Molecular characterization of Schellackia parasites in an urban population of sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) from Berlin, Germany.
Parasitol Res
; 122(8): 1759-1764, 2023 Aug.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37222818
ABSTRACT
Lizards are hosts of several taxa of unicellular parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa, including Karyolysus, Schellackia, Lankesterella, and Hepatozoon. Parasite prevalence and the impact of infections on lizard biology remain largely unexplored. In this study, blood parasite infections were investigated in sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) from Berlin, Germany. Eighty-three individuals were investigated, and the detected blood parasites were identified as Schellackia sp. The combination of microscopic and molecular screening revealed a prevalence of 14.5%. Parasitemia values were low and most infections were subpatent. Phylogenetic analysis recovered a close relationship of the Schellackia parasites of this study with Schellackia sp. parasites of different Lacerta and Podarcis lizard species from Spain. Monitoring of Schellackia parasite infections in free-ranging lizards contributes to a better understanding of the distribution, diversity, and phylogenetic relationships of the neglected parasite taxon.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Parásitos
/
Eucoccidiida
/
Lagartos
Tipo de estudio:
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
País/Región como asunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article