• MeSH
• Information Systems organization & administration   MeSH
• Decision Making MeSH
• Data Collection MeSH

• Conspectus
• Veřejné zdraví a hygiena
• NML Fields
• veřejné zdravotnictví
• knihovnictví, informační věda a muzeologie
• NML Publication type
• publikace WHO

A total of 151 bacterial isolates were recovered from different developmental stages (larvae, nymphs and adults) of field-collected ticks (67 strains from Ixodes ricinus, 38 from Dermacentor reticulatus, 46 from Haemaphysalis concinna). Microorganisms were identified by means of 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Almost 87 % of the strains belonged to G(+) bacteria with predominantly occurring genera Bacillus and Paenibacillus. Other G(+) strains included Arthrobacter, Corynebacterium, Frigoribacterium, Kocuria, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, Plantibacter, Rhodococcus, Rothia, and Staphylococcus. G(-) strains occurred less frequently, comprising genera Advenella, Pseudomonas, Rahnella, Stenotrophomonas, and Xanthomonas. Several strains of medical importance were found, namely Advenella incenata, Corynebacterium aurimucosum, Microbacterium oxydans, M. schleiferi, Staphylococcus spp., and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Data on cultivable microbial diversity in Eurasian tick species D. reticulatus and H. concinna are given, along with the extension of present knowledge concerning bacterial flora of I. ricinus.

• MeSH
• Arachnid Vectors microbiology   parasitology   growth & development   MeSH
• Bacteria genetics   isolation & purification   classification   MeSH
• DNA, Bacterial genetics   MeSH
• Financing, Organized MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• Tick Infestations parasitology   MeSH
• Ixodidae microbiology   parasitology   growth & development   MeSH
• Molecular Sequence Data MeSH
• Vertebrates parasitology   MeSH
• DNA, Ribosomal genetics   MeSH
• RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics   MeSH
• Bacterial Typing Techniques MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH

The helminth endoparasites of many European amphibian species are often known exclusively from morphological descriptions. A molecular library of DNA sequence data linked to morphological identifications is still in its infancy. In this paper, we aim to contribute to such a library on the smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris, the intermediate and definitive host of 31 helminth parasites, according to evidence published so far. Newts (n = 69) were collected at two study sites in western Germany and examined for the presence of helminths. A total of five helminth species were detected in 56 (81%) of the newts, but only one or two species infected a single host. Four out of five helminth species were identified morphologically and based on DNA sequences as Parastrigea robusta (metacercariae), Oswaldocruzia filiformis, Megalobatrachonema terdentatum (adults and larvae) and Cosmocerca longicauda, and the corresponding sequences were provided subsequently. Oswaldocruzia molgeta was confirmed to be a junior synonym of O. filiformis. Molecular data on a fifth species (a cosmocercid nematode) that could not be identified at species level were added to GenBank. These findings increased the molecular library on morphologically identified smooth newt parasites significantly, from 12 to 15 entries.

• MeSH
• Helminths anatomy & histology   classification   genetics   isolation & purification   MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• Microscopy MeSH
• Prevalence MeSH
• Salamandridae parasitology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Germany MeSH

Females of species of Lamproglena von Nordmann, 1832 are parasitic on the gills of teleost fishes and the 38 nominal species are based on mainly morphological data. Only four of these species have been genetically characterised and no mitochondrial data are available for the genus. The present study aimed to provide representative ribosomal DNA (rDNA) data for two additional species of Lamproglena from Africa: Lamproglena clariae Fryer, 1956 and Lamproglena hoi Dippenaar, Luus-Powell et Roux, 2001, alongside mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for these and two other African species, Lamproglena hemprichii von Nordmann, 1832 and Lamproglena monodi Capart, 1944. The four species were collected from Clariidae, Cyprinidae, Alestidae and Cichlidae, respectively. Representative 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA data were obtained for L. clariae and L. hoi, while cox1 mtDNA was obtained for all four species. The respective haplotypes supported the distinctness of all species using all three gene regions investigated. Interestingly, species appeared to be grouped more by geographical origin than host family, with L. hoi more closely related to other African species than to Asian species also collected from cyprinid hosts. Even though the results presented here greatly add to the molecular data available for Lamproglena, there are still 32 (>80%) species for which no genetic data are available. The interpretation of the results presented here is thus preliminary and much more data are required before the phylogeny of this genus, and other members of the family, such as Lernaea Linnaeus, 1758, can be studied appropriately.

