Abstract
Samples of gerbils and their potential predators were screened for the presence of Hepatozoon parasites (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) using both microscopic examination and sequencing of partial 18S rRNA sequences. Positive samples were compared to published sequences in a phylogenetic framework. The results indicate that genets can be infected with Hepatozoon felis. A Cape fox was infected with Hepatozoon canis, whereas the sequence from an infected rodent fell within a group of parasites primarily recovered from other rodents and snakes.
Highlights
Despite their obviously important role in ecosystems, information about the diversity and distribution of many parasite groups is still scarce
The traditional identification of Hepatozoon canis or Hepatozoon americanum in canids and Hepatozoon felis in felids is partially contradicted, with lions occasionally infected with parasites identified from analysis of rRNA gene sequences as H. canis, and hyenas infected with H. felis (Williams et al 2014)
The single Cape fox sample was infected, and the recovered sequence falls within a clade of sequences identified as H. canis
Summary
Despite their obviously important role in ecosystems, information about the diversity and distribution of many parasite groups is still scarce. The traditional identification of Hepatozoon canis or Hepatozoon americanum in canids and Hepatozoon felis in felids is partially contradicted, with lions occasionally infected with parasites identified from analysis of rRNA gene sequences as H. canis, and hyenas infected with H. felis (Williams et al 2014) This is important, as infection with some species of Hepatozoon may be relatively more detrimental to the health of the host (Baneth 2011). It is clearly essential to screen more geographic regions for Hepatozoon prevalence, to improve estimates of diversity, to assess potential trophic pathways and to identify which genetic lineages can be found in diverse hosts When this can be combined with microscopic assessments, there is an added benefit that morphological variability in gamonts can be assessed and parasitaemia levels recorded
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callMore From: Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
Disclaimer: 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.
