First identification and seasonal dynamics of hepatozoon and microfilariae in diploderma swinhonis (squamata: agamidae) from Taiwan.

ABSTRACT: Hemoparasites in reptiles remain underexplored in East Asia, particularly among endemic lizards. We present the first molecular and morphological study of blood parasites in Diploderma swinhonis, a widespread tree lizard endemic to Taiwan. We examined six populations from three locations using an integrated approach combining microscopy (morphology, morphometry) and molecular approaches (Sanger sequencing, phylogenetic analysis). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Hepatozoon sequences from this host are genetically identical to H. ophisauri, suggesting a broader host and geographic range for this species. In contrast, microfilariae formed a distinct lineage within Oswaldofilariinae, with over 10% divergence from known taxa, indicating a likely undescribed species. Despite high lizard dens

SUBMITTER: Wang YZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12521355 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature