Morphological and molecular intraspecific variability in Dactylogyrus lenkorani (Monogenea): what to expect?
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| Year of publication | 2023 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Citation | |
| Description | Research on intraspecific variability in monogeneans is scarce, and no information are currently available on Dactylogyrus (Dactylogyridae) parasites. Intraspecific variability of the host-specific parasite is associated with the host distribution. Hence, we aimed to investigate the morphological and genetic intraspecific variability of Dactylogyrus lenkorani, a parasite previously considered specific to Capoeta spp. (Cyprinidae) in the Middle East. During the field trips from 2018 to 2022, thirteen populations of D. lenkorani were sampled in Iraq, Iran, and Turkey. Dacylogyrus lenkorani was found on Barbus spp., Luciobarbus spp., and Capoeta spp., all belonging to the Cyprinidae. Intraspecific variability of D. lenkorani was investigated at a geographical scale. Dactylogyrus lenkorani exhibited morphological intraspecific variability in their attachment organ and male copulatory organ and genetic intraspecific variability in ribosomal DNA and mitochondrial DNA. The intraspecific variability was associated with the geographical distribution of the host populations. However, in some cases, Dactylogyrus specimens morphologically different from D. lenkorani; exhibited molecular similarity with D. lenkorani. Unexpected intraspecific variability of D. lenkorani highlighted the importance of implementing an integrative approach toward studying the Dactylogyrus diversity at different geographical scales. |
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