Kiyan Vladimir, Smagulova Ainura, Manapov Nurassyl, Jazina Karina, Uakhit Rabiga, Bulashev Aitbay, Lider Lyudmila, Leontyev Sergey
Laboratory of Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, National Center for Biotechnology, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan.
Scientific Center for Biological Research, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan.
Biology (Basel). 2025 Aug 19;14(8):1083. doi: 10.3390/biology14081083.
Hares ( and ) play important ecological and economic roles in Kazakhstan; however, data on their parasitic fauna are scarce. This study aimed to assess the diversity, prevalence, and genetic characteristics of endoparasites in wild hare populations from central and northern Kazakhstan. From November 2022 to February 2025, 107 hares (, n = 46; , n = 61) were collected in the Akmola and Karaganda regions. Parasitological and coprological analyses were conducted. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses were performed using partial sequences of the mitochondrial and genes and a partial 28S rDNA region to assess the genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships of selected parasite genera. Seven parasite taxa were identified: (6.5% in , 11.5% in ), (4.3% in , 3.3% in ), (3.3%, only in ), (6.5% in , 4.9% in ), (36.6% in , 13.4% in ), spp. (9.1% in , 3.8% in ), and (1.9%, only in ). Genetic methods confirmed species identity and revealed phylogenetic relationships. This is the first genetically confirmed survey of endoparasites in hares in Kazakhstan. The results contribute valuable data to regional parasitology and support the need for continued wildlife health monitoring.
野兔在哈萨克斯坦发挥着重要的生态和经济作用；然而，关于其寄生虫区系的数据却很稀少。本研究旨在评估哈萨克斯坦中部和北部野生野兔种群体内寄生虫的多样性、流行率和遗传特征。2022年11月至2025年2月，在阿克莫拉和卡拉干达地区收集了107只野兔（ ，n = 46； ，n = 61）。进行了寄生虫学和粪便学分析。使用线粒体 和 基因的部分序列以及28S rDNA区域的部分序列进行遗传和系统发育分析，以评估所选寄生虫属的遗传多样性和进化关系。鉴定出七种寄生虫分类单元： （在 中为6.5%，在 中为11.5%）、 （在 中为4.3%，在 中为3.3%）、 （3.3%，仅在 中）、 （在 中为6.5%，在 中为4.9%）、 （在 中为36.6%，在 中为13.4%）、 属（在 中为9.1%，在 中为3.8%）和 （1.9%，仅在 中）。遗传方法证实了物种身份并揭示了系统发育关系。这是哈萨克斯坦首次对野兔体内寄生虫进行基因确认的调查。研究结果为区域寄生虫学提供了有价值的数据，并支持持续进行野生动物健康监测的必要性。
