Cryptosporidium Tyzzer, 1910 is one of the most common protistan parasites of vertebrates. The results of this study provide the first data on Cryptosporidium diversity in the European ground squirrel Spermophilus citellus (Linnaeus). A total of 128 faecal samples of European ground squirrels from 39 localities in the Czech Republic were analysed for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. by microscopy and PCR/sequence analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU) and the actin gene. While the microscopical examination did not reveal the presence of any Cryptosporidium oocysts, eight samples from six localities were PCR-positive. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of five different Cryptosporidium spp. isolates. Four isolates, designated as Cryptosporidium sp. isolate Sc01-04, detected in wild populations and never recorded before, clustered closely to Cryptosporidium genotypes that have previously been found in North American ground squirrels' species. Cryptosporidium sciurinum Prediger, Ježková, Holubová, Sak, Konečný, Rost, McEvoy, Rajský et Kváč, 2021 was found in an animal sanctuary. Because C. sciurinum had previously been detected in Eurasian red squirrels Sciurus vulgaris Linnaeus at the same facility, it can be concluded that this Cryptosporidium was transmitted from tree squirrels to ground squirrels within the animal sanctuary. The results indicate that populations of European and North American ground squirrels are parasitised by different Cryptosporidium spp. At the same time, this is the first description of the occurrence of C. sciurinum in ground squirrels.

• MeSH
• Cryptosporidium * MeSH
• feces parazitologie   MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• kryptosporidióza * epidemiologie   parazitologie   MeSH
• Sciuridae parazitologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Severní Amerika MeSH

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.

• MeSH
• Arvicolinae MeSH
• Eimeria * MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• hostitelská specificita MeSH
• interakce hostitele a parazita MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Murinae MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

The analyses of molecular data represent an effective tool for increasing the credibility of taxonomy and facilitate the description of species. Nevertheless, in haemoprotozoa, the growing amount of available sequential data is not matched by the still limited number of well-defined species. We identified four protistan haemoparasites in North Iranian reptiles: two Hepatozoon and two Schellackia species. Hepatozoon colubri and Hepatozoon ophisauri were morphologically identified in their type hosts, their partial 18S rDNA was analyzed, and thorough literature data were included in their redescription. The scarce data on the detected Schellackia spp. did not allow for their formal species description. Using an integrative approach, including morphological and geographical features, host specificity, molecular data, and the data published thus far, we face the following main difficulties hindering reliable diagnosis. (1) The lack of molecular data on well-described and named species. (2) The insufficiency of using only morphological and biological features, or only sequential data without morphology, to perform an absolutely reliable species diagnosis. (3) Typical morphological features are more substantial than metric means. (4) High risk of synonymy is present in taxonomy of blood Protista. (5) Artefacts caused by blood smear processing further complicate the correct morphological determination.

• MeSH
• druhová specificita MeSH
• Eucoccidiida klasifikace   genetika   MeSH
• kokcidióza parazitologie   MeSH
• plazi parazitologie   MeSH
• protozoální DNA genetika   MeSH
• RNA ribozomální 18S genetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Írán MeSH

The Javan ferret-badger Melogale orientalis (Carnivora: Mustelidae: Helictidinae) is a small carnivore endemic to Indonesia. In the family Mustelidae, 10 Eimeria, 12 Cystoisopora, one Isospora, and one Hammondia species are known, but no eimeriid coccidia has been yet described in the subfamily Helictinidae (ferret badgers). Coproscopic examination of Javan ferret-badgers imported into the Czech Republic revealed the presence of coccidian oocysts. Sporulated oocysts differ from other Eimeria known in the family Mustelidae by their small size (12.4-16.1 × 10.4-13.4 μm) and ovoidal shape. Morphological data and phylogenetic analyses of 18S rRNA and COI genes indicated a new species of Eimeria found in faecal samples of Javan ferret badgers. The species is described as E. melogale n. sp.

