Using molecular markers to study epidemiologically important trematode representatives, Clonorchis sinensis and Metagonimus suifunensis, in the Russian Far East

Despite the epidemiological significance of the trematodes Clonorchis sinensis and Metagonimus suifunensis, these species are insufficiently studied in the Russian Far East. In this work, we compare various nuclear and mitochondrial markers used for population genetic studies, based on previously published articles, as well as new data on the nad1 mtDNA gene obtained for M. suifunensis. Even such conservative markers as the ITS1–5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region and the cox1 mtDNA gene are suitable for the analysis of genetic variability in the C. sinensis population, while more variable mtDNA genes must be used to assess the population structure of M. suifunensis. However, the level of variability is not the only determining factor when choosing a marker. The nad1 mtDNA gene did not reveal patterns within the M. suifunensis population, like the cox1 gene, while the mtDNA cytb gene, with lower variability indices, showed a geographical subdivision and migration ways for individuals of the species.

Molecular Divergence in Flea Ctenocephalides Canis From West and Northwest of Iran

BackgroundFleas of the family Pulicidae are the most common ectoparasites infesting domestic livestock worldwide. The main aim of the present study was to demonstrate the degree of molecular divergence between Ctenocephalides canis fleas in the Western and Northwestern of Iran, based on nuclear and mitochondrial genes, including ITS1and ITS 2 and cytochrome c-oxidase 1 (cox1) mtDNA. MethodsA total of 918 C. canis fleas was collected. The obtained morphometric data and DNA sequencing results did not show significant differences between C. canis specimens from the different regions or hosts. However, there was a significant degree of molecular divergence among the ten populations based on nuclear markers.ResultsThe degree of molecular divergence between different isolates of C. canis based on ITS1and ITS 2 genes was 0.15% and 3.36%, respectively. But analysis of the sequencing results shows that there was no molecular divergence between the ten populations based on the Cox1 marker.ConclusionsStudy of internal transcribed spacer ITS1 and ITS2 of rDNA and the partial cox1 mtDNA gene showed that these fragments are useful tools for interspecific divergence rates, species-level differentiation and confirm the diagnosis of species C. canis.

Revision of Cestocampa Condé (Diplura, Campodeidae), with description of a new species from caves in the eastern Iberian Peninsula

A new cave-dwelling Diplura, Cestocampa iberica, is described from the eastern Iberian Peninsula. The new species wascollected in ten caves located in the large karstic area occurring along the Castilian-Valencian branch of the IberianMountain Range. It closely resembles other Cestocampa spp., especially C. gasparoi and C. balcanica. The delimitationof Cestocampa is reviewed. Cestocampa balcanica is redescribed and C. kashiensis is removed from the genus andtransferred to Plusiocampa. A phylogeographic analysis, based on the cox1 mtDNA gene of the new species, reveals aclear geographic structure with high levels of population phylopatry, indicating limited dispersal capabilities as found inother soil arthropods. Evidence of gene flow between nearby localities suggests interconnections among nearby caves.Under certain climatic conditions the species may be able to disperse over the surface, as suggested by one presumed longdistance dispersal event.