Interplay between conserved host specificity and occasional host switches is an important process determining the evolution of host-parasite systems. Here, we address the dynamics of host switches at the population level in rodent-associated Eimeria. Focusing mainly on two ecologically similar host groups, Murinae and Arvicolinae, we show that the Eimeria infecting those hosts form a complex system of many genetic lineages with different host specificities. The broad geographic distribution of lineages indicates that they are well-established genetic forms which retained their host specificities while spreading across large geographic areas. We also demonstrate that genetic structure is only partially reflected by morphological traits.

Department of Parasitology Faculty of Science University of South Bohemia Branišovská 1760 370 05 České Budějovice Czech Republic

Department of Pathology and Parasitology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Veterinary Sciences Brno Palackého tř 1946 1 612 42 Brno Czech Republic

Institute of Parasitology Slovak Academy of Sciences Hlinkova 3 040 01 Košice Slovak Republic

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