Naslov
Cross-fertlisation as a reproductive strategy in a tissue flukes Didymosulcus katsuwonicola (Platyhelmintes: Didymozoidae) inferred by genetic analysis

Autori
Mladineo, Ivona ; Tomaš, Marina ; Stanić, Rino

Izvornik
Parasitology (London) (0031-1820) 142 (2015), 11; 1422-1429

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Bluefin tuna ; Didymosulcus katsuwonicola ; Digenea ; Thunnus thynnus

Sažetak
Mitochondrial DNA locus cytochrome oxidase I was used to asses intraspecific genetic diversity of a didymozoid species Didymosulcus katsuwonicola. Adult forms of this species live encapsulated in pairs in the gills of the reared Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). The life cycle of this food-borne parasites and its migration in the host tissues after the releasing from the digestive tract to the definitive site in the gills are unknown. Our goal was to assess whether two encysted didymozoids share the same haplotype, indicative of a common maternal origin, as well as the extent of cross- in respect to self- fertilization strategy. Intraspecific comparison showed high haplotype diversity, while the presence of two matching haplotypes within a single cyst encompassed only 17% of sampled individuals. This infers that cross-fertilisation between paired individuals within the cyst is more common mechanism than self-fertilisation. Such hermaphroditic parasite’s trait suggests the existence of intricate infection and reproduction mechanisms, presumably as an adaptation for successful fulfilment of their indirect life cycle through dissemination of genetically more diverse and consequently more fit offspring.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija, Veterinarska medicina

POVEZANOST RADA