Barcoding markers for Pneumocystis species in wildlife

Area of Science:

• * Veterinary Mycology
• * Wildlife Disease Ecology
• * Molecular Phylogenetics

Background:

• * Pneumocystis species are known fungal pathogens causing pneumonia in mammals.
• * Understanding Pneumocystis host specificity and diversity in wildlife is crucial for disease surveillance.
• * Previous studies have focused on specific host groups, leaving gaps in broader wildlife populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To investigate the occurrence and diversity of Pneumocystis species in various wildlife hosts.
• * To determine host specificity patterns of Pneumocystis at the genus level.
• * To evaluate the utility of molecular markers for Pneumocystis species identification.

Main Methods:

• * Examination of lung specimens (n=216) from six wildlife species using molecular techniques.
• * Phylogenetic analysis utilizing partial mitochondrial large subunit (mtLSU) and small subunit (mtSSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA).
• * Nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing for species differentiation.

Main Results:

• * High prevalence (80%) of Pneumocystis colonization observed in the shrew Sorex antinorii.
• * No positive amplification of Pneumocystis detected in foxes and badgers.
• * Phylogenetic analyses indicated significant Pneumocystis diversity correlating with host diversity.
• * Nuclear rDNA ITS sequences provided unambiguous species separation within the Pneumocystis genus.

Conclusions:

• * Pneumocystis exhibits host specificity, particularly at the host genus level, as observed in wildlife.
• * The nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region is a highly effective marker for distinguishing Pneumocystis species.
• * Findings contribute to a better understanding of Pneumocystis epidemiology in wildlife populations.