• MeSH
• Copepoda * MeSH
• Cyprinidae * parasitology   MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• DNA, Mitochondrial genetics   MeSH
• DNA, Ribosomal MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Africa MeSH

An annotated list of larvae (metacestodes) of gryporhynchid tapeworms (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) from freshwater fishes in Africa is provided with numerous new host and geographical records. Newly collected materials from Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan and Zimbabwe practically double the total number of species reported from African fish so far. We confirm the occurrence of 16 species (five unidentified to the species level and most likely representing new taxa) belonging to the genera Amirthalingamia Bray, 1974 (1 species), Cyclustera Fuhrmann, 1901 (2 species), Dendrouterina Fuhrmann, 1912 (1 species), Neogryporhynchus Baer & Bona, 1960 (1 species), Paradilepis Hsü, 1935 (4 species), Parvitaenia Burt, 1940 (5 species), and Valipora Linton, 1927 (2 species). Additionally, metacestodes of four unidentified species of Paradilepis and Parvitaenia are reported from fish for the first time. Rostellar hooks of all species are illustrated and their measurements are provided together with a host-parasite list. The molecular phylogenetic analysis based on partial LSU rDNA sequences offers the first insight into the internal phylogenetic relationships within the family. Together with the morphological observations, the present study provides a taxonomic baseline for future studies on this largely neglected, but widely distributed and relatively frequent, group of parasites of African fishes, including economically important cichlids like tilapias and cyprinids.

• MeSH
• Cestoda classification   genetics   MeSH
• Species Specificity MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• Larva MeSH
• DNA, Ribosomal genetics   MeSH
• Fishes parasitology   MeSH
• Fresh Water MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

Apicomplexan haemoparasites of the genera Schellackia Reichenow, 1919, and Karyolysus Labbé, 1894, seem to be common in lizards and widespread across the world. For decades, their identification has been based on morphological descriptions and life cycle patterns, with molecular characterizations, applied only recently. We used molecular characterization to confirm the identification of haemoparasites detected by microscopy in blood smears of Lacerta schreiberi Bedriaga, 1878, a lizard of the Iberian Peninsula. Since blood samples other than blood smears were not available from the studied lizards, 264 engorged ticks Ixodes ricinus (Linneaus, 1758) collected from them were used as an alternative non-invasive source of haemoparasite DNA for molecular genetic analyses. Of the 48 blood smears microscopically examined, 31 were positive for blood parasites (64.6% prevalence). We identified trophozoites and gamonts similar to Karyolysus lacazei (Labbé, 1894) (24/48; 50%) and Schellackia-like sporozoites (20/48; 41.7%). Mixed infections with both species occurred in 13 blood smears (27.1%). Sequence data were obtained for both parasites from engorged ticks. Phylogenetic analyses placed our unique haemogregarine sequence within the Karyolysus clade, nevertheless, within substantial polytomy. Thus, according to its morphology and effect on the host cell, we refer to this haemogregarine as Karyolysus cf. lacazei. Besides the Schellackia sequences being identical to a previously identified haplotype, we also obtained sequences of three new closely related haplotypes.

• MeSH
• Eucoccidiida classification   MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• Genetic Variation * MeSH
• Haplotypes MeSH
• Lizards parasitology   MeSH
• Ixodes parasitology   MeSH
• Coccidiosis blood   parasitology   veterinary   MeSH
• DNA, Protozoan genetics   MeSH
• Sequence Analysis, DNA MeSH
• Sporozoites genetics   MeSH
• Trophozoites genetics   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

