Molecular survey of coccidian infections of the side-blotched lizard Uta stansburiana on San Benito Oeste Island, Mexico

Molecular detection and phylogenetic identification of Toxoplasma gondii-like strains, Hepatozoon ixoxo and Lankesterella sp. in frogs and toads

Introduction

Despite Pakistan's rich amphibian fauna, frog and toad species remain largely unexplored regarding blood-borne parasites.

Methods

This study aims to investigate potential infections by toxoplasma gondii and Hepatozoon spp. in four amphibian species (n = 223) collected from various regions in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

Results

Molecular analyses revealed that 17 out of 223 amphibians (7.6%) were infected with Hepatozoon spp., with the highest infection rates found in Bufo olivaceous (20.0%), followed by Bufo stomaticus (9.3%) and Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (5.05%). DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of Hepatozoon ixoxo and Lankesterella sp. phylogenetic analysis of both pathogens demonstrated genetic diversity among the Pakistani isolates, clustering with isolates from birds, amphibians, and reptiles worldwide. To the best of our knowledge, this is first ever report globally where we are documenting that 4.5% of the screened Pakistani anurans, including frogs (H. tigerinus, 8.1%) and toads (B. stomaticus, 1.9%), were infected with toxoplasma gondii-like strains. Parasite prevalence varied between sampling sites and amphibian species. This study represents the first report from Pakistan documenting the prevalence and genetic characterization of Hepatozoon sp., Lankesterella sp., and T. Gondii-like strains among amphibians. We recommend conducting similar large-scale studies across various geo-climatic regions of Pakistan to further explore the epidemiology, genetic diversity, host-parasite interactions, and effective control of these pathogens among local frog and toad species. Identifying genetically related T. Gondii strains in unexpected host animals, such as amphibians, has been crucial for contributing to the elucidation of the parasite's evolutionary history.

Leading report on the molecular prevalence of emerging pathogens Hepatozoon sp. and Lankesterella sp. in the blood samples of seven wild lizard species

Despite of having rich reptilian fauna, the wild lizards from Pakistan remained unexplored for the presence of blood borne parasites. The present study was designed to report the molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic evaluation of various blood borne pathogens (Hepatozoon sp., Schellackia spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium spp., Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon spp.) in blood samples of wild lizards (N = 84), trapped during March 2022 till June 2023 from district Karak and Dir in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan). Seven lizard species were identified during present study. Our results revealed that 11 out of 84 (13%) lizards were Haemogregarines infected. Infected lizards included Laudakia (L.) tuberculata (1/4, 25% prevalence), L. pakistanica (3/15, 20%) and L. agrorensis (7/53, 13%). DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of Hepatozoon sp. and Lankesterella sp. While the lizards were negative for the remaining screened pathogens. Phylogenetic analysis of both pathogens revealed genetic diversity among the Pakistani isolates and they clustered with isolates detected in reptiles, birds and rodents from different countries. For L. tuberculata, Haemogregarines prevalence significantly varied between the sample collection sites. In conclusion, this is the first report from Pakistan documenting a relatively higher Haemogregarines infection rate in wild Pakistani lizards. Further, comprehensive and large-scale studies must be conducted in unexplored geo-climatic regions of Pakistan to report the actual prevalence of Haemogregarines among the wild lizards as well as in other wildlife species. These findings will add to our knowledge regarding the genetic diversity and the interactions of these parasites with their hosts that will lead towards parasite control.