Phylogenetic evidence for a clade of tick-associated trypanosomes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Trypanosomes are protozoan parasites of vertebrates that are of medical and veterinary concern. A variety of blood-feeding invertebrates have been identified as vectors, but the role of ticks in trypanosome transmission remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, we undertook extensive molecular screening for the presence and genetic diversity of trypanosomes in field ticks.

Results

Examination of 1089 specimens belonging to 28 tick species from Europe and South America led to the identification of two new trypanosome strains. The prevalence may be as high as 4% in tick species such as the castor bean tick Ixodes ricinus, but we found no evidence of transovarial transmission. Further phylogenetic analyses based on 18S rRNA, EF1-α, hsp60 and hsp85 gene sequences

SUBMITTER: Koual R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9817367 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature