Genetic diversity of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa) from domestic cats in South Africa, with a global reassessment of Hepatozoon felis diversity

Authors

  • David J Harris Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos
  • Ali Halajian University of Limpopo
  • Joana Santos Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos
  • Kgethedi M Rampedi Agricultural Research Council Animal Production Institute
  • Raquel Xavier Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos

Abstract

Genetic diversity within partial 18S rRNA sequences from Hepatozoon protozoan parasites from domestic cats in South Africa was assessed and compared against published data to assess global biogeographic patterns. Multiple distinct haplotypes of Hepatozoon felis were identified, as well as an unrelated Hepatozoon lineage. Hepatozoon felis genetic diversity globally is very high,
indicating a likely complex of species. The recently described Hepatozoon apri from wild boars is closely related to some lineages of H. felis. Sarcocystis and Babesia parasites were also detected. Since Hepatozoon felis is apparently a species complex, potential differences between genetically distinct forms need to be assessed. The finding of an unrelated Hepatozoon indicates that felids
can be infected by more species of Hepatozoon than currently known, and that trophic interactions may increase the number of Hepatozoon species found in carnivores. Genetic screening again is demonstrated to identify previously unrecognised parasites from vertebrate hosts.
Keywords: 18S rRNA; hepatozoonosis; Felis catus; Sarcocystis; phylogeny

Author Biographies

  • David J Harris, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos

    CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Vairão, Portugal and Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal

  • Ali Halajian, University of Limpopo

    Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa

  • Joana Santos, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos

    CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Vairão, Portugal

  • Kgethedi M Rampedi, Agricultural Research Council Animal Production Institute

    Agricultural Research Council Animal Production Institute, Irene, South Africa

  • Raquel Xavier, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos

    CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Vairão, Portugal

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Published

2021-12-09

Issue

Vol. 90 No. 1 (2019)

Section

Original Research