Diversity of Karyolysus and Schellackia from the Iberian lizard Lacerta schreiberi with sequence data from engorged ticks

Parasitology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 146 (13) ◽  
pp. 1690-1698
Author(s):  
Kristína Zechmeisterová ◽  
Joëlle Goüy de Bellocq ◽  
Pavel Široký
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Data ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Mixed Infections ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Blood Smears ◽  
The World ◽  
Life Cycle Patterns

AbstractApicomplexan 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.

Phylogenetic relationship ofHepatozoonblood parasites found in snakes from Africa, America and Asia

Parasitology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 141 (3) ◽  
pp. 389-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. HAKLOVÁ ◽  
V. MAJLÁTHOVÁ ◽  
I. MAJLÁTH ◽  
D. J. HARRIS ◽  
V. PETRILLA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Geographical Pattern ◽  
Molecular Method ◽  
Blood Smears ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Examination Methods ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
First Time

SUMMARYThe blood parasites from the genusHepatozoonMiller, 1908 (Apicomplexa: Adeleida: Hepatozoidae) represent the most common intracellular protozoan parasites found in snakes. In the present study, we examined 209 individuals of snakes, from different zoogeographical regions (Africa, America, Asia and Europe), for the occurrence of blood parasites using both molecular and microscopic examination methods, and assess phylogenetic relationships of allHepatozoonparasites from snakes for the first time. In total, 178 blood smears obtained from 209 individuals, representing 40 species, were examined, from whichHepatozoonunicellular parasites were found in 26 samples (14·6% prevalence). Out of 180 samples tested by molecular method polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the presence of parasites was observed in 21 individuals (prevalence 11·6%): 14 snakes from Africa belonging to six genera (Dendroaspis, Dispholidus, Mehelya, Naja, PhilothamnusandPython), five snakes from Asia from the genusMoreliaand two snakes from America, from two genera (ColuberandCorallus). The intensity of infection varied from one to 1433 infected cells per 10 000 erythrocytes. Results of phylogenetic analyses (Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood) revealed the existence of five haplotypes divided into four main lineages. The present data also indicate neither geographical pattern of studiedHepatozoonsp., nor congruency in the host association.

scholarly journals Molecular phylogeography and reproductive biology of the freshwater snail Tarebia granifera in Thailand and Timor (Cerithioidea, Thiaridae): morphological disparity versus genetic diversity

2018 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 461-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuanpan Veeravechsukij ◽  
Duangduen Krailas ◽  
Suluck Namchote ◽  
Benedikt Wiggering ◽  
Marco T. Neiber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Shell Morphology ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Trematode Species ◽  
Species Differentiation ◽  
Haplotype Networks ◽  
Mtdna Sequence

The freshwater thiarid gastropod Tarebiagranifera (Lamarck, 1816), including taxa considered either congeneric or conspecific by earlier authors, is widespread and abundant in various lentic and lotic water bodies in mainland and insular Southeast Asia, with its range extending onto islands in the Indo-West-Pacific. This snail is, as one of the most frequent and major first intermediate host, an important vector for digenic trematodes causing several human diseases. As a typical thiarid T.granifera is viviparous and parthenogenetic, with various embryonic stages up to larger shelled juveniles developing within the female’s subhemocoelic (i.e non-uterine) brood pouch. Despite the known conchological disparity in other thiarids as well as this taxon, in Thailand Tarebia has been reported with the occurrence of one species only. In light of the polytypic variations found in shell morphology of freshwater snails in general and this taxon in particular, the lack of a modern taxonomic-systematic revision, using molecular genetics, has hampered more detailed insights to date, for example, into the locally varying trematode infection rates found in populations of Tarebia from across its range in Thailand as well as neighboring countries and areas. Here, we integrate evidence from phylogeographical analyses based on phenotypic variation (shell morphology, using biometry and geometric morphometrics) with highly informative and heterogeneous mtDNA sequence data (from the gene fragments cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and 16 S rRNA). We evaluate both the morphological and molecular genetic variation (using several phylogenetic analyses, including haplotype networks and a dated molecular tree), in correlation with differences in the reproductive biology among populations of Tarebia from various water bodies in the north, northwest, central, and south of Thailand, supplementing our respective analyses of parasite infections of this thiarid by cercaria of 15 trematode species, reported in a parallel study. Based on the comparison of topotypical material from the island of Timor, with specimens from 12 locations as reference, we found significant, albeit not congruent variation of both phenotype and genotype in Tarebiagranifera, based on 1,154 specimens from 95 Thai samples, representing a geographically wide-ranging, river-based cross-section of this country. Our analyses indicate the existence of two genetically distinct clades and hint at possible species differentiation within what has been traditionally considered as T.granifera. These two lineages started to split about 5 mya, possibly related to marine transgressions forming what became known as biogeographical barrier north of the Isthmus of Kra. Grounded on the site-by-site analysis of individual Tarebia populations, our country-wide chorological approach focussing on the conchologically distinct and genetically diverse lineages of Tarebia allows to discuss questions of this either reflecting subspecific forms versus being distinct species within a narrowly delimited species complex. Our results, therefore, provide the ground for new perspectives on the phylogeography, evolution and parasitology of Thai freshwater gastropods, exemplified here by these highly important thiarids.

