Extensive Cryptic Diversity and Ecological Associations Uncovered among Mexican and Global Collections of Naegleria and Vermamoeba Species by 18S Ribosomal DNA, Internal Transcribed Spacer, and Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I Sequence Analysis

Abstract

Our study sheds new light on the population genetic structure of V. vermiformis and diverse Naegleria species. Using improved molecular markers and advanced analytical approaches, we discovered that N. americana , previously considered a single species, actually contains multiple distinct lineages, as revealed by COI sequencing.