Phylogenetic relationship of Hepatozoon blood parasites found in snakes from Africa, America and Asia.
Parasitology
; 141(3): 389-98, 2014 Mar.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-24553081
ABSTRACT
The blood parasites from the genus Hepatozoon Miller, 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 all Hepatozoon parasites from snakes for the first time. In total, 178 blood smears obtained from 209 individuals, representing 40 species, were examined, from which Hepatozoon unicellular 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, Philothamnus and Python), five snakes from Asia from the genus Morelia and two snakes from America, from two genera (Coluber and Corallus). 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 studied Hepatozoon sp., nor congruency in the host association.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Contexto em Saúde:
3_ND
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Serpentes
/
Eucoccidiida
/
Coccidiose
Tipo de estudo:
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Animals
País/Região como assunto:
Africa
/
Asia
/
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Parasitology
Ano de publicação:
2014
Tipo de documento:
Article