scholarly journals Blood parasites in dogs from the Belgrade area in the period 2014-2015

2017 ◽  
pp. 69-78
Author(s):  
Ivan Pavlovic ◽  
Ivana Kovacevic ◽  
Radoje Doder ◽  
Branislav Rangelov ◽  
Ivana Nikic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Ixodes Persulcatus ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Test Kit ◽  
Blood Smears ◽  
Shelter Dogs ◽  
First Time ◽  
Babesia Spp

Prevalence of blood parasites in dogs in the Belgrade area has been investigated continuously during the last 20 years, especially in clinically suspicious dogs. In the period from 2014 to 2015, 249 blood samples of pets (182) and shelter dogs (67) were examined. Using Giemsa-stained blood smears, the presence of Babesia spp. was examined in erythrocytes and the presence of morulae of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. in circu?lating monocytes and granulocytes. To confirm positive findings of ehrlichiosis and ana?plasmosis in blood smears, CaniV-4 Test Kit or IDEXX SNAP 4DX test was used. Infection with two pathogens was found in 78/249 (31.32%) cases; in all cases, the infection with one of the protozoa or bacteria was in combination with heartworms. In blood-smears, babesiosis was found in 39.75% of pet dogs and in 71.64% of shelter dogs, ehrlichiosis in 15.93% and 28.35%, and anaplasmosis in 6.04% and 19.40%, respectivelly. From colected ticks, relative abundance analysis revealed that the species Ixodes ricinus was absolutely dominant and found in 50.53% (47/93), followed by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ? 38.70% (36/93), Derma?centor marginatus ? 9.67% (9/93), D. reticulatus, and Ixodes persulcatus found in 3.22% (3/93), which for the first time occurred in dogs in the Belgrade area and in Serbia.

scholarly journals Fungi associated with grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) with emphasize on pestalotioid species in Kurdistan Province, Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esmail Khaledi ◽  
Jamal Nahvi Moghadam ◽  
Jafar Abdollahzadeh ◽  
Jahanshir Amini
Keyword(s):  
New Records ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Botryosphaeria Dothidea ◽  
Clonostachys Rosea ◽  
Grapevine Trunk Diseases ◽  
Worldwide Distribution ◽  
The World ◽  
Trunk Diseases

Abstract Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are destructive and important economically with worldwide distribution. In this survey 233 fungal isolates were obtained from grapevine cultivars showing trunk diseases symptoms in Kurdistan Province, Iran. Based on sequences data and morphology 24 species belong to 20 genera were characterized. Botryosphaeriaceae, Alternaria, Sporocadaceae and Phaeoacremonium members were the most prevalent identified fungal groups. At the species level Botryosphaeria dothidea, Alternaria malorum, Phaeoacremonium aleophilum and Acremonium sclerotigenum were the most frequent identified species. All species are new records in Kurdistan Province. Clonostachys rosea and Neoscytalidium novaehollandiae are new records on grapevine in Iran. Acremonium sclerotigenum, Alternaria chlamydosporigena, Ascochyta herbicola and Paecilomyces formosus are new records on grapevine around the world. In phylogenetic analyses based on LSU, ITS, TEF-1α and TUB2 sequence data four pestalotioid species belong to Sporocadaceae were identified. Of these, three species are new for science and introduced here as Seimatosporium marivanicum, Sporocadus kurdistani and Xenoseimatosporium kurdistanicum. Furthermore, three new combinations in Sporocadus are proposed.

scholarly journals First Report of Pink Disease on Native Trees in South Africa and Phylogenetic Placement of Erythricium salmonicolor in the Homobasidiomycetes

Plant Disease ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 89 (11) ◽  
pp. 1158-1163 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Roux ◽  
M. P. A. Coetzee
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Large Subunit ◽  
Mpumalanga Province ◽  
Phylogenetic Placement ◽  
Exotic Tree ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The World

