A new species of Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) parasitizing Philodryas nattereri (Squamata: Dipsadidae) from the Caatinga, Brazil.
This study describes a new species of Hepatozoon infecting Philodryas nattereri, with all sampled individuals showing parasitism.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the mgf (mechano growth factor) corpusSummary and findings
This study characterized a new species of Hepatozoon infecting Philodryas nattereri in the Caatinga biome of Brazil. Blood samples from five individuals were analyzed, revealing 100% parasitism by Hepatozoon univasfensis sp. nov. The research contributes to the understanding of the diversity of Hepatozoon species in Brazilian snakes.
Abstract
Brazil has a rich snake fauna with 435 species, 112 of which occur in the Caatinga biome. The genus Hepatozoon comprises over 300 species, with 40 described in Brazilian snakes. The objective of this study was to characterize morphologically and molecularly a undescribed species of Hepatozoon that infects Philodryas nattereri in the Caatinga, Pernambuco, Brazil. Between 2022 and 2025, five individuals of P. nattereri were collected. Blood samples were obtained for smear preparation, blood and liver samples were obtained and preserved in absolute ethanol, and viscera were collected for histopathological analyses; this material was used for the extraction of genetic material from the hemoparasites. Prevalence and parasitism indices were calculated. Amplification of the 18S rDNA gene was performed using the primers HepF300 and ER. All specimens (100%) were parasitized by Hepatozoon univasfensis sp. nov. Gametocytes in different stages of maturation were observed inside erythrocytes. Thus, based on morphological, morphometric, and molecular analyses, a new species of Hepatozoon is described from Philodryas nattereri collected in the municipality of Petrolina, Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil. Hepatozoon univasfensis sp. nov. represents the second Hepatozoon species described from a snake of the genus Philodryas and only the second species described from snakes and more broadly from the herpetofauna of the Caatinga.
Background
The paper addresses the diversity of Hepatozoon species, particularly in Brazilian snakes, where 40 species have already been described. Understanding the parasitism of snakes contributes to the broader knowledge of herpetofauna in the Caatinga biome. This study is significant as it describes a new species, expanding the known diversity of Hepatozoon.
Methods
The study involved the collection of five Philodryas nattereri individuals from Pernambuco, Brazil, between 2022 and 2025. Blood and liver samples were preserved for analyses, and genetic material was extracted from hemoparasites. Morphological and molecular characterization was performed, including amplification of the 18S rDNA gene.
Results
All specimens (100%) were found to be parasitized by the newly described Hepatozoon univasfensis sp. nov. Gametocytes at various maturation stages were observed within erythrocytes. Prevalence and parasitism indices were calculated, but specific values were not reported in the abstract.
Interpretation
The identification of Hepatozoon univasfensis sp. nov. adds to the understanding of parasitic diversity in snakes, particularly in the Caatinga region. While the study presents a statistically significant finding of 100% parasitism, the small sample size limits the generalizability of the results. This finding suggests a potential ecological role of Hepatozoon in the health of Philodryas nattereri, but further research is needed to assess broader implications.
Key findings
- 100% of Philodryas nattereri were parasitized by Hepatozoon univasfensis sp. nov.
- Five individuals of P. nattereri were collected between 2022 and 2025.
Limitations
- small sample size of n=5
- limited geographic focus on the Caatinga biome
- no specific prevalence or parasitism indices reported