title: Biodiversity of avian trypanosomes.
abstract: We have studied the biodiversity of trypanosomes from birds and bloodsucking Diptera on a large number of isolates. We used two molecular approaches, random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method, and sequence analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. RAPD method divided the isolates into 11 separate lineages. Phylogenetic analysis of the SSU rRNA gene was congruent with the RAPD. Morphometric analysis of kinetoplast width and cell length was in agreement with molecular data. Avian trypanosomes appeared polyphyletic on SSU rDNA tree; thus, they do not represent a taxonomic group. We propose that all lineages recovered by SSU analysis probably represent distinct species of avian trypanosomes. We discuss possible transmission ways and geographical distribution of new avian trypanosome lineages. Finally, we recommend methods that should be used for species determination of avian trypanosomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, Prague 128 44, Czech Republic. murfar@seznam.cz
authors.forename: Lenka
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zídková
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Cepicka
authors.forename: Jana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Szabová
authors.forename: Milena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Svobodová
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D001717:Birds / Q000469:parasitology*; D017931:DNA Primers; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000235:genetics; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D010802:Phylogeny; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal / Q000235:genetics; D019105:Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique / Q000379:methods; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D014345:Trypanosoma / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification*
chemical_list: D017931:DNA Primers; D016054:DNA, Protozoan; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal