Genetic variability ofHaemonchus contortus(Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea) in alpine ruminant host species

Abstract

AbstractGenetic variability of the ovine parasiteHaemonchus contortusfrom the Alpine area was investigated using mitochondrial DNA (nd4gene), internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 and microsatellites, in order to assess whether cross-transmission between domestic and wild ruminants occurs. The dataset was composed of 78 individual adult maleH. contortuscollected from chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex), domestic goat (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries) from different alpine areas. The data obtained show low host specificity and high genetic variation withinH. contortuspopulations. The analyses indicate the presence of two mitochondrial haplotype clusters among host species and the absence of cryptic parasite species, confirmingH. contortusas a generalist nematode and suggesting that parasite transmission between populations of domestic and wild ruminants normally occurs.