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Shared haemogregarine infections in competing lacertids
Urban Dajčman1, Miguel A Carretero2,3, Rodrigo Megía-Palma2,4
1Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Parasitology
|March 2, 2022
Summary
Lizard species competing for resources show varying susceptibility to haemogregarine blood parasites. Parasite infection intensity increased in areas where lizard species coexisted, impacting host–parasite dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Ecology
- Herpetology
Background:
- Host–parasite interactions are influenced by host species' defense capabilities and ecological factors like competition.
- Competition can alter host physiology, increasing susceptibility to parasites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze haemogregarine blood parasites in two competing lizard species, Iberolacerta horvathi and Podarcis muralis.
- To explore host–parasite relationships under varying host competition scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of haemogregarine parasites in I. horvathi and P. muralis.
- Identification of parasite haplotypes using the 18S rRNA gene.
- Comparison of infection prevalence and intensity between species and sexes, and across different habitat types (allopatry vs. syntopy).
Main Results:
- Six new Karyolysus haplotypes were identified, shared between both lizard hosts.
- Haemogregarine infections were prevalent (>50% of individuals) across all sampled sites.
- Iberolacerta horvathi exhibited higher infection frequency and intensity than Podarcis muralis, especially in syntopy.
- Males of both species showed higher infection rates and intensity than females.
Conclusions:
- Haemogregarine parasitism may significantly influence the competitive dynamics between I. horvathi and P. muralis.
- Further research on host immune responses and vector identification is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of these host–parasite relationships and competition.
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