specimens ofParabolinellaBrøgger, 1882 andBienvilliawere performed. In addition, the original matrix used in the published phylogeny was reviewed and enlarged, including more species ofBienvillia. Continuous characters were coded in different ways in order to compare how they could affect the ordering of specimens and their phylogenetic relationships. Finally, both methodologies were compared, especially in regard to the behavior of the quantitative characters included in the analyses. From the combined analyses, it is shown that similarities between the cranidium ofP. triarthroidesand all otherParabolinellaspecies are true homologies instead of a by-product of evolutionary convergence. Therefore,P. triarthroidesshould be considered a member of this genus. Finally, this study demonstrates that the best strategy for solving systematic problems in groups where the morphological variation is the only source of information (i.e., fossil taxa without living representatives) is the implementation of an integrative approach, combining different methodological techniques and a good description of specimens.

Molecular phylogeny of Pemphiginae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) inferred from nuclear gene EF-1α sequences

2008 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 499-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.C. Zhang ◽  
G.X. Qiao
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Molecular Phylogeny ◽  
Host Specificity ◽  
Nuclear Gene ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Phylogenetic Study ◽  
Primary Host ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic Study ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic

AbstractThree traditional tribes of Fordini, Pemphigini and Eriosomatini comprise Pemphiginae, and there are two subtribes in Fordini and Pemphigini, respectively. Most of the species in this subfamily live heteroecious holocyclic lives with distinct primary host specificity. The three tribes of Pemphigini (except Prociphilina), Eriosomatini and Fordini use three families of plants, Salicaceae (Populus), Ulmaceae (Ulums) and Anacardiaceae (Pistacia and Rhus), as primary hosts, respectively, and form galls on them. Therefore, the Pemphigids are well known as gall makers, and their galls can be divided into true galls and pseudo-galls in type. We performed the first molecular phylogenetic study of Pemphiginae based on molecular data (EF-1α sequences). Results show that Pemphiginae is probably not a monophylum, but the monophyly of Fordini is supported robustly. The monophyly of Pemphigini is not supported, and two subtribes in it, Pemphigina and Prociphilina, are suggested to be raised to tribal level, equal with Fordini and Eriosomatini. The molecular phylogenetic analysis does not show definite relationships among the four tribes of Pemphiginae, as in the previous phylogenetic study based on morphology. It seems that the four tribes radiated at nearly the same time and then evolved independently. Based on this, we can speculate that galls originated independently four times in the four tribes, and there is no evidence to support that true galls are preceded by pseudo-galls, as in the case of thrips and willow sawflies.

scholarly journals Analysis of large new South African dataset using two host-specificity indices shows generalism in both adult and larval ticks of mammals

Parasitology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 143 (3) ◽  
pp. 366-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARCELA P. A. ESPINAZE ◽  
ELÉONORE HELLARD ◽  
IVAN G. HORAK ◽  
GRAEME S. CUMMING
Keyword(s):  
Host Specificity ◽  
South African ◽  
New South ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Host Preferences ◽  
Infestation Intensity ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Host Phylogeny ◽  
Pathogen Control ◽  
Host Parasite

SUMMARYTicks and tick-borne pathogens can have considerable impacts on the health of livestock, wildlife and people. Knowledge of tick–host preferences is necessary for both tick and pathogen control. Ticks were historically considered as specialist parasites, but the range of sampled host species has been limited, infestation intensity has not been included in prior analyses, and phylogenetic distances between hosts have not been previously considered. We used a large dataset of 35 604 individual collections and two host-specificity indices to assess the specificity of 61 South African tick species, as well as distinctions between adult and juvenile ticks, for 95 mammalian hosts. When accounting for host phylogeny, most adult and juvenile ticks behaved as generalists, with juveniles being significantly more generalist than adults. When we included the intensity of tick infestation, ticks exhibited a wider diversity of specificity in all life stages. Our results show that ticks of mammals in South Africa tend to behave largely as generalists and that adult ticks are more host-specific. More generally, our analysis shows that the incorporation of life-stage differences, infestation intensity and phylogenetic distances between hosts, as well as the use of more than one specificity index, can all contribute to a deeper understanding of host–parasite interactions.

Parasitism of oospores of Pythium spp. by strains of Actinoplanes spp.

1993 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 964-972 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. I. Khan ◽  
A. B. Filonow ◽  
L. L. Singleton ◽  
M. E. Payton
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Host Specificity ◽  
Pythium Ultimum ◽  
Pythium Myriotylum ◽  
Pythium Irregulare ◽  
Pythium Arrhenomanes ◽  
Parasite Specificity ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
First Time

Strains of Actinoplanes spp. were evaluated for their in vitro parasitism of oospores of Pythium aphanidermatum, Pythium arrhenomanes, Pythium irregulare, Pythium myriotylum, and Pythium ultimum. Oospores of Pythium arrhenomanes, Pythium irregulare, and Pythium myriotylum were identified for the first time as hosts of Actinoplanes spp. Newly recorded parasites of oospores of Pythium spp. were Actinoplanes azureus, Actinoplanes brasiliensis, Actinoplanes caeruleus, Actinoplanes ferrugineus, Actinoplanes ianthinogenes, Actinoplanes italicus, Actinoplanes minutisporangius, Actinoplanes rectilineatus, Actinoplanes teichomyceticus, Actinoplanes utahensis, Actinoplanes violaceous, Actinoplanes yunnahenis, plus 15 strains of Actinoplanes yet to be speciated. Parasitized oospores had disorganized cytoplasms and hyphae of Actinoplanes sp. emerging from them. Infection of oospores in vitro varied from 0 to > 90%. Strains also were very active parasites of oospores in sterile soils. When added to nonsterile soils, several strains increased (p = 0.05) the level of oospore parasitism compared with nonsupplemented soils. Strains of Actinoplanes spp. exhibited a host specificity for species of Pythium in vitro and in soil. Sporulation of Actinoplanes sp. from infected oospores incubated on soil was frequent and more abundant than that observed in vitro.Key words: Pythium spp., Actinoplanes spp., actinomycetes, biological control, host–parasite specificity.

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