In vitro hybridization of Haemoproteus spp.: an experimental approach for direct investigation of reproductive isolation of parasites

The Journal of Parasitology
Gediminas ValkiūnasS Bensch

Abstract

In spite of their potential as model organisms and their medical importance, parasite speciation processes have been insufficiently discussed in the general literature. Scarcity of experimental data regarding reproductive isolation of parasites is a serious obstacle. Toward this end we developed a method for the investigation of hybridization of hemosporidian parasites in vitro. Five species of Haemoproteus (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) were isolated from naturally infected passerine birds. They were identified to species based on morphology of their gametocytes and PCR amplification of a segment of the parasite's mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Hybridization of Haemoproteus spp. was initiated in vitro by mixing blood containing mature gametocytes of different species with a 3.7% solution of sodium citrate and exposure of the mixture to air. The following hybridization experiments were performed: (1) Haemoproteus minutus x Haemoproteus pallidus, (2) Haemoproteus balmorali x Haemoproteus tartakovskyi, and (3) Haemoproteus fringillae x H. tartakovskyi. The development of ookinetes of both species was blocked in the first experiment. Ookinetes of all species developed in other experiments, but presumed hybrids were distinguished...Continue Reading

References

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Sep 3, 2004·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Staffan BenschOlof Hellgren
Sep 11, 2004·The Journal of Parasitology·Olof HellgrenStaffan Bensch
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Feb 22, 2007·PloS One·Javier Pérez-TrisStaffan Bensch
Dec 17, 2009·The Journal of Parasitology·Vaidas PalinauskasStaffan Bensch

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Citations

Dec 12, 2012·Parasitology Research·Petr SynekJan Votýpka
Oct 27, 2009·International Journal for Parasitology·Diego Santiago-AlarconPatricia G Parker
May 7, 2015·Parasitology Research·Gediminas ValkiūnasRasa Bernotienė
Apr 10, 2015·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Ricardo S RamiroSarah E Reece
Dec 27, 2012·Experimental Parasitology·Vaidas PalinauskasGediminas Valkiūnas

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Datasets Mentioned

BETA
45614
45622
G465056

Methods Mentioned

BETA
PCR
light microscopy

Software Mentioned

MEGA
AnalySIS FIVE
BioEdit

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