Switch, disperse, repeat: host specificity is highly flexible in rodent-associated Eimeria

Int J Parasitol. 2021 Jun 2:S0020-7519(21)00195-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.04.005. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTInterplay between conserved host specificity and occasional host switches is an important process determining the evolution of host-parasite systems. Here, we address the dynamics of host switches at the population level in rodent-associated Eimeria. Focusing mainly on two ecologically similar host groups, Murinae and Arvicolinae, we show that the Eimeria infecting those hosts form a complex system of many genetic lineages with different host specificities. The broad geographic distribution of lineages indicates that they are well-established genetic forms which retained their host specificities while spreading across large geographic areas. We also demonstrate that genetic structure is only partially reflected by morphological traits.PMID:34089715 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.04.005

Source: International Journal for Parasitology - June 5, 2021 Category: Parasitology Authors: Aneta Trefancov á Jana Kvi čerová Anna M ácová Michal Stanko Lada Hofmannov á V áclav Hypša Source Type: research