On the basis of morphological and molecular data, Walteriella n. g. is proposed to accommodate the dactylogyrid parasites Walteriella conica n. sp. (type-species) from the gills of Platynematichthys notatus (Jardine) (type-host) and Brachyplatystoma juruense (Boulenger), and Walteriella ophiocirrus n. sp. from the gills of Platystomatichthys sturio (Kner) (type-host), all fish host belonging to the Pimelodidae collected in the Peruvian Amazonia. Species of the new genus are distinguished from other dactylogyrids infecting Neotropical catfishes by the presence of a folded germarium, a male copulatory organ basally articulated to the accessory piece, a cone-shaped seminal receptacle, and ventral and dorsal bars with projections directed anteriorly. Both species of the new genus form a strongly supported lineage closely related to Dactylogyridae gen. sp. 13, a parasite of Hypophthalmus edentatus Spix & Agassiz (Pimelodidae) in an analysis of partial sequences of the 28S rRNA gene. The clade formed by species of Walteriella n. g. and Dactylogyridae gen. sp. 13 is closely related to other dactylogyrids infecting pimelodid catfishes. Based on the morphology of its haptoral elements and copulatory complex, the species Dactylogyridae gen. sp. 13 is morphologically different from species of Walteriella n. g., but its generic assignment is still unclear.

• MeSH
• Species Specificity MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• RNA, Ribosomal, 28S genetics   MeSH
• Catfishes parasitology   MeSH
• Trematoda anatomy & histology   classification   genetics   MeSH
• Gills parasitology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Peru MeSH

BACKGROUND: The systematics of echinostomes within the so-called 'revolutum' group of the genus Echinostoma, which encompasses the type-species E. revolutum and a number of morphologically similar species, has long been controversial. Recent molecular studies indicate the existence of more species than previously considered valid, thus stressing the need for wider taxon sampling from natural host populations. This is especially true for Europe where morphological evidence indicates higher species diversity than previously thought, but where molecular data are virtually lacking. This gap in our knowledge was addressed in the present study through an integration of morphological and molecular approaches in the investigation of a dataset with larger taxonomic and geographical coverage. METHODS: More than 20,000 freshwater snails belonging to 16 species were collected during 1998-2012 from various localities in eight countries in Europe. Snail screening provided representative larval isolates for five species of the 'revolutum' group, identified by their morphology. Adult isolates for four species recovered from natural and experimental infections were also identified. Partial fragments of the mitochondrial nad1 and 28S rRNA genes were amplified for 74 and 16 isolates, respectively; these were analysed together with the sequences of Echinostoma spp. available on GenBank. RESULTS: Delineation of the European Echinostoma spp. was carried out based on molecular, morphological and ecological data. The large-scale screening revealed infections with five Echinostoma spp., including one new species: E. revolutum (sensu stricto), E. miyagawai, E. paraulum, E. bolschewense and Echinostoma n. sp. The newly-generated nad1 sequences from Europe fall into six distinct, well-supported, reciprocally monophyletic lineages corresponding to the species identifications based on morphology; this was corroborated by the 28S rDNA sequences. The analyses of the total nad1 dataset provided evidence for 12 monophyletic groups and five singletons, which represent seven described/named species and ten cryptic species-level lineages of Echinostoma. CONCLUSION: We conclude that nad1 should be the first choice for large-scale barcode-based identification of the species of the 'revolutum' group. Our study provides a comprehensive reference library for precisely identified isolates of the European species and highlights the importance of an integrative approach for species identification linking molecular, morphological and biological data.

• MeSH
• Species Specificity MeSH
• Echinostoma anatomy & histology   classification   genetics   MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• Haplotypes MeSH
• Snails parasitology   MeSH
• Host-Parasite Interactions MeSH
• Fresh Water MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Europe MeSH

