| Description |
In recent years, numerous studies have focused on exploring the diversity and phylogeny of Dactylogyrus (Monogenea) parasites found in cyprinoid fish within the peri-Mediterranean region. Despite the Middle East being recognized as a crucial crossroad in the historical dispersion of cyprinoid fish into the peri-Mediterranean, the diversity and phylogeny of their host-specific Dactylogyrus species in this region have been overlooked. Consequently, our objective was to investigate the diversity, phylogeny, and host specificity of Dactylogyrus in the Middle East, aiming to unveil cyprinoid fish's historical dispersion through their Dactylogyrus species' phylogenetic relationships. Through extensive field data collection conducted in Iran, Iraq, and Turkey between 2018 and 2022, we examined the gills of 89 cyprinoid species for the presence of Dactylogyrus species. Seventy two Dactylogyrus species were identified and subjected to studies on diversity and phylogeny. Dactylogyrus vistulae, with 24 host species, has the widest host range in the Middle East and Squalius spp. harbored most Dactylogyrus species on them. For phylogenetic reconstruction, we utilized partial 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, and the complete ITS1 region. Phylogenetic analyses, incorporating DNA sequences of Dactylogyrus obtained from GenBank and those collected from the Middle East, revealed the presence of seven major clades. Middle Eastern species were categorized into four clades alongside European, North African, and East Asian species, thus confirming the significant role of the Middle East in the diversification of Dactylogyrus and providing additional insights into the historical dispersion of cyprinoid fish. During this investigation, we uncovered 16 potentially new Dactylogyrus species for scientific classification originating from the Middle East. Surprisingly, several Dactylogyrus species (e.g., D. vistulae, D. goktschaicus, D. linstwoi, etc.) exhibited high genetic intraspecific variabilities. The documented genetic intraspecific variability, correlated with geographical distribution and host phylogeny, highlighted the underexplored diversity of Dactylogyrus in the Middle East. This study was supported Czech Science Foundation, project no. GA20-13539S. Keywords: host specificity; historical dispersion; diversification; cyprinoid fish
|
