TY - JOUR
T1 - Pinning down a polymorphic parasite
T2 - New genetic and morphological descriptions of Eimeria macropodis from the Tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii)
AU - Hill, Nichola J.
AU - Richter, Carolin
AU - Power, Michelle L.
PY - 2012/9
Y1 - 2012/9
N2 - Identification of the protozoan parasite, Eimeria has traditionally relied on oocyst morphology, host range and life-cycle attributes. However, it is increasingly recognized that Eimeria species can vary in size and shape across their host range, an attribute known as 'polymorphism' that presents a unique challenge for identification. Advances in molecular tools hold promise for characterising Eimeria that may otherwise be misclassified based on morphology. Our study used morphologic and molecular traits of the oocyst life stage to identify a polymorphic parasite, Eimeria macropodis in a captive Tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) population in Australia. Molecular characterization highlighted the need to use multiple genetic markers (18S SSU and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) to accurately identify E. macropodis owing to heterozygous alleles at the 18S SSU locus. This study provided an opportunity to assess the utility and shortcomings of morphologic and molecular techniques for 'pinning down' a polymorphic species. Moreover, our study was able to place E. macropodis in an evolutionary context and enhance resolution of the under-studied marsupial clade.
AB - Identification of the protozoan parasite, Eimeria has traditionally relied on oocyst morphology, host range and life-cycle attributes. However, it is increasingly recognized that Eimeria species can vary in size and shape across their host range, an attribute known as 'polymorphism' that presents a unique challenge for identification. Advances in molecular tools hold promise for characterising Eimeria that may otherwise be misclassified based on morphology. Our study used morphologic and molecular traits of the oocyst life stage to identify a polymorphic parasite, Eimeria macropodis in a captive Tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) population in Australia. Molecular characterization highlighted the need to use multiple genetic markers (18S SSU and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) to accurately identify E. macropodis owing to heterozygous alleles at the 18S SSU locus. This study provided an opportunity to assess the utility and shortcomings of morphologic and molecular techniques for 'pinning down' a polymorphic species. Moreover, our study was able to place E. macropodis in an evolutionary context and enhance resolution of the under-studied marsupial clade.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84861480965&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.parint.2012.03.003
DO - 10.1016/j.parint.2012.03.003
M3 - Article
C2 - 22469916
AN - SCOPUS:84861480965
SN - 1383-5769
VL - 61
SP - 461
EP - 465
JO - Parasitology International
JF - Parasitology International
IS - 3
ER -