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Journal article
Novel Haemocystidium sp. Intraerythrocytic Parasite in the Flatback (Natator depressus) and Green (Chelonia mydas) Turtle in Western Australia
Pathogens (Basel), Vol.13(12), 1112
2024
Abstract
Malaria and other haemosporidian parasites are common in reptiles. During baseline health surveys of sea turtles in Western Australia (WA), haemosporidian parasites were detected in flatback (Natator depressus) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtle erythrocytes during routine blood film examination. 130 blood samples were screened via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), including 105 N. depressus, 20 C. mydas, and 5 olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea). A novel Haemocystidium sp. was identified, detected exclusively in foraging turtles and not in nesting turtles. The combined prevalence by microscopic and molecular methods was 16.9% (22/130), primarily affecting immature C. mydas (77.3%; 17/22). Mature N. depressus were also affected (22.7%; 5/22). DNA sequencing of a partial fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene together with phylogenetic analysis identified two different Haemocystidium sp. genotypes, A and B, with genotype A being most prevalent. The phylogenetic analysis showed close genetic relationships to Haemocystidium sp. in freshwater and terrestrial turtles, suggesting a shared evolutionary lineage despite ecological differences. Preliminary analysis indicates that this parasite is incidental, as no association between health and parasite presence or grade was detected. This study provides the first formal detection of haemosporidian parasites in sea turtles, contributing essential baseline data while highlighting their evolutionary significance and host–parasite ecological relationships.
Details
- Title
- Novel Haemocystidium sp. Intraerythrocytic Parasite in the Flatback (Natator depressus) and Green (Chelonia mydas) Turtle in Western Australia
- Authors/Creators
- Erina J. Young - Murdoch UniversityRebecca Vaughan-Higgins - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityKristin S. Warren - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityScott D. Whiting - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsGabriele Rossi - Murdoch University, Centre for Animal Production and HealthNahiid S. Stephens - Murdoch University, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic EcosystemsLian Yeap - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityJill M. Austen - Murdoch University
- Publication Details
- Pathogens (Basel), Vol.13(12), 1112
- Publisher
- MDPI
- Number of pages
- 16
- Grant note
- Murdoch University Conservation Medicine ProgramNorthwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Project
E.J.Y. acknowledges the support provided by the Murdoch University Conservation Medicine Program and DBCA Strategic Partnership Scholarship, with additional research funding from the Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Project.
- Identifiers
- 991005726578207891
- Copyright
- © 2024 by the authors.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Animal Production and Health; School of Agricultural Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.35 Zoology & Animal Ecology
- 3.35.2036 Avian Parasitology
- Web Of Science research areas
- Microbiology
- ESI research areas
- Microbiology