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Parasites & vectors2018; 11(1); 474; doi: 10.1186/s13071-018-3042-y

Genetic diversity of common Gasterophilus spp. from distinct habitats in China.

Abstract: Gasterophilus species are widely distributed around the world. The larvae of these flies parasitize the digestive tract of equids and cause damage, hindering horse breeding and protection of endangered species. However, study of the genetic structure of geographically distinct Gasterophilus populations is lacking. Here, we analyzed the genetic diversity of Gasterophilus pecorum, G. intestinalis, G. nasalis and G. nigricornis from three typical grasslands (meadow, desert and alpine steppes) in China as compared to published sequences from Italy, Poland and China (Daqing and Yili), based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase cox1 and cox2 gene sequences. Results: Haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of mitochondrial genes was generally high in all Gasterophilus populations. Due to the unique natural climatic conditions of the alpine steppe, there were high levels of genetic differentiation among different geographical populations of G. pecorum and G. nasalis, indicating that environmental variations influenced population genetic structure. Frequent exchanges between meadow and desert steppe Gasterophilus species resulted in low genetic differentiation. The highest exchange rates were found among G. intestinalis populations. Genetic differentiation was only observed on a large geographical scale, which was confirmed by analyzing population genetic structure. Three species, G. pecorum, G. intestinalis and G. nasalis, from meadow steppe showed a high emigration rate, indicating that the direction of Gasterophilus dispersal in China was from east to west. Conclusions: Our results show that the four Gasterophilus species have a high level of genetic diversity and different degrees of genetic differentiation and gene flow among different populations of the same species, reflecting their potential to adapt to the environment and the environmental impact on genetic structure. Knowledge of the genetic structure, population history, and migration will help understand the occurrence and prevalence of gasterophilosis and provide a basis for controlling the local spread of Gasterophilus spp.
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Publication Date: 2018-08-22 PubMed ID: 30134994PubMed Central: PMC6106871DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3042-yGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study delves into the genetic diversity of certain species of Gasterophilus, a breed of flies, across different habitat types in China. By analyzing the genetic structure of the flies, conclusions were drawn on their adaptability and migration patterns, which in turn provides insight on how to better control their spread.

Research Method

  • The researchers chose four species of Gasterophilus: G. pecorum, G. intestinalis, G. nasalis, and G. nigricornis.
  • These species were collected from three different grassland types in China – meadow, desert, and alpine steppes.
  • To understand their genetic diversity, the researchers analyzed two mitochondrial genes: cytochrome c oxidase cox1 and cox2.
  • The analysis was compared with published sequences from Italy, Poland and China (Daqing and Yili) to provide global context.

Findings

  • Generally, every Gasterophilus population exhibited high genetic diversity.
  • Due to unique climatic conditions in the alpine steppe, the species G. pecorum and G. nasalis showed high levels of genetic differentiation among different geographical populations.
  • There was frequent gene exchange between Gasterophilus species in the meadow and desert steppe, resulting in low genetic differentiation.
  • The genetic differentiation was only observed over large geographical scales.
  • There was more gene exchange noted among G. intestinalis populations than the other species.
  • Three species from the meadow steppe, G. pecorum, G. intestinalis, and G. nasalis showed a high emigration rate, indicating that these flies migrate from east to west in China.

Conclusions

  • Distinct levels of genetic diversity, differentiation, and gene flow were found among different populations of the four Gasterophilus species.
  • This diversity and differentiation reflect the species’ adaptability to changing environments and how environmental factors impact their genetic structure.
  • Understanding the genetic structure, population history, and migration of these species could provide valuable information on how to control the spread of Gasterophilus species.

These findings offer unique insights into how genetic structure, diversity, and migration of these parasitic flies are influenced by their environment, giving valuable information on their control and prevention within different habitats.

Cite This Article

APA
Zhang B, Huang H, Wang H, Zhang D, Chu H, Ma X, Ge Y, Ente M, Li K. (2018). Genetic diversity of common Gasterophilus spp. from distinct habitats in China. Parasit Vectors, 11(1), 474. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-018-3042-y

Publication

Parasites & vectors
ISSN: 1756-3305
NlmUniqueID: 101462774
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Pages: 474
PII: 474

Researcher Affiliations

Zhang, Boru
  • Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
  • Qinhuangdao Forestry Bureau, Qinhuangdao, 066004, Hebei, China.
Huang, Heqing
  • Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
Wang, Haoyu
  • Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
Zhang, Dong
  • Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
Chu, Hongjun
  • Wildlife Conservation Office of Altay Prefecture, Altay, 836599, Xinjiang, China.
Ma, Xinping
  • Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski's Horse, Urumqi, 831700, Xinjiang, China.
Ge, Yan
  • Wildlife Conservation Office of Altay Prefecture, Altay, 836599, Xinjiang, China.
Ente, Make
  • Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski's Horse, Urumqi, 831700, Xinjiang, China.
Li, Kai
  • Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China. likai_sino@sina.com.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Distribution
  • Animal Migration
  • Animals
  • China / epidemiology
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics
  • Diptera / genetics
  • Ecosystem
  • Ectoparasitic Infestations / epidemiology
  • Ectoparasitic Infestations / veterinary
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / parasitology
  • Gene Flow
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genetics, Population
  • Haplotypes
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / parasitology
  • Horses
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Poland / epidemiology
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Grant Funding

  • 31670538 / National Science Foundation of China
  • JC2015-04 / Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
  • 201610022073 / Student's Platform for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program
  • 2015-123 / Project of Department for Wildlife and Forest Plants Protection, SFA of China

Conflict of Interest Statement

ETHICS APPROVAL: The study was performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations regarding animal welfare. All experimental protocols were approved by Wildlife Conservation Office of Altay Prefecture and Beijing Forestry University. CONSENT FOR PUBLICATION: Not applicable. COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
  1. Ramilo A, Rodríguez H, Pascual S, González ÁF, Abollo E. Population Genetic Structure of Anisakis simplex Infecting the European Hake from North East Atlantic Fishing Grounds. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jan 4;13(2).
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  2. Huang H, Zhang K, Shao C, Wang C, Ente M, Wang Z, Zhang D, Li K. Spatial distribution of Gasterophilus pecorum (Diptera) eggs in the desert steppe of the Kalamaili Nature Reserve (Xinjiang, China). BMC Ecol Evol 2021 Sep 6;21(1):169.
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  3. Zhang K, Huang H, Zhou R, Zhang B, Wang C, Ente M, Li B, Zhang D, Li K. The impact of temperature on the life cycle of Gasterophilus pecorum in northwest China. Parasit Vectors 2021 Mar 1;14(1):129.
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  4. Uakhit R, Bauer C, Smagulova A, Kiyan V. First Reported Case of Accidental Gastric Myiasis Caused by Gasterophilus Larvae in a Gray Wolf. Acta Parasitol 2025 Mar 20;70(2):72.
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