title: Molecular characterization of species of Cloacina (Strongyloidea: Cloacininae) from the common wallaroo, Macropus robustus (Marsupialia: Macropodidae) in Australia.
abstract: This study examined genetic variation within and among species of Cloacina found in the common wallaroo (Macropus robustus) collected at different localities from mainland Australia, and evaluated geographical distance as a potential driver for genetic variation. The first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1 and ITS-2=ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA were used to characterize individuals of 17 morphospecies of Cloacina that parasitize Macropus robustus and its sub-species. Results revealed intraspecific variation in ITS within some morphospecies of Cloacina. Phylogenetic analyses showed little correlation between host speciation patterns and geographical location for the majority of the nematode species, although it did suggest geographical distance was a driver for speciation within Cloacina communis, C. phaethon and C. parva. Our results suggest that nucleotide variation within Cloacina species is complex, and is likely to be propagated by factors such as geographical distance and host sub-species. Further studies determining factors involved in speciation, such as host-parasite relationships, are needed to improve our understanding of the diversity of populations of species of Cloacina.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Mary A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Shuttleworth
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: ibeve@unimelb.edu.au.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Beveridge
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Anson V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Koehler
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Robin B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Gasser
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: jabbara@unimelb.edu.au.
authors.forename: Abdul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jabbar
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D021903:DNA, Ribosomal Spacer; D014644:Genetic Variation; D058507:Host Specificity; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D007614:Macropodidae / Q000469:parasitology*; D010802:Phylogeny; D017206:Strongylida Infections / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary; D013320:Strongyloidea / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification
chemical_list: D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D021903:DNA, Ribosomal Spacer
keywords: Cloacina; Evolution; Genetic variation; Macropodid marsupials; Macropus robustus