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Trypanosomes in Neotropical frogs: unveiling hidden megadiversity and complex host-parasite patterns
Jan Votýpka1,2, Miloslav Jirků2, Viktoria Spodareva3
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
Open Biology
|November 18, 2025
Summary
This study reveals exceptional amphibian trypanosome diversity in Panama, driven by host ecology and geographic isolation. Documenting these parasites is crucial amid global amphibian declines.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Molecular Phylogenetics
- Herpetology
Background:
- Amphibian trypanosomes (genus *Trypanosoma*) are highly divergent but poorly understood due to study challenges.
- Pleomorphism, convergence, and limited molecular data hinder research on these parasites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diversity of trypanosomes infecting frogs in Panama.
- To understand the ecological and biogeographic factors shaping amphibian trypanosome evolution.
Main Methods:
- Combined light microscopy and molecular phylogenetics.
- Analyzed a broad sample of frog hosts from Panama's biodiversity hotspot.
Main Results:
- Discovered exceptional trypanosome diversity, exceeding host species richness twofold.
- Identified ecological partitioning, with distinct lineages linked to arboreal hylids.
- Found no haplotype overlap with South American trypanosomes, indicating geographic isolation.
Conclusions:
- Host ecology and vector preferences structure amphibian trypanosome communities.
- Geographic isolation is a significant driver of trypanosome diversification.
- Urgent documentation of parasite diversity is needed due to amphibian declines.
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