Phylogenetic relationship ofHepatozoonblood parasites found in snakes from Africa, America and Asia

Abstract

SUMMARYThe blood parasites from the genusHepatozoonMiller, 1908 (Apicomplexa: Adeleida: Hepatozoidae) represent the most common intracellular protozoan parasites found in snakes. In the present study, we examined 209 individuals of snakes, from different zoogeographical regions (Africa, America, Asia and Europe), for the occurrence of blood parasites using both molecular and microscopic examination methods, and assess phylogenetic relationships of allHepatozoonparasites from snakes for the first time. In total, 178 blood smears obtained from 209 individuals, representing 40 species, were examined, from whichHepatozoonunicellular parasites were found in 26 samples (14·6% prevalence). Out of 180 samples tested by molecular method polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the presence of parasites was observed in 21 individuals (prevalence 11·6%): 14 snakes from Africa belonging to six genera (Dendroaspis, Dispholidus, Mehelya, Naja, PhilothamnusandPython), five snakes from Asia from the genusMoreliaand two snakes from America, from two genera (ColuberandCorallus). The intensity of infection varied from one to 1433 infected cells per 10 000 erythrocytes. Results of phylogenetic analyses (Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood) revealed the existence of five haplotypes divided into four main lineages. The present data also indicate neither geographical pattern of studiedHepatozoonsp., nor congruency in the host association.