MOLECULAR ASSESSMENT OFHEPATOZOON(APICOMPLEXA: ADELEORINA) INFECTIONS IN WILD CANIDS AND RODENTS FROM NORTH AFRICA, WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS ACROSS TAXONOMIC GROUPS

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Parasites play a major role in ecosystems, and understanding of host-parasite interactions is important for predicting parasite transmission dynamics and epidemiology. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the distribution, diversity, and impact of parasites in wildlife, especially from remote areas. Hepatozoon is a genus of apicomplexan parasites that is transmitted by ingestion of infected arthropod vectors. However, alternative modes of transmission have been identified such as trophic transmission. Using the 18S rRNA gene as a marker, we provide an assessment of Hepatozoon prevalence in six wild canid and two rodent species collected between 2003 and 2012 from remote areas in North Africa. By combining this with other predator-prey systems in a phylogenetic framework, we investigate Hepatozoon transmission dynamics in distinct host taxa. [7/11, 42%]). Phylogenetic analysis showed further evidence of occasional transmission of Hepatozoon lineages from prey to canid predators, which seems to occur less frequently than in other predator-prey systems such as between snakes and lizards. Due to the complex nature of the Hepatozoon lifecycle (heteroxenous and vector-borne), future studies on these wild host species need to clarify the dynamics of alternative modes of Hepatozoon transmission and identify reservoir and definitive hosts in natural populations. We also detected putative Babesia spp. (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmida) infections in two canid species from this region, V. pallida (1/28) and V. zerda (1/11).

Molecular detection of Hepatozoon spp. in domestic dogs and wild mammals in southern Pantanal, Brazil with implications in the transmission route

“…Although the transmission of H. americanum has been experimentally confirmed by the ingestion of cysts containing -rodent tissues by dogs (Johnson et al, 2009), previous studies showed evidence that the Hepatozoon species found in free-living rodents in Brazil differ from those detected in domestic and wild canids (Maia et al, 2014;Demoner et al, 2016). Herein, the phylogenetic positioning and DNA divergence analysis reinforce the hypothesis that the transmission of Hepatozoon from preys (rodents) to canids is a rare event and may not contribute to the spread of the parasite among canids in Brazil (Maia et al, 2014;Demoner et al, 2016).…”

“…Sequences of Hepatozoon spp. obtained from rodents and wild canids in South Africa showed to be phylogenetically related, suggesting a potential for transmission by predation of rodents by foxes (Vulpes pallida) (Maia et al, 2014). Additionally, Hepatozoon genotype sp.…”

An Australian dog diagnosed with an exotic tick-borne infection: should Australia still be considered free from Hepatozoon canis?

“…adustus (side-striped jackal) (Maia et al, 2014a); similarly, one report in V. pallida (pale fox) in Senegal, (Maia et al, 2014a), one positive questing I. ricinus female in Luxembourg (Reye et al, 2010), and one report in a domestic dog with an unknown travel history in Ukraine (Hamel et al, 2013).…”

Screening for Hepatozoon parasites in gerbils and potential predators in South Africa

“…Therefore, knowing which Hepatozoon species are present has relevance for conservation of wild hosts and has veterinary implications in domestic animals. Additionally, molecular screenings have indicated that trophic pathways may explain the parasites found in both predators and prey, including rodent–snake (Tomé et al 2014 ) and rodent–canid (Maia et al 2014 ) food chains. At the same time, prevalence varies hugely between hosts and between study areas – for example Maia et al ( 2014 ) reported a prevalence of 36% versus 71% in two species of rodents ( Jaculus jaculus and Jaculus orientalis ) in North Africa.…”

“…Additionally, molecular screenings have indicated that trophic pathways may explain the parasites found in both predators and prey, including rodent–snake (Tomé et al 2014 ) and rodent–canid (Maia et al 2014 ) food chains. At the same time, prevalence varies hugely between hosts and between study areas – for example Maia et al ( 2014 ) reported a prevalence of 36% versus 71% in two species of rodents ( Jaculus jaculus and Jaculus orientalis ) in North Africa. It is clearly essential to screen more geographic regions for Hepatozoon prevalence, to improve estimates of diversity, to assess potential trophic pathways and to identify which genetic lineages can be found in diverse hosts.…”