Genetic Variability of Psilostomatid Isolates from Different Waterfowl Species Collected at Lake Winnibigoshish, Minnesota
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
18-4-2016 10:00 AM
End Date
18-4-2016 11:30 AM
Student's Major
Biological Sciences
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Robert Sorensen
Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Second Mentor's Name
Tyler Achatz
Second Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Second Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Trematodes are internal parasitic flatworms that infect vertebrates. Psilostomatids, a common name for members of the trematode Family Psilostomatidae, have been described primarily in Eurasia. However, cryptic psilostomatid species have recently been identified within North America during an extensive morphological survey of gut helminths of waterbirds from Lake Winnibigoshish, Minnesota. This study aimed at identifying genetic variation at a conserved locus to identify species diversity of the psilostomatid species between various definitive hosts of waterbirds. The conserved region of 28S DNA has been used for diagnostic sequencing for the identification of the psilostomatid species. 7 samples from mallard, 2 from blue-winged teal, 3 from ring-necked ducks, and 1 from lesser scaup have been sequenced. Thus far 5 distinct species, 3 of which recently described, have been identified. 2 more species are genetically distinct at 2 & 1 nucleotide positions. One species was found to have a variable nucleotide present within that species (C or T at that location only in this species). Seasonal comparisons made for psilostomatid species found within mallards showed no seasonal differences or host differences. Variation has been found for one suspected psilostomatid species in both seasons and more than 1 host type. This variation needs to be examined morphologically to identify any potential speciation or confirm it as a variable nucleotide location. Intraspecific variation can be examined for each of the 5 species found.
Genetic Variability of Psilostomatid Isolates from Different Waterfowl Species Collected at Lake Winnibigoshish, Minnesota
CSU Ballroom
Trematodes are internal parasitic flatworms that infect vertebrates. Psilostomatids, a common name for members of the trematode Family Psilostomatidae, have been described primarily in Eurasia. However, cryptic psilostomatid species have recently been identified within North America during an extensive morphological survey of gut helminths of waterbirds from Lake Winnibigoshish, Minnesota. This study aimed at identifying genetic variation at a conserved locus to identify species diversity of the psilostomatid species between various definitive hosts of waterbirds. The conserved region of 28S DNA has been used for diagnostic sequencing for the identification of the psilostomatid species. 7 samples from mallard, 2 from blue-winged teal, 3 from ring-necked ducks, and 1 from lesser scaup have been sequenced. Thus far 5 distinct species, 3 of which recently described, have been identified. 2 more species are genetically distinct at 2 & 1 nucleotide positions. One species was found to have a variable nucleotide present within that species (C or T at that location only in this species). Seasonal comparisons made for psilostomatid species found within mallards showed no seasonal differences or host differences. Variation has been found for one suspected psilostomatid species in both seasons and more than 1 host type. This variation needs to be examined morphologically to identify any potential speciation or confirm it as a variable nucleotide location. Intraspecific variation can be examined for each of the 5 species found.
Recommended Citation
Rachuy, Jacob and Stephanie Holtorf. "Genetic Variability of Psilostomatid Isolates from Different Waterfowl Species Collected at Lake Winnibigoshish, Minnesota." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 18, 2016.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2016/poster-session-A/39