Erythricium salmonicolor causes a canker and die-back disease, commonly known as pink disease, on many tree species. During an investigation of diseases of Podocarpus henkellii and P. latifolius in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, typical symptoms of pink disease were observed on the branches of these trees. Stem and branch cankers covered with cracked bark and abundant pink mycelial growth were common on the affected trees. In subsequent surveys, the disease was also found on native Dais cotonifolia in the same area, as well as on native Ekebergia capensis and Maesa lanceolata in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Phylogenetic analyses of ribosomal large subunit DNA sequence data were used to confirm the identity of the pathogen and obtain an indication of its phylogenetic placement within the Homobasidiomycetes. Isolates from all the native hosts recorded in this study, as well as from exotic Eucalyptus sp. and Acacia mearnsii, formed a strongly supported clade together with isolates from other parts of the world. Results confirmed that the pathogen in South Africa is Erythricium salmonicolor. Isolates from South Africa and Ethiopia grouped closely together, slightly different from E. salmonicolor isolates from the rest of the world. Our data also suggest that the genus name for E. salmonicolor possibly should be reconsidered because it groups separately from E. laetum or Corticium roseum. Phylogenetic analyses further indicated that the genus Erythricium is most closely related to Marchandiomyces aurantiacus, M. lignicola, C. roseum, E. laetum, Dendrothele maculata, D. roseacarneum, Vuilleminia comedens, V. macrospora, Punctularia strigoso-zonata and Galzinia incrustans. These genera form a separate subclade, the corticioid clade, within the Homobasidiomycetes. Pink disease is potentially important in South Africa because it affects a wide range of native and exotic tree species, and this study provides a foundation for further research.

The rediscovery of malaria parasites of ungulates

Parasitology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 143 (12) ◽  
pp. 1501-1508 ◽  
Author(s):  
THOMAS J. TEMPLETON ◽  
ELLEN MARTINSEN ◽  
MORAKOT KAEWTHAMASORN ◽  
OSAMU KANEKO
Keyword(s):  
Water Buffalo ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Bubalus Bubalis ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Phylogenetic Studies ◽  
Blood Smears ◽  
Capra Aegagrus ◽  
Asian Water ◽  
Anopheline Mosquitoes

SUMMARYOver a hundred years since their first description in 1913, the sparsely described malaria parasites (genus Plasmodium) of ungulates have been rediscovered using molecular typing techniques. In the span of weeks, three studies have appeared describing the genetic characterization and phylogenetic analyses of malaria parasites from African antelope (Cephalophus spp.) and goat (Capra aegagrus hircus), Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), and North American white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Here we unify the contributions from those studies with the literature on pre-molecular characterizations of ungulate malaria parasites, which are largely based on surveys of Giemsa-reagent stained blood smears. We present a phylogenetic tree generated from all available ungulate malaria parasite sequence data, and show that parasites from African duiker antelope and goat, Asian water buffalo and New World white-tailed deer group together in a clade, which branches early in Plasmodium evolution. Anopheline mosquitoes appear to be the dominant, if not sole vectors for parasite transmission. We pose questions for future phylogenetic studies, and discuss topics that we hope will spur further molecular and cellular studies of ungulate malaria parasites.

scholarly journals Curvicladiella paphiopedili sp. nov., a new species on orchid (Paphiopedilum sp.) from Guizhou, China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
LIan-chai Song ◽  
Lu Huang ◽  
Yao Feng ◽  
Li-li Wang ◽  
Xing-yu An ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Guizhou Province ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
The World ◽  
Garden Plants ◽  
A New Species

Paphiopedilum is known as “slipper orchids”, which has a high ornamental value and can be used as household bonsai and garden plants. Paphiopedilum is also one of the most beautiful plants in the world due to their exotic and unique flowers. An asexual fungus was collected from diseased leaves of Paphiopedilum sp. from Guizhou Province, China, is described and illustrated on the basis of morphological characters and molecular evidence. The morphologies of Curvicladiella paphiopedili sp. nov. were characterized by penicillate conidiophores with a stipe, dull, tapering towards the apex and the curved stipe extension, cylindrical conidia. In the phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, cmdA, his3, ITS, tef1 and tub2 sequence data, this taxon was clustered as sister to Curvicladiella cignea within Nectriaceae.

scholarly journals Molecular and morphological characterization of three new species of avian Onchocercidae (Nematoda) with emphasis on circulating microfilariae

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasa Binkienė ◽  
Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas ◽  
Rasa Bernotienė ◽  
Gediminas Valkiūnas
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Characterization ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Dna Barcode ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Buffy Coat ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Characterization Methods