• MeSH
• druhová specificita MeSH
• Eimeria klasifikace   cytologie   genetika   MeSH
• feces parazitologie   MeSH
• fylogeneze * MeSH
• Mustelidae parazitologie   MeSH
• oocysty cytologie   MeSH
• RNA ribozomální 18S genetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

Coccidia of the genus Isospora, their origin, taxonomy, and host specificity have been discussed for many years. The crucial point in question being the division of the genus, based on distinct evolutionary history and the presence/absence of the Stieda body, into the genera Isospora (Eimeriidae) parasitizing mainly birds and reptiles, and Cystoisospora (Sarcocystidae) parasitizing mammals. The description of the majority of Isospora species from rodents is based solely on the oocysts found in their faeces. Some of them have been described with the presence of the Stieda body, some without it, and, simultaneously, for all the described species the molecular data are entirely lacking. This study reveals the origin of isosporan oocysts found in faeces of bank voles based on morphological analyses, phylogenetic analyses, and experimental infections. Morphological analyses showed the presence of the Stieda body complex on sporocysts. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated close phylogenetic relationships between Isospora from bank voles and avian isosporans. Experimental inoculations of bank voles with sporulated oocysts of Isospora did not result in the production of unsporulated oocysts. Hence, these organisms should be considered pseudoparasites of the bank voles/rodents (probably originating from avian Isospora species).

• MeSH
• Arvicolinae parazitologie   MeSH
• feces parazitologie   MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• Isospora cytologie   izolace a purifikace   fyziologie   MeSH
• oocysty cytologie   izolace a purifikace   fyziologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

The arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), an apex predator with an omnipresent distribution in the Arctic, is a potential source of intestinal parasites that may endanger people and pet animals such as dogs, thus posing a health risk. Non-invasive methods, such as coprology, are often the only option when studying wildlife parasitic fauna. However, the detection and identification of parasites are significantly enhanced when used in combination with methods of molecular biology. Using both approaches, we identified unicellular and multicellular parasites in faeces of arctic foxes and carcasses of sibling voles (Microtus levis) in Svalbard, where molecular methods are used for the first time. Six new species were detected in the arctic fox in Svalbard, Eucoleus aerophilus, Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis, Eimeria spp., and Enterocytozoon bieneusi, the latter never found in the arctic fox species before. In addition, only one parasite was found in the sibling vole in Svalbard, the Cryptosporidium alticolis, which has never been detected in Svalbard before.

• MeSH
• Ancylostomatoidea izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• Arvicolinae parazitologie   MeSH
• cizopasní červi izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• Cryptosporidium izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• divoká zvířata parazitologie   MeSH
• Eimeria izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• feces parazitologie   MeSH
• hlístice izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• lišky parazitologie   MeSH
• parazitární nemoci střev veterinární   MeSH
• psi MeSH
• Toxocara canis izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• Trichuris izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• psi MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Arktida MeSH
• Svalbard MeSH

Intranuclear coccidiosis of testudines (known as TINC) is an emerging disease in chelonians. Although endogenous stages were repeatedly detected in various tissues, attempts to find the oocysts in faeces failed, leaving the question of the transmission and classification of the causative agent of TINC unresolved. We recorded small spherical oocysts (∼6-7 μm in diameter) of an eimeriid coccidium in faeces of a leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis). Sporulated oocysts were used for the experimental oral inoculation of juvenile coccidia-free tortoises representing 5 species (S. pardalis, Testudo graeca, T. hermanni, T. horsfieldii, and Geochelone sulcata). The oocysts' association with TINC was confirmed based on clinical signs, histopathological findings of intranuclear endogenous stages of the coccidium in many organs (including intestine), and by the partial 18S rDNA sequence analysis of the DNA isolated from organs of the experimentally infected animals and from a single naturally infected as well as from all experimentally infected tortoises. Breeding colonies of chelonians should be screened for this pathogen in order to prevent its further spread and unwanted introduction into endangered free-ranging chelonian populations.

