Molecular Evidence of Species Infecting Reptiles in Peninsular Malaysia.

BACKGROUND

The genus consists of intracellular coccidian protozoan parasites with the ability to invade muscle tissue and mature into sarcocysts, causing the zoonotic disease sarcocystosis. These parasites have an obligatory two-host life cycle, which correlates with prey-predator relationship. The distribution and prevalence of in reptiles remains unclear, despite several previous reports. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic assemblage of the species of infecting Malaysian snakes and lizards by screening stool samples.

METHODS

Overall, 54 fecal samples of various snake species and four fecal samples of several lizard species in Malaysia were taken within the course of August 2015 to January 2016 from Seremban, Melaka, Tioman Island, Pahang, Klang and Langkawi Wildlife Park located in Malaysia. The samples were examined for through PCR amplification of the 18S rDNA sequence at the Department of Parasitology, University of Malaya.

RESULTS

Fourteen snake fecal samples were positive via PCR; however, only eight samples (14%) were found positive for species, whereas four were positive for other genera and the identity of another three samples was unable to be determined. Further phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rDNA sequences revealed that the snakes were infected with either , , or undefined species closely related to either or . infection was not identified in any of the infected snakes.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of identification of in the black-headed cat snake.