The majority of Haemogregarina species have been based on the morphology of their erythrocytic stages and supposed strict host specificity. The quantity of species with a limited number of overlapping diagnostic traits has led to a considerable mess in haemogregarine taxonomy and significant synonymy. We analysed host specificity, intra- and interspecific variability, evolutionary relationships, and the distribution of the type species of the genus Haemogregarina--H. stepanowi. The morphology of blood stages and 18S rDNA sequences of this haemogregarine from four western Palaearctic hard-shelled freshwater turtles (Emys orbicularis, Mauremys caspica, Mauremys leprosa and Mauremys rivulata) were compared with Haemogregarina balli. Additional sequences of 18S rDNA of Haemogregarina-like isolates collected from three species of African hinged terrapins (genus Pelusios) were used to enlarge the dataset for phylogenetic analyses. Thirteen sequences (1085 bp) of Haemogregarina representing all four western Palaearctic turtle species were identical, corresponding to H. stepanowi, which is closely related to the Nearctic species H. balli. In our analyses, Haemogregarina spp. constituted a monophyletic clade sister to the genus Hepatozoon. Haemogregarina stepanowi possesses a wide distribution range from the Maghreb, through Europe, Turkey and the Middle East to Iran. We consider that the genus Haemogregarina has a low host specificity crossing the family level of its vertebrate hosts and that its distribution is likely to be linked to the vector and definitive host--the leech.

• MeSH
• Eucoccidiida classification   cytology   genetics   isolation & purification   MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• Host Specificity MeSH
• Disease Vectors MeSH
• Host-Parasite Interactions * MeSH
• Coccidiosis parasitology   veterinary   MeSH
• Molecular Sequence Data MeSH
• Leeches parasitology   MeSH
• DNA, Ribosomal chemistry   genetics   MeSH
• RNA, Ribosomal, 18S genetics   MeSH
• Base Sequence MeSH
• Sequence Analysis, DNA veterinary   MeSH
• Fresh Water MeSH
• Turtles parasitology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

BACKGROUND: The advancement of sequencing technologies today has made a plethora of whole-genome re-sequenced (WGRS) data publicly available. However, research utilizing the WGRS data without further configuration is nearly impossible. To solve this problem, our research group has developed an interactive Allele Catalog Tool to enable researchers to explore the coding region allelic variation present in over 1,000 re-sequenced accessions each for soybean, Arabidopsis, and maize. RESULTS: The Allele Catalog Tool was designed originally with soybean genomic data and resources. The Allele Catalog datasets were generated using our variant calling pipeline (SnakyVC) and the Allele Catalog pipeline (AlleleCatalog). The variant calling pipeline is developed to parallelly process raw sequencing reads to generate the Variant Call Format (VCF) files, and the Allele Catalog pipeline takes VCF files to perform imputations, functional effect predictions, and assemble alleles for each gene to generate curated Allele Catalog datasets. Both pipelines were utilized to generate the data panels (VCF files and Allele Catalog files) in which the accessions of the WGRS datasets were collected from various sources, currently representing over 1,000 diverse accessions for soybean, Arabidopsis, and maize individually. The main features of the Allele Catalog Tool include data query, visualization of results, categorical filtering, and download functions. Queries are performed from user input, and results are a tabular format of summary results by categorical description and genotype results of the alleles for each gene. The categorical information is specific to each species; additionally, available detailed meta-information is provided in modal popups. The genotypic information contains the variant positions, reference or alternate genotypes, the functional effect classes, and the amino-acid changes of each accession. Besides that, the results can also be downloaded for other research purposes. CONCLUSIONS: The Allele Catalog Tool is a web-based tool that currently supports three species: soybean, Arabidopsis, and maize. The Soybean Allele Catalog Tool is hosted on the SoyKB website ( https://soykb.org/SoybeanAlleleCatalogTool/ ), while the Allele Catalog Tool for Arabidopsis and maize is hosted on the KBCommons website ( https://kbcommons.org/system/tools/AlleleCatalogTool/Zmays and https://kbcommons.org/system/tools/AlleleCatalogTool/Athaliana ). Researchers can use this tool to connect variant alleles of genes with meta-information of species.

• MeSH
• Alleles * MeSH
• Arabidopsis * genetics   MeSH
• Data Mining * methods   MeSH
• Datasets as Topic * MeSH
• Gene Frequency MeSH
• Genotype MeSH
• Glycine max * genetics   MeSH
• Internet * MeSH
• Zea mays * genetics   MeSH
• Metadata MeSH
• Mutation MeSH
• Pigmentation genetics   MeSH
• Genes, Plant genetics   MeSH
• Software * MeSH
• Amino Acid Substitution MeSH
• Plant Dormancy genetics   MeSH
• Data Visualization MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH