Temporal stability in the genetic structure of Sarcoptes scabiei under the host-taxon law: empirical evidences from wildlife-derived Sarcoptes mite in Asturias, Spain

Samer Alasaad,Rosa Casais,Luca Rossi,Álvaro Oleaga,Annarita Molinar Min,Christian Gortázar,Ramón C Soriguer

doi:10.1186/1756-3305-4-151

Abstract

BackgroundImplicitly, parasite molecular studies assume temporal genetic stability. In this study we tested, for the first time to our knowledge, the extent of changes in genetic diversity and structure of Sarcoptes mite populations from Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) in Asturias (Spain), using one multiplex of 9 microsatellite markers and Sarcoptes samples from sympatric Pyrenean chamois, red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes).ResultsThe analysis of an 11-years interval period found little change in the genetic diversity (allelic diversity, and observed and expected heterozygosity). The temporal stability in the genetic diversity was confirmed by population structure analysis, which was not significantly variable over time. Population structure analysis revealed temporal stability in the genetic diversity of Sarcoptes mite under the host-taxon law (herbivore derived- and carnivore derived-Sarcoptes mite) among the sympatric wild animals from Asturias.ConclusionsThe confirmation of parasite temporal genetic stability is of vital interest to allow generalizations to be made, which have further implications regarding the genetic structure, epidemiology and monitoring protocols of the ubiquitous Sarcoptes mite. This could eventually be applied to other parasite species.

Highlights

Parasite molecular studies assume temporal genetic stability
The aim of the present study was to test the extent of possible changes in the genetic diversity and structure of Sarcoptes mite population from Pyrenean chamois in Asturias within an 11-years interval period, and to compare reported molecular data with samples from mangy sympatric red deer, roe deer and red foxes
For all loci examined there was no evidence of LD [linkage disequilibria] (P > 0.05), and no deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) [HardyWeinberg equilibrium] was detected from all loci in all the

Summary

Introduction

Parasite molecular studies assume temporal genetic stability. In this study we tested, for the first time to our knowledge, the extent of changes in genetic diversity and structure of Sarcoptes mite populations from Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) in Asturias (Spain), using one multiplex of 9 microsatellite markers and Sarcoptes samples from sympatric Pyrenean chamois, red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). In the field of parasitology, different molecular markers have been used for parasite genetic characterization and genetic population studies. Since allele presence and frequency change over time due to genetic drift, and because of the gene flow between parasite populations from sympatric host species, the assumption of genetic stability may not be accurate [3]. Recent biochemical and molecular approaches highlighted the threat of emerging acaricide resistance to the treatment of scabies worldwide [9]

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