New findings of Setaria tundra and Setaria cervi in the red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Poland

Abstract

Our study aimed at examining the phylogenetic position of the newly-found Setaria nematodes obtained from the red deer (Cervus elaphus) based on sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX-1). Alignment and phylogenetic analyses, as well as SEM microscopic analysis, revealed the presence of two Setaria species: S. cervi and S. tundra. Setaria tundra was noted in only one individual, a calf of the red deer, while S. cervi was observed in three stages, two hinds and one calf of the red deer. According to our knowledge, it is the first case of S. cervi in the red deer in Poland confirmed in molecular studies and also the first case of S. tundra infection in the red deer.

Setaria cervi(Filarioidea, Onchocercidae) undressing in ungulates: altered morphology of developmental stages, their molecular detection and complete sequencecox1 gene

“…Throughout Europe, red deer commonly act as hosts to this filarial nematode (e.g. Alasaad et al ., 2012; Oloś et al ., 2019). In fact, the classical taxonomy of S. cervi has been problematic since its original description as Filaria cervi by Rudolphi (1819) and plenty of synonyms have appeared (Sonin, 1977).…”

“…The proximal body end of both females and males has the same species-specific characteristics, males are shorter and their caudal body part is sharp and coiled. Larger female has a blunt tail with a caudal knob and two lateral appendages (Blažek et al ., 1968; Sonin, 1977; Almeida et al ., 1991; Oloś et al ., 2019). Moreover, each specimen was subjected to molecular analysis, which confirmed species determination (see below).…”

“…However, the first species is currently considered a younger synonym of S. tundra (Laaksonen et al ., 2010; Enemark et al ., 2017) while the data of S. digitata are uncertain and its real natural occurrence in Italy has never been confirmed molecularly. In summary, S. cervi , S. tundra and S. labiatopapillosa are found in European hoofed game (Pietrobelli, 2008; Alasaad et al ., 2012; Karbowiak et al ., 2014; Demiaszkiewicz et al ., 2015; Čurlík et al ., 2019; Oloś et al ., 2019) while S. equina is a parasite of horses, mules and donkeys (Hornok et al ., 2007; Regnier et al ., 2019)…”

“…Later, this parasite was found in red deer, sika deer and roe deer in many countries of Southern and Central Europe, including the Czech Republic (e.g. Blažek et al ., 1968; Sugár, 1978; Shimalov and Shimalov, 2002; Rehbein and Visser, 2007; Kuzmina et al ., 2010; Alasaad et al ., 2012; Angelone-Alasaad et al ., 2016; Oloś et al ., 2019).…”

“…(2012) and Oloś et al . (2019) used the partial sequence of the cox 1 gene; however, the complete cox 1 gene has been already sequenced in other two congeners: S. digitata (Yatawara et al ., 2010; Liu et al ., 2017) and S. labiatopapillosa (Gao et al ., 2019). This study will supplement corresponding information regarding S. cervi .…”