• MeSH
• Eimeriidae klasifikace   genetika   izolace a purifikace   fyziologie   MeSH
• feces parazitologie   MeSH
• kokcidióza parazitologie   prevence a kontrola   přenos   veterinární   MeSH
• oocysty MeSH
• parazitární nemoci u zvířat parazitologie   prevence a kontrola   přenos   MeSH
• RNA ribozomální 18S genetika   MeSH
• želvy parazitologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Using a combination of morphological and molecular data, we describe a new apicomplexan parasite, Isospora svecica sp. n., from the white-spotted bluethroat, Luscinia svecica cyanecula, from the Czech Republic. Oocysts were found in its intestinal tract. Sporulation was exogenous and took 1-3 days. The oocysts were slightly ellipsoidal, of average size 26.17 × 20.33 μm, with a smooth bilayered wall. Micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granules were absent. Sporocysts were bottle-shaped, of an average size of 18.82 × 8.82 μm, with a thin, colourless wall. A conspicuous knob-like Stieda body was present. Substieda body was barely visible. Sporocyst residuum was present in the form of granules of various sizes. Sporozoites were banana-shaped and contained large anterior and small posterior refractile bodies. Partial DNA sequences of three genes were obtained from oocysts of Isospora svecica sp. n., being most closely related to other isosporans described from passerines. Little is known about the parasites of the avian family Muscicapidae, including coccidia, a highly prevalent parasitic protist group in all vertebrate classes. Only six species of the genus Isospora have so far been described in Muscicapidae, together with several "Isospora sp." that in fact most likely represent Isospora lacazei. The newly described Isospora svecica sp. n. differs morphologically from other coccidia reported from muscicapid birds, and represents the first coccidian species described from Luscinia svecica.

• MeSH
• Isospora klasifikace   cytologie   genetika   růst a vývoj   MeSH
• izosporóza parazitologie   veterinární   MeSH
• oocysty klasifikace   cytologie   genetika   růst a vývoj   MeSH
• Passeriformes parazitologie   MeSH
• protozoální geny genetika   MeSH
• sporozoiti klasifikace   cytologie   genetika   růst a vývoj   MeSH
• střeva parazitologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

Detection and quantification of coccidia in studies of wildlife can be challenging. Therefore, prevalence of coccidia is often not assessed at the parasite species level in non-livestock animals. Parasite species - specific prevalences are especially important when studying evolutionary questions in wild populations. We tested whether increased host population density increases prevalence of individual Eimeria species at the farm level, as predicted by epidemiological theory. We studied free-living commensal populations of the house mouse (Mus musculus) in Germany, and established a strategy to detect and quantify Eimeria infections. We show that a novel diagnostic primer targeting the apicoplast genome (Ap5) and coprological assessment after flotation provide complementary detection results increasing sensitivity. Genotyping PCRs confirm detection in a subset of samples and cross-validation of different PCR markers does not indicate bias towards a particular parasite species in genotyping. We were able to detect double infections and to determine the preferred niche of each parasite species along the distal-proximal axis of the intestine. Parasite genotyping from tissue samples provides additional indication for the absence of species bias in genotyping amplifications. Three Eimeria species were found infecting house mice at different prevalences: Eimeria ferrisi (16.7%; 95% CI 13.2-20.7), E. falciformis (4.2%; 95% CI 2.6-6.8) and E. vermiformis (1.9%; 95% CI 0.9-3.8). We also find that mice in dense populations are more likely to be infected with E. falciformis and E. ferrisi. We provide methods for the assessment of prevalences of coccidia at the species level in rodent systems. We show and discuss how such data can help to test hypotheses in ecology, evolution and epidemiology on a species level.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) is a small nocturnal primate from the Philippines. Little is known about tarsier parasites, including coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), a highly prevalent parasitic protist group in all vertebrate classes. Only 7 valid species of the genus Eimeria, seven species of Isospora and 5 species of Cyclospora have been described in Primates. This study extends the number of coccidia known in primates by two new species obtained from faeces of Philippine tarsiers from Bohol Island. The newly described Eimeria syrichta n. sp. and Eimeria boholensis n. sp. differ morphologically from each other as well as from other coccidia reported from primates. Partial DNA sequences of three genes were obtained from oocysts of E. syrichta n. sp. and E. boholensis n. sp., and formed clusters according to their host specificity; however, there are no other sequentional data of coccidia from primates, except for the genus Cyclospora, which clusters inside the chicken eimerians, and Cystoisospora belli, which is phylogenetically related to Sarcocystidae. More molecular data on coccidia infecting primates are needed for further discussion.

• MeSH
• druhová specificita MeSH
• Eimeria klasifikace   fyziologie   MeSH
• fylogeneze * MeSH
• hostitelská specificita MeSH
• protozoální DNA genetika   MeSH
• Tarsiidae parazitologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Filipíny MeSH