Molecular analysis of cox-1 and 18S rRNA gene fragments of Eimeria species isolated from endangered grouse: capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and black grouse (Tetrao tetrix)

Tomasz Stenzel,Daria Dziewulska,Andrzej Koncicki,Dorota B Ławreszuk,Maria Michalczyk

doi:10.1007/s00436-018-6171-5

Tomasz Stenzel, Daria Dziewulska + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-018-6171-5

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Abstract

This paper is the first record describing the molecular analysis of Eimeria species occurring in capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) which inhabit northern Eurasia and are species critically endangered of extinction. Actions undertaken to protect endangered species, such as breeding individuals in closed aviaries, could allow saving those birds, but they also pose risk of accidental healing of invasive diseases, like coccidiosis. Therefore, an investigation was conducted on fecal samples collected from the capercaillies and black grouse originating from the Kirov region (Russia) and breeding centers located in Poland. Results indicate that the average prevalence of Eimeria revealed 72% (average OPG = 3548) and 80% (average OPG = 5220) in capercaillies and black grouse respectively. Most of the Eimeria spp. oocysts were non-sporulated; however, two different morphological types were observed. The phylogenetic analysis of cox-1 and 18S rRNA genes revealed the analyzed Eimeria sequences to belong to two species. In addition, it showed some similarities between both analyzed genes. Most of the sequences obtained from both grouse species coccidia belonged to one species partially homologous to the Eimeria spp. isolated from ring-necked pheasant (approx. 94 and 96% for cox-1 and 18S rRNA genes, respectively). Two strains isolated from capercaillies imported from Russia were related to turkey coccidia: E. innocua and E. dispersa (97–99% homology) in the cox-1 gene analysis and only one of them was related to those Eimeria species in the 18S rRNA gene analysis (98–99% homology).

Highlights

Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) are large grouse birds that belong to the GalliformesSection Editor: Berit BangouraParasitol Res (2019) 118:461–468(Rutkowski et al 2017; Siano and Klaus 2013; Strzała et al 2015) to halt further loss of their number, enlarge their populations, and assure their long-term protection in Europe
The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of Eimeria (E.) species parasites isolated from fecal samples of capercaillies and black grouse originating from free-ranging breeding centers located in Poland and these transported from the Kirov region (Russia)
All samples obtained from the capercaillies imported from the Kirov region were positive for Eimeria spp. oocysts, whereas the prevalence of Eimeria parasites in the samples collected from birds located in Augustowska Primeval Forest and from Leżajsk State Forestry District was at 33 and 66%, respectively

Summary

Introduction

(Rutkowski et al 2017; Siano and Klaus 2013; Strzała et al 2015) to halt further loss of their number, enlarge their populations, and assure their long-term protection in Europe These programs include releasing into the forest individuals from domestic breeding centers and birds translocated from the wild population from various geographical regions. Keeping birds in unnatural conditions, like a closed breeding aviary, and high animal density foster invasive diseases, especially with parasites of the simple life cycle. This phenomenon was observed in the case of coccidia (Clark et al 2017)

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