Abstract
Cestodes Ctenotaenia marmotae are a widespread parasite of Eurasian ground squirrels. Being the only valid species of its genus, it has been recorded in ten host species from the genera Marmota and Spermophilus. Its definitive hosts live in similar ecological conditions and their area covers a wide geographical territory. Therefore, it remained unclear whether C. marmotae is a single species and how high the level of its genetic variability is. The present study analyzed the variability of two mitochondrial cestode genes from four host species from geographically distant localities. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the newly obtained sequences form a species-level clade with already known sequences from the GenBank. Small genetic distances between the studied sequences indicate low intraspecific genetic variability within the C. marmotae, which may be a consequence of rapid expansion of the cestodes in ground squirrel species inhabiting the flat and mountain steppe landscapes in the past.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