Abstract Background Blood parasites have been the subject of much research, with numerous reports of the presence of microfilariae in the peripheral blood (circulating microfilariae) of birds belonging to many orders. Current limitations in molecular characterization methods and species identification using morphological characters of circulating microfilariae are major obstacles to improving our understanding the biology of Filarioidea species, particularly in wildlife. The aim of this study was to partially fill these gaps, with particular emphasis on morphological features of microfilariae, which are the most readily accessible stages of these pathogens. Methods Peripheral blood samples of 206 birds belonging to genera Acrocephalus (five species) and Sylvia (five species) were examined using the buffy coat method to process the blood samples for the presence of microfilariae. Positive birds were dissected to collect adult nematodes. Microfilariae and adult nematodes were described, and sequences of their mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and nuclear 28S rDNA gene fragments were obtained and used for molecular characterization and Bayesian phylogenetic inferences. Results Overall prevalence of microfilariae was 2.9%. Microfilariae were found in the blood samples from six birds (2 Acrocephalus scirpaceus and 1 each of A. arundinaceus, Sylvia atricapilla, S. borin and S. curruca), which were dissected. All parasite species observed were new. Eufilaria acrocephalusi sp. n. and Eufilaria sylviae sp. n. were present in subcutaneous, peritracheal and periesophageal connective tissues in A. scirpaceus and S. borin, respectively. Splendidofilaria bartletti sp. n. was found in finger joins of S. atricapilla. Illustrations of microfilariae and adult nematodes are shown, and morphological and phylogenetic analyses identified the DNA barcode haplotypes that are associated with these species. Phylogenetic analysis places the parasites of different genera in different closely related clades. Conclusions Adult nematode morphological characters, which have been traditionally used in the taxonomy of Filarioidea species, have a phylogenetic value. Importantly, in our study parasites of different genera were readily distinguishable based on the morphology of their microfilariae. The link between molecular and morphology data requires more study in Filarioidea species research, particularly because this approach provides new knowledge on species identity using only readily accessible blood stages (microfilariae), thereby avoiding host dissection and thus minimizing harm to wildlife during research.

scholarly journals Relative white blood cell counts, heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and discovery of blood parasites in wild dugong (Dugong dugon) at Lingayan Island, Toli-toli, Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1849-1853
Author(s):  
Aryani Sismin Satyaningtijas ◽  
Agik Suprayogi ◽  
Huda Shalahudin Darusman ◽  
Ardiansyah Nurdin ◽  
Desrayni Hanadhita
Keyword(s):  
Blood Cell ◽  
White Blood Cell ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Physiological Conditions ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Blood Smears ◽  
White Blood Cell Counts ◽  
Free Ranging

Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the relative white blood cell (WBC) counts and the heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and to analyze the presence of blood parasites in wild dugongs at Lingayan Island. It is expected that the results of this study could provide additional knowledge about the physiological conditions of wild dugongs in their natural habitats, which can serve as basic data in dugong conservation efforts, especially in Indonesia. Materials and Methods: A wild dugong was captured around Lingayan Island. Blood samples were collected from the saphenous vein, and blood smears were prepared immediately. The blood smears were examined for leukocyte identification, calculation of relative WBC counts, and presence of blood parasites. The H/L ratio was calculated based on the obtained relative WBC counts. Results: The relative WBC counts included heterophils 19.4%, lymphocytes 76.4%, and monocytes 3.6%, and the H/L ratio was 0.25. Intraerythrocytic parasites were identified and suspected to be Anaplasma and Babesia. Conclusion: This study reports leukocyte values from free-ranging dugongs captured in Lingayan Island, Indonesia. Based on the H/L ratio, the dugong examined, in this study, did not experience chronic stress. However, the discovery of blood parasites could be one of the threatening factors for the dugong population.

Diversification of the North American Doellingeria-Eucephalus Clade (Astereae: Asteraceae) Inferred from Molecular and Morphological Evidence

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 930-942
Author(s):  
Geraldine A. Allen ◽  
Luc Brouillet ◽  
John C. Semple ◽  
Heidi J. Guest ◽  
Robert Underhill
Keyword(s):  
North American ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Morphological Evidence ◽  
South American ◽  
New Combinations ◽  
The North ◽  
Hybridization Event ◽  
Ancient Hybridization

Abstract—Doellingeria and Eucephalus form the earliest-diverging clade of the North American Astereae lineage. Phylogenetic analyses of both nuclear and plastid sequence data show that the Doellingeria-Eucephalus clade consists of two main subclades that differ from current circumscriptions of the two genera. Doellingeria is the sister group to E. elegans, and the Doellingeria + E. elegans subclade in turn is sister to the subclade containing all remaining species of Eucephalus. In the plastid phylogeny, the two subclades are deeply divergent, a pattern that is consistent with an ancient hybridization event involving ancestral species of the Doellingeria-Eucephalus clade and an ancestral taxon of a related North American or South American group. Divergence of the two Doellingeria-Eucephalus subclades may have occurred in association with northward migration from South American ancestors. We combine these two genera under the older of the two names, Doellingeria, and propose 12 new combinations (10 species and two varieties) for all species of Eucephalus.

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