A new Myxidium species (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) infecting the gallbladder of the turtle Podocnemis unifilis (Testudines: Podocnemididae) from Peruvian Amazon

Author(s)

Espinoza, Luis L. ; Mertins, Omar ; Gama, Gabriella S. ; Fernandes Patta, Ana C. M. ; Mathews, Patrick D.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Acta Tropica; v. 172, p. 75-79, AUG 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

A new myxosporean species, Myxidium peruviensis n. sp., is described parasitizing the gall bladder of the yellow spotted river turtle Podocnemis unifilis kept in captivity in an Amazonian Peruvian turtle rescue unit in the city of Iquitos, State of Loreto, Peru. The parasite was found in four of ten (40%) P. unifilis examined. The new species was characterized based on morphological and molecular phylogeny analyses. SSU rDNA sequence of the spores of M. peruviensis n. sp. resulted in 1876 nucleotides and this sequence did no match any of the Myxozoa available in the GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis identified the new species as a sister species of Myxidium turturibus, the unique Myxidium species described in a Neotropical turtle. Nevertheless, the SSU rDNA sequences of the new species and M. turturibus have only a 91.5% similarity. This is the first description and molecular study of a Myxozoa in a reptile from Peru. Considering the status of P. unifilis as vulnerable species, the infection by Myxidium parasites is emphasized as possible disease impeller, representing menace to the turtle conservation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/23948-5 - Improvement of the polysaccharide chitosan properties for its application in liposomes and giant vesicles
• Grantee: Omar Mertins
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/25919-5 - Physico-chemical studies and applications of alginate and chitosan composite particles carrying antiparasitic drugs
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Monge Fernandes Patta
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation